Carlos González  

Congressional Intern, Presented by Walmart 

Hometown: Santa Maria, California  

School: University of California-Berkeley  

Major: Political Science; Ethnic Studies  

Placement: Office of Rep. Salud O. Carbajal 

Carlos González was born and raised in Santa Maria, California, by his mother, a resilient immigrant from Colima, México, and a survivor of domestic violence. Growing up witnessing her perseverance as she navigated the justice system, Carlos found his passion for the Latine immigrant community, but also for communities of color affected by gender-based violence, affordable housing, healthcare inaccessibility, and inequitable educational policies.   

As a Latine scholar studying Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley, Carlos was influenced to build on the initiatives laid by his mentors from Santa Maria, and the Latinos Unidos board. He has since spearheaded initiatives that empower students to embrace their heritage while encouraging civic and political engagement. As a student leader, Carlos won a competitive seat and became the youngest Student Body Senator at the Associated Students of the University of California to represent the Latine and LGBTQIA+ communities.   

Off campus, he founded and serves as the executive director of the 2025 Latine Conference in California, where he brought Bay Area high school students to UC Berkeley on a fully funded experience. In recognition of this initiative, he was invited by Harvard University’s Latin American Association to discuss with presidential politicians from Ecuador, Colombia, and Perú. Carlos has also worked across multiple levels of government, including the Berkeley City Council, the California State Legislature, and currently at the federal level.  

As a CHCI Intern, Carlos aspires to combat all forms of dehumanization, injustice, and systemic inequalities throughout the internship, using this experience as a platform to amplify marginalized voices and advocate for lasting societal change.