DIRECTOR OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS

Hi! My name is Charlotte Shi, and I’m a junior majoring in Microbial Biology. I first joined VHIO in my freshman year with the Japanese department and later became part of the Chinese department in my sophomore year. I love VHIO because I believe everyone deserves compassionate and equal access to healthcare, and I find joy in walking alongside patients and families, offering both information and cultural understanding. In my free time, I volunteer as an EMT and work as a labor coach, experiences that allow me to continue supporting people during important and vulnerable moments.

DIRECTOR OF INTERNAL AFFAIRS

Hi, I’m Rachel! I’m a fourth-year Microbial Biology major. I first joined VHIO as a freshman, drawn by its mission to bridge language and cultural barriers in healthcare access for LEP populations. Over the years, I've been lucky to meet an amazing group of people who share my passion for supporting these communities. Through my involvement, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the challenges these communities face, which has fueled my desire to make a greater impact. Outside of VHIO, I love spending time with friends, baking, and working on little arts and crafts projects. If you ever want to chat, don’t hesitate to reach out. 😀

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONAL AFFAIRS

Hello! My name is Frances Melendres, a 4th year studying biology on the pre-med track. I'm from Sacramento so I grew up in a culturally rich and diverse environment, which ultimately inspired me to join! For my third and final year in VHIO, I'm grateful to be serving as the operations director. From my perspective, the big picture I'm now able to see is how different yet equally driven students come together to serve the greater community and break language barriers in healthcare. Outside of VHIO, I love being spontaneous with friends—mainly trying out new dessert places in Berkeley and playing/filming IM sports (basketball and soccer)! I also enjoy challenging myself to be exposed to, learn, and practice other languages like Spanish, Russian, Korean, Mandarin, and Japanese.

CHINESE DEPARTMENT COORDINATOR & OUTREACH COORDINATOR

Hi I'm Lucy!! I'm a 2nd year majoring in MCB BBS and I'm from Los Angeles, CA. I joined VHIO as a freshman since I'd done ad hoc interpreting in high school, after noticing a lack of Mandarin speakers in my hospital volunteering. Now it's one of my favorite communities on campus! Outside of VHIO and classes, I play volleyball, learn Chinese traditional dance, cook, read, and try every new cafe and noodle place in a 5 mile radius :3

CHINESE DEPARTMENT COORDINATOR

Hello everyone! My name is Zijian, and I'm a third-year year majoring in MCB. I joined VHIO as a Freshman. I love this club with everything I have because of the amazing people I have met. This club also has an empowering mission that I resonated with in my journey here in Berkeley. I strongly recommend anyone who has a passion for our type of volunteering work to apply. I like to hoop and browse through assortments of video games in my free time.

SPANISH DEPARTMENT COORDINATOR

Hello! My name is Ana Sofia, and I am a third year majoring in Public Health. I am from Newman, California, but my roots lie in Nayarit, Mexico. I joined VHIO as a Sophmore because I understand firsthand how difficult it can be to navigate life in the United States, especially healthcare, as part of the LEP community. Growing up with parents who faced language barriers, I witnessed the crucial role interpreters play in ensuring equal treatment and understanding. Through VHIO, I’ve been able to use my biliteracy to help break down these barriers in the Latino community and ensure that individuals are not taken advantage of because of their limited English proficiency. Aside from academics, I enjoy dancing, cooking, and watching movies!

SPANISH DEPARTMENT COORDINATOR

VIETNAMESE DEPARTMENT COODRINATOR

Xin chào, xin chào! I am Alyssa and I am a 4th year Chemical Biology major. I joined this club as a Junior in order to work with a community of students who are passionate about reducing language barriers. Despite the late-night hours spent coming to the Decal class and attending meetings, I had a fantastic time bonding with peers from various language backgrounds. It’s very stress-relieving, fun and empowering to contribute to the efforts of the wonderful VHIO community. This year, I am excited to be leading the Vietnamese Department both as its Coordinator and Language Coach. Aside from club academics, I like to play badminton, watch Kdramas, and go on hikes, either along the beach or places with pretty flowers.

