Official Blog | UCGPC

Stephanie Valadez is a dual-national musician and scholar based in California and Mexico City. She is currently a PhD student in Ethnomusicology at UCLA, serves as the President of the Board of the University of California Graduate and Professional Student Council, and is the Executive Director of Xicameri Productions. She is a Marimba One Education Artist and maintains a private teaching studio. Valadez holds a Master of Arts in Music (Cross-Cultural Musicology) from the University of California, Santa Cruz and two Masters of Music degrees from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music in Music Composition and Music Performance: Marimba. In her spare time, she enjoys creating children’s books in Nahuatl for her two sons as part of her commitment to decolonial parenting practices.

Email Stephanie at president@ucgpc501c3.org

Harvir Kaur is a first-year Master of Public Policy candidate at UC Berkeley’s Goldman School of Public Policy and serves as Vice President of the University of California Graduate and Professional Council. She brings a strong foundation in economics, having earned her undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley, and an interest in the intersection of technology, governance, and social impact. As a Tech Policy Fellow with the Paragon Tech Policy Fellowship, Harvir explores emerging issues in AI governance and digital equity, aiming to advance policies that ensure technology serves the public good. Her work is driven by a commitment to creating equitable systems and empowering communities through thoughtful, data-informed policy solutions.

Email Harvir at chair@ucgpc501c3.org

Ramiro Cabanillas-Ledesma is a second-year law student at UC Davis School of Law.  He spent part of his childhood in Querétaro, Mexico, where he developed a strong interest in public service and community advocacy.  After returning to the United States, he pursued undergraduate studies at UC Santa Cruz and UC Berkeley, holding several student government positions focused on representing and supporting students.  Since 2021, Ramiro has contributed to local policy discussions as a member of the City of Davis Open Space and Habitat Commission, where he works on issues related to land use, sustainability, and equitable access to open space. In his leadership role with UCGPC, he is dedicated to ensuring that the perspectives of graduate and professional students are meaningfully included in systemwide decision-making across the University of California.

He’s fluent in Spanish and always happy to connect – ¡hola!

Email Ramiro at secretary@ucgpc501c3.org

Melanie Girod (she/her) is a second-year Master of Public Policy student at UC Berkeley and the Treasurer of UCGPC. She brings to UCGPC many years of private sector experience in finance and accounting. Originally from France and now based in the Bay Area, Melanie is dedicated to serving her community through public service and is a committed advocate for students and gender equity, both on and off campus.
As Treasurer, she is excited to support UCGPC’s mission through sound budgeting, responsible financial management, and efforts to increase funding. She is committed to ensuring that students are uplifted and centered in all key decisions.

Email Melanie at treasurer@ucgpc501c3.org