Back to People
Jaina-Marie (JM) PeBenito is a rising 2L at UC Law San Francisco with a background in nonprofit work. After receiving her bachelor’s degree in Politics from the University of San Francisco, she spent two years at the Housing Leadership Council of San Mateo County, where she contributed to affordable housing initiatives through fundraising, event planning, and community outreach.
Growing up with a disability, JM developed an early understanding of the barriers facing underserved communities and a deep commitment to advocacy. That foundation led her to Camp Taylor, where she had the privilege of mentoring children ages 7–17 living with congenital heart disease, honing her dedication to community and public service. Now in law school, she has continued that commitment through volunteer work with Housing Legal Services, conducting outreach at homeless shelters, and helping connect clients to legal and social resources. JM is drawn to DREDF’s mission of advancing the civil and human rights of people with disabilities, and hopes to grow as an advocate in service of that work.
