Spring 2017 - Eta Line

#1 Hermano Ajay Julian (AJ) Lucas
School: University of California, Berkeley
Pledged: Spring 2017
Birthday: September 11, 1993
Ethnic Background: Mexican
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
​Major: Political Science
​Profile: 
I am the first in my family to pursue College. I was born in Mexico City and grew up in Los Angeles, the Westlake/MacArthur Park area to be exact. I am a proud immigrant, re-entry and transfer student. I initially started a career in the garment industry but my interest in addressing equity challenges for my community led me to pursue a degree in politics. I aspire to work with systems and institutions to examine and redesign programs and processes in ways that support and sustain community growth and development. Some of the key issues that are most important to me are economic development, healthcare, immigration, and education. 

Why LUL: I chose La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity Inc. because I was inspired by the members who were currently active during the time I pledged. During my time at Cal, I was part of many student and community groups and I often noticed that LUL hermanos were not only part of these same groups but they were leading them with a strong commitment and passion. This made me realize that these were the kind of individuals that I wanted to surround myself with.  ​

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Biggest Benefits: I have gained a network of brothers who are diverse yet at the same time share common core values like cultural awareness and community service.
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After Graduating: I want to get a Masters in Public Policy and focus on working within organizations that advance policy around economic mobility, healthcare and education for underserved communities. My goal is to spend some time in DC and Sacramento before settling down in a city to continue my professional growth. 

Interesting Fact: I recently found out that I did not go to first or second grade of elementary school. ​

#2 Hermano Elias Saravia
​School: University of California, Berkeley
Pledged: Spring 2017
Birthday: March 26, 1998
Ethnic Background: Salvadorian
Hometown: North Hollywood, CA
​Majors: Applied Mathematics and Data Science
Other: SCET Certificate of Entrepreneurship and Innovation
​Profile: 
​I am an only child raised by a single mother household in North Hollywood, California. However, I also spent the other half of my life in Koreantown, Los Angeles with my father. The majority of my education I received in predominantly Latinx schools in the North Hollywood area under the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). Growing up, I worked alongside my mother babysitting and housecleaning in Beverly Hills and assisted my father in truck driving deliveries in downtown Los Angeles. Both my parents are immigrant refugees from El Salvador; therefore, seeking higher education was the best route for the future of the family generation given that they did not have the opportunity to do so. Throughout my time in the education system, I fought for resources that were not accessible to me and my community: from demanding a seat in Advanced Placement (AP) courses in high school to now demanding scholarships, research opportunities, and academic resources for underrepresented minorities in STEM. Attending a four-year prestigious institution like Berkeley was a pivotal moment in my life and family as aa first-generation student. Despite the feeling of imposter syndrome and struggling with the competitive environment at Berkeley, I remain resilient and take advantage of the resources the institution has to offer. Some distinctions I’ve received were Gates Millennium Finalist, Hispanic Scholarship Fund Scholar, Google Generation Scholar, and NSF LSAMP Research Scholar. At Berkeley, I came in as a Molecular and Cellular Biology major, but now am pursuing two degrees: Applied Mathematics (Statistics) and Data Science (Cognition). I am also currently pursuing the Certificate of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the SCET and conducting multiple research in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. I am involved with the Cal NERDS Center and the Hispanic Engineers and Scientists to work on providing students with the resources they need to be successful at Cal academically, professionally, and emotionally. I am currently working on my non-profit startup that helps provide computer science education to underrepresented minority, college-bound high school students while teaching ethics, equity, diversity and inclusion in tech.
​Why LUL: I chose La Unidad Latina, Lambda Upsilon Lambda Fraternity Inc. because I never had a brother or male figure apparent in my life growing up. I was looking for another family that I could look up to and provide me with resources and support while welcoming and accepting my various identities. I also wanted to build my professional network and get connected with more people internationally. I know that if I ever want to travel somewhere (e.g. the East Coast) I have an Hermano there to accept me with open arms. And if I ever need someone to talk to or ask for support, an Hermano is just one call away.

Biggest Benefits: The biggest benefits I have seen being an Hermano de la Fraternidad is having the space to understand my intersectional identities and learn more about my personal background and history. It has also taught me professional development, financial literacy, and leadership. I had the opportunity to hear from the experiences, wisdom, and advice from Hermanos that has helped shape my path in life. I built a strong relationship with many of them that I know are continually supportive and serve as another part of my family.
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After Graduating: I am currently debating wether I want to go to graduate school or industry. For graduate school, I want to get a PhD. Computer Science (Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning) and conduct interdisciplinary research on Artificial Human Sensing through Cognitive Science, Statistics, and Computer Science. For industry, I want to either work as Product Manager, Data Scientist, or Software Engineer while being involved in spaces for minorities in tech and fighting against algorithmic systems of oppression.

Interesting Fact: Fact #1: I have the entire periodic table of elements memorized. Fact #2: I ran 3 Los Angeles Marathons in between middle school and high school. Fact #3: I’ve been interviewed by LA Times and came out on a Toyota Magazine.