Bruin Business 100 Profiles - 2023

Patented metal 3D printing technology company that has helped usher in Industry 4.0 and unlock the potential of metal 3D printing.

Honoree(s): Matt Sand, M.B.A. '10

A Better Treat is a health-first pet product company that creates freeze-dried raw single-ingredient treats and dog food with high-protein kibble and freeze-dried raw pieces mixed in. We stand out with our high-quality (wild-caught, free-range, grass-fed, USDA organic) ingredients and focus on keeping them in their recognizable form. All our products are proudly made in the USA.

Honoree(s): Boris Chung '14

Abacus Financial has served as a business management firm to some of the hardest-working professionals in the television and film industries for more than two decades. We pride ourselves on helping a large variety of entertainers and entertainment businesses nationally with their business operations, including bookkeeping, accounting, payroll support, and tax planning & tax strategy services.

Honoree(s): Belva Anakwenze '00

ALA CAMILA offers culturally relevant, 1-1 personal statement, application writing, self-expression, and holistic career coaching sessions for BIPOC and first-generation visionaries, professionals and creatives.

Honoree(s): Camila Lacques-Zapién '14

Alfred Coffee was founded by entrepreneur Josh Zad on iconic Melrose Place in early 2013. From the start, Alfred was a cult-favorite brand, building a passionate following through an emphasis on bar-raising drinks, eye-catching designs and top-notch customer service. At Alfred, we go beyond classic coffee drinks, offering specialty beverages like our Lavender Latte, Chagaccino, Matchaga and more. For each new cafe, we draw design inspiration from the surrounding neighborhood, while signature elements like our World Famous Iced Vanilla Latte and trademarked tagline “But First, Coffee.” remain steadfast throughout. Alfred currently boasts over 20 locations across Los Angeles, Austin, San Francisco and the Middle East, with more coming soon! Visit www.alfred.la to learn more.

Honoree(s): Josh Zad, M.B.A. '06

AltaBird Investments delivers state-of-the-art, institutional quality Class A industrial buildings in first-tier markets. We are a principal-run firm interacting directly with our partners, driven by our collective creativity, backed by integrity, with a focus on delivering quality assets while fostering genuine relationships built on trust. AltaBird Investments was formed by two former colleagues with the perfect complementary set of expertise for success. Noah Pokrass (UCLA Anderson School of Management, 2014, MBA) provides the financial acumen that drives the day-to-day operations to the long-term capital markets strategy. Fellow Pac-12 alum Brendan Mason (University of Washington, 2017, MSRE) possesses the real estate construction and development experience to oversee site developments as well as a vision for site selection for building the company's project pipeline. As a fledgling company, we have already found success by delivering 281,000 square feet in 2023 and are scheduled to break ground on another 155,000 square feet in June 2023.

Honoree(s): Noah Pokrass, M.B.A. '14

Amptron Medical was founded in 2018, prior to enrolling in the UCLA EMBA program. We are developing a closed-loop oxygen therapy platform to help clinicians reduce hospital admissions of COPD patients by detecting and treating exacerbations early and remotely. We compete in the growing respiratory care market, which last year was a $33.4B market. Currently, we have a working prototype, initial orders in India, key strategic partnerships, and an experienced team.

Honoree(s): Nirav Patel, E.M.B.A. '20

Anderson Angels brings together current and former Anderson UCLA MBAs and friends of UCLA to fund early-stage ventures emerging from the vibrant UCLA entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Honoree(s): Lawrence Jen, M.B.A. '99 ; Lawrence Ham, F.E.M.B.A. '22

Our author branding methodology is unmatched in the publishing industry, built on a holistic approach to empower writers to create successful long-term careers, utilizing branding, entrepreneurship, and psychological tools traditionally relegated to the business world.

Honoree(s): Andrea Guevara, Cert. '15

A.F.'s mission is to promote Asian & Pacific Islander businesses, invest in new ventures, and provide valuable resources for those looking to invest in the API business community.

Honoree(s): Esther Lee '15

Atalan Tech uses machine learning to predict and prevent clinician burnout and turnover in health systems. Our early-warning system is designed to flag clinicians at risk of turnover 6-18 months in advance, running seamlessly in the background without the use of any surveys. We provide insight as to why individuals are at risk and help health systems focus their resources where they will have the most impact.

Honoree(s): Bart Blackburn, Ph.D '21

Since 2002, AVANA Companies (AVANA) has supported entrepreneurs & communities by providing impactful, socially driven access to capital that preserves wealth and creates growth for small business owners and investors, both institutional and individuals. AVANA Capital, Extensia Financial, and LendThrive™ connect small business owners in various industries such as commercial real estate, hospitality, renewable energy, and cannabis with access to private capital. On the investor side, AVANA Fund and EqualSeat™ provide alternative ESG investment options that create jobs, stimulate local economies, and generate clean energy. AVANA, a global fintech company has developed an ecosystem of comprehensive lending and asset management platforms serving entrepreneurs and investors worldwide. AVANA has managed over $1.3 billion in assets, created over 10,000 jobs, and helped hundreds of businesses flourish.

Honoree(s): Sanat Patel, E.M.B.A. '21

Balance by Nature is a corporate well-being company that specializes in programs for mental health, work-life balance, holistic healing and mindful leadership. We work with organizations of all sizes, guiding them to create healthy work environments and cultures of wholeness where their people can show up as their best selves to drive greater business success.

Honoree(s): Nicole Mixdorf '02

Bean Sprouts is a hip & healthy café chain with a strong emphasis on families. What sets us apart in the industry is Imaginibbles—our award-winning kids’ meal program that makes healthy food fun. Bean Sprouts currently serves family destinations nationwide (children’s museums, cultural attractions, etc.), and is in front of more than 15 million annual visitors. This spring, we debuted in children’s healthcare, opening inside of Children's National Hospital in Washington, D.C. Bean Sprouts is one of the only female-founded café chains in the U.S.

Honoree(s): Shannon Seip '95

Beaudry Interactive is an award-winning experiential design studio based in Los Angeles and Chicago. Our work spans themed entertainment, museum exhibitions, live shows, and branded experiences all with a singular mission: provide an environment that actively engages your audience and makes them part of the experience.

