Sebastián Puerta is a first-generation, low-income scholar originally born in Colombia but raised in the Atlanta area by his Colombian mother and Egyptian stepfather. His working class background led Sebastián to a career in economics, hoping to do research that influences labor policy.  He is currently pursuing a PhD in Economics at the University of California Berkeley. He is also passionate about advocating for better working conditions at Berkeley, serving as one of the Head Stewards of UAW 2865, the union for academic student employees at the University of California. Outside of organizing and research, Sebastián enjoys salsa dancing, cooking, and playing classical guitar.