FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: lppipress@luskin.ucla.edu
UCLA LPPI Announces 2026 Field Fellowship Cohort
LOS ANGELES (July 13, 2026) — The UCLA Latino Policy & Politics Institute (LPPI) is proud to announce the 2026 cohort of its Field Fellowship. This summer leadership program offers students from the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs the opportunity to gain hands-on public policy experience through placements at government offices and community-based organizations across Los Angeles and Southern California.
This year, five students were selected and placed with partner organizations, including members of the California State Legislature and the Los Angeles City Council, as well as grassroots groups such as the Community Coalition and the St. Joseph Center. Each fellow receives a $6,000 stipend and is supervised by an organizational leader to help them build vital skills in leadership, policy, and advocacy.
“LPPI’s Field Fellowship reflects our commitment to preparing the next generation of leaders who want to use policy as a tool for public service,” said LPPI Director Amada Armenta. “By placing Luskin students with our nonprofit partners and government offices, the program gives them the opportunity to apply their skills and draw from their lived experiences to contribute to work that strengthens all communities.”
The 2026 Field Fellows are:
- Kelese Bryant – Master of Social Welfare, placed with the Community Coalition.
- Karen Andrea Estrada Díaz – Master of Social Welfare & Master of Public Policy, placed with California State Assembly District 80.
- Glafira Lopez – Master of Urban and Regional Planning, placed with the LA City Council District 6.
- Gabriella Macias – Master of Public Policy, placed with the St. Joseph Center.
- Skye Isabella Waid Dechant – Master of Public Policy, placed with the St. Joseph Center.
“This fellowship prepares UCLA students to work in partnership with communities and help shape more responsive policy,“ said LPPI Leadership Strategy Manager Belen Flores. “Our field fellows bring the commitment, perspective, and purpose needed to strengthen public service.”
The Field Fellowship is one of several LPPI initiatives aimed at expanding access to policy careers for UCLA students and equipping them with the skills and experiences necessary to lead transformative change.
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About UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute:
The UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute is a non-partisan research institute that seeks to inform, engage, and empower Latinos through innovative research and policy analysis. LPPI aims to promote equitable and inclusive policies that address the needs of the Latino community and advance social justice. latino.ucla.edu.