Honoree(s): David Beaudry '02; Valeria Beaudry '97

Belle Tress is a global company and a leader in the alternative hair business. Founded by Juliana Min in 1984 after graduating from UCLA. Belle Tress currently supplies the most innovative products in design and texture all over the world.

Honoree(s): Juliana Min '84

BioMAdvanced Diagnostics is a MedTech start-up based in Nantes, a spinoff from the CR2TI (Centre de Recherche Translationnelle en Transplantation et Immunologie, UMR 1064, INSERM – Nantes University) and from the University Hospital (CHU) of Nantes. BioMAdvanced Diagnostics brings a real disruption in the field of Biomarkers related to the Immune System based on 20 years of translational research. Its main goal is to enable a really personalized medicine that will greatly improve outcomes for the patient by providing unprecedented tools to clinicians. More specifically, great attention is being placed on diminishing risks for patients through minimal invasive solutions which will enable very substantial cost reductions for the Health Systems. The first application will concern the improvement of kidney or lung transplanted patients’ follow-up. The identification of biomarkers to evaluate, predict and diagnose the risk of transplant rejection will provide clinicians with ways of better anticipating and adapting their patients’ treatment. The goal is to reduce as much as possible numerous secondary effects. BioMAdvanced Diagnostics Tests will provide predictive scores and will be easily integrated into diagnostic and standard treatment protocols, easy to use by medical practitioners.

Honoree(s): Frederic Pette, M.B.A. '02

Blue Box is a patented process for optimizing commercial HVAC systems to reduce their overall energy consumption and carbon footprint.

Honoree(s): Jim Metropoulos '93

Eye surgeon Brian Boxer Wachler, MD founded the Boxer Wachler Vision Institute in Beverly Hills in 2002. He is a highly sought-after eye surgeon and is known as "The Surgeon's Surgeon" since so many other surgeons come to Dr. Brian for surgery on their own eyes. He specializes in Keratoconus treatments, vision correction procedures, and treatment of red, pigmented and discolored eyes from sun damage.

Honoree(s): Brian Boxer Wachler, M.D. '89

Bridge Advisory, LLC is a family-run firm with over a 35-year legacy in Pasadena, California now serving clients spanning four generations and that reside across the country. At our core, we believe in improving the lives of those we serve, by providing comprehensive wealth management services; covering financial & retirement planning, investment management, and strategies that build, preserve and protect your total wealth. We live by the hallmarks of trust and transparency. We do this by offering a simple fee structure and by leveraging technology to give clients real-time access to their financial plans and progress toward their goals. We work with our clients as a team to provide expert advice, that is always clear, transparent and thoughtful. It is our goal to provide our clients the guidance, education and roadmap they need to make significant progress towards their personal financial goals and to maximize the enjoyment of their success now and in the future.

Honoree(s): Dave Penniall '76

California Box Rental provides zero-waste moving box rentals for commercial and residential customers who are relocating or renovating.

Honoree(s): Gary Grewal '09

Born in a Rieber Hall dorm room in Spring 2019, Campbell&Kramer offers curated vintage clothing, recycled cotton loungewear, and limited-edition pieces made from dead stock fabric. Inspired by our laid-back Southern California lifestyle and motivated by our concern for the environment, the brand’s core mission is to give new context to old threads via a curated and accessible e-commerce platform.

Honoree(s): Presley Campbell '22; Alden Kramer '21

Can't Stop! Won't Stop! Consulting empowers leaders, strengthens organizations, and shapes culture to advance justice, freedom, and liberation for all. We envision a world where Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC), womxn, gender expansive, and non-binary people, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Two-Spirit, Intersex and Asexual/Agender (LGBTQ2IA+) folks, people with disabilities, working people and immigrants can be their full selves, build collective power, and create transformative change in their communities.

Honoree(s): Gregory Allan Datu Cendana '08

CAULIPOWER uses the power of veggies to make healthier, easier versions of the food you crave, that actually TASTE like the food you crave. CAULIPOWER's first innovation, cauliflower crust pizza, created a white-hot category in 2017. Today CAULIPOWER is the #1 cauliflower crust pizza, the #1 natural pizza, and the #1 gluten-free pizza in the U.S., and has even been featured as an answer on Jeopardy! In addition to stone-fired cauliflower crust pizzas, the CAULIPOWER family of innovative products now includes the only baked (never fried) all-natural chicken tenders, cauliflower & chickpea-coated chicken nuggets, and NEW frozen meals. It remains CAULIPOWER's mission to eliminate the need for consumers to ever have to choose between taste, convenience and health.

Honoree(s): Gail Becker '86

Chill Vibrations was formed by innovator Maya Dajón. Her inspiration originated from the desire to Facilitate Healing & Guidance from an Art Based Perspective. As a Healing Arts Practitioner and Consultant, she often utilizes Art Forms such as Music, Poetry, and Movement to help her clients heal from various elements such as trauma, anxiety, and depression to live a more fulfilling life.

Honoree(s): Maya Dajón '21

Con Todo Press is a Latina-owned publishing company that creates bilingual children's books that celebrate Latino culture to help fill the gap in the publishing industry, where Latine stories are vastly under-represented.

Honoree(s): Naibe Reynoso '95

Crest Real Estate is the premier land use consulting and permits expediting firm in the Greater Los Angeles area. Our team manages the due diligence, entitlements, development strategy, and permit processing for all project types including but not limited to residential, commercial, and hospitality.

Honoree(s): Steven Somers '12; Jason Somers '08

Meet Daily Work Journal, the company that's here to help you navigate your career in a fulfilling way. Their hero product, also called Daily Work Journal, is a journal notebook that's packed with career coaching worksheets, journal prompts, reflection space, and blank note pages. This journal was created by Jessica Yen, a former data analyst turned executive coach who noticed that people were struggling with career fulfillment during the pandemic. She decided to create a tool that could help more people achieve their career goals in a sustainable and mentally healthy way. The journal is designed to assist individuals in gaining confidence in their careers, documenting work accomplishments, and navigating work challenges.

Honoree(s): Jessica Yen '14

We offer investment and wealth management services for individuals and institutions.

