John Bui, President
YEAR: 3rd, Undergraduate
MAJOR: Integrative Biology
SERVICE PASSIONS: Education, Children, International Projects (like EndPolioNow and ShelterBox)
HOBBIES: Playing piano, swimming, hanging out with friends, playing card and board games of all sorts, Rubik’s cube puzzles, hiking, exploring new eateries, watching TV shows and movies, and so much more.
FAVORITE PLACE AT CAL: Botanical Gardens
CONTACT: [email protected] OR [email protected]
ABOUT ME: Hello everyone! I’m excited to be your president for the upcoming semester! I was first exposed to Rotary through Interact in high school and it opened myself up to the world around me as I participated in hosting charity dinners and shows to fundraise for international projects, such as Hydraid and ShelterBox. Through being a fellowship director, I met so many people with very passionate goals and it is amazing to see the impact such a small group of people can make. I was immediately hooked and what can I say? It has been an incredible journey. I am an enthusiastic and friendly person, who loves doing everything from competitive card-game playing to walks down the beach and I look forward to meeting all of you this semester!
Robynne Lindsey, VP of Internal
YEAR: 4th, Undergraduate
MAJOR: Political Science and Anthropology
SERVICE PASSIONS: Mental health advocacy and the environment
HOBBIES: I love to do the Dora and explora the world, I like to read books, go to museums,
and listen to lovely sounds but mostly I like to waddle around and make friends.
FAVORITE PLACE AT CAL: The somewhat excluded bench behind GPB
CONTACT: [email protected]
ABOUT ME: Hello friends. I am going into my last year here at Cal and I could not feel more blessed for the previous years and for what is in store this year. Although I do not know what the professional future holds for me, I cannot wait to get started on service projects and family bonding with my Rotaract family. Rotaract is near and dear to my heart and seeing it grow and touch so many people at Cal for the past three years has been truly special.
Natalie Cowan, VP of Marketing
YEAR: 3rd, Undergraduate
MAJOR: Sociology/Media Studies
SERVICE PASSIONS: Hands-on work outdoors, volunteering with children, international aid projects (LN-4/WaPI)
HOBBIES: Drawing, going on food adventures, painting my nails, frolicking
FAVORITE PLACE AT CAL: Morrison Room
CONTACT: [email protected]
ABOUT ME: Hello, friends! I’m Natalie, this year’s Design Director and VP of Marketing. I’m excited to continue my work with Cal Rotaract designing posters and helping spread the word about our wonderful service opportunities and socials with my trusty team of Marketing masterminds. I started my service with Rotaract my first semester at Cal, joining the International Committee and finding a community of passionate people dedicated to service and fun! I hope to spread more Rotaract cheer throughout our community while making new friends and adventuring with old ones!
Marina Liang, Co-VP of Service
YEAR: 4th, Undergraduate
MAJOR: Business Administration and Psychology
SERVICE PASSIONS: I come from a very science-influenced family so I care strongly for environmental protection and ecological sustainability. Additionally, I have a soft spot for children, especially those that are underprivileged, disabled or handicap. I feel it’s important for us to help provide them with opportunities and assist them whether it be financially or academically.
HOBBIES: I am pretty much open-minded to try anything new, but my current hobbies include: drawing, baking, making jewelry, reading, dancing, kayaking, and writing.
FAVORITE PLACE AT CAL:This is a difficult question. I want to say the UC Botanical Gardens or the Lawrence Hall of Science because I love science and nature, but I actually have yet to go to either (I’ve only seen pictures, sadly). Hopefully that will change this semester!
CONTACT: Get to know me! Feel free to add me on Facebook for personal inquiries, or LinkedIn for any professional inquiries. Alternately, if you have any comments or suggestions regarding community service, please email me: [email protected]
ABOUT ME: Hi everyone! A little bit about my background: I am from Hacienda Heights, in Los Angeles, California. I moved around quite a bit growing up, having lived in Ohio for a few years before moving back to California. My ethnic background is very diverse, but in high school I picked up Mandarin Chinese as my second language, and I can read it, speak it, and understand it pretty well. I love music, art, and nature, and I’m always up for an adventure! I am very outgoing and love meeting new people, so don’t be shy! I make god-awful puns (they say puns are the highest form of literature!) and I love to laugh. I’m looking forward to another great semester with y’all!
Chris Yee, Co-VP of Service
YEAR: 4th, Undergraduate
MAJOR: Integrative Biology
SERVICE PASSIONS: My main passion is working with children but honestly, I love anything to do with service! I love helping others and I will help them any way I can.
