Spotlights

Raunika Anand, M.S. '24

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Student mentee Kareena Prasad, fourth-year neuroscience major, shared, “Raunika is the best mentor I've ever had. Before I met her, I was full of self doubt. I have huge dreams and aspirations, but I always had a lingering doubt in the back of my mind that I could not achieve my goals. That feeling went away when I met Raunika. Raunika has shown me that I can do whatever it is I set my mind to. The way that she listens intently to me and remembers things even I have forgotten I've told her allows her to specifically tailor advice and words of encouragement towards me. This treatment is not unique to me. Raunika inspires every single person she interacts with uniquely to their personality and strengths.

Raunika's skills as a mentor are not just in her encouragement and advice; she also leads by example. Despite paving her path in a male-dominated field, Raunika still retains a strong sense of individuality and femininity. Raunika has taught me that women can be fierce leaders without having to make themselves more 'masculine' – something that I was personally been battling with before I met her. Overall, Raunika has inspired me to become more resilient and pursue my goals despite my previous self doubt.”

Adrian Gonzales '94

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Student mentee Paola Enriquez, third-year public health major, shared, “Adrian Gonzales has been an extraordinary mentor whose support has truly shaped my undergraduate journey. As Vice President for Student Services at San Diego Miramar College, his leadership extends far beyond his formal role—he has personally gone above and beyond to ensure my growth as a student and as a person. From the very beginning, Adrian made it clear that he was invested in my success. He didn’t wait for me to reach out—instead, he proactively contacted me through UCLA ONE to schedule check-ins, consistently making time despite his busy schedule.

What makes Adrian’s mentorship so meaningful is his genuine care and commitment. In every meeting, he not only asked about academics but also about my well-being, reminding me that thriving in college means balancing both. When I faced challenges in developing a research proposal, he patiently guided me through the process, offering constructive feedback that helped me find clarity and confidence in my ideas. His advice didn’t stop at research—he shared insights on navigating transfer life, staying grounded in my goals, and owning my identity in academic spaces.

Adrian’s mentorship has made a lasting impact. His steady encouragement pushed me to apply for opportunities I once thought was out of reach, and his belief in my potential has become a source of strength. Through every step, he’s shown what it means to lead with compassion, integrity, and purpose. I am incredibly grateful for the way he has walked alongside me in this journey—and for how he continues to inspire me to lift others as I climb.”

Sharad Aggarwal, EMBA '24

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Doctoral student mentee Aditya Prasad Dash, physics major, shared, “Sharad is the best mentor I could have hoped for! Beyond providing invaluable guidance and being available at all times, he holds monthly office hours for students, especially Bruins, where we discuss current developments in the tech industry and about the exciting breakthroughs. He emphasizes the impact people from diverse disciplines can make in the world, regardless of their domain-specific skills. He puts in great effort to create intuitive slides and invites industry leaders to speak with students, offering invaluable insights into different career paths. After our initial meetings, he created a LinkedIn page to share the excitement about progress in various fields, and that platform (Big Strategy Labs) has now grown to 290+ members!

He was recently invited as a panel speaker at the SoCal AI Responsibility Summit at UCLA, and despite his busy schedule, he took time to meet with me for two hours. I truly feel that he is a genuine mentor, someone who cares about my goals and provides advice from his years of experience, expertise and leadership. He has helped me develop essential skills and be part of a community where everyone is encouraged to participate, ask questions, and grow—a true Bruin spirit! I strongly nominate Sharad for the 2024-25 UCLA Distinguished Alumni Mentor Award, and he truly deserves it. I’m sure many Bruins, including me, have been profoundly impacted by interacting with him. And I am deeply grateful for the Alumni Mentor Program for providing a platform for Bruins to learn from senior Bruins and make an impact in the world!”

Steve Sichi '85

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Graduate student mentee Zhou Na, electrical and computer engineering major, shared, “When I reached out to Steve Sichi to request mentorship, he warmly accepted and took the time to ask about my background and the kind of support I was seeking. He immediately offered valuable advice and insights. Not long after, he followed up with a phone call and began mentoring me on how to revise my résumé. One key point he emphasized was the importance of tailoring each résumé to the specific company—a practical and insightful tip in today’s highly competitive job market.

Steve consistently shows care and support for UCLA students. During the holiday season, he sent warm greetings to students and even made time for in-person coffee chats to offer us guidance, despite his busy schedule. When wildfires broke out in Los Angeles, he repeatedly checked in on me and my peers, offering encouragement and moral support during a difficult time.

In addition to his mentorship, Steve has also gone out of his way to connect us with professional opportunities. After learning that I had submitted numerous applications without success, he introduced me to a satellite communications company and helped arrange an interview, which ultimately led to a successful project placement.

Steve Sichi has made an enormous impact on me. Through his actions, he exemplifies the true spirit of the UCLA Mentorship Program: Old Bruins helping Young Bruins. My classmates and I are truly grateful and feel incredibly fortunate to have Steve as our mentor.”

