11/7/2025 UC Application Workshop for Transfers
Learn from UC Berkeley admissions rep, Izzy Collas, about the UC application for transfer students. This session was recorded on November 7th, 2025.
Connect with current PI students and communities at UC Berkeley by visiting our website - PacificIslanders.berkeley.edu
11/8/24 PIQ Workshop
Learn from UC Berkeley admissions rep, Dominic Allred, about tips on how to respond to the Personal Insight Question (PIQ) portion of the UC application. This session was recorded on November 8th, 2024.
10/14/22 UC Application Workshop for Freshman
Learn from UC Berkeley admissions rep, Michael Gaetos, more about the application process for admissions to the UC. This session was recorded on October 14th, 2022.
Ben Rosario
Hi, I'm Ben! I'm a junior at UC Berkeley studying Cognitive Science. I transferred from Sierra College near my hometown of Roseville, CA this year, so the application process is still fresh in my mind. I joined the Cal Pacific Islander Initiative as a way to connect more deeply with my Chamorro heritage, and when I learned about the Moana Mentor program, I knew I wanted to get involved because I would've appreciated the same support when I was applying. I'm excited to help other students navigate the application process and make it a little less stressful along the way.
Cecilia Otuhiva
Mālō e lelei everyone! My name is Cecilia Otuhiva, a third year cognitive science major. As a first-generation Tongan American, I understand how hard navigating the UC application process can be and hope to alleviate the stress Pasifika students face in achieving higher education. As a mentor in this program, I want to help Pasifika students understand that they deserve to see themselves in higher spaces and also offer resources/programs here to support them.
La'a Kea Nishihara
La’a Kea is a student at Cal with a Media Studies Major and a Creative Writing Minor. He was born in the Bay Area with roots in Hawai’i. While navigating his ethnic background and his academic career, he authored an urban fantasy novel.
Lee Vaouli
Hi, I'm Lee Vaouli, an Integrative Biology major on the premed track from Walnut Creek, California, with roots in American Samoa. I became a Moana Mentor because I remember how overwhelming the application process is, and I want to be the guide I wish I had.
U'ilani Fisher
Aloha! My name is U'ilani, and I'm a first year student from O'ahu, Hawai'i, studying Business through the Haas School of Business Global Management Program. I chose to be a Moana Mentor because I wanted to give my support to students from underrepresented communities through an often stressful process that can feel very overwhelming. You're not alone, you got this!
Scarlett Pi'ilani Gullaba
Aloha mai! My name is Scarlett, and I'm a first-year student at UC Berkeley. I plan to declare Cognitive Science with a possible Data Science minor. I was born in Berkeley but raised in San Diego, California, and I have Filipino, Chinese, and Native Hawaiian roots! I chose to be a Moana Mentor because pre-college workshops and programs specifically for Pacific Islander students were an integral part of my application journey, and I want future applicants to have access to the same resources that shaped my college application experience. Go Bears!
Violet Mossman
Aloha, my name is Violet Mossman. I am from Maui, Hawaii, and I am a current second-year student studying Integrative Biology on a pre-med track. I chose to be a Moana Mentor because I understand how stressful the application process can be, and I would love to help alleviate some of that pressure by being a guiding hand.
Marius De’Kin Thomas
Hafa! My name is Marius, this is my second year as a mentor, and I'm extremely excited to be a part of the program again. I'm from the bay, double majoring in physics and applied math, and I look forward to helping each and everyone of you with the UC application!
Kayla Manu
Malo lelei, my name is Kayla Manu, and I’m Tongan and Mexican from Santa Ana, CA. My major is Integrative Human Biology, and this is my last year at Cal. I chose to be a Moana Mentor because it has been an privilege and challenge to be a Pacific Islander here at Cal, and I desire to see another Pacific Islander experience this privilege and see that their identity is one of their strengths in education! Excited to meet the incoming mentees!
Laila Soakai-Zovich
Moana to Berkeley Co-Coordinator
Outreach Programming Intern
Pacific Islander Initiative
‘Alohi Broad-Gisa
Aloha nui!!! My name is Taimane Ke'alohilani Kananiakauaikanilehua Kinamai Broad-Gisa ('Alohi) and I am from the 'Ewa Beach, O'ahu. I am currently a freshman and plan to pursue Legal Studies and Anthropology.
Anicia Teaupa
Moana to Berkeley Co-Coordinator
Outreach Programming Intern
Pacific Islander Initiative