Political Science Undergraduate Council

Mission Statement

Our mission is to help the UCLA Political Science department address the needs of undergraduate students, build community, and enhance the intellectual life of undergraduates in the department. As part of that mission, we seek to promote inclusivity and to create more avenues for the interests of our diverse student body to be heard. We also strive to help our fellow students succeed in the major and beyond. The Council serves as a bridge between students, faculty, and staff so that we can work together to build our department and our community.

Peer Advising Appointments

Feeling particularly stuck in political science? The council members of the PSUC are here to lend a hand. We understand that connecting with other students can be challenging and impersonal. So, our peer advisors are happy to talk to you about classes, requirements, professors, careers, homework, or even if you just want the chance to chat with another Political Science Undergrad. We can’t promise that we will have all the answers, but we can promise that we will offer our advice, knowledge, expertise, or point you in the direction of other organizations/people/resources that can help as well.

Please fill out this Google Form if you are interested in meeting with one of our peer advisors from the PSUC:
https://forms.gle/qP5XM34q55M5PCiH6

Beleh Toma (Chair)

Beleh Toma (Chair)

I am a graduating senior from San Diego studying Political Science with a concentration in American Politics while also double majoring in History. I am a first-generation immigrant who came to this country at the age of three and have had a passion for public service and politics ever since I first became an intern for my state senator at the age of 15. I have grown to love public service and hope to pursue law in the hopes of becoming an immigration attorney. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, cooking, and watching sports (I’m a huge Chargers and Lakers fan!).

Anthony Sanchez (Director of Peer-Advising)

Anthony Sanchez (Director of Peer-Advising)

I’m a fourth-year student from Lennox, California, double majoring in Political Science and Chicanx Studies with a History minor. As a first-generation Mexican-American, my identity and family’s immigration journey fuel my commitment to public service, social justice, educational equity, and uplifting marginalized communities through advocacy and engagement. I serve as Director of Peer Advising for the Political Science Undergraduate Council and intern with UCLA Athletics Marketing. I’ve also worked with MALDEF, the U.S. Department of Education, and the LA Rams. I plan to attend law school and become a civil rights attorney. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, eating tacos, spending time with my cat, playing basketball, and watching sports.

Risha Trivedi (Director of Scholarly Engagement)

Risha Trivedi (Director of Scholarly Engagement)

My name is Risha Trivedi and I am a third-year double majoring in Communications and Political Science, with a minor in Professional Writing. I am originally from Southern California, and have always had a passion for politics and the law. My passion has led me to getting involved on campus as Vice President of Public Relations for LeGal and Law Forum Director for Pre-Law Society. Off-campus, I work at a small law firm in Beverly Hills and serve as Director for NDDL, a national South Asian dance league! In my free time, I enjoy exploring local coffee shops and restaurants.

Karina Nanda (Director of Community Building)

Karina Nanda (Director of Community Building)

I’m a second-year Political Science major and Education Studies minor from Orange County, California. I am passionate about women’s rights, international human rights, and education policy. Outside of the PSUC, I am involved in Bruin Belles, LeGal, and research at UCLA. During my free time, I enjoy playing tennis, reading, traveling and watching reality TV. In the future, I hope to be an attorney or law professor. Fun fact, I was born here at UCLA!

Cecilia Choy (Scholarly Engagement)

Cecilia Choy (Scholarly Engagement)

I am a second year student from Pasadena, California, triple majoring in Political Science, English, and Labor Studies. Currently, I am on the pre-law track with my sights set on disability law. This is my second year in PSUC, as well as other organizations, such as the Internal Office of the Vice President and External Office of the Vice President here at UCLA. In my free time, I love reading, catching up with friends and family, and volunteering at local community centers.

Madelyn Kelly (Peer-Advising)

Madelyn Kelly (Peer-Advising)

My name is Madelyn Kelly and I am a fourth-year UCLA student double majoring in Political Science and Public Affairs with a minor in History. My interest in law was sparked after taking an urban planning course at UCLA, where I began exploring the intersection of law and space—particularly how it shapes disability accessibility in urban environments. Off-campus, I intern with the City of Beverly Hills for my Public Affairs Capstone project and work at a small law firm in my hometown. After graduating in June, I plan to attend law school or pursue a master’s in urban planning to continue exploring these intersections. In my free time, I enjoy watching college basketball and traveling.

