Internal Affairs

The Internal Affairs component serves as the 'back-bone' of our organization. It currently holds 5 different positions, all with the responsibility of keeping PASS running smoothly and efficiently.

Recruitment

The recruitment component of PASS seeks to promote awareness of access to higher education. PASS aims to spread knowledge and share experiences by encouraging our future leaders to pursue higher education.

Retention

PASS serves as a resource to the Pilipino campus population by providing academic resources and social services. Working closely with the Cesar Chavez Learning Center, we strive to build a community of academically, politically and socially retained individuals.

Retention Component

Assistant Director of Retention

Pilipino American Student Orientation Coordinators

Gender & Sexuality Awareness Coordinator

Advocacy Coordinator

Transfer Coordinator

Advocacy Coordinator

Name:	Maria Vallarta
Year:	3rd
What are you studying?:	English and Asian American & Asian Diaspora Studies Double Major
Hometown:	Los Angeles, California
Contact Information:	passadvocacy@gmail.com

Tell Us About Your Position

Advocacy is the component that serves to keep the Pil community informed about relevant policy and social justice issues. Besides the declining number of Pilipin@s in higher education, there are other issues we are facing, such as undocumented immigration and economic justice. Not only that, advocacy serves to connect the Pil community with student of color groups and other political spaces inside and outside of Cal. This year, I am planning a lot of events and workshops for students to learn and participate in advocacy! There will be a lot of education, dialogue, and empowerment. Please be on the look-out for monthly population education series--we will be learning about a new issue or campaign every month! I am also planning on teaching a Contemporary Issues DeCal in the Spring, please be on the look-out for that too!

What is your most memorable experience in PASS?

The moment in PASS that I will never ever forget was the first general meeting I ever attended back in the fall of my freshman year. I come from a neighborhood that's predominately Latin@, so it was the first time I was in a room with so many Pilipin@s my age. It was quite shocking for me, to be honest. It was only the first general meeting, but I was able to learn about the Pil community at Cal. I learned that there were only around 800 Pilipin@s at Cal. I learned that we just don't need to recruit Pilipin@s into higher education, but we also need to retain them and ensure that they will complete their higher education. It was also the first time I felt that it was possible for me to be more than a student. It was possible for me to become a leader like all those great individuals I met that night.

Three Words that Describe You

Contemplative, Creative, Strange

Favorite Place to Eat in Berkeley

Gregoire's

Favorite Quote

"Trust your struggle."

Three Interesting Facts About You

1. I laugh when I watch scary movies.

2. I'm allergic to cats.

3. I don't know how to ride a bike.