Tiffany Chao '11

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Student mentee Joy Wu, fourth-year communication major, shared, “I’m nominating Tiffany for the UCLA Alumni Mentor Program Award because she’s gone above and beyond—not just as a mentor, but as someone who truly sees and supports the whole person. Unlike the typical résumé edits or interview prep, the very first thing Tiffany guided me through was a process she calls vision setting. Together, we explored my interests, inspirations, goals, dream job descriptions, favorite creative activities, and even what I love most about UCLA and being a student. She remembered every detail and used those insights to help me make decisions aligned with who I truly am—not just what would look good on paper. As a fellow Asian American woman, her encouragement to follow what I want rather than what’s expected was especially meaningful.

Since then, Tiffany has been a constant source of support—helping me with case studies, providing honest feedback, and encouraging me through job search anxiety. She brings both deep industry knowledge and genuine warmth to every conversation, and I always leave our meetings feeling inspired and reassured.

One of the most memorable experiences was when she invited me to her first-ever supper club for her brand Interlude—a vision-setting space for ambitious women. The event took place under fairy lights on a beautiful outdoor patio where 10 inspiring women gathered to share dreams and goals. Tiffany didn’t just include me as a guest—she gave me the opportunity to contribute by capturing photo and social media content for the event, right after I told her I was interested in event marketing and content creation. That trust and generosity meant the world.

Tiffany has helped me build confidence, find direction, and imagine a future that feels exciting and personal. I feel incredibly lucky to have her in my corner.“

Hayden Simpson '21

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Student mentee Emma Hatcher, third-year sociology major, shared, “I am nominating my mentor, Hayden Simpson, because his guidance has been instrumental in my pursuit of a career in the sports industry. As a fellow junior transfer, Hayden understood the mental challenges I faced when trying to build my résumé from scratch. He has been more than just a mentor—he’s been a source of inspiration and unwavering support.

Hayden was patient in helping me navigate my career goals. He offered personalized résumé workshops, patiently editing my documents to ensure they highlighted my strengths. He also introduced me to his professional network, connecting me with influential peers at CAA, which opened doors to valuable career opportunities.

Beyond professional advice, Hayden has been a true advocate for my growth. He didn’t just talk the talk; he walked the walk. He offered me a volunteer position with the World Surf League, an opportunity that allowed me to gain hands-on experience in the sports industry while working for a brand I’m passionate about. This chance to apply what I’ve learned and build new skills has been a pivotal moment in my career path.

Hayden’s mentorship has been about more than professional development; he’s also helped me build confidence in my abilities. He’s shown me the importance of persistence, patience, and the value of genuine connections in this competitive field. His belief in me has been a constant motivator, and I’m grateful for all the opportunities he’s provided.

Hayden doesn’t just mentor; he truly invests in the success of his mentees. His guidance has been transformative, and I am honored to nominate him for this recognition.”

David Ren, M.S. '20, Ph.D. '23

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Graduate student mentee Raamesh Balasubramani, chemical engineering major, shared, “I am nominating my mentor because they have gone above and beyond in guiding me through my career development in the field of engineering. From the moment I expressed my desire to further my career in an area of engineering where my mentor has deep expertise, they have been nothing short of exceptional in their support.

One of the most significant ways my mentor helped was by sitting down with me and providing a curated list of resources—contacts, publications, and conferences—tailored to my career goals. This was invaluable as it saved me countless hours of research and pointed me in the right direction. What truly stood out was that my mentor attended a conference that aligned directly with my area of interest. Without me even asking, they took the time to provide a detailed summary of the conference highlights, ensuring I didn’t miss key takeaways. This proactive approach showed their genuine commitment to my success.

Additionally, despite being located outside of California, my mentor made a special effort to visit me during a brief trip to the area. This thoughtful gesture of taking time out of their busy schedule to meet in person further deepened our professional relationship and made me feel supported in a way that went beyond just emails and phone calls.

Overall, my mentor has consistently gone above and beyond to ensure I have the resources, knowledge, and encouragement I need to excel in my field. Their dedication to my growth has been truly inspiring, and I’m grateful for their continuous support.”

Catie Soo '21, M.S.W. '25

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Graduate student mentee Negin Dadmarz, social welfare major, shared, “I am honored to nominate my mentor, Catie Soo, who has consistently gone above and beyond in supporting my professional and personal growth. When I was preparing for my top practicum position, Catie dedicated her time to conduct mock interviews with me, offering tailored feedback that not only improved my responses but also boosted my confidence. Her commitment extended beyond formal guidance; as I navigated a new environment, Catie was always available to answer questions and help me acclimate, making the transition far less daunting.

Catie’s support is not limited to academic or career advice-she genuinely invests in my success and well-being. She has shown up to my events, demonstrating her belief in my potential and her willingness to celebrate my achievements alongside me. During moments of self-doubt, Catie’s encouragement has been unwavering. Her words and actions consistently remind me of my capabilities, helping me to push through challenges and strive for excellence.

What sets Catie apart is her holistic approach to mentorship. She doesn’t just provide advice; she leads by example, showing what it means to be supportive, resilient, and dedicated. Her mentorship has had a profound impact on my journey, instilling in me the confidence and skills needed to succeed. Catie’s above-and-beyond commitment makes her an exceptional mentor, and I am deeply grateful for her guidance and encouragement.”