From July 24–26, 2025, brothers of Nu Alpha Kappa Fraternity, Inc. gathered at the Lambda Chapter at the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), for the 2025 National Leadership Development Conference (NLDC). With the theme “Leading the Way Together: Nu Purpose, Nu Future,” more than 100 undergraduate and alumni members from across the country came together to strengthen their leadership skills, build connections and chart the future of the fraternity.
“Our goal was to create a space that not only strengthens leadership skills but also builds a sustainable vision for the future of Nu Alpha Kappa,” said Jose Francisco Hernandez Rivera, associate vice president of programming and special events. “We encouraged brothers to think long-term — not just about the next school year, but the next 5, 10 and 20 years of our organization.”
The conference also served as a platform for the election of new National Executive Board (NEB) officers, who will lead the fraternity through 2027.
Workshops rooted in growth and legacy
Throughout the three-day conference, brothers attended more than 20 workshops that focused on chapter development, personal growth and cultural connection. Sessions covered key topics such as financial management, conflict resolution, recruitment and academic success.
Notable workshops included:
- NAK 101: A refresher on how to represent the fraternity with pride and purpose.
- Alumni pathways: A panel of alumni offering career and life advice for active brothers.
- Yes, no, maybe? Clarifying consent: Understanding, communicating and respecting personal boundaries, providing brothers with tools to recognize and practice clear, affirmative consent in all situations.
- Succession planning and time management: Tools to ensure chapter sustainability.
Brothers also participated in hands-on sessions covering community partnerships, anti-hazing practices, Robert’s Rules of Order and how to use campus resources effectively.
Sponsors for the event included Vallarta Supermarket, Starbucks at Clairemont Mesa Boulevard in San Diego, and Rancho La Noria Produce. Guest presenters included professionals from UC San Diego’s Sorority and Fraternity Life Office, UCSD Police Department and NMDP. New to NMDP? Learn more via the video at the bottom of this blog.
New traditions and deeper conversations
This year’s conference featured several workshops that prepared incoming chapter leaders with how to implement their roles and responsibilities, including:
- Fostering brotherhood: A session on building meaningful relationships across chapters.
- Marketing and communications: Best practices to promote the NAK experience.
- Academic priorities: A data-driven session on GPA, career readiness and earning potential.
Optional programming, including the Machete Dance workshop, brought brothers together through tradition, rhythm and storytelling.
National elections: The next chapter begins
Saturday concluded with national elections and a mention of the fraternity’s bylaws. Brothers in attendance voted for key leadership positions that will guide Nu Alpha Kappa over the next two years.
“This year’s elections showed the strength of our brotherhood and the commitment our members have to leading with integrity and purpose,” said Israel Garcia, national vice president of compliance for NAK and moderator for the elections. “Each candidate brought forward thoughtful ideas and a dedication to the future of our organization. I’m confident the new National Executive Board will advance our values, strengthen chapter support and build a more unified and impactful fraternity in the years ahead.”
2025–2027 NEB election results:
- National President: Carlos Mendoza, Epsilon Chapter, Alpha Theta #216
- Vice President of Business Operations: Jose Lara, Lambda Chapter, Gamma #30
- Associate Vice President of Southern Intake: Leo Velazquez, Lambda Chapter, Mu #113
- Associate Vice President of Communications: Abel Morelos, Psi Chapter, Founding #9
- Associate Vice President of Philanthropy: William Smith, Psi Chapter, Delta #31
All candidates demonstrated a strong commitment to service, accountability and long-term impact. In the coming weeks, the NEB will work to fill remaining vacancies, ensuring the board is positioned to meet the evolving needs of undergraduate brothers and provide targeted support where it’s needed most.
Brotherhood in action
Beyond workshops and elections, NLDC served as a space for brothers to connect, reflect and recharge. From the opening welcome dinner to group photos at the UCSD Triton Steps, the weekend was filled with moments that reminded us of the strength and heart of the NAK brotherhood.
Omar Gonzalez, president of the Founding Chapter at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, said the conference left him inspired to try new approaches to leadership this year.
“I’ll be trying a lot of new things this year, like improving recruitment and working on time management,” Gonzalez said. “My most memorable moment was meeting and learning from brothers I had never connected with before.”
Carlos Yahir Gonzalez, a brother from the Chi Chapter at California State University, San Marcos, and an arts media design major, said the NLDC helped him make connections between fraternity leadership and his academic interests.
“Marketing was my favorite workshop because it ties in directly with my major,” Gonzalez said. “It gave me new ideas for how to represent our chapter more effectively.”
Esteban Alcala, vice president and intake director for the Alpha Gamma Chapter at Metropolitan State University Denver, said the conference helped him better understand how to recruit and support future members.
“I gained a clearer understanding of the intake process and how to help new members become successful brothers,” Alcala said. “It would’ve been great to attend more workshops, but I know how important it is to be present in my role.”
Manuel Morales-Marroquin, president of the Omicron Chapter at the University of Nevada, Reno, said attending NLDC helped him reconnect with his purpose as a brother and leader.
“I’ve been part of NAK for a long time, but stepping into this new leadership role, NLDC really rejuvenated my passion for the fraternity,” Morales-Marroquin said. “Hearing from alumni during the panel reminded me that we’re not alone in the challenges we face — there’s a whole network of brothers who’ve been where we are and want to see us succeed.”
Looking ahead
During the event, National President and CEO Carlos Mendoza delivered a State of the Fraternity address, outlining NAK’s strategic priorities for the year ahead. His remarks focused on strengthening chapter infrastructure, enhancing alumni engagement and reinforcing accountability across all levels of the organization.
“This year, our focus is on building systems that last — not just for one academic cycle, but for generations of brothers to come,” Mendoza said. “We’re aligning our chapters, alumni and national leadership to create a more unified, efficient and purpose-driven brotherhood.”
NLDC 2025 reminded us that leadership isn’t just a title — it’s a responsibility. As brothers return to their chapters, they bring with them new skills, stronger connections and a renewed commitment to living our values.
Founded in 1988 at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, Nu Alpha Kappa Fraternity, Inc. is a Latino-based fraternity that promotes culture, academics and brotherhood among college men. The organization has active chapters throughout California, Colorado and Nevada.
For more information, visit https://nualphakappa.org or follow NAK on social media.
Photos by Carlos Yahir Gonzalez, Chi Chapter #88 (Instagram: @jxh.ir).
