Breadcrumb
Student organizations build community at McGeorge School of Law
The Womxn of Color Collective (WOCC) and Middle Eastern South Asian Association (MESAA) hosted a Holi celebration during Diversity Week in 2025.
Student organizations play a central role in building community at the 老司机福利网 McGeorge School of Law. For many students, these groups offer support, connection and a sense of belonging throughout the demands of law school. McGeorge has 38 student-led organizations that range from identity and culture to academic interests and hobbies.
For Roxanne Galdos 鈥26, co-president of the Womxn of Color Collective (WOCC), stepping into campus involvement was about making sure no one had to feel isolated.
鈥淟aw school is scary enough as is. No one should have to go through it alone,鈥 Galdos said. 鈥淲OCC is an intersectional space where I know all parts of who I am are seen, accepted, and valued. It serves as a community where people from all different walks of life can come together and empower one another in both their personal and professional endeavors.鈥
Millie Hernandez 鈥26, co-president of WOCC joined because she believes in the transformative power of community.
鈥淭here is so much power behind our communities,鈥 she said. 鈥淭o me, the Womxn of Color Collective is a space where we can feel empowered and seen ... It reminds me of my 鈥榳hy鈥 and fuels my passion to continue to demand a seat at the table even when no one around me looks like me.鈥
Student Bar Association (SBA) President Courtney Yamagiwa and Vice President Vanessa Perez at the Barrister's Ball in April 2024. The ball is an annual signature event hosted by SBA with more than 400 attendees.
Across campus students are also working to build organizations that reflect the cultures and identities they want represented in the legal field. Seraephina Tarriela 鈥28, president of the Filipino American Law Students Association (FALSA) saw a gap and decided to create something new. Tarriela founded FALSA because she wanted students to connect beyond the classroom.
鈥淕etting involved has allowed me to give back and help shape the kind of inclusive environment I want to see in the legal profession,鈥 Tarriela said.
Tarriela said the group highlights the importance of cultural identity at law school.
鈥淔ALSA represents pride in our shared heritage and a commitment to uplifting Filipino and other underrepresented voices in the legal field,鈥 she said.
Some organizations help students explore specific practice areas. Criminal Law Society president Volicitie Dodge 鈥26 said she joined because she has long been interested in criminal law.
鈥淭he university really empowers student organizations to shape their own vision, and I wanted to be part of building that community within criminal law,鈥 she said.
Dodge said her leadership has been shaped by her own experience in law school.
鈥淎s a first-generation student, I鈥檝e worked hard to navigate my path in law and I鈥檓 passionate about making that process more accessible for others who share the same drive for criminal law,鈥 Dodge said.
Other student organizations focus on health and hobbies. Running Club president Monique Magdaleno 鈥28 said running has helped her manage stress in law school.
鈥淩unning is a vehicle for personal growth and movement is medicine, especially in law school,鈥 said Magdaleno. 鈥淚t brings students from all sections and years together to reset and reconnect with each other and Sacramento鈥檚 scenery.鈥
Across campus, these organizations help students find support, leadership opportunities and shared purpose. They remain a core part of the McGeorge experience and continue to strengthen the sense of community students rely on throughout their time in law school.