Raffi Simonian (Bruin Story since ‘85) is a visionary technology leader, educator, and mentor whose journey spans from Baghdad, Iraq to the heart of Westwood. An Armenian-American and proud UCLA alum, Raffi has spent more than three decades pushing the boundaries of innovation, at global companies like Disney, HP, and Oracle, and now shaping the future of experiential learning as the Program Director of Technology Solutions and the UCLA Epicenter. His signature programs—like the Project-Based Technology Bootcamp for Social Impact—blend real-world challenges with industry collaboration, equipping students with skills to lead in tech, business, and beyond.

Driven by a deep belief in giving back, Raffi’s work is rooted in mentorship, resilience, and bridging the gap between academia and industry. Whether he’s teaching project management, guiding students through design thinking sprints, or launching tech initiatives in partnership with companies like AWS and Harman, Raffi brings the energy of a Bruin committed to empowering the next generation. His story is one of transformation: from navigating adversity as a first-generation immigrant to becoming a changemaker helping others rise. As he says, “This is not the end—this is just the beginning of a new journey.”