Story Of Categories: Change

Meet the Farrukh siblings, UCLA alums whose story of change inspires. Motivated by their time at UCLA, and inspired by their mother’s unwavering courage and support, they embarked on a mission to bridge educational disparities around the globe. These inspiring Bruins have committed their lives to making a meaningful difference through the Farrukh Foundation. Founded…

Denise Pacheco (Bruin story since M.A. ’04, Ph.D. ’11), a double Bruin, educator, and changemaker leading with heart. As Senior Director of Diversity Programs & Initiatives at the UCLA Alumni Association, she builds spaces of joy, equity, and intergenerational connection for Bruins from all backgrounds. From first-gen college student to champion of belonging, Denise’s work…

Kal Penn is an actor, writer, producer, and former Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement. He is known for his starring roles in Designated Survivor, House, Mira Nair’s The Namesake, the Harold & Kumar franchise, and the patriotic immigration sit-com Sunnyside which he co-created for NBC.  From 2009 to 2011, Kal…

Gabrielle Gorman (Bruin story since ’20) demonstrates how storytelling can drive meaningful change in the world. By merging her passion for filmmaking, writing, and activism, she promotes social good through her work. A graduate of UCLA’s School of Theater, Film & Television, Gorman has made it her mission to create authentic narratives that resonate and…

How does one story change two industries? Darnell Hunt (M.A. ’91, Ph.D. ’94) has done just that—redefining representation in Hollywood and advancing equity in higher education. Darnell Hunt (Bruin story since M.A. ’91, Ph.D. ’94) began his professional journey in a newsroom in Washington, D.C., where he witnessed firsthand the stark racial disparities in media.…

Jennifer Openshaw was speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos when she had the idea for Girls With Impact (GWI), a program to give girls the skills and confidence they need to succeed in business. At Davos, global leaders emphasized that organizations should hire and promote women to tap into an unclaimed $12 trillion in…