VISISTA TANAKI

Hi, my name is Visista! I am a second-year Politics major at the University of California, Santa Cruz, with a strong passion for law, justice, and global advocacy. My academic interests focus on supporting marginalized communities, amplifying unheard voices, and advancing meaningful policy change. I see politics as a tool to challenge inequality and foster solutions that uplift entire communities. I am particularly inspired by opportunities that connect research with activism by bringing students, scholars, and global leaders together to address the root causes of pressing social issues. I believe in the power of civic engagement, informed dialogue, and collaborative problem-solving to shape a more just, and equitable society. I am eager to contribute to the mission of engaging in research, community outreach, and international collaboration that highlights and strengthens urgently needed solutions to today’s global challenges.

• Sales & Outreach, Increased Target sales by 30% through visual merchandising and customer engagement strategies.
• Education Impact, Improved student test scores by 20% through tailored tutoring plans.
• Community Engagement, Coached a youth basketball team to a Division 1 championship victory.
• Dean's Honors list (24')

• UCSC Politics Coursework - Engaged in academic research and writing on topics related to law, justice, and global institutions. Developed skills in critical analysis, public speaking, and presenting findings through essays, presentations, and class discussions.
• Digital Media Project - UCSC Politics Class, 2024, Created a short-form video project highlighting issues of digital isolation and human connection. Gained experience with video editing tools (iMovie/Adobe Premiere) and publishing content on YouTube.
• Student Outreach & Event Planning - College Nine/Ten (UCSC), 2023-2024, Assisted in organizing student events, including panels and community workshops. Designed flyers, managed social media promotion, and coordinated logistics to increase student participation.