HOBBIES: Basketball, video games, reading, eating, and hanging out with friends! 😀
FAVORITE PLACE AT CAL: The RSF
CONTACT: [email protected]
ABOUT ME: Hey, what’s up? My name is Chris and I am currently co-Vice President of Service! I joined Rotaract in the Spring of 2011 because I wanted to make a difference and I ended up making so many friends along the way! I am excited for this year and I am sure it will be a great one with everyone’s help! I hope to make this year even better than the previous! Outside of Rotaract and school, I spend most of my time either playing or watching basketball! Go Sacramento Kings! But yes, I am most likely either at the RSF or hanging out with friends when I have free time. If you see me on campus, don’t be shy and feel free to say hi to me! I love to meet new people and I am very friendly.
Brian C Ly, VP of Social Affairs
YEAR: 3rd, Undergraduate
MAJOR: Business Administration and Japanese
SERVICE PASSIONS: Disaster relief, environmental projects, water safety, children!
HOBBIES: Photography, anime, food, concerts, vinyl records, driving, taking 20+ units
FAVORITE PLACE AT CAL: Dwinelle Hall, North Wing, Floor C, Men’s Restroom, First Stall on the Right
CONTACT: [email protected]
ABOUT ME: Hi y’all! My name is Brian C Ly (the C doesn’t stand for anything), and I’ll be serving as your Vice President of Social Affairs, so feel free to approach me and get social! I’ve been involved in Interact all of high school, so this marks my seventh year with Rotary International. While my origins lie in local service working as a commissioner in my high school Interact Club, I’ve developed an interest in supporting international projects as a Rotaractor. While I’m not out and about serving the community, you could find me exploring eateries around the city, chilling in my room, taking photos at concerts, or collecting vinyl records. Rotaract has been both my support system and my family here at Cal, so I’m looking forward to meeting you all!
Chris Kim, Secretary
YEAR: 2nd, Undergraduate
MAJOR: Business
SERVICE PASSIONS: Education related projects
HOBBIES: Pokemon, reading, tennis
FAVORITE PLACE AT CAL:Golden Bear Cafe
CONTACT: [email protected] or add on Facebook
ABOUT ME: Hello world! My name is Chris “Hello Kitty” Kim (it’s a long story) and I am very excited to serve as your secretary for the 2013 year! Rotary has always been a big part of my life from Interact to RYLA to representing my wonderful Area 3 in Interact District 5170, and I am very happy to be able to continue working with this great organization through Rotaract! I’m looking forward to Rotaracting with all of you this semester!
Tim Wang, Treasurer
YEAR: 3rd, Undergraduate
MAJOR: Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science
SERVICE PASSIONS: Anything and everything Rotaract offers, but in particular, WAPI’s and LN-4’s. And clean-ups with amazing views!
HOBBIES: Copying random fonts, anything with numbers, singing when nobody’s around, sleeping, spending more time than I should with friends, making dumb memes, occasional trolling, making bad puns and maybe some redeeming ones
FAVORITE PLACE AT CAL: As much as I love amazing views and cuisines, home is where the heart is, so technically my favorite place at Cal would be my apartment. Sleeping and friends FTW!
CONTACT: [email protected]
ABOUT ME: Hello everyone! My name is Tim and I will be the Treasurer for Cal Rotaract for 2013! I joined Rotaract because I like to make friends and help out the community. Little did I know, Rotaract had so much more to offer! I have never had so much fun doing service; spending time with all of you Rotaractors is always a great time! I will do my best to be at all the events, so if you see me, feel free to come chat with me (especially if you have a good pun…or a bad pun). I look forward to meeting and bonding with you all!
Julie Nguyen, Membership Coordinator
YEAR: 4th, Undergraduate
MAJOR: Public Health
SERVICE PASSIONS:My service passions lie in education and serving the underserved populations.
HOBBIES: I enjoy playing sports and doing other outdoor activities. You will also catch me randomly mumbling song lyrics or dancing. 😀
FAVORITE PLACE AT CAL: Big C or Lawrence Hall of Science 🙂
CONTACT: [email protected]
ABOUT ME: Hello! 😀 I’m Julie and I am your membership coordinator. I’m a fourth year here at Cal and joined Rotaract my sophomore year. I joined because I missed doing community service. Upon joining Rotaract, I absolutely loved how welcoming and kind other members and officers were. When I’m not doing Rotaract related things, you would most likely find me walking around with a boba in hand. Aside from boba, I like to learn how to dance and learn different choreographies, so you might see me dancing. I love meeting new people, so if you happen to see me walking or sitting around, come up to me and say hi!! 😀
Prerak Juthani, Impact Chair
YEAR: 2nd, Undergraduate
MAJOR: Molecular Cell Biology
SERVICE PASSIONS: Practically any event that helps me directly benefit my environment J (creek clean-ups, soup kitchens, “Go Green” initiatives, etc.)
