Hello!

I am Keisha Reine de Castro (she/her), currently a freshman at the University of California, Los Angeles. Born and raised in the Philippines, I migrated to Los Angeles, California, with my parents only a few years ago. In this new environment, I had to push for my voice in unfamiliar social and academic spaces, navigating the challenges that come with being from a first-generation background.

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My passion for the intersections of public health, legislation, and their impact on marginalized communities is deeply rooted in my upbringing. I witnessed political officials publicizing their plans for a healthful future, only to see them fall short in effecting change in my communities. This experience has fueled my motivation to bring about meaningful change in the field of public policy.

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As I embark on my academic journey, I am committed to taking the lessons learned from my experiences and applying them to address the disparities that affect marginalized communities in the greater Los Angeles area. My goal is to contribute to the development and implementation of policies that create positive and lasting impacts on the environment and the lives of those who are often overlooked.