Kevin Groballi (Peer-Advising)

Kevin Groballi (Peer-Advising)

I am a fourth-year transfer student from Orange County studying political science with a concentration in international relations. As a first-generation student navigating college and career readiness, I have embraced and developed a deep passion for law and politics. After serving as a legal assistant for a law firm in Newport Beach, I have found my calling in patent law and hope to expand my interest by attending law school after receiving a bachelor’s degree from UCLA. In my free time, I love to hike, swim, play soccer, and go camping.

Melisa Lima-Preciado (Peer-Advising)

Melisa Lima-Preciado (Peer-Advising)

I am a first-generation third-year undergraduate from Long Beach, double majoring in Political Science and Public Affairs. Driven by my Mexican identity and my passion to address injustices in my community, I aspire to pursue a career in criminal law. Committed to public service, my goal is to be of meaningful assistance to underserved communities, leveraging my skills and dedication for positive change. Apart from serving on the council, I work as a legal assistant for a law firm in Beverly Hills, chief of staff for Gen Re 2, a part of Lambda Theta Nu Sorority Inc., and volunteer with multiple nonprofits outside of campus. During my free time, I enjoy doing puzzles, baking, camping, and exploring new food spots.

Avery Bradley (Community Building)

Avery Bradley (Community Building)

Hello! My name is Avery Bradley (she/her) and I am a third year transfer student pursuing a major in Political Science and a minor in History. I am a member of the Community Building Committee, and I’ve deeply enjoyed my time on the council helping facilitate our Town Halls and social events. I am from La Cañada Flintridge, California and I transferred from Pasadena City College! In my first year at UCLA, I’ve had the privilege of getting involved in numerous extracurriculars, like the Bruin Democrats, Office of the External Vice President, and this organization. After UCLA, I hope to pursue a law degree with a focus on either business law or constitutional law. In my free time, I love to go to museums, the beach, the gym, local cafes, and to read.

Amanda Nguyen (Community Building)

Amanda Nguyen (Community Building)

I am a third-year Political Science major with a minor in Public Affairs and Global Studies. I chose to major in political science because of the universality of what I have learned in previous government-related classes which is directly related to my pursuit of a career in civil rights or immigration law. In my free time, I enjoy going on runs, reading thrillers and romance books, and listening to Taylor Swift at any time of day. I look forward to working with my fellow polisci majors and I can’t wait to see where the year takes us!

Sebastine Chun (Community Building)

Sebastine Chun (Community Building)

Hi everyone! My name is Sebastine Chun, and I am a first-year student from Porter Ranch, California, studying Political Science. Ever since I was young, I have had a passion for public service, leadership, and giving back to my community. Having served as President for multiple councils within the LAUSD school district, I am no stranger to advocating for student rights and emphasizing the importance of mental health. Through this council, I was able to create and implement the Buddy System Program, which aims for students to get mentored by their peers. In the future, I hope to pursue a career in Corporate Law and Public Policy and to continue giving back to the community. In my free time, I enjoy going to the beach, cafe hopping, and crocheting beanies for local hospitals!

Kait Davies (Community Building)

Kait Davies (Community Building)

I’m a first year Bruin from Agoura Hills, California studying Political Science and History. I feel extremely grateful to be here at UCLA and am doing my best to make the most of my four years here! I’m still contemplating what field of law I will go into; but, I want to ensure whatever field I enter it’s one that can help other people. Outside of the Political Science Undergraduate Council, I am a self proclaimed trader joe’s snack enthusiast, enjoy yoga, Formula One, and a concert girl!

Josephine Murphy (Scholarly Engagement)

Josephine Murphy (Scholarly Engagement)

I am a first-year student from New York City studying Political Science and History. I am also hoping to minor in Russian Studies. Having grown up in NYC, I was introduced to politics from a young age, with some of my earliest memories being marked by mayoral elections and local protests. I have interned in both politics and the legal field and hope to eventually work on both campaigns and human rights law. In my free time, I love to binge watch TV shows, try out new places to eat, and thrift.

Charlotte Chan (Scholarly Engagement)

Charlotte Chan (Scholarly Engagement)

I am a second year Political Science major from Hong Kong, with minors in Statistics, Data Science, and French. As an international student who has lived in over three countries, my experiences have sparked a deep interest in international relations and foreign policy. This global perspective, combined with my academic background, has driven my passion for global affairs and security. I am eager to pursue a career in diplomacy, NGO work, or governmental affairs, where I can contribute to shaping international policy and addressing global challenges. My hobbies include content creation, dancing, watching kdrama and cooking good asian food!