Naydin Beltran Garcia - Internal Community Engagement Director
Majors and Minors: Philosophy, Legal Studies, and Public Policy
I am a first-generation, fourth-year student double-majoring in Philosophy and Legal Studies with a minor in Public Policy. I was one of last year’s Break Leaders for the Central Valley trip, and I am excited to continue building and supporting the Alt Breaks community as the Internal Community Engagement Co-Director! My experience as the proud daughter of vineyard workers has motivated my passion for improving accessibility to essential resources for marginalized communities. My career aspirations are to attend law school and become an Immigration Attorney at a non-profit. Outside of the classroom and Alt Breaks, I enjoy volunteering, hiking, reading, going to the gym, and exploring.
Veda Gottumukala - Communications Director
Majors and Minors: Public Health and Ethnic Studies
Hey my name is Veda! I am a third year studying Public Health and Ethnic Studies. I have been involved with Alternative Breaks for 3 years, first as a participant, then as the Public Health trip leader, and now as the communications director. I was born and raised in the Bay, but my family is originally from Hyderabad, a city in South india. In my free time I enjoy fashion and learning about culture, mine and others. A fun fact about me is that I am tri-lingual!
Salvador Leon Gonzalez - Program Development Director
Majors and Minors: Mechanical Engineering
I am a fourth year studying Mechanical Engineering at Cal. I also have interest in geography and the planning of the built environment, specifically as it relates to resource use and health, and transportation. As I was new to the Bay Area before attending Cal, I felt a push to understand and support a cause helping to navigate the necessities of the local community, so I became involved with Alternative Breaks as a member of the San Francisco Economic Justice service trip. I am excited to return to Alternative Breaks as Program Development Director for 2025-26, to help support both my prior trip and the program as a whole.
Ary Sanchez - Finance Director
Majors and Minors: Economics and Public Policy
Hi everyone, my name is Ary Sanchez! I am a third-year studying Economics with a minor in Public Policy. I was raised in the Central Valley in a small town next to Yosemite. In my free time, I love going to concerts, watching Reality TV, and YouTube. San Francisco is my favorite city and I love exploring new food and matcha spots, and spending my day in Japantown!
Cindy Cisneros - External Community Engagement Director
Majors and Minors: Sociology and Data science
Hi! I’m a Community Engagement Director with Alternative Breaks at UC Berkeley. In this role, I work to strengthen our relationships with community partners through service events, workshops, and ongoing collaboration. I’m passionate about building community and creating spaces where students can engage deeply with social justice issues not just during service week, but throughout the year. My focus is on centering solidarity over charity and ensuring our work is grounded in mutual respect and shared goals. This year, I’m excited to help organize events that connect the campus and broader community, while also supporting Break Leaders in their own growth. Outside of Alt Breaks, I love exploring the Bay, finding new cafés, and learning more about grassroots organizing.
Jessica Lin-Tupas - Community Partnerships Director
Majors and Minors: Urban Studies BA, and Global Poverty and Practice
Hi y’all! I’m Jessica (she/her), an incoming senior majoring in Urban Studies with a minor in Global Poverty and Practice. Last year, I had the joy of serving as a Break Leader for the Economic Justice trip in San Francisco, and this year I’m excited to return as the Community Partnerships Director!
Alternative Breaks has been such a meaningful community for me—a place where I’ve been able to dive into tough conversations, expand my worldview, and imagine new possibilities for change. My time as a Break Leader was both grounding and inspiring, and it solidified my passion for pursuing community development in underinvested communities.
As Community Partnerships Director, I’m looking forward to building strong, trusting relationships with our Community Partners and supporting students as they engage in impactful public service experiences. I can’t wait for another year of learning, growth, and community!
