From the president
Kai Hopkinson-Ramsammy, a junior at the University of San Diego (USD), is a dedicated and passionate student leader with diverse involvement across various campus organizations and initiatives. As the co-president of the Black Student Union (BSU), Kai plans and coordinates different events throughout the academic year, aiming to enhance the experience of Black students on campus. Additionally, she works with Black faculty and staff to establish mentorship opportunities for BSU students. Kai is also a Student Director at the Mulvaney Center for Community, Awareness, and Social Action, where she helps coordinate a tutoring program for local San Diego K-12 schools. She is also actively involved with the Black InGenius Initiative where she supports local San Diego high school students as they begin planning and preparing for college. Kai’s engagement expands across the USD community, including the USD International Torero Ambassadors, USD College Corps, National Society of Black Engineers, Student Support Services, Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education, and the University Ministry's Tijuana-Day Trip Program. Her leadership roles within numerous other groups demonstrate her commitment to fostering inclusive communities, promoting academic excellence, and serving as a positive role model for her peers.
Personal Statement
I first began volunteering in 2016 with the non-profit organization Createfuturegood (cfg) in Trinidad and Tobago, where I was empowered to use my creativity to address salient issues such as gender-based violence, mental health awareness, human trafficking, and other matters regarding children’s rights. That life-changing experience helped me recognize my voice and my passion for advocacy and working with the community. Therefore, when I moved to San Diego, I was adamant about getting involved with the local community. I began working with the Karen and Tom Mulvaney Center for Community, Awareness, and Social Action as a first-year tutor in their Youth Engagement program for students in the Linda Vista community, where I am currently a school site coordinator and the student director. Following this, I was selected as a MICAH fellow and worked with the shelter and community organization Espacio Migrante in Tijuana to address immigrant rights. Lastly, among many other student leadership roles, I currently serve as a college corps fellow with the Jacobs Institute for Innovation in Education, which creates and supports many programs to encourage diversity and creativity in the K-12 education experience, particularly for minority students and their families.