Meet the Prez - Paco Retana
On July 1, 2024, Paco Retana ʼ87, M.S.W. ʼ90, began his two-year term as the president of the UCLA Alumni Association. The son of immigrants, his father from Costa Rica and his mother from Mexico, he grew up in Pico Rivera, California, with a profound respect for education. He followed his dream of working with marginalized young people to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in social welfare from the School of Social Welfare, now the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. He is currently chief program officer for Wellnest Emotional Health and Wellness, empowering children and young adults on the road to success. Retana recounts his journey from struggling academically as a student to now representing more than half a million UCLA alumni.
I remember when my parents dropped me off at UCLA, my mom was emotional and my dad was fighting back tears. As the first in my family to attend college, there was a fear of the unknown. I was vulnerable, just trying to figure it out. I didn’t know then that some of the people I met that day on the third floor of Dykstra would become my tribe. At that time, there weren’t many people on campus that looked like me. I loved the cafeteria and breaking bread with everyone. I also connected with the folks who were serving us food because they looked like my tías y tíos and I could speak Spanish with them.
As a student, I couldn’t understand why some people were so upset with Latinos. My dad was an upholsterer and I would deliver furniture with him. He would tell his clients, “My son is going to UCLA. He's going places.” They would ask about affirmative action, and I would tell them that it was the greatest thing in the world. And they would say, “Those programs take away spots from my kid.” I didn't know what to say. Did I not deserve to go? Luckily, I took a theater class with Romulus Zamora, who became a mentor of mine. He lifted me up, as a human being and as Latinx. He taught the history of Chicano theater, Luis Valdez and Teatro Campesino plays. Overall, I felt different and I was sometimes treated differently. Those were painful moments. But from there came beautiful moments of resilience. There was a stigma associated with affirmative action, but the outcome was success.
I enrolled in graduate school with a specific goal in mind: to develop the skills needed to support vulnerable young people. I was raised in a loving family. Until my dad passed on, my parents would still hold hands. I believe in optimism and hope, and that there will be change for the families I provide services to. Earning my master’s in social welfare showed me I can make an impact by embracing my values and advocating for marginalized communities. UCLA professors like Dr. Terry Roberts, my thesis advisor Dr. Ruth Zambrana, Dr. Rosina Becerra and Professor Rebecca Refuerzo opened my world. I've learned so much from the people and communities I've worked with.
Mentoring is an opportunity to pay it forward and develop meaningful relationships. When I was a student, I struggled academically. A combination of Academic Advancement Program resources, friends and mentors got me through that difficult time. The students I’m mentoring are incredibly smart and gifted. I get as much from them as I hope they get from my guidance. I want them to succeed and be proud of what they do. It's an opportunity to provide support to help them navigate these challenging times. It's the best feeling in the world when you have mentored somebody and they come back to thank you. Does it happen all the time? No, but when it does you're gifted with the knowledge that you fostered growth, and that you made an impact so they continue to forge ahead.
Through my work, I’m helping people reach their full potential. There's a Mayan quote that I love, “In Lak'ech,” which means in Spanish, “Tú eres mi otro yo,” or “You are my other me.” If you're having a great year, I'm celebrating with you. If you've had a tough couple of months, we’re going through it together. This helps break down the stereotypes and prejudices that exist when I'm working with youth. Ever since I graduated from my M.S.W. program, I've done group workshops with 16-17 year olds who are struggling, whether they're in the foster care system or previously incarcerated. We take 100 young men who have never been away from home to camp in the Sierra Nevada mountains. I use the tools and skills I learned at UCLA and from my elders to lift their voices. This is how we're breaking the cycle to build better outcomes for future generations.
There's a myriad of ways alumni can get involved. At UCLA, there are so many opportunities to connect across the lifespan. I recommend choosing what you enjoy doing, and going from there. The online community UCLA ONE is a great place for networking, career advice and access to exclusive resources. The Alumni Mentor Program pairs alumni with current UCLA students. I love Bruin Business 100, which recognizes exceptional alumni entrepreneurs. Dr. Denise Pacheco is doing amazing work in our Diversity Programs, fostering meaningful connections across generations to support a strong and inclusive community. There are programs that invite alumni, faculty and staff to come together and delve into various social issues. There are many creative, welcoming and socially-engaging spaces where alumni can build relationships and community empowerment. There's an abundance of opportunities to get involved in, and it all can be incredibly rewarding.
As president of the Alumni Association, I will lead with gratitude to build a culture of trust, respect and engagement for Bruins around the world. It is important we lift up our community following the events of spring quarter – I will continue conversations with our students, faculty, staff and alumni. I will create space for dialogue, for voices to be really heard – because we are Bruins for life. While our journey may not always be joyful – it is a journey that always inspires us to gather at the university we love. I will always create that space and keep the door open. When I end my term, I hope alumni and students feel that the Alumni Association is here to support them. That we live up to a promise of equity, diversity and inclusion and a sense of belonging. My ancestors, my elders, my family, my network, my fur babies, they make sure that I’m rooted in the community. They believe in me, and they trust me. Overall, I feel a sense of belonging to give back and pay it forward. And with that, we'll get through anything.
Visit the Alumni Association Board of Directors page to learn more.
Recent Articles
Our Proud Partners