Honoree(s): Jake Davidson, J.D. '21

Davis Insurance Agency was founded in 1981. We provide individuals and families with their Life, Health, Disability and Long-Term Care insurance needs.

Honoree(s): Nancy Davis '76

Digital Empathy provides marketing and software services within animal health.

Honoree(s): Robert Sanchez '10

DNA Architecture + Design, Inc. is a full-service design practice based in Los Angeles. Founded in 2008, our practice is focused on projects varied by type but united by the methodology of approach. Our work is optimistic and forward-thinking. Current projects include single-family residences alongside commercial, adaptive reuse and hospitality projects. Many of our projects are community oriented and context-driven. We believe in the power of place and strive to be positive contributors to the built environment. The work of DNA Architecture + Design has been nationally recognized through exhibitions and design awards

Honoree(s): Valery Augustin, M.Arch. '02

Dr. Nickey Woods Educational Consulting, Inc. helps teams dive into diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) -- from implementing training and community building to strategic planning and assessment. Our consulting focuses on three components that are critical to effective DEIB engagement: 1) knowledge and skill development, 2) community, culture, and climate, and 3) assessment, planning and evaluation. Clients range from Nickelodeon to law firms to colleges and universities.

Honoree(s): Nickey Woods '96

EADEM is a skincare brand centering on people of color and our needs for bareskin confidence. Our products are powered by Smart Melanin Technology which ensures they're safe yet efficacious on skin of color. We're female-founded, Black and Asian owned and available at Sephora.

Honoree(s): Alice Lin Glover '09

Family-owned and operated since 1967, ECOS makes plant-powered laundry detergents and cleaners that are safer for people, pets, and the planet. ECOS products are made in the USA using global ingredients without dyes, formaldehyde, 1,4-dioxane, parabens, phthalates, or optical brighteners. A women-owned and Black-owned company, ECOS is Climate Positive and restores 110% of its carbon, water, and energy use back to the earth. ECOS has won many awards for sustainability and green chemistry, including U.S. EPA Safer Choice Partner of the Year. ECOS, ECOS for Pets, and ECOS PRO cleaners are available at major club and grocery retailers and natural foods stores throughout the U.S., internationally, and online.

Honoree(s): Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks '00

ELAVI is a functional snack company delivering anti-inflammatory snacks for optimal gut & skin health. UCLA alumni Michelle partnered with fellow Equinox fitness instructor and best friend Nikki to develop a line of gut-friendly, nutrient-dense, functional snacks that help you stay full for hours, satisfy cravings, and indulge - but without the inflammatory dairy, gluten, refined sugars, or sugar alcohols. Their collagen protein bars are low-calorie, high-protein snacks designed to keep you nourished for hours. Their plant-based breakfast butters are cashew butter based and come in a variety of flavors such as blue spirulina vanilla, pomegranate berry, dark chocolate, and ginger spice.

Honoree(s): Michelle Razavi '14

EQI was founded in 2004 in Spring Lake, Michigan as industrial metal products procurement went offshore to Asia. The company specializes in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of metal castings, forgings, and fabrications using several different manufacturing processes. Over the past nearly twenty years, EQI has developed a reputation for providing tailored sourcing, engineering, contract manufacturing, logistics, and value-added services solutions delivered to many of the world's major OEMs in the material handling, construction, aerial work platform, agriculture, forestry, machine tool, energy, and various other industrial end markets. In 2012, EQI partnered with MSouth Equity Partners of Atlanta, GA in the management buyout of the business from its founder. Over the next several years, EQI professionalized and diversified the business by cementing long-term contracts with strategic customers, building out a world-class management team, and expanding sourcing operations beyond China. In early 2019, Atlas Holdings LLC, of Greenwich, CT partnered with EQI's leadership team to acquire the business from MSouth. Alongside its new partners, EQI launched several strategic initiatives to further diversify its customer base, expand sourcing operations, and add additional value-added services to its already comprehensive offering around metal products procurement. In late 2021, EQI acquired Industrial Paint Solutions in N. Ireland, UK, a long-time supplier of warehousing and industrial coatings services, an acquisition that fueled EQI's penetration into 3PL and finish coating services. A year later, EQI acquired Accucam Machining in Ontario, Canada further expanding EQI's suite of value-added services to precision machining of complex steel castings. In addition to EQI's Michigan headquarters, the company today operates several sourcing and quality assurance operations across China, India, and Vietnam, along with finishing machining operations in Ontario, Canada and Qingdao, China. Growing out of EQI's acquisition in N. Ireland, the company recently established two additional warehouses and finish painting operations in Maryland and Kentucky supporting key strategic customers in the mid-Atlantic and South East United States.

Honoree(s): Blake Phillips, M.B.A '04

Fiduciary Experts came into existence more by need than by creativity in 2008 in the early stages of the great recession. As a woman in the investment industry, Maribel knew that as a single woman trying to succeed was challenging but even more so if she wanted to start a family someday. Fiduciary Experts was created by a need to provide job opportunities when none would be given right out of graduate school from UCI's Exec MBA program. What started out as an attempt to provide a solution free of commissions and support of the investor we ended up growing a business that brought value and transparency in a time when the word fiduciary was not understood or heard much. Today it is a four-member team with twenty municipal and government districts as clients and ten institutional 401k plans. All advisors speak Spanish and English and have a passion for empowering investors that would have otherwise been ignored or forgotten. We are proud and grateful to be able to work from home now that the pandemic has made this model acceptable as we had been doing this since the beginning of 2008. We keep it simple and believe in spreading financial literacy to our communities.

Honoree(s): Maribel Larios '99

Dr. Farb’s original vision, when founding Flower Turbines, was to reimagine small wind potential to ensure that sustainable energy solutions are made accessible to everyone. With a portfolio of approximately 30 patents, which include revolutionary advancements in the fields of aerodynamics and electronics, Flower Turbines is currently engaged in the production and distribution of its turbines across the EU and US markets. Flower Turbines is transitioning into a phase of rapid expansion. These turbines are set apart by their ability to operate silently, at lower speeds, all while being wildlife friendly. Additionally, they improve the performance of neighboring turbines through the Cluster Effect. Technology. Sustainability. Art. Flower Turbines combines all three to bring you the wind turbine of the future.

