Santa Cruz County Chamber Interns

Sydney Stafford, Fall 2024
I'm a second year politics major at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Through this internship, I hope to gain experience interacting with data analytics, and to hopefully better familiarize myself with real-world applications of economic principles within business. Post-graduation I hope to attend graduate school and attain my JD and masters in public policy or creative writing. In my free time, I like to bake, read, and go bird watching! 

Jack Wright, Fall 2024
Jack is in his fourth year studying Business Management Economics at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Interested in pursuing higher education, he plans to attend graduate school in the near future. His passion for working with small businesses was a driving factor in joining the Chamber team, and he looks forward to engaging with business and economic policy at the local level. His studies at UCSC have strengthened his academic foundation, provided him with a global finance perspective, helped him develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, and improved his leadership abilities. Through this internship, he aims to develop his professional skills further and gain insight into small business growth. Jack enjoys rock climbing, playing tennis, and spending time at the beach in his free time.

Amber Gonzalez-Pacheco, Spring 2024
Amber Gonzalez-Pacheco is a fourth-year student at the University of California Santa Cruz.
While studying Business Management Economics she has been greatly involved with student
development working for the student organization office as a Business Assistant, along with
being an econometrics tutor for Learning Support Services. As a Research and Advocacy Intern
she hopes to learn more about project management and gain experience interacting with data
analytics to support the Santa Cruz community. After finishing her undergraduate degree she
hopes to combine her understanding of data visualization to serve a non-profit or sustainable
initiative business.

Vince Galarza, Spring 2024
Vince Galarza is a fourth-year Business Management Economics major and Technology/Information Management minor, interning with the chamber for Spring 2024.

As a research and advocacy intern, he is working to leverage chamber data into actionable insights about local commerce. Inclination to the task stems from a passion for statistical and factual work, bolstered by his studies. Post graduation, he plans to continue developing his technical skills in the realm of data and business.

In his free time, Vince most enjoys biking, backpacking, snapping photos, and spending time with loved ones.

Channing Baker, Winter 2024 & Spring 2024
Channing is a fourth-year Politics major at the University of California, Santa Cruz. Growing up in Los Angeles, she has been fascinated by politics and its interconnection within different domains since her time at Santa Monica High School. After finishing her collegiate career at UCSC, Channing aims to venture into either law or graduate school. She is specifically interested in pursuing a career in the fields of international law and policy in the near future. One of her goals for this internship is to earn the necessary experience in the realm of economic strategy
within the political sphere. In her free time, she enjoys playing volleyball and exploring the greater Santa Cruz area through hiking.

Cameron Meline, Winter 2024 & Fall 2023
Cameron is a fourth-year Politics major at the University of Santa Cruz. His post-graduation aspirations include relocating to Washington, D.C., to collaborate with a member of Congress. Beyond that, Cameron plans to evaluate his options, potentially pursuing a path in law school. His true passion lies in politics and staying informed about current events. Cameron finds immense satisfaction in conducting research projects for his classes, a skill he believes will be invaluable during his internship with the Chamber. This role requires him to stay well-versed in current local events and research them thoroughly. Cameron's goals for this internship include gaining practical work experience, expanding his network within Santa Cruz, and venturing into broader horizons. He firmly believes that comprehending the intricacies of the local business world and understanding the needs and aspirations of local entrepreneurs will enhance his ability to research legislation for future internships and jobs. In his leisure time, Cameron enjoys culinary adventures, beach outings, friendly game nights, cycling, and hosting movie nights.

Richa Prabhakar, Winter 2024
Richa Prabhakar is a sophomore at the University of California, Santa Cruz, double majoring in Politics and Legal Studies. As an intern for the Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce, she is excited to immerse herself in real-world applications of legal and political principles within business, gaining firsthand experience in how legislative decisions impact economic landscapes. Richa hopes to learn more about the effects of local policy and legislation on a region's economic vitality and help advocate for economic solutions to better the community. After graduating, Richa plans to attend law school and ultimately pursue a career that combines her passion for law, policy, and advocacy to effect positive change in society.

