A Decade of Hermandad

237. I have many great memories with Hermanas; however, one of my fondest is
actually the very first meeting because it reminds me of the first time that I
found where I belonged at UCLA. Walking in to the crowded Campbell Hall
room, I was both excited and curious to learn all about this new group. Upon
meeting all the wonderful ladies, I had no doubt in my mind that this would be
an amazing organization that would accomplish many things over the years. I
knew at that moment that [that] was the UCLA experience that I wanted.
Yadhira Cardenas-Frometa , 2004
I will never forget when Eunice gave me my senior
sash. It created a moment where we all felt so
connected because not only was she talking struggle
of one Hermana but the she was recounting the story
of many people in the room. In some way the story
of struggle is the story of all. The Hermana love filled
the room the and we felt the Unidas part of HaU.
Laura Cuellar, 2007
One of my fondest Hermana memories has got to be living
with Brenda our Senior year of college and having Karina
right across the hallway. I remember staying up countless
nights with Bren just talking about life in our Pjs. Karina
would join Turo and I for Rocky Road and Mint Chocolate
Chip ice cream whenever we needed a little stress
reliever. Those were the days!
Leticia Torres, 2003
I could not be prouder to be part of such an amazing organization. Every individual I
have met throughout my years as an Hermana have been more than fantastic! And
having the honor to be on steering for 3 years most definitely has impacted my life
and my mentality. Thank you to everyone who has made a difference and who has
made Hermanas Unidas what it means to me over the past 4 years.
Janet Gavidia, 2011

238. My fondest memory has to be the unity between Hermanas who came
together to put on the R.E.A.Ch. program at Montebello High School. Every
week a group of committed Hermanas would get together and plan
workshops for students on probation. It was an AMAZING experience and you
could always count on your Hermanas to help out. Whether it was carpooling
to Montebello every Friday or using our own money to buy the kids pizza. I
always remember Ms. Aguilar saying, "Las Hermanas!" She loved us!
Jennifer Chavez, 2004
One of my fondest memories as an Hermana would
have to be my first scavenger hunt last year. That
was one of the first events where I realized how much
hard work, dedication, and love goes into fostering
Hermandad. As we ran to catch the bus, I tripped on
the uneven pavement on our Westwood streets
ripping my jeans and skinning my knee. Hermanas I
barely knew were genuinely concerned. Even though I
was fine, it was nice to feel the comfort of having
people looking out for you. I appreciated all the hard
work our advisors Patty and Nancy put into
organizing the event. That was also when I got to
know one of our co-chairs Melissa Chavez and saw
how passionate she really was about making last
year a success. After celebrating a night full of
running around Rodeo Drive we culminated with girl
time at Yogurtland.
Nataly Barragan, 2013
One memorable Monday night, after the meeting, we all
gathered at Apt. 309 on Kelton to have a weekly going party
for me. We just happened to have 4 Hula-Hoops on hand,
and decided to have some fun. We took every single pillow
and blanket that we had around and piled them up in the
"dining room" We then had a few Hermanas stand and hold
the hoops up, while we took turns running and diving
through the hoops. Crystal Norzagaray amazed us all by
diving through 4 hoops and landing on the pillows and
blankets. We were having such a
great time that the cops showed
up thinking we were having a
big party. They were very
embarrassed to know that the
"party" was really a bunch of
girls in their pajamas flying
across the room through
hula hoops. One of my favorite
memories ever. I’ll ways be a UCLA
Hermana at heart ♥
Sommer Urias, 2006

239. The greatest memories of my life happened during my time at UCLA as a
member of Hermanas Unidas. My proudest moment is today as we come
together to celebrate our ten years of Hermandad. I am overwhelmed by how far
our organization has come. We’ve fulfilled our mission to support each other’s
academic endeavors, help our community through our philanthropy and create
bonds that have extended beyond our time at the university. Yesterday’s
establishment was just the beginning of an endless path of success for
Hermanas Unidas de UCLA.
Diana Rasbot, 2003
It was in the beginning of fall quarter my freshman year; It
was my first Hermana event, an ice cream social. This event
was so special to me because that was when I decided to
join Hermanas Unidas. I also met my big which is the actual
reason why I continued through being an active member till
this day. And now I can proudly say I am cochair. My big
means everything to me. She graduated 2 years ago but I
always keep close contact with her and she’s always able to
give me advice. But the event itself was wonderful...I had a
good time meeting the girls and that
whole month I was doing
everything Hermanas required,
from study hrs to community
service to tailgating.
Never do I regret meeting
Hermanas. I seriously don’t know
where would I be without the girls
and the organization itself.
Beatriz Rafael, 2012
Hermanas Unidas de UCLA - An amazing group
of intelligent, beautiful and strong
women. Friends that last a lifetime. I am truly
grateful for the incredible friendships that I have
developed because of HaU. I can’t imagine what
my experience would have been like at UCLA had
it not been for you ladies. It’s a great feeling to
know that I still have such a dynamic group of
women in my life – from the Bay to LA. Much
HaU Luv! (“Ain’t no mountain high enough…”)
Kristie Hernandez, 2005
What I treasure most is the friendships I made with
some of the most intelligent and ambitious women.
They were supportive through college and have
continued to be so in life.
Karina Arias, 2003