University of California, Berkeley graduates are making notable impacts in rural regions across the state, according to an April 3 report. Alumni such as Ricky Satomi, Sarah Edwards, Brent Holtz, and Rey León have chosen careers outside major cities and now serve as leaders in forestry, law, agriculture, and local government.
The work of these graduates highlights a growing connection between the university and less populated areas. Their efforts address challenges unique to rural communities while fostering mutual understanding between urban campuses and small towns.
Satomi works as a forester in several counties of the Western Sierra. He said that focusing on local issues can build momentum for larger change: “At Berkeley, we are often trained to tackle the big picture issues, to do big things in high places,” Satomi said. “At the same time, you can have so much more impact at the local scale. … Rather than trying to fix the entire state’s wildfire problem in one swing, you can build momentum by focusing on one community at a time.”
Sarah Edwards returned home after earning her law degree from Berkeley and now serves as Calaveras County counsel. She believes returning with new experiences benefits both individuals and their hometowns: “You hear often about people leaving areas like this… But I think it’s good when people leave, gain these experiences and then come back. They bring their experience to these communities… And then maybe all of us can realize that the divide between cities and rural areas isn’t as big as we sometimes think it is.”
Brent Holtz has played a key role in advancing sustainable almond farming practices after earning advanced degrees from Berkeley. His “Whole Orchard Recycling” approach was recognized by industry groups for its positive impact on sustainability.
Rey León credits his education at Berkeley for shaping his leadership style before becoming mayor of Huron: “Berkeley was like a cocoon for me,” León said. “It was instrumental in my development as a thinker…and as a doer…”
James Gallagher—an Assembly member who graduated from Berkeley—said rural Californians are often overlooked but noted ongoing programs such as forestry initiatives help bridge gaps between campus resources and outlying regions.
Karen Merritt from UC’s Center for Studies in Higher Education observed that while historical ties between Berkeley and rural California have faded over time due to institutional changes, renewed interest could benefit both students seeking real-world experience and communities facing environmental or policy challenges.
As alumni continue contributing expertise back into their home regions or new communities across California’s diverse landscape, they provide examples of how higher education can influence lasting change beyond city limits.
