Dr. Cristián H. Ricci is a Professor of Iberian Studies and North African Studies at the University of California, Merced. His literary research interests and experience include the narrative of Spain, the literature of Morocco written in Western European languages (Castilian, Catalan, French, Dutch, English); and the literatures of Equatorial Guinea and Latin America from 1800 through the present.
Dr. Selvon Malcolm Waldron is a recognized education leader, scholar-practitioner and advocate for youth development, college access and economic mobility. He is the current senior vice president and executive director of City Year. Waldron earned a Doctorate in Education from the University of Pittsburgh, specializing in Education Policy and Social Change; an MBA and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of the District of Columbia; an M.A.
Dr. Jeanelle K. Hope is the Caterpillar Curator of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). My research and collecting interests are as follows: Black political thought, Afro-Asian solidarity, Black labor movements and organizations, Black inventors, and social movement history.
David Pedersen is a historically minded anthropologist with a joint degree in both disciplines (University of Michigan, 2004). His research and teaching focus on capitalist relations during the 20th century and up to the present in the hemisphere of the Americas.
Our current UCDC students exploring career opportunities want to hear your story! Connect with students and fellow alumni!
This evening program celebrates the release of Dr. Carol Mason’s new book, From Clinics to the Capitol, bringing together leading scholars and advocates for a timely discussion on the historical and contemporary dimensions of reproductive justice.
Rachel Porter joined the UC Office of Federal Governmental Relations (UC FGR) in November 2025 as the Director of Communications and Advocacy. Before joining UC FGR, Rachel served as Digital and Social Media Vice President at SKDK, where she developed messaging strategies and campaigns for national nonprofits, foundations and higher education clients. Prior to SKDK, she was a Senior Social Media Strategist at Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly NARAL), where she grew the organization’s audiences, led digital advocacy efforts and collaborated with elected officials and others on rapid-response and issue-based campaigns. She also held positions with Emerge, the Democratic National Committee and The Daily Californian. Rachel earned her B.A. in English from UC Berkeley and her M.A. in Communication, with a concentration in political communication, from Johns Hopkins University.
Kamala has over 20 years of governmental relations and legislative experience and has served in FGR since 2001. Kamala is a California native and received a B.A. in Politics from UC Santa Cruz. After graduation, Kamala spent four years working on Capitol Hill for members of the U.S. House of Representatives from California, before returning to California to attend law school. Kamala received her J.D. degree from the University of the Pacific’s McGeorge School of Law in Sacramento, where she specialized in governmental affairs and legislation. Immediately prior to joining FGR, Kamala served as a law clerk for the U.S. House Judiciary Committee and as a legal research analyst for UC’s Continuing Education of the Bar in Oakland. Kamala is admitted to practice law by the California Bar and the District of Columbia Bar.
Prior to joining UC FGR in January 2025, Ernesto served as University of California Graduate and Professional Council (UCGPC)'s director of government relations and legislative affairs, after having been outreach director and vice chair. Ernesto managed the organization’s advocacy portfolio, including organizing lobbying days in Sacramento and Washington. Ernesto has held leadership roles with Rock the Vote, served on the Associated Students UCLA (ASUCLA) Board of Directors, and was a fellow at the UC National Center for Free Speech and Civic Engagement. He's also held numerous student advocacy roles at both UC Berkeley and UCLA, focusing on student governance, supporting undocumented students, advancing civic and political engagement and leading systemwide initiatives that elevate the graduate student experience. A California community college transfer student, Ernesto received a B.A. in Spanish/Latin American Literatures from UC Berkeley and an M.A. in Spanish/Hispanic Languages and Literatures from UCLA.
Prior to joining FGR in September 2023, Annie was the manager of federal relations for the California State University (CSU) Office of Federal Relations where she identified, analyzed, monitored, and advocated on legislative, funding, and regulatory matters impacting the CSU system and campuses. Prior to CSU, Annie worked for former U.S. Rep. Alan Lowenthal (CA) as a senior legislative assistant focusing on education and appropriations issues, and before that, was a deputy field director for the Lowenthal for Congress campaign. Annie is a graduate of UC Irvine where she triple majored in economics, political science and sociology.