The University of California Graduate and Professional Council (UCGPC) proudly features Marshal Caro, Legislative Intern, and Josiah Beharry, Policy Fellow, as part of our Spring 2025 team. These exceptional individuals bring unique skills, lived experiences, and a shared commitment to advocating for the needs of graduate and professional students across the UC system. Their work embodies UCGPC’s mission to amplify student voices and drive equity-centered policy change.
Guided by Patricia Hill Collins’ framework of positionality—which emphasizes how social identities intersect with power structures—Marshal and Josiah leverage their unique perspectives to inform their work. Their contributions will shape UCGPC’s efforts to create a more equitable, inclusive UC system for all students.
Marshal Caro
Position: UCGPC’s Spring 2025 Legislative Director
Program: Master of Public Affairs, Goldman School of Public Policy, UC Berkeley
Positionality: Marshal Caro’s positionality is shaped by his diverse background in management consulting and student leadership, which informs his approach to policy advocacy. His experiences as a representative for the MPA program and delegate on UC Berkeley’s Graduate Assembly have honed his ability to navigate complex organizational dynamics and advocate for graduate student needs.
Skills: Marshal brings strong skills in policy analysis, event planning, stakeholder engagement, and legislative advocacy. His experience in management consulting has equipped him with the ability to conduct comprehensive assessments and provide strategic recommendations.
Research/Issue Interests: Marshal’s work focuses on enhancing graduate student outcomes through policy advocacy, with a keen interest in improving support services and community engagement within the UC system. He is leading the Advocacy Days Conferences in Sacramento and Washington, D.C., by setting up meetings and identifying key legislation beneficial for graduate and professional students.
Josiah Beharry
Position: UCGPC’s Inaugural Policy Fellow
Program: Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Humanities, University of California, Merced
Positionality: Josiah Beharry’s positionality is deeply rooted in his experiences as the first in his family to pursue a Ph.D. His background informs his commitment to advocating for policies that support marginalized graduate students. As Patricia Hill Collins notes, positionality involves acknowledging how social positions and power dynamics shape identities and access, which Josiah embodies through his leadership roles and advocacy work.
Skills: Josiah brings expertise in policy analysis, advocacy, research, and community engagement. His experience as a Student Regent and Policy Advisor on the UC Title IX Student Advisory Board has provided him with a deep understanding of structural challenges within the UC system.
Research/Issue Interests: Josiah’s work centers on equity-driven policy solutions, particularly addressing systemic barriers faced by marginalized graduate students. His research explores the intersection of trauma and education, with a commitment to creating inclusive academic environments. He is focusing on issues such as basic needs, parenting students, and mentorship standards.
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