HOBBIES: Spending time with my family, hanging out with friends, helping others, learning new things, and playing basketball.
FAVORITE PLACE AT CAL: Every place! (too hard to just pick one!)
CONTACT: [email protected]
ABOUT ME: Hello everyone! My name is Prerak Juthani, and I am the Impact Chair for Cal Rotaract! As Impact Chair, I take feedback from our current Rotaractors and implement it in order to make our club even more enjoyable. Impact is a fairly new position (only the second year!), and I have been doing all I can to shapes its duties and responsibilities. The unique aspect of Impact is that it gives me the opportunity to heavily interact with members like you! So, if you ever see me around, feel free to say hi and tell me about your personal Rotaract experience; I’m always happy to listen 🙂
Personally, service has always been a big part of my life, and I feel blessed to live in a community that provides me with the resources I need to succeed. I enjoy doing service because it not only permits me to meet new people, but also assists me in bettering my community! Throughout high school, I was actively involved in Interact and that motivated me to join Rotaract last year. Since then, Rotaract has become a big part of my life; the people here are amazing, and the service events are indescribable. My involvement in the club helped me acclimate to the college environment and build lasting friendships. This upcoming semester, I hope to make your experience as great as mine (possibly even better!), and show you how REMARKABLE Rotaract truly is. ^___^
Aleksandrina Stoyanova, Webmaster
YEAR: 2nd, Undergraduate
MAJOR: Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
SERVICE PASSIONS: Big international projects with people: End Polio Now, Shelter Box, Buy and donate, E-luminate, WAPIs and small local projects: clean-ups, UC Green Day
HOBBIES: Sightseeing, exploring new places and activities, hanging out with friends, swimming, singing, dancing, being artsy: painting and decorating my nails, making handmade jewelry and etc.!
FAVORITE PLACE AT CAL: All places that have a great view: Lawrence Hall of Science, Big C, Campanile, Berkeley Marina and many others I want to see and explore.
CONTACT: [email protected]
ABOUT ME: Hello everyone! My name is Aleksandrina Stoyanova, but everyone calls me Allie. I am second year EECS major and an international student coming from Bulgaria:D I have been involved with Rotaract since 2010. The last two years in High School I was VP of my hometown Rotaract club. Naturally, last Fall semester I joined Cal Rotaract and I not only felt the Rotary spirit, but I also felt as though I had found a new family and a new home. This semester will be my first semester as an officer and I am really excited to meet everyone, to get to know all of you and to join together in community service! Yey! 🙂
Maddie McClure, Outreach Director
YEAR: 3rd, Undergraduate
MAJOR: Integrative Biology and Modern Dance Minor
SERVICE PASSIONS: Local projects where I get to work directly with local people
HOBBIES: Dancing, card-playing, acting, being spirited
FAVORITE PLACE AT CAL: The eucalyptus grove on the West Side of Campus!
CONTACT: [email protected]
ABOUT ME: Hi everyone!! My name is Maddie and I am extremely excited about being the Cal Rotaract Outreach Chair this year! I have been involved in Rotary since I was a junior in high school, and have loved every moment of my experience. I am stoked to have been given the opportunity to OUTREACH to all of you! Rotary has only been an amazingly positive influence in my life, and I want to share the Rotararian love with you! Please feel free to come up to me talk to me about anything (club collaboration, restaurant recommendations, life etc!); I am always here to listen. Have an awesome day, and GO BEARS!
Olivia Tang-Kong, Historian
YEAR: 2nd, Undergraduate
MAJOR: Intended Business Administration and Media Studies
SERVICE PASSIONS: Environmental projects, projects which impact the local community
HOBBIES: Going on photography adventures, drinking excessive amounts of milk tea, watching indie movies, library hopping, and crafting the perfect Spotify playlist
FAVORITE PLACE AT CAL: Sitting on the edge of the Hearst Mining Circle reflecting pool
CONTACT: [email protected]
ABOUT ME: Hello! My name is Olivia, and I am excited to be your Historian for this semester. I was an active member of Interact for all four years of high school, so naturally I joined Rotaract the minute I stepped onto the Berkeley campus. Rotaract quickly became my home away from home, so I hope to foster the same feeling as an officer! Feel free to come up and say hi; I love to talk about anything and will laugh at all your jokes. You can easily spot me – I’m the girl with the camera strapped around her neck! Outside of Rotaract, you’ll probably find me in Doe Library (never doing work… I’m always on Facebook!) or drinking almond milk tea.
