Evelyn Mata Hernandez was born in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. When she was just four months old, her parents brought her to the United States in search of a better life. Evelyn's interest in law sparked during her parents' divorce when she was in middle school. As a witness for her mother during courtroom visits, she began to envision a future advocating for domestic violence survivors like her mother. As Evelyn's passion for law grew, she attended an Intensive Law and Trial program, solidifying her commitment to pursuing law school and eventually becoming an attorney. Now, as an undergraduate student at the University of California, Berkeley, Evelyn studies psychology and public policy with the goal of attending law school after graduation. At UC Berkeley, Evelyn is involved in a myriad of activities, from an organizer to a founding president, she always immerses herself in extracurriculars that allow her to give back to the community. 

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In addition to her campus involvement, Evelyn has gained invaluable professional experience as both an employee and an entrepreneur. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she founded her own crafts business, customizing coffee tumblers amongst other items. After realizing her ability to successfully begin a business, Evelyn also realized her aspiration to own a law firm one day. While managing her business, she also worked as a receptionist at a nail salon, honing her bilingual skills and passion for client-facing work in a fast-paced environment. At UC Berkeley, Evelyn interned at Bay Area Legal Aid and the Bay Area Community Law Center, where her passion for law continued to grow.

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As a DreamSF Fellow, Evelyn is placed at La Raza Centro Legal, where she will gain professional experience in the workers’ rights law sector as a paralegal. She will conduct legal research, prepare documents for clients, and conduct intake consultations amongst other client-facing responsibilities.

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When Evelyn isn't busy with school or extracurricular activities, she enjoys reading thrillers, playing tennis, and going to the gym. She practices self-care by putting on a face mask, drinking green tea, and journaling to unwind after a long day.