Pi Beta Phi
Message from the President
Hi, my name is Briana Gonzales, and I am a third-year Clinical Nutrition major and the Chapter President of Pi Beta Phi at UC Davis. I joined Pi Phi because, during recruitment, I could immediately see how genuine the connections were and how deeply the women cared for one another. Having grown up surrounded by strong, empowering women through dance, cheer, and family life, I knew I wanted to find that same kind of supportive community in college, and Pi Phi felt like exactly that. What makes our chapter so special is the authenticity of our sisterhood and how there is a real sense of love, encouragement, and belonging that carries through every part of our chapter. I am especially proud to represent Pi Phi because our members truly embody our values in the way they support one another, show kindness, and build meaningful relationships both on and off campus. I ran for Chapter President because this chapter has given me so much, such as lifelong friendships, leadership, mentorship, and memories I will always carry with me. Serving in this role felt like the most meaningful way to give back while helping lead our chapter with purpose and heart. One of the most special parts of my experience has been the relationship I share with my little and now our growing family, because those bonds have brought me some of my most meaningful friendships and memories in Pi Phi. Our philanthropy, Read > Lead > Achieve®, is also something I care deeply about because it reflects the power of literacy to create opportunity and lasting change. Through efforts like ArrowJam, supporting The Literacy Fund, and our Little Free Library in Davis, our chapter is able to make that mission tangible in our own community, which makes me even more proud to be part of Pi Beta Phi.
Message from the Recruitment Team
My name is Eliza Bell and I am a third year Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior major serving as the Vice President of Recruitment for Pi Beta Phi. I joined Pi Phi after going through formal recruitment my freshman year because of how genuinely welcomed and supported I felt from the very beginning. As I got to know the chapter, I quickly saw that my values were deeply aligned with those of the sorority. I was looking for a group of strong, academically driven women who uplift one another- not just socially, but in every aspect of life- and found exactly that in Pi Beta Phi. My sisters continuously inspire me to be the best version of myself and remind me that no goal is out of reach.What makes Pi Phi special to me is that it provides a space where each member can show up as their most authentic self. Our individuality is not just accepted, it is celebrated. The diversity of perspectives and individual experiences within the chapter are what strengthen us, both as women and as a sisterhood. Through the bonds we create and the stories we share, we are constantly learning from one another and growing together.Recruitment is always my favorite time of the year. There is something special about the way it unites our chapter behind a shared purpose- finding an incredible group of women to welcome into our sisterhood. The weeks of practices, preparation, and planning brings us closer together and the excitement felt throughout the chapter is unlike any other time of year. Having gone through recruitment myself, I resonate with the nerves felt by potential new members, especially those who are experiencing it for the first time and are still finding their footing at Davis. Recruitment is our chance to pay forward the warmth we once received- to make every potential new member feel as seen, welcomed, and at home as Pi Phi has made us feel. Before even coming to UC Davis, Arrowjam was something I was already familiar with. My cousin was a Pi Phi, and after hearing her describe the event and watching videos of the performances, I knew it was something I had to be a part of. Arrowjam is truly unique in the way it brings together so many of the amazing organizations on campus in a fun and spirited atmosphere, all while supporting a cause that is deeply personal to me. Growing up with a mom who works in childhood education, I have seen firsthand how foundational early literacy is to a child’s future success. Being able to support that mission through Read > Lead > Achieve® makes my involvement in Pi Phi feel purposeful. I decided to go Greek because when I first came to UC Davis the size of the student body daunted me. I was eager to make meaningful connections and form lasting friendships, but wasn’t sure where to begin. Greek life felt like the perfect opportunity to find my community, deepen my involvement on and off campus, and grow as an individual. To this day, it remains one of the best decisions I have made!