Vincent La, Local Committee Co-Chair
YEAR: 3rd, Undergraduate
MAJOR: Public Health (Pre-Med)
SERVICE PASSIONS: I really enjoy organizing events for students to come together and unite over a cause to help out the community. To me, it is our duty as members of the community to give back and to be selfless because the community helps us in many ways we take for granted. Volunteers you work with also have this mindset and it’s great to bond with those who share that same common mindset to be selfless.
HOBBIES: Outside of Cal Rotaract, I have a different life also! I am somewhat a photographer and videographer. I take food pictures, car pictures, music videos, and anything really. Ask me about my work! I would love to share it with you in person or online. When I feel dangerous, I love to longboard and snowboard. I’m not very good at either, but they feed my adrenaline needs.
FAVORITE PLACE AT CAL:Everyone has a favorite place at Cal. Some enjoy the tranquil East Asian library on the bottom floor, others enjoy rolling down Faculty Glade (4.0 Hill), but nothing beats the Memorial Glade on a nice warm sunny day. I like to throw a Frisbee around with friends or lay in the sun and eat my meals. If you catch me on the Glade, be sure to wave and say hi to me!
CONTACT: [email protected]
ABOUT ME: I’m an open-minded fella, so don’t be afraid to show me new things! That’s why I enjoy photography and snowboarding today. And don’t forget new foods! If you’re part of my Local Committee, I try to implement new food places after service that rock your taste buds.
I don’t bite, so come say hi! Grab a bite with me or study with me if you want. See you soon!
Margaret Shyu, Local Committee Co-Chair
YEAR: 3rd, Undergraduate
MAJOR: Molecular Cell Biology, Economics
SERVICE PASSIONS: Any hands-on projects (but especially ones related to education, homelessness, and fulfilling specific community needs)
HOBBIES: Long distance running, exploring restaurants, board & card games, thrift shopping, reading
FAVORITE PLACE AT CAL: Indian Rock at sunset with a nice breeze
CONTACT: [email protected] OR [email protected]
ABOUT ME: I’m crazy and I laugh so hard that I start crying. That being said, I’m extremely friendly and enthusiastic. I love meeting new people and will always be free for a chat. I’ve been in Rotaract since Fall 2011, so this will be my FIFTH semester in the club. I’m always on the lookout for food buddies (I even have my own food blog) and/or running buddies. I am also a health nut, so if you want good, pure food, then cook/eat with me! I’m very accepting of criticism/advice, so let me know your thoughts so I can be a better LOCO chair for you. Vincent La is my wonderful co-chair so check us out!
Camille Mellet, International Committee Co-Chair
YEAR: 3rd, Undergraduate
MAJOR: Integrative Biology
SERVICE PASSIONS: Hands-on projects (like WAPIs) and pretty much anything that involves health/education
HOBBIES: Eating, hiking, photography, reading, traveling
FAVORITE PLACE AT CAL: North Reading Room
CONTACT: [email protected]
ABOUT ME: Hi, I’m Camille! I first joined Rotaract in Spring 2011, so this will be my third semester in the club. I enjoy food a lot (fun fact: my dad is a pastry chef. I may end up being morbidly obese when I’m older) and languages (I lived in France when I was younger, and speak French and Spanish). I’m really looking forward to serving as International Committee co-chair a second semester, and if you have any service project ideas or just want to go on foodie/hiking adventures, please don’t hesitate to come say hi!
Sophie Li, International Committee Co-Chair
YEAR: 2nd, Undergraduate
MAJOR: Molecular Cell Biology (Immunology) and Public Health
SERVICE PASSIONS: Anything that tackles issues involving global health, education, or both (like school-feeding programs!)
HOBBIES: Cooking, baking, listening to music, watching TV and movies, people-watching, reading, and trying all of the cute little eateries in Berkeley!
FAVORITE PLACE AT CAL: I’m not sure what it’s called, but there’s a place just to the west of the Campanile where you can look out between South Hall and Bancroft Library and see all the way to the Golden Gate Bridge when skies are clear. It takes my breath away every time, and I can’t help but pause to appreciate the view on my way to class.
