A Message From UCLA Latino Alumni Association President Janette Palacios '98, M.U.R.P. '01
As we enter the last quarter of the year and Hispanic Heritage Month, we would like to remind Bruins that the UCLA Latino Alumni Association is here to support you, and our network is also an opportunity to support others. We have great upcoming digital community engagement opportunities to enhance your day. From becoming a mentor to the next generation, engaging in one of our five committees or attending our movie night, we do not have a shortage of opportunities to connect you to a Latino Bruin!
In our future newsletters, we are also highlighting UCLA Latino alumni who are doing great work in their field and the community. This month we are highlighting the UCLA husband-wife team Cristina Nava '98 and Patrick Perez Vidauri, M.F.A. '08, on the release of their film, "In Other Words." We would love to spotlight more UCLA Latino alumni, especially those who have made a positive impact this past year. Read more below on how to nominate.
Go Bruins!
Janette Palacios '98, MURP '01
2020-2022 President
UCLA Latino Alumni Association
Top Stories
Support a Bruin. Become an OrgullOSO Mentor.
The UCLA Latino Alumni Association Scholarship Committee is seeking alumni to participate in our annual OrgullOSO Mentor Program. Our program matches alumni with ULAA scholarship recipients and other Latinx students to provide mentorship in professional development and personal growth as well as build a greater sense of Latinx Bruin community for our students.
Mentors are asked to commit for one academic year, attend virtual events hosted by ULAA and connect with students one-on-one (Zoom, phone call, texting, etc.) at least twice every quarter over the course of the year. All professional disciplines are welcome to apply as well as alumni living outside of the greater Los Angeles area.
Share a goal, broaden visions and mentor an OrgullOSO Bruin!
Important Dates to Keep in Mind
Monday, Oct. 5 – Applications due by 11:59 p.m. (PST)
Sunday, Oct. 18 – OrgullOSO mentor/student matches announced
Oct. 21 - 24 – Multiple virtual mentor training sessions
Join UCLA Latino Alumni Association for an informational open house on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Meet the ULAA board and learn how you can get more involved in our network this year.
Movie Night: "In Other Words" Screening and Live Q&A With Filmmakers
Join filmmakers Christina Nava '98 (writer, producer) and Patrick Perez Vidauri, M.F.A. '08
(director, producer) as we screen their new romantic comedy, "In Other Words," about a tech geek who lands an investor for his matchmaking app. But, when his app matches him with a beautiful girl who doesn't speak English, he travels with his buddies to wine country in Baja California, Mexico to prove his algorithm isn't screwy.
"In Other Words" stars Bryan McClure (Mindhunter), Edy Ganem (Devious Maids), Natasha Esca (Narcos: México) and Chris Kattan (SNL). The movie was shot in both English and Spanish and has been described as, “Like 'Water for Chocolate' meets 'Sideways'.”
Sunday, Sept. 27
Screening: 7 p.m.
Q&A: 8:30 p.m.
Tickets: $12
(Save money by buying on a web browser to avoid app transaction fees.)
Proceeds benefit the UCLA Latino Alumni Association Endowed Scholarship Fund.
In preparation for Dia de Los Muertos, we would like to again honor those Latino Bruins who have passed. If you would like them to be featured on our digital altar and album this year, please send their name, photo, UCLA graduation year, and a short bio or memory you would like to share with Soleil Delgadillo via email at sdelgadillo@alumni.ucla.edu by Friday, Oct. 16.
Bruin Spotlight
Congratulations to UCLA husband-wife team Cristina Nava '98 and Patrick Perez Vidauri M.F.A. '08 on the release of their film "In Other Words."
Patrick was born in East L.A. and raised in Hacienda Heights. Knowing he wanted to be a filmmaker, he acted at Columbia University in New York where he majored in anthropology and specialized in post-classic Mayan Civilization of the Yucatan Peninsula. He would later get his M.F.A. in directing from UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television.
Cristina was born in the U.S. and spent time in Mexico where her parents were born. After attending UCLA as an undergrad, and before pursuing writing and producing, she taught middle school English, film production and screenwriting. She has a M.A. in education and emphasizes using film as a form of visual text, combining films with novels to help students with reading comprehension.
Patrick and Cristina’s company, LUX III, has just landed a three-picture deal with film finance company Grandave Capitol. Previous credits include Lola’s Love Shack.
Do you know of a Latino Bruin whom you would like to nominate? Please email Community Relations Chair, Nicki Beltranena '02 about Bruins making a positive impact.
Upcoming Committee Meetings
Interested in giving back? Please reach out to ULAA Committee Chairs if you’d like to get involved and attend committee meetings.
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.
