Willie L. Brown, Jr. Fellows Profiles

Placement: San Francisco Public Health Department

Violet Street is a senior at San Francisco State University, pursuing a major in Public Health and a minor in Women’s Health Issues, another minor in Human Sexuality Studies, and a Certificate in Climate Change Causes, Impacts, and Solutions. Violet's goal in this fellowship is to develop their skills in public health policy and their experience with community health organizing. Her educational goals are to get her masters in health policy & law and they hope togo on in a career advocating for community equity. She will be graduating with their Bachelor's degree in Spring 2025 and is honored to have been in such a warm and supportive degree program and is excited to make the most of her public health education.

Placement: San Francisco Public Defender's Office

Samantha Ruiz is a senior at San Francisco State University, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Pre-Law. As a passionate advocate for social justice, Samantha has led outreach and community organizing initiatives across California, addressing racial and economic disparities. Through these efforts, Samantha has worked to educate and empower young people about their influence within their communities while providing critical resources to those in need. As part of this fellowship, Samantha aims to refine their legal writing skills in preparation for law school. Driven by a commitment to
advocating for underserved communities, Samantha aspires to become a trusted attorney for their community and, one day, a judge dedicated to upholding equity and justice.

Placement: San Francisco Human Rights Commission

Antanesha Jackson, is a 38-year-old mother of two, born and raised in Watts, California. She is currently a student at San Francisco State University, where she is majoring in Sociology and pursuing minors in Counseling and Management. She is passionate about helping people and understanding how society works. Her dream is to one day become an Operations
Manager at a bus company, where she can combine her skills in management and working with others. Outside of school and career goals, Antanesha loves to travel and explore new places, especially with her family. Spending quality time with her loved ones is a big part of her life, whether it's going on trips, celebrating special occasions, or just enjoying a good meal together. Cooking is another one of her passions— she loves trying new recipes and creating memorable meals for her family and friends.

Placement: San Francisco Public Defender's Office

Jordan Scott is a senior at San Francisco State University, set to graduate with a B.A. in Political Science and a minor in History. A Chico, California native, Jordan graduated from Inspire School for Arts and Sciences and earned associate's degrees in political science and history from Butte Community College. His service as campaign coordinator on the 2016 Yes on Measure K campaign contributed to the success of the measure, securing $152 million for public schools in his hometown. His years as a Cavalry Scout in the Army provided support for his education, instilled focus and discipline, and further enriched his commitment to public service. A three-time Dean’s List honoree, Jordan plans to begin a Master's in Public Administration this Fall with particular interest in tax policy and wealth inequality. Jordan spends his personal time rooting for his beloved San Francisco 49ers, interpreting music, and caring for his dog, Frankie Sinatra

Placement: San Francisco Public Utilities Commission

Jose Gomez is a senior at San Francisco State University, majoring in Sociology. Through this fellowship, he aims to enhance his policy-writing skills by collaborating with others to develop solutions to public health challenges, particularly within the city of San Francisco. Jose intends to continue his academic journey by pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Health and Administration at San Francisco State University. He is passionate about fostering trust in the healthcare system and is eager to engage with a diverse array of individuals throughout his life to better understand various approaches to healthcare. He plans to commence his professional journey following his graduation with a Bachelor’s degree in the spring of 2025. In his free time, Jose enjoys swimming, hiking, working out, and exploring the diverse array of cafes that San Francisco has to offer.

Placement:  San Francisco Public Utilities Commission

Beverly Irvin is driven by a deep commitment to advocating for equity and justice. With a heartfelt passion for political science, she aims to make a lasting impact as a transformative leader in this field. Her dedication to advocating for marginalized communities and creating inclusive policies is deeply rooted in both her academic pursuits and personal experiences. She is also an avid learner of cultures and languages, spending her free time exploring new languages and the rich histories and traditions of diverse communities. Through her studies and future career, she aspires to contribute to a more equitable and just society for all, drawing inspiration from the world’s many cultures and perspectives.