Brenda Jimenez Lopez, Fall 2023
Brenda is a rising sophomore at the University of Santa Cruz, pursuing a major in Politics. Originally hailing from San Diego, she is passionate about exploring the intersection of politics, business, and the public sector. Brenda's interests revolve around understanding the impact of politics at both the local and national levels and its implications for businesses, both small and large. She has a keen enthusiasm for Formula One and car racing, and she enjoys acquainting herself with Santa Cruz through her runs. After completing her undergraduate degree, Brenda has set her sights on attending law school. Over the next five years, she aspires to earn her law degree and embark on a fulfilling career as a lawyer.

Diego Alfaro-Juarez, Fall 2023
Diego Alfaro is a fifth-year undergraduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz majoring in Business Management Economics. As a Research and advocacy intern, Diego aspires to gain a deeper understanding of the economic challenges that affect his hometown of Santa Cruz and is dedicated to applying his econometric skills to formulate innovative solutions for these issues. In his free time, he likes to go to the beach and play soccer with his friends. Diego will be graduating at the end of the upcoming Fall quarter and plans to pursue a master’s degree in Applied Economics and Finance. In five years, he hopes to be flourishing in a career in business management or economic research.

Gunner McCormick, Summer 2023
Gunner is a rising junior at Washington University in St. Louis majoring in Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology (PNP) with a Pre-Law minor. Having grown up in Santa Cruz, he wants to use this opportunity to help businesses within his local community. Through this internship, he hopes to learn more about the interaction between business and local government. Gunner has worked at Wing Stop in Santa Cruz and interned with State Assembly member Mark Stone, Public Defender Diana August, and Santa Clara County Judge Jessica Delgado. Last summer, he worked in Washington, D.C., at the Cormac Group, a bi-partisan lobbying group. Gunner plans to attend law school after college and, eventually, hopes to work in a field that combines business, law, and public policy.

Emily Applewhite, Spring 2023
Emily Applewhite is a fourth year undergraduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz majoring in Business Management Economics and Film. As a Research & Advocacy intern, Emily has gained useful experience and opportunities working among the business leaders of Santa Cruz. She is interested in the complex issues that face the county and interested in their economic solutions. In her free time, she likes to read books and analyze films.

Palak Sharma, Spring 2023
Palak Sharma is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of California, Santa Cruz, majoring in Economics. As a Research and Advocacy Intern for the Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce, Palak has gained insight into legislative effects on the economic vitality of local communities and businesses. She has gained experience in communicating with several business owners at different events and also helped develop marketing strategies while working for the County Chamber. After graduating, Palak aspires to go to law school and participate in the legislative process to help the betterment of the community.

Parker Kelly, Summer 2022
Parker Kelly is a third year undergraduate student at the University of California majoring in Business Management Economics. He pursued this internship to use the econometric skills he learned in school to continue the Chamber’s mission in promoting economic vitality and prosperity in the area. He hopes to learn more about the local businesses and become involved in the community. Parker will be graduating in the winter of 2021 and hopes to enter the workforce straight after college. In the future, he hopes to work in the consulting or marketing field. This summer he will be conducting a marketing internship in London and aspires to become a project manager for his consulting club in the fall.

Emma Chamberlin, Spring 2022
Emma Chamberlin is a third year student at the University of California Santa Cruz, majoring in Global Economics and minoring in Politics. As a Research and Advocacy intern for the Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce, she hopes to learn more about how local factors influence the economic prosperity of communities. Emma will be graduating this spring and plans on pursuing a masters degree in Applied Economics. In the future, she hopes to work in the field of international economics or economic development. She also works as an after school teacher at a local elementary school, and spends her free time doing yoga, playing piano, and going to the beach.
 

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Dylan Jude Suguitan, Fall 2021
Dylan is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz, majoring in Political Science and minoring in Legal Studies. He has not made up his mind about attending law school and will continue to consider and keep that possibility open. He is aspiring for a career in legal and corporate affairs. He pursued an internship with the Chamber because he believes that he can contribute to the Chamber’s mission in making the community of Santa Cruz a healthy and productive economic community enabling it to be one of the best places to live and work in California’s Central Coast. He is very interested in researching and learning more about the impacts the local housing market here in Santa Cruz County has on its businesses. He would also like to look into how businesses in the county were affected by COVID-19 since they had to digitally transform their business models overnight to survive. In his free time, he likes traveling, playing golf, cycling, and video games.  