Honoree(s): Mark Daniel Farb, E.M.B.A. '97

Frederick Export is an export management company specializing in coordinating the sales and marketing of consumer-branded products worldwide.

Honoree(s): Zach Frederick '98

Did you know that nearly 90% of businesses worldwide are small and midsize and two-thirds of these business owners worry they don’t have the right skills and knowledge to tackle the climate crisis? For example, UK SMB contributes to 6 % of the UK's total greenhouse gases and is equally responsible to reduce emissions. Good Earth is a social impact company that wants to serve this underserved market of SMB of nearly $320 M, who are faced with barriers like knowledge, time, and resources to take climate action. Our well-rounded talented team has the passion and professional experience to execute on this purpose leveraging data and technology to create a seamless digital experience. On our platform, these organizations can tell us a little bit about themselves to receive sustainability insights specific to their industry and personalized recommendations to get started on their sustainability journey immediately. Our customers own their eco-journey and we serve as both catalyst and supporter for long-term changes in their organizational strategy for ESG.

Honoree(s): Payal Shah, E.M.B.A. '21

Cannabis dispensary company on a mission to support the LGBTQ community. Currently operating out of our flagship location in Downtown Los Angeles and with locations in progress for two more stores in Mid City and Sherman Oaks. Inspired by the first legal medical dispensaries in the Castro which provided cannabis to those suffering from HIV/AIDS, we will reclaim, honor, and sustain queer history in cannabis legalization by incubating LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, Women-owned, and marginalized brands and donate a percentage of profits to build and fund the DTLA Proud (501c3) LGBTQ+ Community Center which will consist of LGBTQ+ programming around housing, employment, health, and legal services, as well as a non-profit incubator establishing itself as a hub for LGBTQIA+ support and development in the region.

Honoree(s): Taylor Bazley ’14, M.B.A. ’21

Greif & Co. is an independent, Los Angeles-based investment bank providing merger & acquisition and corporate finance advisory services to middle-market growth companies nationwide. The company engineers 9- and 10-figure mergers and acquisitions and 8- and 9-figure corporate financings for entrepreneurially owned and operated companies. Over half of the firm's clients are family businesses and approximately one-third of the transactions architected by Greif & Co. are cross-border deals involving buyers or investors from Europe, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. The company is renowned as "The Entrepreneur's Investment Bank" and its swooping owl logo symbolizes the four pillars upon which the company was founded in March 1992--wisdom, integrity, strength and aggressiveness (both are trademarks). Transactions span all industries in which entrepreneurs may be found including food & beverage; healthcare services and medical technology; aerospace/defense; high tech; industrial manufacturing & distribution; retail & e-commerce; consumer products; entertainment & media; financial & business services; and hospitality & real estate.

Honoree(s): Lloyd Greif '77

Providing meaningful travel opportunities for Students to experience Ghana in an educational and transformative way.

Honoree(s): Kwame Bonsra, M.B.A. '20

Hello Bello is an omni-channel premium and affordable baby care brand and parenting platform.

Honoree(s): Jennifer Pullen, M.B.A. '07 ; Sean Kane '07

HPS provides strategic communications and public affairs services, specializing in direct advocacy in Los Angeles and Southern California, media relations, crisis communications, and general public affairs consulting.

Honoree(s): Coby King '85

Highway Benefits is an employee benefits platform that increases retention and attraction of top talent through modernized benefits. Highway's first product, a student loan matching platform, allows employers to design a custom plan which gives them the ability to contribute to their employee's student loans.

Honoree(s): Michael MacLaverty, M.B.A. '20; Cory Micheel, M.B.A. '20

HYC Physio strives to change the landscape of healthcare by providing evidence-based interventions that cater towards your athletic goals. Every client receives an individualized performance assessment followed by a comprehensive plan of care that matches your lifestyle. We have experience working with various individuals, from everyday weekend warriors to professional athletes.

Honoree(s): Harris Choe '15

Jasper was founded to address one simple concern: over 70% of dogs and cats suffer from some form of gum disease. Neglecting proper oral care at home leads to bad breath, damage to organs, and painful dental visits. Jasper creates pet dental products like natural toothpaste and ergonomically designed toothbrushes so pet parents can give their furbabies great oral care at home.

Honoree(s): Mike Toofer, M.B.A. '10

Kaiona Swimwear designs small batches of eco-friendly swimsuits and accessories designed to stay put during an epic cliff dive or all-day surf sesh. The traditional Hawaiian value of mālama ʻāina (to care for and live in harmony with the land) is at the core of our ethos and our goal is to reduce the environmental impact of fashion with our regenerated fabric made from ocean pollution such as ghost fishing nets and by using entirely plastic-free packaging and shipping materials.

Honoree(s): Kalena McElroy '14

Kaleidoscope Digital is a full-service web development, graphic design and social media marketing agency based in Los Angeles. For over 21 years, we have helped business owners, politicians, non-profit organizations, and government agencies across the country develop their ideas into compelling designs that help create thriving businesses. Our goal is to help businesses transform their digital marketing needs with vital, practical, flexible solutions that meet their own changing requirements as well as those of their customers.

Honoree(s): Bonique Edwards '94

Kane Robotics simplifies material removal for high-mix, low-volume manufacturers with flexible, easy-to-use automation that maximizes productivity and ensures maximum protection for people. We deliver affordable, reconfigurable collaborative robotic systems that make tough and tedious sanding, grinding and finishing jobs easy, creating a safer and healthier work environment that reduces risk and injury.

Honoree(s): John Spruce, M.B.A. '22

Kasih Co-op partners with Indonesian artisans to create authentic and unique pieces for home and lifestyle including batik kimono robes and accessories, handwoven Ikat pillows and handmade wooden tableware.

Honoree(s): Ivana Darmawan ’05, M.B.A. '09

Established in 2012, and Buckhead Business Association's 2016 Business of the Year, Kazoo Toys is an independent toy store, owned and operated by Joe and Whitney Novak, residents of Buckhead. We support local schools, as well as many child-centric charities, and encourage you to support local businesses. We believe that high-quality products and customer service are the keys to a memorable and fun shopping experience at Kazoo Toys.