Placement: San Francisco Recreation and Park Department

Nicole Perez is a first-generation Filipina immigrant whose passion for reducing greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable solutions stems from her childhood in a polluted town in the Philippines. Growing up in an environment heavily impacted by pollution, she developed a lifelong commitment to sustainability and public service. Nicole is a senior at San Francisco State University, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Geography with a focus on Environmental Policy and Urban Sustainability. Her commitment to renewable energy led her to collect recyclables to fund and create solar suitcases for underserved students in regions outside the U.S. facing energy poverty—all while recovering from knee surgery. In her free time, Nicole enjoys sports, hiking, and barre to stay active and grounded. Moving forward, she aims to focus on policy development to create sustainable solutions for building decarbonization and waste management, addressing climate change while empowering underserved communities

Placement: San Francisco Department on the Status of Women

Harsha Hooli is a proud mom of three and a passionate advocate for women from marginalized communities. Currently pursuing a double major in Sociology and Women and Gender Studies at San Francisco State University, she’s set to graduate in Spring 2025. Harsha’s journey to America as a young adult gave her firsthand insight into the struggles immigrant families face, fueling her drive to create change.

When she’s not deep in her studies, you can find Harsha watching movies, painting, or spending quality time with her kids. For her, art is more than a hobby—it’s a powerful tool for healing and empowerment.

As a Willie L. Brown, Jr. Fellow, Harsha is eager to deepen her understanding of government policies and processes that affect underrepresented women, and to continue making an impact in her community.

Placement: San Francisco Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing

Amina A. Castillo is a senior at San Francisco State University and part of the BA/MA Blended Program in Criminal Justice and International Relations, set to graduate with her bachelor’s degree in Spring 2025 and her master’s in Spring 2026. As a first-generation immigrant and college student fluent in Arabic, French, and English, Amina is passionate about advocating for social and legal justice while addressing issues like homelessness and housing insecurity. She values higher education and believes in its power to transform lives, inspiring her to empower underserved communities through equitable public service. Through the Willie L. Brown Jr. Fellowship, she seeks to gain practical experience in public policy and further develop her skills to serve marginalized communities. In her free time, Amina enjoys traveling, immersing herself in different cultures, and listening to house music.

Placement: San Francisco Mayor's Office-- Community Outreach

Phyllis Moodie is a senior at San Francisco State University. Her major is Sociology with a minor in Prison Reentry. She was a student here in 1979/1980 and left due to a medical condition, and life just took over. Phyllis didn’t think about returning to higher education until she realized she was not living a good quality of life and had no control of it and was tethered to shift work with no chance of moving up even though she was intelligent, and owned her own business with employees at one time. She was hustling for a retirement pension hating every moment. Phyllis began her journey 14 years ago, and she is just getting to the finish line. But she is confident she has options and opportunities. She is now able to create her own destiny, and do the kind of work that she wants to do that makes a difference in the lives of the citizens of San Francisco. Her goal is to work in direct services with the City and County of San Francisco and hopefully create a non-profit focusing on the needs of African American women here in San Francisco to reveal and access the resources available to assist them in creating a better quality of life for themselves and their children’s future just as she has for herself. 

Placement: San Francisco Board of Supervisor's Office, D-10

Damyan Rochell is a 20-year-old junior majoring in sociology at San Francisco State University with a strong passion for community engagement and social advocacy. Growing up in Bayview, he witnessed the systemic challenges faced by underserved communities, which fueled his commitment to public service. He’s gained hands-on experience volunteering and working at community events, supporting efforts to provide essential resources to individuals in need. These experiences have strengthened his understanding of social systems and the critical role of advocacy in addressing inequality. Currently, he is focused on developing his skills and knowledge in social work and public service, with the goal of creating meaningful change for marginalized populations. Through his academic journey and community involvement, Damyan is dedicated to building a career that uplifts and empowers others

Placement: San Francisco Board of Supervisor's Office, D-10

Allison Miranda is a senior at San Francisco State University, majoring in Public Health. As a Salvadoran immigrant in San Francisco, she has personally experienced the challenges of living in a community with limited access to quality healthcare.This background has inspired her to serve San Francisco residents in the public sector. In the past, she dedicated her time as a family navigator at The San Francisco General Hospital, where she served as a key liaison between families, medical providers, and community-based organizers. She also interned at Catholic Charities’ OMI Senior Center, where she helped seniors and disabled adults by organizing activities, encouraging social interaction, and providing nutrition services to promote independence and prevent isolation. Allison hope’s to explore a career in public health research and advocacy in the future.