VIETNAMESE DEPARTMENT COORDINATOR

Xin chào! My name is Khanh and I'm currently a third year studying Bioengineering. I joined VHIO in my freshman year of college. I am incredibly thankful for VHIO as this community has given me some of my closest friends. I love how diverse VHIO is, including ethnically, culturally, academic backgrounds, first-generation status, etc. I also appreciate how everyone comes together to work towards the same goal of bridging the language gap between the LEP community and healthcare. Outside of school, I love dancing to music, cooking, and learning the guitar!

KOREAN DEPARTMENT COORDINATOR

Hello! I'm Eunbi, a second-year studying MCB and minoring in Data Science. Having joined VHIO since freshman year, I truly love the community, values, and mission this club holds. I feel that the service, outreach, and unforgettable memories I’ve been able to be part of through this club are truly making a positive impact, and I am grateful to serve as the Korean Department Coordinator this year. Outside of academics, I love urban and nature hiking in SF, drawing, and trying new things! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!

KOREAN DEPARTMENT COORDINATOR

Hi everyone ! I'm a 3rd year majoring in microbial biology and data science. I joined VHIO last year and really loved meeting new people from it. I enjoy collecting smiksi's, making matcha, and playing tft 🙂

TAGALOG DEPARTMENT COORDINATOR & LANGUAGE COORDINATOR

Hi everyone! My name is Avigail (Avi) Remias! I'm a 3rd year and studying Integrative Biology! I joined my freshman year because I was passionate about bridging the language and cultural gap! I saw my grandparents in the LEP community and wanted to pay their care forward. Through my time as Publicity Coordinator last academic year, I've had the privilege to grow closer to other VHIO members and officers. In my free time, I also love baking, reading, hiking, swimming, and cafe hopping! If you need a matcha recommendation near you, feel free to ask 🍵!

TAGALOG DEPARTMENT COORDINATOR

Hi! I’m Paula, a third-year Bioengineering major. I joined VHIO during my sophomore year because I’ve seen how language barriers can get in the way of people receiving the care they deserve. Especially having grown up in the Philippines, I’ve come to appreciate how much language and culture influence the way people experience healthcare. VHIO has also been a great way for me to stay connected to the Filipino community and give back in a meaningful way. In my free time, you’ll probably find me soaking up the sun outdoors or tinkering with music and design projects. Always down for a jam session or a hike!

JAPANESE DEPARTMENT COORDINATOR

Hello! My name is Arata Ishikawa, a 3rd year studying Engineering Physics. I'm originally from Japan (Fukuoka) and San Jose. This would be my second year with VHIO and I'm excited to contribute to this organization and meet more people! I love the tight-knit community here and VHIO's mission to make healthcare more accessible! In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer/basketball/running, eating, and studying. Feel free to reach out for any questions, (or you can check out my website at https://arataishikawa11.github.io/)!

JAPANESE DEPARTMENT COORDINATOR

Hi! My name is Reina, and I am a sophomore studying Neuroscience. I lived in Japan from 0 to 6 years old, and have lived in the Bay Area ever since. I joined VHIO in my freshman year, interested in finding a place that connects my Japanese background to my interest in the medical field. I love working with our officer team, and love the mission we share! Outside of academic interests, I like watching movies and sunsets, rock climbing, playing volleyball, cafe hopping, hanging out with friends, and finding good food! Please feel free to reach out with any questions, or if you just want to chat!

HINDI-URDU DEPARTMENT COORDINATOR

Hi! I’m Sia, and I’m a second year studying Molecular and Cell Biology. I joined VHIO my first year at Berkeley because I was really interested in the work VHIO does for the LEP community. Growing up primarily in the Bay Area, I’ve noticed how the diversity of our community may sometimes cause language barriers especially in the healthcare setting. I am very grateful to be a part of VHIO and contribute to equitable healthcare! In my free time, I enjoy trying new cafes, baking, and making new playlists.

HINDI/URDU DEPARTMENT COORDINATOR

Hi!! I’m Zaya, a third-year studying Economics and Media Studies. I joined VHIO last year because I grew up translating for my family, and I know how tough language barriers can be, which is why I connected with VHIO’s mission. In my free time, I love reading and music/going to concerts!!!