Honoree(s): Joe Novak '93; Whitney Novak, M.B.A. '05

Kinected is a Los Angeles-based Merger and Acquisition Advisory firm founded in 2014 to help business owners with revenues between $5M-$50M maximize the value of M&A transactions and exit their businesses on their terms.

Honoree(s): Kevin Berson '96

Lactation Lab provides breast milk testing and analysis to optimize infant health and nutrition.

Honoree(s): Eric Canale, M.B.A. '04; Stephanie Canale '07

LanguageBird provides accredited world language lessons and courses to middle and high school students, live, one-to-one via video chat. Since we were founded in 2015, LanguageBird has grown into a global community of 4,000+ students, 200+ instructors, and 18 administrators from 40 countries. We currently offer 15 languages from very beginner to the most advanced levels (year 6+ levels) and students from 700+ schools have taken LanguageBird courses to complement their school curriculum with 30+ schools partnering to use LanguageBird as their language curriculum. Using Project-Based Learning, students master speaking new languages with confidence and explore cultures through self-paced, personalized instruction with expert native-speaking instructors. We believe the future of education is using technology to connect people for a better understanding of the world, its cultures and people.

Honoree(s): Karyn Koven, Ed.D. '09

In September 2017, siblings Jacqueline, Allison and Elaine Taylor collectively founded Le Prunier, an organic beauty line based on The Power of Plum®. The sisters built Le Prunier from an ancestral legacy that began in 1916 with their great grandfather who farmed the rich soils of Northern California, laying the seeds for four generations of family-operated farming. While maintaining the family’s sustainable, organic farming practices, the Taylor sisters unlocked the extraordinary beauty benefits of this powerful fruit. Today, the sisters carry on the farm’s legacy with a 4th generation perspective—Tradition Meets Innovation®.

Honoree(s): Jacqueline Taylor Fiechter '08

Legion M is the first entertainment company designed to be owned by fans. With a rapidly growing community of over 150K people (including over 40K investors who own a stake in the company), Legion M has raised over $17M to help finance, produce, develop, release, and monetize film and TV projects. Led by two Emmy award-winning serial entrepreneurs in Paul Scanlan and Jeff Annison, Legion M is backed by an advisory board of Hollywood heavyweights including William Shatner, Dean Devlin, Leonard Maltin and senior executives from the studios and streamers. To learn more about investing in Legion M and/or to become a member of the Legion for free, visit www.legionm.com.

Honoree(s): Jeff Annison '95

Lexpat Global Services is a law and consulting firm specializing in matters related to security, development, and overseas corporate operations. A contraction between the Latin “lex” and “expatriate,” Lexpat’s name is emblematic of our business model – skilled legal and professional services practitioners able to deliver premium service to clients to accomplish their missions anywhere in the world. Our team of lawyers, investigators, policy experts, analysts, and program managers understand the big picture of operating globally while mastering the details required to turn clients’ visions into reality. With experience in government, international organizations, military, and private industry, we know the legal and enforcement frameworks that promote the rule of law and stability, and that dictate your compliance obligations for operating abroad. Having lived and worked on five continents, we know how important culture and tradition are in crafting effective solutions to overcome the most difficult challenges. Lexpat leverages our lived and professional experiences to counsel clients on local and regional frameworks, customs, regulations, and risks.

Honoree(s): Adam Pearlman '03

At Lionrock Recovery, we provide online substance abuse counseling through secure video conferences and by mobile app. Since 2010, Lionrock’s clients have been accessing treatment from the privacy of homes, anywhere in the world. Lionrock is accredited by the Joint Commission, a non-profit standards organization that accredits over 20,000 U.S. healthcare facilities, but only 7% of addiction treatment programs. Lionrock shares this honor with leading treatment centers including Hazelden Betty Ford. All treatment planning is individualized, and Lionrock’s programs include remote drug testing and a daily schedule accountability program by mobile app.

Honoree(s): Ashley Blassingame '11

As Southern California's fastest-growing digital sports content platform, LAFB consists of 25 contributors, 100 monthly content pieces, 10 different podcast shows and eight different media credentials across the NFL Draft, LA Coliseum, NFL Combine, Rose Bowl and various All-Star bowl games. LAFB's flagship show is on ESPN Radio 1090AM, and overall, LAFB has 3.1 million monthly video views, 130,000 monthly podcast views, and nearly 40,000 monthly website views. This significant viewership is fueled by the market opportunity of Los Angeles being the only city in America with four major football brands.

Honoree(s): Jamal Madni, M.S.B.M.E. '12

ManaMed is a pioneer in designing, developing and distributing innovative medical devices With extensive product and innovative offerings, ManaMed provides solutions to address the patient's continuum of care from performance and mobility to post-operative rehabilitation. For over seven years ManaMed has been creating products that help people get back on their feet after injury or surgery, enabling them to stay active longer.

Honoree(s): Trevor Theriot '10

Mednition was founded on the passion to improve healthcare delivery offering artificial intelligence solutions designed for clinicians by clinicians. KATE™, the company’s flagship solution, provides 24/7 real-time clinical risk guidance for emergency nurses empowering them to provide the right care for the right patient at the right time. KATE is the only solution architected to read the entirety of the electronic health record (including free text), and designed to detect, manage and resolve clinical errors, ensuring optimum data integrity and accuracy of decisions. KATE is supported by published research and is used across multiple hospitals to provide care for over 1,000,000 patients annually.

Honoree(s): Steven Reilly, M.B.A. '92

My Mama's Foods is a carefully curated collection of authentic superfoods inspired by extraordinary moms from around the world, starting with our adaptogenic cooking oils and better-for-you snacks.

Honoree(s): Sunny Tripathy '12

MyoGene Bio is a biotech startup dedicated to developing cutting-edge therapies for muscle diseases, starting with a gene editing therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Honoree(s): Courtney Young, Ph.D. '18; Melissa Spencer, Ph.D. '94

NEK is a modern fashion brand that celebrates self-expression through stylish and conceptual garments. Our brand empowers individuals to embrace their individuality and creativity while embracing ethical practices. Our designs fuse traditional elements with a contemporary edge, resulting in unique and inspiring garments that inspire confidence and joy.

