Paloma was my best friend, my family, and my other half at UC Berkeley. She was the ying to my yang, and I don’t know how to go on without her. From the moment we met in the financial aid office, we shared our stories, our struggles, and our dreams. She was the sweetest, most loving, and caring soul, always ready to offer a helping hand to anyone in need. Her determination, ambition, and kindness touched everyone she met. Paloma was never afraid to stand up for what was right, and she inspired those around her to do the same.
Tragically, Paloma, her son Cairo (who is just 7 years old), and her boyfriend Shiloh were in a car accident. Paloma passed away, leaving Cairo without his mother and facing an uncertain future. Paloma was deeply in love with Shiloh, always saying she was going to marry him one day. He was the one she had been waiting for all her life, giving her the love and support she needed. The loss is unimaginable, and the need for support is urgent. The funds raised will go directly to help pay for funeral expenses and to support Cairo as he navigates life without his mom.
Paloma was so happy with her life, excited to be at UC Berkeley, and had just received a scholarship from HSF Empowering Courageous Leaders. She had the kindest soul and would help anyone who needed it. She was not afraid to stand up for others or fight for what was right.
Paloma was a first-generation, Mexican-American, non-traditional student, formerly incarcerated, a former foster youth, and a transfer student parent from Los Angeles, CA. Her early experiences with foster care and probation shaped her determination to fix the less than perfect system. She was majoring in political science and pursuing a minor in public policy, as well as completing a summer minor in race and the law. After graduation, Paloma intended to apply to concurrent Juris Doctorate and Masters in Public Policy programs. Her dream was to work for the government in public policy to advocate for the marginalized, give back to the foster community by becoming a foster parent, and build a life where her son would be proud of his mom.
I’m asking for your support to help Cairo and honor Paloma’s memory. Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference. Thank you for your kindness and for keeping Paloma’s spirit alive.
Tragically, Paloma, her son Cairo (who is just 7 years old), and her boyfriend Shiloh were in a car accident. Paloma passed away, leaving Cairo without his mother and facing an uncertain future. Paloma was deeply in love with Shiloh, always saying she was going to marry him one day. He was the one she had been waiting for all her life, giving her the love and support she needed. The loss is unimaginable, and the need for support is urgent. The funds raised will go directly to help pay for funeral expenses and to support Cairo as he navigates life without his mom.
Paloma was so happy with her life, excited to be at UC Berkeley, and had just received a scholarship from HSF Empowering Courageous Leaders. She had the kindest soul and would help anyone who needed it. She was not afraid to stand up for others or fight for what was right.
Paloma was a first-generation, Mexican-American, non-traditional student, formerly incarcerated, a former foster youth, and a transfer student parent from Los Angeles, CA. Her early experiences with foster care and probation shaped her determination to fix the less than perfect system. She was majoring in political science and pursuing a minor in public policy, as well as completing a summer minor in race and the law. After graduation, Paloma intended to apply to concurrent Juris Doctorate and Masters in Public Policy programs. Her dream was to work for the government in public policy to advocate for the marginalized, give back to the foster community by becoming a foster parent, and build a life where her son would be proud of his mom.
I’m asking for your support to help Cairo and honor Paloma’s memory. Any contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference. Thank you for your kindness and for keeping Paloma’s spirit alive.