Diversity and Belonging

This page serves as a way of encouraging prospective applicants who come from non-traditional or disadvantaged backgrounds to still apply. Through our transparency, we hope to remove any hesitancy or doubt you may have. Kappa Alpha Pi is a fraternity that is not only dedicated to but continuously fights for the mission of Diverity and Inclusion. We host a diverse student body who come from a variety of backgrounds, here we share our stories so that one day, you can too.

Sofia greenwald | FORMER leadership Development Chair

Prior to joining KAPi, my dreams of becoming a lawyer felt too out of reach to become a reality, as I'd never been exposed to anyone within the profession and had very little knowledge about the steps I needed to take to accomplish my goals. Knowing I was a small minority within the field and would likely face additional barriers due to the intersection of my racial and gender identities made the idea of a career in law seem nearly impossible, as I knew it was unlikely I would receive much help from those around me during my journey. KAPi completely changed my view of my ability to succeed within the field, giving me the tools and network many others were simply born with. For the first time, I felt as if the playing field was level. I grew so much more confident as a candidate and was given exposure to opportunities allowing me to familiarize myself with the legal field. KAPi's Leadership Development semester taught me how to translate my ambitions and idiosyncrasies into true change, for which I will be always grateful.

Seine ham | FORMER Active Member

I was a senior transfer student with 2 gap years, having worked as an EMT and a homeless shelter monitor. I was apprehensive to join a fraternity so late into my academic career. Regardless, I felt that late was better than never, and I decided to apply for Kappa Alpha Pi.

It ended up being one of the best decisions I have made. I met some of my closest friends during my Leadership Development semester and was glad to find people that can have fun as hard as they work. I was surprised to also find other members who were transfer students, all with incredible backgrounds and high aspirations. Even among the traditional applicants, I never felt excluded or like I was out of place. KAPi was incredibly welcoming, and the members became my family away from home.

I encourage those that are driven and wanting to surround themselves with peers they can look up to, to apply to Kappa Alpha Pi. We have some of the best alumni networks on campus, and our members help you prepare for interviews, professionalism, and the law school application process. I never would have learned professional cold emailing, attending law school forums, creating professional decks, and preparing an elevator speech on my own. I will continue to hone and use these skills throughout my career, and I want all dedicated prelaw students at UC Berkeley to apply.

Gabriela Ocazionez | ACTIVE MEMBER

Hello! My name is Gabriela Ocazionez and I'm a second-year here at UC Berkeley. I was born in Sacramento, California but had the fortune to live in Bucaramanga, Colombia for five years of my life. Being bicultural and bilingual gave me insight into the experience of immigrants from Latin and Central America into the United States. Observing the difficulty of gaining citizenship among other hardships that undocumented immigrants experience inspired my interest in the field of law.

ANNA VALENCIA | FORMER ACTIVE MEMBER

Im third generation Ecuadorian and most of my Ecuadorian relatives practice law there. I’m pursuing law to follow in their foot steps.

VITTORIA BARONE | FORMER ACTIVE MEMBER

Hello everyone! My name is Vittoria, and I am a 2nd year film major. I entering my fourth semester in KAPi. When I first came to Berkeley, I had an interest in pursuing law, but I had no prior experience in anything law-related. My resume mostly consisted of film activities, and I was initially worried that because of my background, I wouldn’t be able break into the pre-law scene at UC Berkeley. Ironically, my background has the opposite effect! My consistency in film showed that I had passion for the activities I get involved in, and also made me a unique candidate for membership into the fraternity. Four semesters later, I have been able to take on leadership opportunities and have gained immeasurable leadership development training. So, my advice to applicants is that even if you think you are an untraditional applicant, apply! What you consider untraditional will likely help you standout.

Arianna Laolagi | ACTIVE MEMBER

As a first-generation college student from a Latinx household without any family members connected to the law, I often feel overwhelmed thinking about the path ahead of me. I come from a family of immigrants who came from Mexico illegally, and often had to hide from the law in order to preserve the hope of finding their American Dream. I had no one holding my hand throughout the college application process and now, I had to tackle the law school application alone. Knowing this, I sought a support system at Cal that could offer guidance and perhaps encouragement as well.

I found that and more at Kappa Alpha Pi. I found a group of ambitious, inspiring, and incredibly hard-working individuals who not only supported me, but enabled me towards success. The Leadership Development Semester transformed my greatest insecurities into my srongest skillsets. Now, I feel confident in my skills and have an unshakable belief in myself to deliver in most professional environment. Even if you feel that you don’t have a “cracked” resume, perfect background, and professional skills that current members have, do not let this stop you from applying. A lot of us at KAPi felt the same way before applying and had to learn these skills during LD. Have confidence in yourself and please apply. We’d be honored to have you.