EDUCATION COORDINATOR

Hello! I'm Lauren, a second year studying MCB and Public Health. I joined VHIO in freshman year after I received a flyer from tabling on Cal day! I fell in love with the concept that I can apply my skills in language learning to making a difference in healthcare. Connecting with other VHIO members expanded my cultural awareness and I also made many life-long friends. In my free time, I love to cook, read, and play animal crossing. Feel free to reach out to me for any questions or if you just need a buddy to talk to!

EDUCATION COORDINATOR

Hi! My name is Steven, and I am a Junior studying Microbial Biology. This is my third year in VHIO, and I am so glad to have joined this wonderful community of passionate individuals to help alleviate the challenges that the LEP population faces in the healthcare setting. Outside of the professional perspective, I have made amazing friends through VHIO with many shared interests and aspirations. During my free time, I like to work out, play sports, discover new food spots, and sing. Don't hesitate to reach out, and I can't wait to meet you all!

SOCIALS COORDINATOR

Hii! My name is Kiana and I'm a fourth year studying IB. I'm from Hong Kong and grew up in the Bay Area. I've always been passionate about volunteering and breaking language barriers, and VHIO provides the perfect opportunity to do that. I joined VHIO as a junior not only give back to my community, but to also reconnect with my language and to meet new people! Being a part of VHIO has definitely been very rewarding and welcoming, I'm grateful for the supportive environment VHIO has provided and the memories along with it. I love cats, eating (big foodie), cafe hopping, hanging out with my friends, and planning trips! Feel free reach out if you have any questions or want to talk about anything in general! 🙂

LANGUAGE COORDINATOR

Hi! I'm Wendy, a third-year studying Nutrition and Public Health. I joined VHIO during my sophomore year with hopes to make an impact on the LEP community. Growing up in San Francisco, I recognized the language barriers to healthcare in my community, and VHIO was the perfect place to put my language skills to use. Through VHIO, I've been able to meet so many amazing people that share the same passion for helping the LEP community. In my free time, I enjoy making various arts and crafts, watching dramas, and singing.

WORKSHOPS COORDINATOR

Hi! My name is Justin, and I am a sophomore studying Molecular and Cell Biology and Economics. This is my second year in VHIO and I am so glad to have joined this wonderful community of passionate individuals to help alleviate the challenges that the LEP population faces in the healthcare setting. Being from the Bay, helping interpret for the Canto community resonates deeply with me. I love playing sports, gaming, watching movies/tv shows, adventuring around and trying new foods!

WORKSHOP COORDINATOR

Hi! My name is Tramia, and I am a third-year student studying microbiology. I joined VHIO in my sophomore year. VHIO has a great community that makes me feel culturally connected to my roots, and I love being able to volunteer with my closest friends and help the community. In my free time, I really like working out and cafe hopping (trying new matcha spots)!

FINANCE COORDINATOR

Hi everyone! My name is Sarah, and I'm a junior studying Data Science. I joined VHIO my freshman year because I believed in its mission to make healthcare more accessible to communities facing language barriers, but I stayed because of the amazing community and all the wonderful friends I was able to find within this club. Apart from VHIO, in my free time I like to read books, try out new recipes, do the NYT daily mini games, and attend classical music concerts!

PUBLICITY COORDINATOR

Hi everyone! My name is Jesseca, a senior studying Sociology, minoring in Health and Wellness. I first joined VHIO my sophomore year of college in 2023 under the Vietnamese Department, excited to use language to break healthcare barriers! I believe that sharing knowledge about wellness is important and giving back to the community. This year, I will serve as your Publicity Coordinator along with Monica! In my free time, I enjoy dancing, exploring nature, the gym, spending time with friends, and trying new foods! Would love to connect!

PUBLICITY COORDINATOR

Hi everyone! My name is Monica and I am a sophomore from San Diego studying neuroscience. I joined VHIO my freshman year because I wanted to use my language skills to help the LEP community and I have met the most amazing people from this club. In my free time, I love going to the beach, cafe hopping, cooking, and more! Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any food recommendations or places you want to try!

With special thanks to

Dr. Winston Tseng, DECAL FACULTY SPONSOR

Read about last year's officers here.