Virtual Mentorship: Why You Should Do It

The UCLA Alumni Mentor Program has been connecting motivated students with experienced and inspiring alumni mentors for 15 years! More than 2,000 mentors and students participate in the program each year and we are ramping up again for the fall. Fall 2020 is certainly different from all the previous starts to a new academic year. However, what has stayed the same is the support our alumni can provide to our students including networking, talking through the career journey and opening multiple doors on a shared Bruin path.

We have learned that while we do not share the venue of being together in Westwood, the Bruin spirit is stronger than ever! The commitment to support our students from our alumni all over the globe takes on increased importance.

You can be a positive part of this challenging year by volunteering your time, sharing your thoughts, providing encouragement, sparking ideas — becoming a mentor.

Mentorship is a key contributor to the transformational experience a university education can be. Among elite schools, UCLA was rated the top school for social mobility, and the UCLA alumni network is a key component of students’ achievement and growth, both during and after their time at UCLA.

“Mentors can greatly shape the futures of our students,” says Gloria Ko ’06, M.Ed. ’07, senior director for Alumni Career Engagement at the UCLA Alumni Association. “A mentor’s direction can give students the confidence they need to explore and navigate pathways. Mentors are able to share the experiences that can give students the Bruin advantage as they prepare for opportunities and interviews beyond campus.”

Students can shape a mentor’s experience with UCLA after graduation. Seeing the world through a current student’s eyes can help you realize just how much you have to offer. Whether it’s developing a better understanding of Generation Z or introducing great talent to your company, mentorship can give you new avenues to develop emerging leaders. Many mentors express feeling inspired by each class of students and having their faith in the future generation of leaders grow. Mentors and students are sharpened and shaped in the mentorship process.

Lianne Stein ’84
Lianne Stein ’84

Lianne has become like a maternal figure to me. She continues to inspire me every day with her amazing work ethic, charisma and kindness.” — Madison Moneymaker, mentee

Peter Shea ’16
Peter Shea ’16

“My company had an opening and Jason’s skills fit perfectly, so I arranged for him to meet with our CEO. The meeting went perfectly and Jason joined as an intern on the team of 17. Within weeks, he showed us that he was more than capable for the job.” — Peter Shea ’16, mentor

Chase Turay ’10
Chase Turay ’10

Chase has been amazing! Not just as a mentor but as a friend! Without him, I wouldn't be the person I am today. When I reached out to him, he was super passionate about helping, and he has inspired me to help others, too.” — Richard Clement Kusuma, mentee

Estelle Everett, M.D. ’13
Estelle Everett, M.D. ’13

“Kelechi Udeze was a model mentee. She is a good listener and is very responsive to feedback. I really enjoyed being her mentor. I know she will be successful in the future and I am happy that I was able to assist her in the process of reaching her goals.” — Estelle Everett, M.D. ’13, mentor

Michelle Hugard ’07
Michelle Hugard ’07

“My mentor, Michelle Hugard, is one of the kindest people I have had the pleasure of meeting and exemplifies what it means to be a Bruin and a UCLA alumna. Despite her busy schedule as a district attorney, she made the time to have bi-weekly phone calls with me in which she answered any and all questions I had.” — Shania Mashhoud, mentee

John Nhieu, Cert. ’12
John Nhieu, Cert. ’12

“Aletta Deranteriassian stands out as an individual with strong integrity and compassion in everything she does, and has a wonderful way of inspiring others by continuing to go above and beyond. She has inspired me to want to continue being a mentor for others. Her passion to advance humanity through her focus in healthcare is contagious.” — John Nhieu, Cert. ’12, mentor

Mentor Roland Azurin ’14 with student Vanessa Ho
Mentor Roland Azurin ’14 with student Vanessa Ho

Roland Azurin has inspired me to grow as both a student and as a person. His constant faith in my abilities and incredible support in my endeavors has inspired me to pursue several challenging responsibilities at once. Whenever I was overwhelmed by my tremendous workload, Roland never failed to give me the encouragement I needed to pull through.” — Vanessa Ho, 2019 Outstanding Mentee

Naim Ayat ’19
Naim Ayat ’19

“Whenever I was doubting myself or unsure of what I should do in school and in life, Mr. Ayat has given me life lessons and tips on how to succeed past my college education. He has become more of a friend than (merely) a mentor. We are constantly in communication with each other and I feel that I can always go to him for help with anything that may affect my future.” — Ethan Ngo, mentee

Kathy Ohtomo ’92
Kathy Ohtomo ’92

“My mentor, Kathy Ohtomo, has become not just a mentor in the professional sense, but genuinely a close friend. She's always compassionate, always listening, and always patient throughout our time together. When I encountered issues at my internship, I felt really alone and scared. She was there providing me with advice and regularly checked up on me.” — Wendy Li, mentee

Our students need our alumni more than ever. Your participation as a mentor can have a profound impact on the upcoming school year for a UCLA undergraduate or graduate student.

Sign Up to Be a Mentor

Please support the valuable work and services that keep alumni connected to UCLA.

Support UCLA Alumni