​Atharva Gupta, Fall 2021
Atharva Gupta is a senior at Cupertino High School, interested in economics and mathematics. At college, he plans on pursuing quantitative economics or a double major in economics and mathematics. As a Research & Advocacy Intern at the Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce, Atharva hopes to understand better the effects that local policy and legislation have on a region's economic vitality. He is also curious about how policy and reform are enacted locally and the different factions involved. In his free time, he enjoys thinking about and debating Star Wars.

Lilly Stall, Summer 2021
Lilly Stall is a third-year student at the University of California Santa Cruz, majoring in Business Management Economics and Psychology. After graduation, she is hoping to pursue a career in either a business or marketing field. As an intern for the Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce, Lilly is excited to gain more experience on the impact communities have on one another. And even working remotely she is grateful for the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in her fields of interest. While interning amid the pandemic, she has been able to adjust to remote learning and is hopeful for the months to come as local businesses begin to slowly move towards the new normal. Lilly also works at a local and family owned gym in Santa Cruz, and in her free time she enjoys spending it outdoors and with her friends.

Katelynn Yates, Spring 2021
Katelynn Yates is a fourth-year undergraduate student at the University of California Santa Cruz, majoring in Economics and Politics. After graduation, she is still trying to figure out her plan but is considering going to graduate school or traveling and working abroad. As an intern for the Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce, Katelynn is interested in gaining experience on how the local political process is influenced by entities such as the Chamber to promote ideas of economic vitality and environmental sustainability. While interning at the Chamber during a period of uncertainty, she is learning about the greater implications of the pandemic on the local business community and how her community has (and continues to) persevere and adapt collectively to these challenges. Apart from academics and internships, Katelynn enjoys doing yoga, reading, and going out on adventures.

Yajee (Sharon) Kwon, Fall 2020
Yajee Kwon is a senior attending the University of California Santa Cruz, majoring in Economics and minoring in Statistics. After graduation, she plans on attending graduate school for an applied economics or applied econometrics program. As a research and advocacy intern for the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce, Yajee would like to use the experience gained from this in order to pursue a career in economic consulting or data analytics. While interning during the hectic 2020 year, she is learning how to better her flexibility, get accustomed to e-meetings, and more.  When she is not studying for classes or working at her other job in downtown Santa Cruz, she likes to draw, paint, and hang out with friends.

Hannah Davis, Fall 2020
Hannah Davis is a fourth year International Studies major and Legal Studies minor, studying at the University of San Francisco. Hannah is a Santa Cruz native and plans to attend law school after she graduates in May 2021. As an intern for the Chamber, she is interested in researching the intersection of local business interests and environmental sustainability. Interning during an election year and the COVID-19 pandemic has given Hannah a multifaceted approach to social media, written and oral communication, and research that will help her build a strong foundation for a career in her desired field. When not interning, she enjoys surfing, traveling, and sailing. 

Astrid Ramsay Aigrot, Winter 2020
Astrid Ramsay Aigrot is a Swedish and French exchange student from Lund University in Sweden. She attends law school in Sweden and for her exchange program she is taking Legal Studies courses at UCSC. As a Research and Advocacy intern for the Chamber, Astrid is very interested in gaining experience on how to influence policies and to learn more about the political process in Santa Cruz. When going back to Sweden Astrid will complete one more year in Law School and is thereafter hoping to work with an NGO that influences policies, especially in the fields of  human rights and immigration. Apart from school Astrid enjoys exploring all the beautiful nature California has to offer and learning how to surf. 

Lucy Miller, Fall 2019
Lucy Miller received a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Economics and Policy from the University of California, Berkeley in May 2019. Lucy is a Santa Cruz Native and moved back to Santa Cruz after four years of school in Berkeley. She was drawn to work as a Research and Advocacy Intern with the Chamber of Commerce because she recognizes the importance of local business and economic stability and wanted to be able to support the Chamber in helping its members reach their goals. Most importantly, Lucy wants to help Santa Cruz maintain its vibrancy and authenticity, characteristics that begin with the health of community members and of local businesses. Lucy also works as a legal assistant at local law firm and is currently in the process of applying to law school for the fall of 2020.