CONTACT: [email protected]
ABOUT ME: Cal Rotaract was the first organization I joined when I got to Berkeley, and I couldn’t have made a better choice. Last semester, I had the wonderful opportunity to lead International Committee with my co-chair Camille. I was so impressed with how much we were able to accomplish in one short semester, and we couldn’t have done any of it without the incredible passion that drives Rotaract members. Now, I’m delighted to return to the position and accomplish even more this fall semester! Please feel free to come up and introduce yourself, suggest project ideas, or even just chat. I’m excited to meet everyone and see what an incredible impact we can have together on our global community!
Danielle McGuinness, Fellowship Co-Chair
YEAR: 2nd, Undergraduate
MAJOR: Intended Integrative Biology
SERVICE PASSIONS: Anything and everything hands-on and interactive in the local community—soup kitchens, beautification and clean up, working with kids, fundraising.
HOBBIES: Food adventures, people-watching, singing… a lot, cheering for my Giants at AT&T Park, dim sum, Zumba, Instagram (it’s kind of an unhealthy addiction), running, hiking
FAVORITE PLACE AT CAL: I love studying and having some alone time the little courtyard at North Gate. It’s cozy, there are pretty flowers, and no one’s ever there!
CONTACT: [email protected]
ABOUT ME: Hello hello! I’m Danielle, and this is my second semester as your co-fellowship chair alongside Steven (the guy with the bad jokes). After a fantastic, often tumultuous, and eye-opening freshman year, I’m excited for my second year at Cal and all that this semester will bring for Cal Rotaract! Rotaract has come to be my family in this huge school, and I want nothing but to make this family stronger and closer than ever. I hope to continue to bring together the best of service and fellowship through various socials and the end-of-semester banquet, and would love to hear any suggestions or comments you may have. Aside from service (apparently there is life outside of Rotaract?!), I love pugs, tea, making music, aimlessly wandering and adventuring, ugly face contests, and generally embarrassing myself in public… so if you enjoy any of those things, come say hi and be my friend!
Steven Ryoo, Fellowship Co-Chair
YEAR: 3rd, Undergraduate
MAJOR: Integrative Biology
SERVICE PASSIONS: Hands on projects, education and international projects
HOBBIES: Playing/watching football (GO PATRIOTS), snowboarding, watching movies, hanging out with friends, playing board games, eating, sleeping, trying new things, and meeting new people!
FAVORITE PLACE AT CAL: Memorial Stadium
CONTACT: [email protected]
ABOUT ME: I’m Steven and I am one of your Co-Fellowship Directors this year along with Danielle! I was born in South Korea and moved to America before Pre-School. I currently live in Pleasanton, and I am a pre-dental student, so make sure to smile! I fell in love with Rotaract last year and could not be more proud to represent you all as an officer. I am so excited to plan fun events and activities for everyone to get to know each other! Danielle and I will try our best to make banquet enjoyable and memorable. I am very approachable and interested in all of your opinions so if you have any suggestions for socials or banquets this next semester, let me know!
Amber Gonzales-Vargas, Family Co-Chair
YEAR: 4th, Undergraduate
MAJOR: Political Economy and French
SERVICE PASSIONS: Education, international projects and serving underrepresented communities.
HOBBIES: I love to sing, dance, learn new languages and talk. I enjoy hiking and really any type of outdoor adventure. Finally, I enjoy baking for others (especially during the holiday season), traveling, and spontaneous adventures.
FAVORITE PLACE AT CAL: My favorite place at Cal is definitely Upper Sproul. It can get pretty hectic, but I love the hustle and bustle of the various student organizations. Plus, when I walk on Upper Sproul I know that I can always run into many of my friends.
CONTACT: [email protected]
ABOUT ME: Hiya! I am a senior at Cal who is passionate about world affairs, social justice, leadership development and learning . During the fall 2013 semester I am going to be your Family Coordinator and I am excited to foster the relationships and friendships that are made within our organization. Meeting new people always makes me happy and I am excited to get to know all of you so feel free to come up to me and say hi!
Lawrence Vo, Rotary Liaison
YEAR: 2nd, Undergraduate
MAJOR: Business Administration
SERVICE PASSIONS: Large-Scale International Projects
HOBBIES: eating, tennis, late night adventures
FAVORITE PLACE AT CAL: not class
CONTACT: [email protected]
ABOUT ME: Hello! My name is Lawrence Vo and I will be serving as your Liaison for the 2013 year! This is my second year in Cal Rotaract and my third with the Rotary family. I’ve been volunteering every since 7th grade and I’ve loved it since. Anyways, I’m always down to hang out and go on some crazy adventure so don’t be afraid to hit me up!