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Dereje Parker-Brumfield

Image of Dereje Parker Brumfield

Information & Event Specialist

Education

BA, Criminal Justice, minor in Sociology, UNC Pembroke

How did you get here?

My journey started at UNC Pembroke, where I got involved in youth diversion programs to help young people find a positive path forward. That experience showed me how much of a difference it makes to guide someone when they’re figuring out their next steps, and I realized how much I want to support people through those major turning points. Shortly after, I moved to staffing and recruitment, helping job seekers navigate the process of finding employment opportunities, before moving into the pre-employment background check industry. There, I prepared candidates and employers to navigate the screening process by focusing on strengths and fair-chance hiring. Ultimately, I decided to transfer that experience to UC Berkeley, where I could support job seekers in a more direct, proactive manner.

What’s the best career advice anyone has given you?

Don’t wait around for the opportunity you think you deserve; you have to go out and ask for it. 

Interests/Hobbies

I enjoy building Gunpla and other model kits, exploring digital media projects like photography and videography, and spending quality time with my pets.