Olivia McDermott, Summer 2019
Olivia McDermott is a fourth year legal studies major, studying at UC Santa Cruz. She will be graduating Spring 2020 and plans to attend law school. Starting out in college, she planned to study Bio, but took a legal processes class and fell in love. Now a research and advocacy intern with the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce, she is focused on learning how important the economic vitality of local business and affairs affect a community. After law school she hopes to practice law in the art and entertainment industry. When not in school studying, she likes to spend time outdoors and travel.

Sarah Husin, Summer 2019
Sarah Husin is a Research and Advocacy Intern at the Santa Cruz County Chamber of Commerce, where she organizes collected data into tables and figures, and prepares summaries of local issues and policies. She has a natural curiosity that drives her to understand the “how” and “why”, an affinity for numbers, and a desire to improve the world around her. An aspiring policy analyst, she plans to combine these attributes to help develop solutions to social problems and influence reform. When she’s not working away, you can find her in various parts of the world indulging in her love of cultural exchange, nature, and food. Sarah will graduate from San Jose State University in May 2020 with a BS degree in Economics.

Noah Boden-Gologorsky, Spring 2019
Noah Boden-Gologorsky is a fourth year student at the University of California, Santa Cruz, currently pursuing a degree in Economics. His educational goals specifically include a focus on behavioral and environmental Economics. After he graduates, Noah intends to apply his skills and knowledge to the world around him in order to make a tangible impact in his community—something his experience at the Chamber has emphasized. When not studying, Noah can almost always be found skiing, and if not, either hiking with friends or working on his car.

David Ngo, Spring 2019
David Ngo is currently a senior at UCSC studying Mathematics Economics. He plans to graduate in Spring 2019 and hopes to enter a Masters program in Economics. As the Chamber’s research and advocacy intern, David has been working to collect data on economic and demographic trends between Santa Cruz, Santa Barbara, and Ventura County in preparation for the 2019 Community Leadership Visit. He has also been helpful in writing reports on important City Council meetings and drafting letters for the Chamber. In the future, David hopes to continue engaging in public policy and economic research.

Scout Coberg, Winter 2019
Scout Coberg is currently a third year at UCSC studying Politics. She is especially interested in economic development and city planning and is excited that interning for the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce has given her the opportunity to research about these issues as they pertain to the Santa Cruz area. After graduating she plans on attending law school. When she’s not working or studying, Scout likes to spend her free time walking on West Cliff and spending time with her friends. 

Matthew Carrillo, Winter 2019
Matt Carrillo is currently a senior at UCSC majoring in Business Management Economics. He has a passion for using his creative skills to assist businesses in crucial decision making.  When he graduates in Spring 2019, he hopes to find a job in marketing with a tech company in Los Angeles, CA. He is grateful for the opportunity to intern at the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce because this position will allow him to gain hands-on experience in his desired field. Matt is looking forward to utilizing the knowledge he learned in the classroom and applying it to real-life situations. When he is not studying he enjoys going on hikes, long beach trips, and traveling with his significant other

Christine Lee, Fall 2018
Christine Lee is a senior at UCSC majoring in Business Management Economics and minoring in Education. She loves to interact and work alongside others which is why she is interested in working in the marketing industry in the near future. She also has a desire to teach someday! She’s thankful to have an internship at the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce because it allows her to deepen her knowledge about this field and she’s able to gain hands-on experience through the variety of responsibilities offered in this internship. When she’s not studying, she is practicing her lettering, playing board games with friends, cooking up new recipes, and reading the Bible. 

Sahithi Narla, Fall 2018
Sahithi Narla is a senior at UCSC majoring in Business Management Economics and Computer Science. With her love for Economics and Computer Science, she is hoping to work in consulting for tech companies some day. When she is not studying, she she enjoys reading and finding new TV shows to watch.

