Changemakers Series

Inspired by Bruins...

Systematic racism is not a new phenomenon, and yet the incidents of senseless violence in 2020 catalyzed a global conversation on racial injustice. Many companies and organizations responded with statements of support and promises to change the way they operate. Since then, many workplaces have created, developed, or revamped their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

Bruins, being passionately optimistic, have been and continue to be leaders on issues of diversity, equity and inclusion by applying their world-class education to create knowledge, innovate best practices, and activate change in all areas of society. For Bruins, this is not just in response to a historical moment, it’s been our lifelong commitment.

Changemakers events are both an ode and a re-dedication to this spirit, ensuring the ripple effects of our efforts continue for generations to come. Each year, through our program themes, we acknowledge that engaging as social actors in change efforts is a marathon, not a sprint. Complex opportunities and challenges arise as we navigate our passion for social justice in light of different career paths, leadership roles, and life stages. Learning with and from one another is critical for ensuring that we continue this journey with clarity and support. UCLA Alumni Diversity Programs & Initiatives is proud to lead the planning efforts for our annual UCLA Alumni Changemakers program and uplift Bruins in our alumni community. If you would like to nominate a Bruin changemaker to be featured in a future program please contact us at diversity@alumni.ucla.edu.

Changemakers 2024

“Before World War II, there were over 40 historical Japantowns in California alone. Today, LA’s Little Tokyo is one of just four remaining in the entire U.S.” – Little Tokyo Service Center brochure 

The UCLA Alumni Changemakers 2024 event, “Advancing Social Change and Preserving Culture in an Evolving Urban Landscape,” took the Changemakers series into the community of Little Tokyo, Los Angeles and uplifted the work of Bruin leaders at Little Tokyo Service Center. Founded in 1979 by Japanese American activists, this organization provides culturally relevant social welfare and community development services to people in need, contributes to community revitalization and cultural preservation in Little Tokyo and the Southland, and provides resources to neighboring Asian Pacific Islander and other low-income communities.  

Thank you for joining us as we continued to celebrate the power of alumni voices in effecting positive social change. Our featured speakers discussed the founding and evolution of Little Tokyo Service Center and shared insights into how the Center responded to discriminatory property laws and immigration policies, and the displacement of elders and low-income families caused by gentrification. They shared stories of how they ignited self-determination for Little Tokyo by preserving legacy businesses, working with local residents to ensure greater community control, and engaging in critical solidarity work with other communities of color facing housing insecurity to build over 1,000 affordable housing units.  

Thank you for being a part of this enlightening conversation, as we explored the power of collective action in creating a better, more equitable world.  

You can learn more about how local residents, business owners, and community leaders, including Little Tokyo Service Center, mobilized against gentrification in Little Tokyo through this podcast episodefeaturing UCLA Professor Paul Ong.  

UCLA Alumni extends a special recognition to Rafu Shimpo, the nation's leading Japanese newspaper that has served the Los Angeles community since 1903. In addition, UCLA Alumni would like to highlight Rafu Shimpo’s CEO, Alumni Sophia Cole ‘15. For a featured article recapping the highlights of Changemakers 2024, please see the following link.

UCLA Alumni Association programs and services are made possible by Bruins like you. To ensure the future of signature events like this, please consider making a gift today.

Changemakers 2023

Have you ever experienced pressure to diminish or compartmentalize your commitment to social change as you consider various career opportunities? There are many examples of leaders and advocates who have built vibrant careers that centralize their passion for social justice across various roles and settings. Whether you identify as a new professional, as someone making a career pivot or someone advancing to a senior leadership role, we invite you to come learn with us. UCLA alumni on the Community Coalition senior leadership team will describe the insights they’ve gained over time, training activists and organizers to build power and engage in policy change among multiple generations of Black, brown, indigenous, people of color in South Los Angeles. This event will be hosted in hybrid format both live at Community Coalition and online via Zoom. 

The UCLA Alumni Changemakers Featured Speakers 2023 event, “Maintaining the Spark: Committing to Social Justice Through Various Career and Life Stages,” takes the Changemakers series into the community of South L.A. and centralizes the work of senior-level leaders at Community Coalition. This organization has worked for 30 years “to help transform the social and economic conditions in South LA that foster addiction, crime, violence and poverty by building a community institution that involves thousands in creating, influencing and changing public policy.” Highlighting the voices of these Bruins is intentional as we seek to equip attendees with strategies and approaches for exploring the dynamic intersections between personal passion and career choice. Regardless of one’s career or life stage, it is possible to find ways to ground your everyday work in your deepest passion. 

UCLA Alumni Association programs and services are made possible by Bruins like you. To ensure the future of signature events like this, please consider making a gift today.

UCLA Alumni Association programs and services are made possible by Bruins like you. To ensure the future of signature events like this, please consider making a gift today.
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