UC Berkeley mourns advocate Paloma Foster, whose tragic car crash leaves lasting legacy of resilience, justice, and community empowerment.
The UC Berkeley community is mourning the loss of Paloma Foster, a Regents’ and Chancellor’s Scholar whose life story inspired many. Foster, a first-generation Mexican American and mother, died in June 2026 following a car crash.
Her young son Cairo and boyfriend Shiloh were also in the vehicle.
Foster’s journey was marked by resilience. She grew up in foster care and experienced juvenile incarceration, yet she rose to become a respected student leader and advocate.
At UC Berkeley, she studied political science and public policy, serving on the California Policy Lab’s Criminal Justice Research Advisory Board and chairing the Equity and Systems Impact Commission.
She was also active in Underground Scholars, a program supporting students impacted by incarceration.
Her leadership extended beyond Berkeley. Foster previously served as a student trustee at Fullerton College from 2022 to 2023, where she was honored as one of the college’s Students of the Year.
Colleagues and friends described her as a compassionate, determined individual who inspired others to stand up for justice and equity.
A memorial gathering was held on June 23, 2026, at Stiles Hall in Berkeley, where friends, faculty, and community members shared tributes.
Underground Scholars remembered her as a beloved community member who gave countless hours of support and encouragement. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to help cover funeral expenses and support her family.
Foster had planned to pursue joint graduate degrees in law and public policy, aiming to continue her work in criminal justice reform and community empowerment.
Her passing leaves what friends described as “an unimaginable void,” but her impact continues through the countless lives she touched.
Her story is a reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of community advocacy. Despite early challenges, Foster became a voice for change, dedicating her life to helping others navigate systems that often fail those most vulnerable.
Her legacy will live on through the programs she supported, the students she mentored, and the policies she sought to influence.
