It has been a pleasure volunteering alongside my fellow board members these past two years, fulfilling our mission and vision of being a gathering place for UCLA alumni, family and friends for the benefit and advancement of the Latino community. Some of the highlights of our tenure include: being recognized as the 2019 UCLA Alumni Network of the Year, bringing together over 2,500 alumni at 50 events, increasing our overall social media presence by 25 percent and raising over $100,000.
Over this past year we had some amazing events, such as the Taste of El Salvador hosted by Alicia Maher '92. We honored Patricia Perez '87 and Earl Watson '19 at our Fiesta de Inspiración, where we hosted over 150 attendees and raised over $70,000. During winter quarter, we distributed hot coffee and pan dulce to students during finals and sent holiday care packages to our OrgullOSO mentees. For our last in-person event, we hosted a sold-out Lotería game night in Downtown LA. COVID-19 disrupted many of our in-person plans; however, we hosted six virtual events that addressed the Census, connected more than 150 incoming UCLA Latinx students to alumni mentors and, perhaps for the first time, we had Latinx Bruins from different time zones attend the same event.
Although we have accomplished a lot, we know there is still work to be done to continue being a gathering place for the benefit and advancement of the Latino community, which includes conversations on, and not limited to: Black Lives Matter, inclusion of Afro-Latinx, colorism, machismo — especially around sexual and emotional abuse, pronouns, "Latinx" and so much more. Over the past few months I have learned, seen and applauded our Latinx student groups for taking time to educate, call in and tackle difficult conversations. If we’re not already, I hope we, as alumni, can do the same.
Our current students are presently facing many obstacles, such as choosing between work and education, and our recent graduates are facing an uncertain job market. I hope we use this collective passion for our community to give back and/or mentor students or young professionals. You can find the links to support ULAA and join UCLA ONE to become a mentor at the bottom of this newsletter.
In looking toward the future, what events or topics for continuing education would you like us to organize in this next year? Let us know here.
Finally, please take a moment to read the 2019–2020 exiting messages.
The UCLA Latino Alumni Association is proud to welcome all of you to a nationwide community of more than 49,000 members. As the newest additions to our community, we recognize and see your talents, and we are so orgulloso to welcome you to our alumni community, which includes first generation, undocumented, non-traditional, Latinx and Afro-Latinx alumni. Thank you to those who submitted their stunning graduation photos, which can be accessed here. For those who attended the virtual Raza Graduation, here is access to the digital yearbook compiled by the hard-working organizers. Felicidades again on your accomplishments!
For support in the next part of your journey, please join us for our upcoming virtual discussion, “Launching Your Career in Uncertain Times,” on Tuesday, July 28, at 5:30 p.m. (RSVP button below). As you navigate your world, let us know what you'd like to see from ULAA here.
Introducing the 2020–2021 ULAA Board of Directors
We're proud to announce the incoming UCLA Latino Alumni Association 2020–2021 Board! This incoming volunteer board is excited to continue bringing our community together. Gracias to our 2019–2020 out-going board for their hard work, commitment and amor.
2020–2021 Board of Directors:
President – Janette Palacios ’98, M.U.R.P. ’01 Vice President – Laura C. Romero ’88, M.A. ’89, Ph.D. ’95 Secretary – Carlos Almendárez, J.D. ’17 Treasurer – Adrian Meza ’04 Past President – Soleil Delgadillo ’09, UNEX ’19
Membership Chair – Christina Hernandez ’13, M.S.W. ’17 Scholarship Chair – Angela M. Sánchez ’13, M.Ed. ’15 University Relations Chair – Cesar Pacheco ’18 Finance Chair – Lena Y. Hines ’99, J.D. ’02 Community Relations Chair – Nicki Beltranena ’02
To learn about the new board, please visit our website. For questions on how to volunteer with us, please email latino@alumni.ucla.edu.
Upcoming Events
Launching Your Career in Uncertain Times
Bruins who graduated in the wake of The Great Recession of 2008 entered an uncertain job market. UCLA Latinx alumni will share their stories, provide successful job search strategies, and highlight ways you can be resilient during an unprecedented time.
UCLA ONE
Looking for ways to virtually volunteer? We can use your skill sets to guide the next generation of professionals! You can join our UCLA ONE Latino Alumni Group here.
To indicate you’d like to mentor or network please click on your profile picture -> Edit Profile -> Click boxes that apply under “Offer/Seek Help” section.
You are receiving this email because you have self-identified as Chicana/o and/or Latina/o and/or attended or expressed interest in the events and programs of the UCLA Latino Alumni Association.
