My name is Samantha D’Souza, and I’m an international student from Sydney, Australia. I am working towards a double major in Communications and Psychology at UCLA, and will be graduating in the Spring of 2018.

A large part of what has made my experience at UCLA so invaluable has come from my involvement with the Student Alumni Association, an organization dedicated to connecting students and alumni.

As I embark on a new challenge as President for the 2017-18 academic year, my vision has a lot to do with forming more partnerships across campus and bringing together our student body in more unique ways, as well as continuing to engage wider populations of our alumni.

A large part of what makes our community at UCLA so special is the array of diverse opportunities via student groups, organizations, programs and alumni. I want to see SAA partner with different organizations and contribute to one another’s events and programming. But—even deeper than that—I want to build relationships from a grassroots level, where SAA and other student groups find inspiration in celebrating each other’s missions.

Led by the Bruin Spirit Executive Director, the Bruin Spirit Committee is responsible for the planning and execution of UCLA spirit events, such as the Beat ’SC Bonfire and Rally and I ♥ UCLA Week. The Bruin Spirit Committee collaborates with other campus partners to bring these traditions to the student body and works to increase awareness of the university’s varied accomplishments. Through these events, the committee seeks to build and foster UCLA spirit and pride across campus by promoting unity among different entities. This committee also plans Senior Spirit events for the campus.

Led by the Public Relations Executive Director, the Public Relations Committee seeks to appropriately publicize the events of the organization. Members of the committee organize customized marketing campaigns for each external event by encompassing campus and community outreach, social media and young alumni engagement. This committee is responsible for communicating the mission of SAA and the Alumni Association to the student body and developing and maintaining a positive brand of the organization.

For more than 45 years, Dinners for 12 Strangers has brought alumni, faculty, and students from all generations together to enjoy good food and great conversation. An award-winning program, Dinners for 12 Strangers is a global event with more than 350 dinners in 20 countries. This Bruin-born tradition has also been replicated by hundreds of universities across the country. Led by the Dinners for 12 Strangers Executive Director, the committee manages recruitment and logistics for more than 150 student dinners in the Los Angeles region.

Led by the Internal Relations Executive Director, the Internal Relations committee is a long-standing committee whose primary job is to foster inclusivity and build community within the organization. This committee keeps all of SAA’s members enthusiastic and happy by planning community service projects and many other internal events to benefit, encourage and enhance the professional and personal relationships that develop within the organization.

The Leadership Development committee aims to cultivate the leadership skills exhibited by SAA members through creative and interactive workshops and presentations. Led by the Leadership Development Executive Director, this committee is also tasked with overseeing the SAA new member curriculum, one that educates new members and integrates them into the organization. The Leadership Development committee also plans Winternal, an internal event meant to further encourage bonding within SAA.

Led by the Spring Sing Executive Director, the Spring Sing Committee is responsible for the planning and execution of Spring Sing, an annual show that brings the UCLA community together to share the experience of the university’s oldest and greatest musical tradition. Since its debut in 1945, Spring Sing has showcased UCLA’s most talented students performing song, dance and sketch comedy. The committee oversees the show’s talent, judges and awards, production and marketing.

Led by the Business Development Executive Director, the Business Development Committee is responsible for exploring and proposing creative solutions for the future success and long-term value of SAA. It is also tasked with seeking and strategizing innovative revenue sources to ensure the organization’s long-term financial sustainability. Committee teams work in team on projects that explore opportunities for long-term growth and funding, and further develop the SAA Foundation Account in conjunction with Public Relations.

The Professional Development Committee is responsible for the planning and execution of events and programs that create interactive connections between students and alumni, helping them to further their own professional development. Led by the Professional Development Executive Director, the committee provides students with the opportunity to engage with alumni through workshops, mock interviews and panel discussions, and explore their professional interests in a variety of fields. The annual event, Interview With a Bruin, will be accompanied by some newer events that focus on building your professional brand and developing industry specific skills.

The Alumni Relations Committee provides students with the opportunity to network with alumni to gain insight about specific careers and to develop meaningful relationships with alumni in fields of interest. Our signature event, Entertainment Networking Night, gives students the opportunity to learn about careers in the entertainment industry by interacting with UCLA alumni in an informal roundtable discussion. Our “Alumni Networking Series” will provide this format for other popular industries.