Meet the Mentors
YWCA Girls Group Mentoring Program Mentors
Haarika Kathi
I’m Haarika and I’m a senior at UC Berkeley. My majors are Art Practice and Molecular Cell Biology. Outside of class, I am part of a research lab investigating gene editing technologies; I’m also passionate about the intersections between art and science, such as art therapy. In my downtime, I love hiking, painting, trying new foods, and taking long naps!
Jenny Lee
Hi there! My name is Jenny Lee, and I’m a sophomore at UC Berkeley! I’m majoring in political science and media studies, and I’m also minoring in journalism and global poverty and practice. In the future, I’m hoping to pursue a career in either politics/public policy, law, and/or journalism — I’m interested in social justice issues like gender inequality, immigration, and mental health. I really believe in the phrase, “Empowered women empower others,” and women who I look to for inspiration include Audre Lorde, Taylor Swift, and Jameela Jamil. Outside of GGMP, I serve the managing editor of the Berkeley Undergraduate Journal, outreach co-director of Cal Berkeley Democrats, and a deputy night editor at The Daily Californian. In my free time, I love playing the piano, taking photos of nature, and finding new music to listen to!
Kyleen Vo
Hi everyone! My name is Kyleen Vo and I am one of the mentors for YWCA’s Girls* Group Mentoring Program. Currently, I am in my second year at Berkeley City College and will be transferring to UC in Fall 2021 to continue my studies in business economics. I hope to pursue a career where I am constantly learning and positively impacting others. In my free time, I enjoy photography, listening to music, and bullet journaling!
Layla Dargahi
Hi! My name is Layla and I am the Program Director for YWCA's Girls Group Mentoring Program! I am currently a junior at UC Berkeley studying Global Studies with a specialization in Peace and Conflict. My minor is Conservation of Natural Resource Studies! In my free time I really enjoy painting, drawing, and singing. Since quarantine started I have even learned the very basics of block printing which is where you carve an image into a block, put some ink on top, and voila! You have art! I am looking forward to working with you and seeing all the amazing work that you have to offer.
Mari Sakamoto
My name is Mari Sakamoto and I am so excited to be a mentor for the Girl’s Group Mentoring Program! I am a third year at UC Berkeley studying Nutritional Sciences. Some of my passions are public health, mental health, and housing insecurity! In my free time, I wind down by reading, facetiming my family, hanging out with my friends, and going on runs. I love skiing and rock climbing and just spending time in nature :)
Samhita Bhat
Hi! My name is Samhita Bhat and I'm a sophomore at UC Berkeley. I'm intending on double majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology and Public Health with a minor in Global Poverty and Practice. I have a lot of interests in health equity and working with children, and I hope to eventually be able to be a physician in the future. I also am a really big basketball fan, and I love both playing and watching games, especially if it's the Golden State Warriors! I also like to dance, travel and explore new places, and hang out with friends! I'm so excited to be a part of GGMP this semester and meet some of you!
Tanaya Kollipara
Hey, everyone! My name is Tanaya Kollipara, and I'm a second-year undergraduate student at UC Berkeley. While I haven't quite decided on my major yet, one thing I'm sure about is my love for writing, medicine, and advocacy! When not doing homework, you can find me with my nose in a book or playing with my dog, Apollo. A fun fact about me is: I've lived in three different states, elevent different cities, and have attended ten different schools. So, I've definitely made my way around the country! I'm super excited to see all the creative works y'all create!