Honoree(s): Nneoma Kanu '20

NinePointTwo Capital LLC is an investment management firm, focused on delivering cutting-edge portfolio solutions to clients. The Firm was founded with the mission to combine powerful quantitative methods with sound economic theory to generate strong risk-adjusted returns across global liquid markets.

Honoree(s): Joseph Malhas ’16; Timothy Streufert '16

Founded in 2013, NovaSignal Corp. is a medical technology company whose mission is to save lives by unlocking the power of cerebral blood flow data. The company’s FDA-cleared NovaGuide Intelligent Ultrasound combines non-invasive ultrasound, robotics, and artificial intelligence to assess cerebral hemodynamics in real-time. Using cloud computing and data analytics, NovaSignal supports physicians in their clinical decision-making in several neurological conditions including stroke, traumatic brain injury, and dementia. To learn more, visit novasignal.com.

Honoree(s): Robert Hamilton, Ph.D. '14; Leo Petrossian, M.B.A. '14, Dan Hanchey, M.B.A. '14

O POSITIV is about feeling your best. We make vitamins for real people, in real life, with the belief that small acts of self-care produce positive outcomes. Because personal health should be effortless and intentional.

Honoree(s): Brianna Bitton '14

Ouma Health is a telemedicine platform committed to offering 24/7/365 maternity care. The platform features a team of maternal-fetal medicine physicians, behavioral health specialists, lactation consultants, and perinatal nurse navigators who work together to provide comprehensive, personalized clinical care for pregnant people. Through Ouma Health, patients can easily send a text to reach experienced professionals and enjoy real clinical care via seamless virtual consultations, addressing their unique needs throughout the prenatal and postpartum stages. The Ouma platform provides tailored maternity care solutions designed to benefit health plans, employers, and fertility & maternity providers. Ouma for Health Plans confronts the challenges of regions underserved by maternal-fetal medicine physicians and access issues, guaranteeing clinical access to vital resources and assisting with HEDIS compliance. Ouma for Employers offers a prenatal medical benefits program that helps employers reduce costs while employees gain unlimited, on-demand access to expert maternity care. Ouma for Fertility & Maternity Providers supports the preconception and prenatal process by utilizing telemedicine to increase access to perinatology services and offering expert opinions vital for family planning and at-risk pregnancy management.

Honoree(s): Ali Haeri '08; Sina Haeri '98

Oviva is a premier biotech company developing first-in-class therapeutics to improve ovarian function and consequently extend the female health span. Oviva is leading a movement to improve women's experience of aging through biomedical research, clinical development and advocacy. While driving tangible progress through therapeutics programs, Oviva is engaging with scientists, clinicians, policymakers and the general public to elevate, and equalize, the conversation around women's health. In bringing together stakeholders across disciplines, we are inviting diverse perspectives and skill sets to drive innovation and progress in this space.

Honoree(s): Daisy Robinton ’10

Pacific NDT specializes in providing state-of-the-art portable digital X-Ray imaging solutions for NDT & Security applications.

Honoree(s): Abhinav Singh, M.S. '09

Pacmet Aerospace Dave Janes UCLA - BA 1984, MBA 1992 Pacmet Aerospace is a developer of silicone and rubber specialty compounds used in the aerospace industry. The company began as a metal stamping job shop in east Los Angeles in the early 1900s. Purchased by the Janes family in 1977, the company went on to create and produce some very unromantic products like soap dispensers, the Total Gym weight fitness machine, aircraft seatbelt buckles, and even armrest ashtrays back in the day when smoking was allowed on planes. When I bought the company from my family in 2005, I elected to transform it using an all-aircraft and spacecraft strategy. Today, we employ 200 people worldwide and are lucky to count among our clients such well-established and ever-growing customers as Boeing, GE Aerospace and SpaceX. 2023 will be our biggest year ever, with sales projections for the year 2025 and beyond surpassing $ 25,000,000. Many of our employees are UCLA graduates, including our two most recent engineering hires. I owe a lot to UCLA for the foundation it gave me, which very simply is how to learn. While my undergraduate degree dates from 1984 and I received my MBA degree from UCLA Anderson in 1992, and many trends from those days are long gone, the ability to learn and adapt to changes in industry and society remains the greatest gift I have received from my UCLA education. It is what contributes most to our current growth and hiring practices in both our Los Angeles and Thailand locations, and I am grateful to be a part of and help promote the Bruin community. I’m proud to say I met my wife at UCLA Anderson and two of my children are also UCLA graduates. Go Bruins!

Honoree(s): David Janes, M.B.A. '92

PALS, Inc. is a leading provider of behavioral support and caregiver services for adults with disabilities with offices in Santa Barbara, Ventura and Lois Angeles Counties.

Honoree(s): Otieno Okatch '94

Founded in 1938, known for its famous strawberry whipped cream cake, almond cookies, and sugar butterflies is located in LA's historic Chinatown.

Honoree(s): Kelly Chan, M.B.A. '69

Pickytarian creates dinnerware products that are beautifully designed, elegant, sturdy, compostable, and disposable. Our tableware products are meant for those special occasions where it’s a huge hassle to use fine dinnerware but you are also conscious enough not to use toxic plastic or flimsy paperware. Pickytarian products are made from renewable resources such as bamboo and sugarcane pulp. In addition, we donate 5% of sales to organizations working to alleviate food & shelter insecurities in our various communities.

Honoree(s): Laide Olambiwonnu, M.S. '12

Point by Point is a studio based in Long Beach, CA, specializing in the repair & restoration of cane, rattan, and other woven furniture.

Honoree(s): Ghermayn Baker, M.B.A. '18

PPE Unite is a health and govtech organization with a mission to support the local business community with critical personal protective equipment to keep their workplaces safe, educate and support divested communities most vulnerable to the compounding effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. We create systems and distribution networks to collaborate with local, county, state, federal public and private stakeholders in efforts to solve community-based health and resource challenges.

