Jalen Banks

Originally from Virginia, Jalen graduated from UC Berkeley in 2021 with a major in Political Science and a minor in African American Studies. While at Cal, she served as Co-director of the Black Recruitment and Retention Center, tutored incarcerated students at San Quentin State Prison, performed extensive research on law enforcement conduct through the School of Public Health, and more. Jalen has a strong passion for racial equity and she recognizes that food justice is a crucial part of racial justice.

Field placement: Indigenous Food & Agriculture Initiative

Fayetteville, Arkansas

Policy placement: Kairos Center for Religions, Rights, and Social Justice

Washington, D.C.