Engineering Ambassadors
Berkeley’s Engineering Ambassadors (EA) program, launched in August 2022, connects Berkeley Engineering undergraduates with K‑12 students through a variety of outreach activities, including campus tours, presentations, and school visits. As tangible proof of their value, ambassadors are hired as student assistants and paid a competitive wage. We recruit ambassadors who are passionate about diversifying engineering and mentoring the next generation of college students. We invite you to learn more about our remarkable Engineering Ambassadors.
UC Berkeley’s EA program is part of the Engineering Ambassadors Network (EAN), a nationwide alliance of universities that aims to train a cohort of diverse and technically skilled engineering undergraduates on how to excite K-12 students about engineering. EAN provides professional and leadership development training for the ambassadors themselves – critical soft skills students can apply in their future careers.
Through our EA program, students refine their ability to communicate with diverse audiences. This key skill will help them throughout their careers, whether pitching an idea to startup funders or trying to convince their local transportation authority to partner on a project.
Schools and community organizations can request tours, presentations, or other activities by submitting a request through our contact form. (We also welcome requests for virtual activities.)
We currently focus on offering one-off events/activities rather than recurring programs.
Ambassador activities
Local schools and community partners inform Berkeley’s Engineering Ambassador program. Every engagement is customized to meet the needs of the organization we are serving. Engineering Ambassadors, who themselves were recently school-age students, are actively encouraged to suggest activities. Examples of our programming include:
- Developing new presentations that introduce young students to engineering topics
- Leading tours of Berkeley Engineering’s buildings
- Facilitating hands-on activities or leading presentations as part of a class or after-school program in local K-12 schools
- Conducting hands-on activities during community festivals or K-12 school events
- Participating in student panels
- Creating social media posts to share Berkeley Engineering students’ experiences
- Supporting Berkeley Engineering’s K-12 Outreach Team with planning, preparing for events, and our overall activities
Berkeley Engineering has a long history of providing activities and engaging programming for dozens of schools and community organizations in the Bay Area and elsewhere in the state. Priority is given to California schools and organizations that serve students with limited access to STEM opportunities or students from populations historically marginalized in STEM.
Inspiring the Future
The demand for Berkeley’s Engineering Ambassadors program, both within our community and across California, is strong. Our program engaged around 2,000 students per year in years 2 and 3, a level we expect to continue reaching. This consistent impact underscores the high demand for the program, with requests outpacing our capacity to provide activities for all interested groups.
10+ Engineering Ambassadors per year
Facilitate 40+ activities per year
60% of Ambassadors have been women
Reach 2,000 participants per year
“I want kids, teens and young adults to know that they are capable of a career in STEM and your background doesn’t limit you from what you’re capable of doing. I hope to motivate others and inspire them despite challenges they may face.” Isabella, Civil Engineering transfer student, EA since 2025
Meet our ambassadors
We recruit ambassadors who are passionate about diversifying the engineering field, and we are thrilled to introduce you to our 2025-26 ambassadors.
Mahika Behani
Lead ambassador
Hi! I’m Mahika, and I use the she/her/hers pronouns! I am from Bangalore, India, and I’m a senior studying Environmental Engineering and Environmental Economics & Policy. I’ve always been really passionate about sustainability, and I love all things outdoorsy – I scuba-dive and surf, and I’m on the Sailing Team here at Berkeley! Back home, there isn’t a lot of female representation in STEM, and I’m proud to be the first girl in my family to study engineering. I’m excited to help raise awareness about all the wonderful women in STEM in this world and inspire girls to follow their dreams and pursue a STEM degree!
Javir Bolaños
Lead ambassador
Hello everyone! My name is Javir Bolaños (he/him), and I’m from Los Angeles, CA. I’m currently a junior studying Civil Engineering. Growing up, I always feared earthquakes, especially those associated with the San Andreas Fault. For this reason, I hope to pursue structural engineering, where I plan to design and oversee safe, resilient infrastructure.
Beyond academics, I’m deeply committed to expanding academic outreach for first-generation students in underserved communities. I believe every student deserves the chance to pursue engineering and bring their passions to life. In my free time, I enjoy exploring my faith, reading, biking, making videos, and playing sports.
Victoria Ames
Hello! I’m Victoria, my pronouns are she/her, and I’m a second-year student studying Environmental Engineering and STEM education (through CalTeach). I’m from the Bay Area, born and raised! In my free time, I love to read, listen to music, care for and collect plants, and craft. I chose Environmental Engineering because it aligns well with my love for people, the earth, justice, and problem-solving. I wish that people knew engineers are diverse in what they learn and do. We research, problem-solve, build, create, advocate for others, and so much more. I think the thing that we all have in common is a dedication to learning, a desire to have a positive impact on the world, and a will to succeed!
Estrella Castro
Hellooo! My name is Estrella Castro (she/her), and I am a third-year student studying Aerospace Engineering, originally from Orange County. At Berkeley, I’ve become especially interested in aerodynamics and biomimetics, particularly in finding transferable principles from nature that can be applied to flight!
