SDSU Student Business Organization Spotlight: Alpha Kappa Psi
Daniel Zayas, President of Alpha Kappa Psi
The Fowler College of Business’ student organizations have continued to operate effectively, host professional events, and engage with the community through virtual platforms, despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic. During San Diego State University’s Fall 2020 semester, the business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi hosted virtual guest speaker events, collaborative philanthropy events, fundraising events, and more. Daniel Zayas (Junior, International Business) President of Alpha Kappa Psi, describes how the organization has adapted to the virtual environment, shares why students should join, and how Alpha Kappa Psi has impacted his leadership experience. Zayas also describes his career aspirations while offering advice to current SDSU students.
About Alpha Kappa Psi:
Q:What events, gatherings, and activities does your organization host?
Our organization hosts guest speaker events, company walkthroughs, resume and cover letter workshops, philanthropy events, fundraisers, alumni networking events, and a whole lot more!
Q: What virtual events has your organization organized since the pandemic began?
We have been able to host multiple guest speaker events, collaborative philanthropy events including one that worked with the Missing Maps project, virtual fundraising events, and even some fun Alpha Kappa Psi among us games.
This group photo was taken after the chapter had just initiated their new pledge class, Beta Chi.
Q: How does Alpha Kappa Psi connect with the community outside of SDSU?
For the past few semesters we have been able to build a relationship with high schools in our surrounding communities. Most recently we got the chance to talk to students at Hoover High School about their future ambitions and help them answer any college related questions.
Q: Why should students join Alpha Kappa Psi?
Our organization provides students with an all-encompassing experience. You have the ability to improve your business and social skills while simultaneously creating lifelong friendships.
Q: How can a student get involved with Alpha Kappa Psi?
You can sign up for our virtual rush next semester. All information about dates and times for those events will be posted on our Instagram, @sdsuakpsi.
Q & A with Alpha Kappa Psi President, Daniel Zayas
Name: Daniel Zayas
Major (and minor): International Business Spanish / Western Europe
Q: As a student leader involved with an organization at SDSU, can you share why you got involved and what your experience has been like so far?
I really wanted to get involved on campus from the get-go, so I joined Alpha Kappa Psi my first semester as a freshman. I wanted to not only expand my network of people but also just grow as a person. I knew the best way to do that was to put myself out there and face challenges head on. I haven’t really looked back since; soon after joining I got really involved within the organization. I first became part of the executive board as VP of Philanthropy and then the following year I took on the role of President. Overall my experience has been an amazing one. I have gotten the chance to meet some really remarkable people in my organization and they have truly motivated me to become the best version of myself today.
Q: What experience with your organization has been the most impactful?
The members of Alpha Kappa Psi at Eunime, an orphanage in Tijuana, Mexico.
The most impactful experience for me was last year when we got the chance to visit Eunime, an orphanage in Mexico. Our organization has a long standing relationship with them and being able to go and talk to the kids was really special. We were able to bring them a lot of resources they needed and even got to play games with the kids which made the whole experience really meaningful for me.
Q: What has been your favorite SDSU memory so far?
Anything before Covid honestly.
Q: If you could go back to your freshman year, what advice would you give yourself?
I would tell my freshman self to not be in such a rush to graduate. It is okay to appreciate the time you have in college because the real world will always be there when you are done.
Q: What is the best advice you have received during your time at SDSU?
“Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.” Life has a funny way of throwing unexpected things your way. It could be a career change, a relationship, or even a global pandemic, but at some point you will have to learn to adapt. By constantly putting yourself in challenging situations that are outside of your comfort zone, you can learn how to operate effectively amongst all the chaos.
Zayas with friends Aria Hamidnia and Daniel Reyes (far right) at Alpha Kappa Psi’s end of the year banquet in Marina Village.
Q: What career aspirations do you have following your time at SDSU?
After SDSU I want to pursue an MBA degree and hopefully become a CEO and/or founder of a successful company someday.
Q: Cats or Dogs? Dogs
Q: Instagram or TikTok? Instagram
Q: Morning or Night? Night
Q: Shopping - In store or online? Online
Q: Panchos or Trujillos? Trujillo’s
Q: Favorite show to binge watch? Money Heist
Q: Hidden Talent? Dancing
*Group photos were taken before March 2020