Honoree(s): Jay Tsao, E.M.B.A. '12

PRISM Bags creates beautifully functional bags and accessories using vegan and sustainable materials. Our mission is to make the world a better place through sustainability and fair labor and empower the people carrying our products through their everyday journeys. Rachel and Helen, the Co-Founders of PRISM Bags, are women rights activists and first-generation immigrants from Korea. When they were 5, they came to America with a single backpack carrying some of their most treasured belongings and $500. The origin of PRISM Bags can be traced back to the fact that they've always been drawn to bags and backpacks because what you carry embodies who you are and says a lot about the life you live in the present and everything you aspire to be. They've led the statewide fight against the "Pink Tax'' and gender inequity, and prepared for legislative hearings while watching the early morning sunrise, getting ready for press conferences in Amtrak bathrooms, and interviewing for Teen Vogue at the steps of the Capitol building. Each of these experiences has inspired them to create functional and stylish bags and backpacks for women and people who create meaning in their busy day-to-day that are inspired by both work and play.

Honoree(s): Helen-Sage Lee '19; Rachel Lee '19

At Psychological Care & Healing Center, we provide sophisticated mental health care in a safe and containing environment. We encourage and strengthen connections to family, work and community and support our clients to return to productive, healthy lives. PCH integrates primary and transitional models of care in a real-world setting. We provide highly refined clinical programs for those that are struggling in life, and we are a unique alternative to other treatment centers and psychiatric hospitals.

Honoree(s): Jeff Ball, Ph.D. '85

QuickFi® by Innovation Finance USA LLC, is the world’s first 100% digital, mobile, borrower-self-service business equipment financing platform. QuickFi enables business equipment buyers to almost instantly establish and consummate business equipment leases and loans ranging from $5,000 to $5,000,000. QuickFi’s patented technologies include biometric authentication, driver’s license verification, AI/ML, blockchain, and other advanced security, mobile and cloud technologies. QuickFi dramatically simplifies and accelerates the financing process for banks.

Honoree(s): William Verhelle, M.B.A. '92

Radicle Science is history’s first Proof-as-a-Service company, offering non-pharmaceuticals an easy path to clinically prove their true effects beyond placebo, across diverse conditions and populations at unprecedented affordability, speed and scale. The Radicle Proof Engine™ combines a gold-standard double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled design, with a unique AI-driven, crowdsourced, virtual, direct-to-consumer approach, to create standardized and automated clinical trials that deliver rigorous health outcome data. Any consumer health product can now access clinical proof throughout its entire business cycle to develop the most effective products, make strong clinically proven claims, build loyalty with consumers, and build trust among doctors, retailers, and investors. Radicle Science was named by KPMG as one of America's Top 10 "Tech Innovators" in 2022, and by UCSF as a Finalist for their Rising Star Award in Consumer Wellness in 2022. Outlets including Wall Street Journal, Newsweek, Forbes, NBC News, Bloomberg, Business Insider, Fast Company, Rolling Stone, ABC News, WebMD, and Healthline have covered Radicle Science’s innovative approach.

Honoree(s): Jeffrey Chen, Ph.D. '17

Founded by attorney and mediator Angela Reddock-Wright, the Reddock Law Group is a dispute resolution firm specializing in the mediation of employment, Title IX, sexual misconduct and assault, bullying, hazing, religious dispute and educational institution claims. In addition to having her own firm, Reddock-Wright is on the panel of distinguished mediators and neutrals with Signature Resolution, a California dispute resolution firm. Reddock-Wright has been a practicing employment and Title IX lawyer for 27 years, and prior to going full-time as a mediator in 2020, Reddock-Wright was a well-regarded employment litigator and workplace and Title IX investigator. Reddock-Wright received her Juris Doctorate from UCLA School of Law and is a member of the College of Labor & Employment Lawyers and the National Academy of Distinguished Neutrals. She received her training as a mediator at Pepperdine University School of Law Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution, and is an instructor in the human resources program for UCLA Extension, and also in the employment mediation clinic for USC School of Law. Reddock-Wright is a published author and hosts a weekly radio show entitled “Legal Lens with Angela Reddock-Wright” on Tavis Smiley’s KBLA Talk 1580 AM. She also is a regular news and legal analyst on trending employment, workplace and Title IX topics and issues.

Honoree(s): Angela J. Reddock-Wright, Esq. ’95

Started in 2018 to provide a better experience, Refresh Investments is a fee-only financial advisory firm in Los Angeles offering smart investment management and comprehensive financial planning solutions. Many of our clients are women seeking a differentiated process that focuses on education and communication. Our services include in-depth analysis and management of your investment portfolios and advice on navigating through life changes, such as divorce, retirement, and widowhood. We go "beyond the basics." Work with us on retirement planning, investment strategies, and experience a collaborative approach to wealth management.

Honoree(s): Pamela Chen, '88

Shadowbox is an instant healthcare automation platform. Our mission is to elevate patient care by making patient data easy to access and safe to share no matter where it resides. The healthcare industry is drowning in disconnected patient data fragmented across hundreds of applications, data lakes, and electronic health records ("EHRs") that are walled off by design. This disconnect creates high costs, lost revenue, and inadequate patient care. Our patented, HIPAA and SOC 2-compliant platform ensures fast, accurate automation of healthcare workflows so that providers improve patient care while increasing revenue, reducing cost, and removing friction. Our unique solution provides real-time integration and automation at the time of order without requiring IT or vendor-to-vendor contracts, making it the most cost-effective, fast, simple, and flexible healthcare automation solution.

Honoree(s): Gregory Stein, M.B.A. '06

Shift Energy is an engineering and project development company focused on waste-to-renewables projects. Our unique technology design eliminates landfills and is based on mature, commercially proven technologies. From our headquarters in California, we pursue projects within the US as well as abroad. Shift Energy integrates commercially proven technologies in a unique design that optimizes the creation of renewable products such as fuels, chemicals and electricity.

Honoree(s): Rodney Alves L.L.M. '04

A registered investment advisory firm offering investment management and financial planning. SEIA combines its foundations in investment management and financial planning with advanced advisory services to create a truly customized client experience. Our holistic wealth management process includes the oversight and stewardship of all elements of your financial life

Honoree(s): Brian D. Holmes '83; Mark Copeland '88, Theodore E. Saade '95, Jennifer Kim '92, Fritz Miller '85 & Len Hirsh '09

Skin by Nayra G was created to help those who suffer from acne in a holistic approach. Acne is a complex condition and requires an in-depth look at clients' life to find the root cause of their breakouts. As an acne specialist, my goal is to educate people on their type of acne, tailor a skincare routine for them and mentor clients on adjusting their lifestyle habits to achieve clear skin.