Something that I wish more people knew is just how many different paths there are within engineering! Even within a major, there are countless ways to apply what you learn, so you don’t have to have your entire career figured out from the beginning. I also love that so much of engineering ultimately comes back to helping people. Whether it’s improving everyday technology, making systems safer and more accessible, or solving larger challenges, engineering gives you many ways to use your interests to leave a positive and lasting impact on people’s lives!
Preetal Deshpande
Hello! My name is Preetal Deshpande (she/her), and I’m from Cupertino, CA. I’m a senior at UC Berkeley, majoring in Bioengineering and minoring in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (EECS). From a young age, I’ve been passionate about healthcare and driven to make a meaningful impact in my community. Bioengineering allows me to combine my love for science and technology to improve lives through innovative research and biotechnology solutions. I’m deeply involved in research, constantly seeking to learn more about the human body and the incredible potential of technology in healthcare. Beyond coursework and the lab, I am passionate about bridging the gaps in STEM—whether it be addressing gender disparities, improving representation, or making education more accessible to underserved communities. I’m dedicated to educating and inspiring others, fostering a positive impact, and helping create an inclusive future for all.
Katerine Fuentes
Heyyy, my name is Katerine Fuentes (she/her/hers). I am a third-year engineering undeclared student who intends to major in civil engineering. I am from the San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles.
I became interested in engineering at a very young age by living with my grandparents. It may sound cringey or weird, but because of how much I saw my grandpa struggle to find engineers to do work around his lands, it inspired me to become one. Once in high school, I pursued my goal of becoming an engineer, with my main objective being to design and construct new infrastructure projects for our community.
In my free time, I enjoy photography, cooking, playing soccer, vlogging on TikTok, hanging out with friends, and volunteering.
Adam Hacker
Hi, everyone! My name is Adam Hacker, and I am a junior studying Electrical Engineering and Computer Science with a minor in CalTeach (STEM Education). I grew up in Visalia, CA, part of California’s amazing Central Valley. Growing up in Visalia meant that I didn’t have much exposure to computer science, so at Cal, I’m determined to learn and make computer science education more accessible to rural regions.
I believe engineering is such a beautiful field because you can apply it to just about anything. So, whether you’re into building cool things, making creative ideas come to life, or anything in between, I encourage you to see how engineering can help. Outside of my academics, I love street photography and traveling the world!
Orlando Mendez
Hello everyone, my name is Orlando Mendez, and I am a second-year Mechanical Engineering student. I am from Orange County, in the city of Garden Grove. In my area, I did not have a lot of exposure to engineering professionals. Simple things like CAD, Electronics and 3D printing never crossed my mind till I got to Berkeley. I want to help other kids from areas like mine see all these possibilities way sooner than I did.
I am part of STAR (Space Technologies and Rocketry), and I’m also a Campus Ambassador for Bambu Lab, a 3D printing company. Outside of engineering, I like traveling to different countries, spending time outdoors in nature, camping, hiking, biking, and chefing up recipes from family traditions.
Mandy Pham
Hi, my name is Mandy Pham, and I use she/her pronouns. I am originally from Elk Grove/Sacramento and am a fourth-year student studying EECS (Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences). I am studying EECS to explore more opportunities and find interrelated disciplines that I would like to explore in industry and the educational sector.
I believe engineering should be accessible to all. As an ambassador and first-generation college student, I hope to provide resources, support, and advice to all students. Outside of engineering, I love to dance and am a part of Main Stacks and AFX Comp! Some other hobbies include cooking, hiking, cafe hopping, and trying new foods!
Barbara Rebolledo
Hello there! I’m Barbara Rebolledo (she/her/hers), currently a 3rd year student majoring in Civil Engineering. I grew up in both Chapin, South Carolina, and the state of Guerrero, Mexico. However, I attended High School in the Eastern Coachella Valley.
My passion for construction fuels my involvement on campus and my desire to learn something new every day! I have endless fun with my Civil Engineering competition teams, where I consistently grow my analytical and hands-on skills.
Outside the classroom, I love exploring new areas around me, whether it’s on my own or with those I love. Meeting new people, crafting, and exploring are always a treat to me!
I hope to cultivate the following values with those interested and currently in an engineering discipline:
- A journey in engineering is a challenge worth taking as long as you’re working towards a career you enjoy and see yourself persevering in with joy!
- Trusting the process and enjoying our present is as important as putting in the hard work for the future!
- Every path you seek can be personalized and modified to your own needs. The beauty of the college path is the freedom you’re gifted to become and grow into your most desired self.
Brianna Rodriguez
Hi! My name is Brianna Rodriguez (she/her), and I’m from San Bernardino, CA. I’m currently a third-year student at UC Berkeley majoring in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Before coming to Berkeley, I had no experience with coding or engineering, but along the way, I learned that engineering is more than just math and science. It can involve creativity, problem-solving, and hands-on activities like arts and crafts! I’m passionate about exposing youth to engineering and helping them see that engineering is for everyone, regardless of their background or prior experience. In my free time, I enjoy crocheting, baking, playing video games, binge-watching shows, playing the trumpet, and picking up new crafty hobbies!