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Four Pillars. One Community.NAVCAL’s four pillars guide how we learn from one another, build community, and navigate Berkeley together: Each One Teach One, Togetherness Approach, Community, Not Competition, and Occupy Space on Campus.Meet the students bringing these principles to life below. |
Occupy Space On Campus
“NAVCAL taught me how to be a leader in spaces where I never thought I could be one. As a student who felt lost and confused when I first arrived at Berkeley, NAVCAL became a safe space where I could be myself and learn how to ask for help. It showed me that leadership and belonging are possible for students like me.”
Ashley Nunez
B.A. Psychology | Class of 2028
“Through NAVCAL, I learned how to be more intentional about building relationships with professors, especially by preparing for and attending office hours. I also gained a better understanding of how to take care of my mental and physical well-being while managing a demanding academic environment. Overall, NAVCAL strengthened my confidence in pursuing opportunities and advocating for myself.”
Ariel Romero
B.A. English Language & Literature | Class of 2027
Each One Teach One
“NAVCAL is a space where each one teaches one. Through habitual practices and intentional support, students gain social capital, confidence, and access to a community of educators, counselors, and leaders.”
Rosalio Sotelo
B.A. Ethnic Studies | Class of 2026
“Through NAVCAL, I learned how to step into mentorship with confidence and compassion while navigating my own challenges as a non-traditional student. I gained practical skills in leadership, communication, and community-building, and learned that mentorship isn’t about having all the answers, but about growing together.”
Denise Vergara
B.A. Political Economy | Class of 2026
Togetherness Approach
“NAVCAL is radical love. An unconditional community of thought partners who seek community success and upliftment. Never go through undergrad alone.”
Hanna Corona
B.A. Political Science | Class of 2029
“NAVCAL means finding your strength while holding someone else’s hand. I am a firm believer that no one should walk any journey alone, especially college, and NAVCAL has shown me that it’s okay to lean on others. I’ve found more than one mentor through NAVCAL, and that’s something I’ll carry with me.”
Elijah Sandoval
B.A. Sociology | Class of 2027
Community, Not Competition
“NAVCAL’s focus on community over competition stood out to me. I loved how we were always putting each other on—sharing resources, opportunities, and encouragement. That sense of community reminded me why I’m here, even when I felt like giving up.”
Sabrina Valadez-Rios
B.A. Social Welfare | Class of 2026
“NAVCAL means climbing while you lift. It’s a place I can always return to for support, where everyone is willing to lend a hand and help each other succeed.”
Vanessa “Vee” Foreman
B.A. Psychology | Class of 2027
NAVCAL x Stiles Hall