Application Information
Position Summary:
Katehi Leaders are part of a structured cohort that engages in project-based placements across campus, working directly with their mentors, the Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs and the Vice Chancellor Fellows to complete leadership projects. This program provides hands-on experience, individualized mentorship and leadership development that strengthens student’s ability to lead, communicate effectively and drive changes within the campus community. Three undergraduate students will be hired.
How to Apply: Applications will be available in winter quarter. (You must be signed into your student account on Handshake to access the application.)
The Linda Katehi Excellence in Leadership Initiative, known as the Katehi Leaders Program, presents prestigious job opportunities for UC Davis undergraduate students who have demonstrated exceptional engagement and initiative on campus and beyond. This donor-funded program brings together a select cohort of student leaders to engage in meaningful, hands-on experiences that contribute directly to the UC Davis community.
Embedded within Student Affairs units, students participate in a structured, project-based experience and are empowered to lead long-term projects that advance a priority issue affecting the community that the unit serves. Program participants are paired with a staff mentor and meet regularly with the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs (VCSA) team and the Vice Chancellor Fellows, gaining insight into institutional leadership and decision-making.
Throughout the program, members of the cohort engage in monthly learning sessions, receive direct mentorship from the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and serve on the Cabinet of Student Leaders. Participants strengthen skills related to collaboration, inclusive leadership, problem-solving and professional networking, while also representing their program and unit across campus.
The Katehi Leaders Program offers part-time, paid positions open to all UC Davis undergraduate students. Applications open in mid-February, and students who are passionate about leadership, service and campus impact are encouraged to apply.
2026-27 Katehi Leaders
Grace Kaya Pimentel - Linda Katehi Leader, Basic Needs
Grace Kaya Pimentel is a third-year student at UC Davis double majoring in Political Science and Native American Studies. She is recognized for her leadership, cultural advocacy and commitment to equity through service and community engagement. As a proud Native American woman, Grace serves as the Undergraduate Chair of the Native American and Indigenous Advisory Committee to the Chancellor (NAIAC), where she works with university leadership and the Department of Inclusive Excellence to advance initiatives related to funding, safety, representation, basic needs and support for Native and Indigenous students, staff and faculty. Grace also serves as a Scholar Staff member with the Native American Academic Retention Initiative and the NEST.
While serving as the Linda Katehi Leader at the Basic Needs site, Grace will lead a strategic project dedicated to advancing basic needs initiatives across campus. She is committed to fostering a more equitable and supportive environment by strengthening access to essential resources, bridging gaps between students and services, reducing stigma surrounding basic needs support and championing the critical role that basic needs play in student well-being, belonging and academic success.
Grace can be reached at [email protected].
Zihan Chen - Linda Katehi Leader, Student Accessibility
Zihan Chen, born in Shanghai, is a third-year Sociology and Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies double major. After entering UC Davis, Zihan served as a student representative on the Disability Issue Administrative Advocacy Committee (DIAAC), implemented the Cross-cultural Communication Series by conducting online weekly learning sessions to build global citizenship and gave back to the society we care about through fundraising events with local businesses and Empower Yolo as a Financial Chair of the Prytanean Women’s Honor Society.
As a LK Leader, Zihan will support all students of all abilities to have equitable access to campus life, accommodations and opportunities while cooperating with the professional team. She is committed to advancing student-centered projects that strengthen inclusion across the university.
Zihan can be reached at [email protected].
Dayana Horta Ramirez - Linda Katehi Leader, Student Safety
Dayana Horta Ramirez, raised in Los Angeles, is a fourth-year Sustainable Environmental Design major with a minor in Community and Regional Development. Coming into UC Davis, Dayana became a part of the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP), which provided her with the tools to navigate higher education as a first-generation student. Empowered by EOP's impact, she became a peer advising counselor and served as an event planner for the We Are 1st Team. She has supported and advocated for first-generation students through programs and campus resources.
As a Linda Katehi Leader for Student Safety, Dayana will work to support initiatives that promote student well-being, strengthen campus safety and ensure students feel informed, supported and connected to campus resources.
Dayana can be reached at [email protected]