To conclude the 2020-21 program year, we are pleased to announce the 2021 UCLA Alumni Mentor Program Award recipients, this year expanded to include separate awardees in the undergraduate and graduate school categories.
Selected from an exceptional group of nominees, based on testimonials from their mentorship partners, these alumni mentors and students went above and beyond during the program year, exemplifying the True Bruin spirit of achievement, service and gratitude.
Congratulations to all the winners and a sincere thank you to all the alumni who served as mentors. With approximately 585 alumni and 1,130 students in the program, the strength and perseverance of our Bruin community is unparalleled. We appreciate your dedication to UCLA and to each other during the past year.
"So many of my anxieties and worries have been assuaged by Jasmine’s tender, gentle guidance. I cannot imagine having gone through this experience without Jasmine as my mentor!"
Phil Bangayan ’94, M.S. ’96, Cert. ’00
B.S., Electrical Engineering; M.S., Electrical Engineering; UCLA Extension Certificate in Business Management for Technical Personnel
Principal Data Scientist, Teradata
"Despite AMP taking place virtually this year, Phil remains proactive and supportive, happy to answer his mentees’ questions, whether it be over call, email or Zoom."
Casey Brown ’12
B.A., Communication Studies
Associate Marketing Manager, Mattel, Inc.
"Casey embodies the Bruin spirit with her enthusiasm, generosity, ‘no question too small’ attitude, and unceasing wish to give back and help young women like me. She helped me gain confidence and clarity during a time I needed it the most. "
"Every time I sent materials or gave Marisol some ‘homework’ for our next meeting, she would not only do it but she would go beyond that. I deeply admire her energy, her passion. I know she will do great things because she is an outstanding person with a bright mind and an honest heart."
Hayden Simpson ’21
Fourth-Year Communications Major
"Hayden not only sets a high bar for what is expected in a mentee, but I know that as a UCLA graduate, he will represent the University well. He went above and beyond by not only trying to understand how the industry works, but how he can hopefully find his place in it."
Michelle Maxwell ’21
Fourth-Year African American Studies Major
"Michelle has continued to be proactive in communication throughout our mentor/mentee experience and has continued to challenge herself in areas where she sees a need for improvement, while strengthening the areas in which she already excels."
B.S., Nursing-Generic/Prelicensure; Incoming Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing student
Registered Nurse, Valley Presbyterian Hospital
"She provided me with resources and documents detailing clinical nursing skills that I felt uncomfortable with, and was even available to meet to go over any questions that I had. I am forever grateful to have met Megan."
Dr. Belinda Hernández ’96
B.A., Chicana and Chicano Studies and Sociology
President/CEO, Hernández Consulting Group, Inc.
"When she informed me that her dissertation explored mentorship, I was not surprised and she had lots of insights on mentorship. I know moving forward I have a mentor for life. I am so grateful for her work and guidance."
"She is very bright, and cheery as well as dedicated, and I am honestly sad her master’s program was only one year. It was a joy to be her mentor, and she is a lovely addition to the Bruin family! She and I will continue our friendship beyond this experience."
Sidronio Jacobo
Doctor of Philosophy in Education Candidate
"Even though our meetings were always virtual he remained present and involved while also participating in project meetings which I invited him to. He has been a great mentee, and I hope he will mentor others when his time comes as he has a wealth of ideas and experience he can already start to share with others."