Graduate Fellow Placement: San Francisco Grants for the Arts Department

Raysean Jones Jr. is a proud native of Bayview Hunters Point in San Francisco, CA, born to Raysean Jones Sr. and Yolanda Jones (Walker). With a family of around 12 siblings (though he often loses count), he embraces his identity as Black, Queer, and fully capable.

Raysean’s life is fuller now than it has been in years, a testament to his commitment to both himself and his community. His journey speaks not only to his resilience and tenacity but also to the grace that has carried him through. He moves forward with gratitude, embracing each opportunity for growth. Raysean earned his bachelor's degree in Africana Studies with a minor in Race and Resistance, completed the President’s Leadership Fellowship, and was accepted as a Willie L. Brown, Jr. Fellow. He fulfilled his community work-study at Youth 1st, an organization dedicated to supporting at-risk youth.

His passion for community extends across generations. From mentoring young people to advocating for the elderly, Raysean works to ensure that equity and care remain at the center of policy and service. Whether through civic engagement, policy reform, or culinary arts, he believes in the power of nourishment, of the mind, the body, and the community. His work embodies the vision of driving policy reform with equity and civic engagement, embracing creative leadership, community advocacy, and public policy to empower youth today and shape San Francisco’s tomorrow.

Graduate Fellow Placement: San Francisco Controller's Office- Audits Division

Growing up as a gay child in California’s Central Valley, Paul Walker was raised in a low-income household with parents who struggled with addiction. Despite their challenges, they did their best with the resources available. His own path mirrored theirs for a time, as he battled substance use himself. Moving to San Francisco on Valentine’s Day 2015 marked a turning point in Paul’s life. Here, he found a path to recovery through the Castro Country Club. While he considers himself a late bloomer, he now sees his past experiences as a powerful vantage point — one that fuels his empathy, resilience, and sense of purpose. San Francisco has been more than a home to Paul; it has been a place of growth, healing, and transformation. He is grateful for the community and opportunities that continue to shape his journey forward.

Graduate Fellow Placement: San Francisco Board of Supervisors Office, District-10

Candice Branner is pursuing a Masters degree in Public Administration from San Francisco State University, where she also received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, and a Minor in Africana Studies. Her journey into Public Administration was ignited by personal experiences that deeply resonate with her. Her son's diagnosis of Autism in 2018 was not only a personal challenge but also a catalyst for her pursuit of knowledge and action. Navigating the complexities of the public special education school system exposed her to the inequalities that many families face, especially in urban communities like the ones she grew up in and currently resides in. This personal journey has fueled her passion to delve deeper into the policies and governance structures that shape daily lives. She aims to equip herself with the necessary knowledge and skills to make meaningful contributions to the public sector. In line with this, she applied to the Willie L. Brown internship, where she hopes to gain hands-on experience and insights into the workings of the public sector. Her ultimate goal is to establish a nonprofit agency dedicated to supporting families of individuals with disabilities. She aspires to pursue a career in analyzing policies for a government agency. She believes that by doing so, she can contribute to being a part of change that influences policies that are inclusive, equitable, and responsive to the needs of all members of society

Graduate Fellow Placement: Port of San Francisco

Alondra Mora is the proud daughter of two immigrants who moved their whole lives to the United States. As a first-generation Mexican American, she is still learning to navigate her life in a new country with her family—creating a pathway her younger siblings can follow. She has struggled her whole life with the language barrier, as her first language is Spanish. Learning the language was a massive struggle throughout school; she would fall behind because of the language barrier and it also started to affect her confidence. Although she struggled throughout school, she has learned how to manage fears, anxiety, and barriers. Her experiences have shaped her and will continue to shape her. For her bachelor's degree, she focused on Environmental Studies; the environment is a significant part of our life and will only get more critical. Throughout the four years, she also learned the importance of policy and how it goes hand in hand with the environment. The environment relies on policy because change will only be made with it. This led her to pursue a master's in Public Administration