Honoree(s): Nayra Gil '20

Summit was established in 2004 by Leslea Meyerhoff, AICP, to provide premier coastal, land use, policy planning and environmental compliance services to private clients, special districts, and public agencies throughout California. Our primary services include coastal policy development, environmental impact assessment, regulatory permitting, and project management. Our business philosophy is based upon the practical application of coastal, land use and environmental laws to attain successful outcomes. We are focused on the development of solutions tailored to the specific objectives, needs and expectations of our clients. We are dedicated to providing outstanding client service, and technical and management expertise for the successful completion of complex, high-profile, and controversial projects. As Founder and Principal, I have worked for 20+ years throughout California with a variety of public agencies, special districts and private clients on coastal policy, planning, permitting and environmental compliance projects. I welcome the opportunity to assist and would be pleased to collaborate with you to attain your project objectives.

Honoree(s): Leslea Meyerhoff, M.A. '91

Sweety Ice Cream is the only AAPI/family-owned mochi ice cream company in the US. Our premium mochi ice cream features modern Asian flavors and is sustainably sourced from high-quality ingredients.

Honoree(s): Tiffany Yang, M.B.A. '05; Sean Lee, M.B.A. '16

Tiffany’s mother is a realtor and Tiffany learned that being an agent isn’t simply about facilitating home search and purchase: it’s an opportunity to provide emotional, logistic, and financial stability throughout clients’ journeys. Long before Tiffany knew real estate would be her profession, she understood that trust and care were foundational to any meaningful career path. Tiffany left her home in Fremont, CA to pursue her degree in psychology at UCLA and fell in love with LA’s fast pace, diverse character, and vibrant food scene. After her sisters joined her here a few years later, she knew LA would be her forever home. Tiffany got her Real Estate Salesperson’s license in 2007 and her Real Estate Broker’s license four years later. Life hasn’t slowed down since – but she always remembers to stop and appreciate the honor of being part of her client’s stories. Tiffany is especially passionate about real estate as a vehicle to empower women: from mentoring her woman-owned and operated team to helping female clients build and protect their wealth.

Honoree(s): Tiffany Chin '10

Think Together partners with schools to pursue educational equity and excellence for all kids. As a nonprofit organization, Think Together innovates, implements and scales academic solutions that change the odds for hundreds of thousands of California students. Think Together's program areas include early learning, afterschool, enrichment accelerators in arts, STEM and sports, and leadership development for teachers and school administrators which improves student outcomes to close the achievement gap.

Honoree(s): Randy Barth '81

TLA Therapy Group provides compassionate and convenient individual and group psychotherapy. We offer a range of evidenced-based therapy including but not limited to Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) - or as we like to refer to them, Three Letter Acronym modalities. Whether a client is completing an outpatient program or is just starting to explore the world of therapy, TLA can customize our services to fill the client's needs.

Honoree(s): Laura Twersky '11; Elana Lev '07; Lindsay Rickel

Trigger XR is the world's most experienced XR developer and agency. For over 14 years, we've been strategizing, building, and running XR solutions for the world's top brands, helping them to launch cutting-edge AR, VR, and immersive experiences while leading them into the metaverse. Through our tech expertise and cross-platform capabilities, we enable brands to reinvent their customer experience while reimagining what's possible across entertainment, gaming, commerce, sports, and enterprise. Trigger XR has completed over 300+ XR projects, and led more than 300,000+ hours of XR development with clients such as Disney, Verizon, LEGO, the NBA, NFL, Nike, Sony, Google and Molson Coors, along with premium entertainment IP including Spider-Man, Star Wars, Avengers, Jurassic World, and more. We are also exclusive early development partners with Niantic, Qualcomm, Snap, Meta, Adobe, and the Global XR Content Telco Alliance, as well as premier partners with 8th Wall and Unity. Trigger XR has been awarded numerous Shortys and Webbys and was recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies by Inc. Magazine. As a minority-owned business and a member of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), we collaborate with a diverse slate of clients and partners who represent inclusive values.

Honoree(s): Jason Yim '96; Perry Wang '94 Judd Kim '98

Upful.ai is software for coaching managers on how to give feedback and performance reviews that are meaningful and inclusive. Upful offers training workshops for HR and People Managers and audits of language in performance reviews. Upful helps organizations improve manager excellence, talent development, engagement, and retention, all while making career growth more equitable.

Honoree(s): Shirin Nikaein, M.B.A. '19

Dr. and Mrs. Becker, both UCLA grads, started the WatchMinder company in 2000. The WatchMinder was invented by Dr. Becker. The WatchMinder is a simple vibrating smartwatch that privately cues you through your day. The watch is used primarily by children, adolescents and adults with ADHD.

Honoree(s): Laurence Becker, Ph.D. '73; Gail Weinger Becker '70

Founded in 1985, a boutique immigration law firm providing representation to individuals in family petitions, naturalization, and removal defense.

Honoree(s): Vera Weisz, J.D. '97

Westcove Partners is a leading healthcare-focused investment bank advising clients through mergers & acquisitions, debt and equity financings, as well as other complex corporate finance transactions. The firm prides itself on its mission “Investment Banking with a Purpose,” and leverages a disciplined approach, providing expert guidance in a boutique package to its clients.

Honoree(s): Justin Hand, M.B.A. '09

Zenatix provides IoT (Internet of Things) solutions for small and medium buildings that optimize their energy consumption, manage their electrical assets effectively and help reduce food wastage. Zenatix provides plug-and-play, wireless sensors and control systems that can be easily installed by mechanical/HVAC contractors. Data from these sensors is then used to provide automated control reducing energy consumption. Algorithms identify anomalies from collected data to provide predictive maintenance ensuring that assets keep running effectively without any downtime. Temperature data from freezers and cold rooms are used to ensure compliance with food safety and reduce food wastage.

Honoree(s): Amarjeet Singh, Ph.D. '09