The UC Berkeley community is grieving the heartbreaking loss of Paloma Foster, a Regents’ Scholar, student leader, and passionate advocate whose death has left classmates, faculty, and community members mourning the loss of an inspiring voice for equity, education, and second chances. Her passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes honoring her remarkable resilience, leadership, and dedication to serving others.
According to information shared through a fundraising campaign for funeral expenses, Foster died following a car crash that also involved her young son, Cairo, and her boyfriend, Shiloh. Authorities have not publicly released further details regarding the circumstances or location of the collision.
A memorial service celebrating Foster’s life is scheduled for Tuesday at 5 p.m. at Stiles Hall in Berkeley, where members of UC Berkeley’s Underground Scholars program, friends, family, and supporters are expected to gather to honor her memory. The Underground Scholars community described her as a beloved member whose compassion, wisdom, and commitment made a lasting impact on everyone around her.
Paloma Foster’s journey was one of extraordinary perseverance and achievement. As a political science and public policy student at UC Berkeley, she earned the prestigious Regents’ Scholarship, one of the university’s highest honors recognizing exceptional academic performance, leadership, and service.
A first-generation Mexican American student, Foster overcame significant challenges throughout her life. She was a former foster youth, a formerly incarcerated individual, and a student parent who transferred to UC Berkeley after attending Fullerton College, where she distinguished herself as a student trustee and champion for student advocacy. Her efforts included leading voter registration initiatives and representing student interests, accomplishments that earned her recognition as one of the college’s Students of the Year.
At UC Berkeley, Foster continued her commitment to public service and social justice through leadership roles across campus. She served on the California Policy Lab’s Criminal Justice Research Advisory Board and chaired the Associated Students of the University of California’s Equity and Systems Impact Commission, where she worked to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and promote meaningful policy reforms.
Those who knew Foster remember her as a compassionate mentor and tireless advocate who devoted countless hours to supporting fellow students. Friends and colleagues describe her as someone whose lived experiences fueled her determination to help others overcome barriers and pursue educational opportunities.
Her death has created a profound sense of loss across the UC Berkeley campus and among organizations committed to criminal justice reform, educational access, and student advocacy. Tributes continue to highlight her courage, generosity, and unwavering belief that everyone deserves an opportunity to succeed regardless of their past.
As family, friends, classmates, and colleagues gather to remember her life, Paloma Foster’s legacy will endure through the countless lives she influenced and the causes she championed. Her story of resilience, leadership, and service will continue to inspire future generations working toward greater equity, justice, and opportunity for all.