James Goldwyn, Summer 2018
​James Goldwyn is a third-year student at UC Santa Cruz majoring in Legal Studies. His research is focused primarily on the intersection of election politics and economic interests. At the Chamber, he researches methods of coordinating business interests with those of local governments in order to ensure that Santa Cruz County is an enticing place to live and work.  He will be graduating from the UC one year early with plans to pursue a law degree. With a focus on data analytics and its increased role in politics, he hopes to coordinate political campaigns in the near future. Outside of the workplace, he is passionate about sports (particularly cycling), playing saxophone, and is a voracious reader.

Ursula Stauder, Spring & Summer 2018
Ursula Stauder is a senior at UCSC majoring in Economics and Mathematics. She is actively interning at the Chamber and conducting research with staff in the Economics Department. With her love for mathematics, research, and statistical analysis, she is hoping to work in data science for a space program some day. Ursula loves leadership and has been active in student organizations throughout her 4 years of college. When Ursula is not busy with school or extracurriculars, she likes to go on hikes, see live music, and pet dogs. 

Amanda Ketcham, ​Fall 2017​ & Winter 2018
Amanda Ketcham is currently a student at UCSC majoring in Business Management Economics. She has a love for school that is making it possible for her to finish her degree in less than three years. When she is not studying, she enjoys photography and has created her own photography business! She loves going to the beach and spending quality time with her family and friends. She is grateful for the opportunity to intern at the Chamber in order to further her network and help with the Chamber’s events. She hopes to retire early by investing in real estate and pursuing marketing. 

Kun An (Victoria), ​Summer & Fall 2017
Kun An is an international student from China. Her major is business management economics and she hopes to graduate next Fall of her Senior year so that she may then study abroad at Peking University in China. Afterwards, she will apply for an MBA and hopefully remain in America for her career in either finance or marketing.
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Having an opportunity to intern for the Santa Cruz Area Chamber of Commerce is a great starting point because she has received opportunities to attend business meetings and network with many professionals, all of which have given her a vision of what her future career might be. She loves working here but in her free-time she enjoys working out daily at the gym, watching scary thriller movies, and listening to music.

Chelsea Thompson, ​Spring 2017
Chelsea is a student at UCSC majoring in Business Management Economics. After witnessing how much her mom enjoyed her 25 plus years working in the Human Resource department at Kaiser Permanente, she hopes to follow in her footsteps and pursue a career in the same field.  Her desire is to learn more about business administration, and the internship program at the Chamber has been a great starting point. She is passionate about giving back to the community, in her free time she volunteers at the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter as a Tier 2 and Dog Show volunteer.  When not volunteering, you can find her at a local coffee shop with friends! ​

Mireya Avila, ​Spring 2017
As a student intern, Mireya is currently working on research about the Pure Water Soquel project and the possible effects on the Santa Cruz community. She is also helping to implement new social media strategies on many of the Chamber’s social platforms to better engage with local businesses and communities.  
 
She will be graduating this Spring from the University of California, Santa Cruz with a degree in International Politics.  She has studied human rights and cultural memory abroad in Argentina and Chile. During the 2016 election season she spent a quarter in Washington D.C. taking classes and interning with Latino Victory Project. Her experience as an intern in Washington D.C. lead her to pursue her passion for community-based solutions and problem solving. Besides working with the Chamber she also volunteers at the Homeless Services Center.

Josh Ebadi, ​Spring 2017
Josh is a senior at the University of California Santa Cruz, graduating in 2017. He is double majoring in economics and computer science . He has several years experience working in non-profits that help better the community . During free time, he plays sports such as basketball and has been on many teams.

Ilan Zur, ​Spring 2017
Ilan Zur is a senior at UC- Santa Cruz who is graduating in June, 2017, with highest honors in majors of Legal Studies and Sociology. Ilan is a former NCAA basketball player for UC- Santa Cruz, who is very passionate about pursuing a career in public policy and lawmaking, as a means to fight against social and economic inequality. After graduation he will be applying to top law schools in the nation, with the hope of using the legitimacy of a top law degree to pursue political leadership in the state of California.