Tag Archives: BruinOwned

Books by Bruins: Love Stories

ebruary is a month for love stories, whether it’s a romance novel, personal tale of love and loss, or a book about self-care. Bruin authors are telling tales of love, and one of the books listed below might be just what your heart needs!

Maybe Someone Like You (2018)

Stacy Wise ’92

Stacy Wise is an award-winning author of the romance novels “Beyond the Stars” and “Maybe Someone Like You.” After a decade working in television casting, she returned to school and received her teaching credential and master's degree from Chapman University. She has taught both kindergarten and third grade. A native of California, she lives with her family and three fluffy dogs in Los Angeles. After writing two successful romance novels, her most recent book, “Lie, Lie Again,” focuses on the ups and downs of female friendships.

Will There Be Wine?: A Novel (2023)

Whitney Cubbison ’98

The fictional books “Will There be Wine?” and its sequel, “Will There Be Love?” were inspired by the author’s experiences as an ex-pat divorcée living in Paris while navigating the cultural minefield of dating in a foreign country. Whitney Cubbison is a dual American and French citizen living in Paris since 2009. She grew up in Texas and California and graduated from UCLA with a degree in French. She started her career in communications working for high-tech PR agencies in San Francisco and 16 years at Microsoft, mostly in the Paris office. She earned her French citizenship in 2022 and left Microsoft that summer to focus on completing her first novel.

Sacred Lessons: Teaching My Father How to Love (2025)

Mike de la Rocha ’00

“Sacred Lessons” is a deeply moving and inspiring memoir for those seeking self-love and healing. Intensely personal, this memoir delves into the struggle men face in connecting with themselves and others, offering tools for personal growth, and ways to build meaningful and authentic relationships in their lives. Mike de la Rocha is a strategist, artist and voice for change. He’s been named one of GOOD magazine’s top 100 people reshaping our world, received the AFL-CIO’s Justice, Peace and Freedom Award, and has been lauded as a groundbreaking innovator by Stanford Social Innovation Review. A proud alumnus of UCLA, he co-founded Revolve Impact and Tepito Coffee, one of the fastest growing Latinx coffee companies in America. He lives in Los Angeles with his family.

Love in a Time of War: My Years With Robert Fisk (2021)

Lara Marlowe ’78

In this true story of love and war, Lara Marlowe was a young American reporter who would become a renowned journalist in her own right. She met famous war correspondent Robert Fisk in 1983 in Damascus. This book is the story of a remarkable man, war in the Middle East and a moving account of a relationship in dark times. Marlowe studied French at UCLA and the Sorbonne, then international relations at Oxford. She started her career in journalism as an associate producer with CBS's “60 Minutes,” then covered the Arab world from Beirut for the Financial Times and TIME magazine. She joined the Irish Times as Paris correspondent in 1996 and returned to Paris in 2013 after serving as Washington correspondent during the first Obama administration.

Sushi Tuesdays: A Memoir of Love, Loss, and Family Resilience (2023)

Charlotte Maya, J.D. ’93

Faced with a shattering loss, Charlotte Maya searches for answers, acceptance and family resilience. Her story offers intimate moments, powerful lessons and practical ways to move forward after loss, not only for suicide survivors but for any of us seeking to live a life of joy and purpose. Widowed at 39, when her children were six and eight, Maya’s writing explores the intersections of grief, parenting and self-care. She received her B.A. from Rice University and her J.D. from UCLA.

Reeling Through Life: How I Learned to Live, Love and Die at the Movies (2015)

Tara Ison ’87

Through 10 personal essays, Tara Ison explores how a lifetime of movie-watching taught her how to grapple with major life choices, for better or worse. She is the author of the romance novel “Rockaway,” an O Magazine 2013 Best Books of Summer and “The List, A Child Out of Alcatraz,” a finalist for The Los Angeles Times Book Prize. Her short fiction and essays have appeared in Tin House, The Kenyon Review, Nerve.com, Publishers Weekly and numerous anthologies. She is the co-author of the cult film "Don't Tell Mom the Babysitter's Dead."

Getting It Right This Time: Break Free from Your Hidden Blocks to Lasting Love (2025)

Orna Walters ’88, Matthew Walters

Dating is made even more complicated because of the pervasive myth that love will magically happen by accident, like winning the lottery. Or that it will happen when you least expect it. In “Getting It Right This Time,” Orna and Matthew Walters, holistic dating coaches and founders of Creating Love on Purpose, teach readers how to take a conscious approach to relationships. Orna and Matthew didn’t meet until after 40, were married at the Self-Realization Fellowship Lake Shrine Temple, live in Los Angeles with their two silly calico cats and grow organic food in a community garden.

My Chicano Heart (2024)

Daniel A Olivas, J.D. ’84

"My Chicano Heart" is a collection of author Daniel A. Olivas's stories that explore the complex, mysterious and occasionally absurd machinations of people who simply want to be appreciated and treasured. Olivas is the grandson of Mexican immigrants, born and raised near downtown Los Angeles. He is an award-winning author of fiction, nonfiction, plays and poetry. Widely anthologized, Olivas has written on culture and literature for The New York Times, Los Angeles Review of Books, BOMB, Jewish Journal, High Country News and The Guardian. He writes regularly for La Bloga, a site dedicated to Latinx literature and the arts. By day, Olivas is an attorney and makes his home in Southern California.

Loathe at First Sigh: A Novel (2020)

Suzanne Park, MBA ’02

In this rom-com romance, a junior video game producer finds herself getting closer and closer to the one person she hates most after a mass troll attack online almost ruins her life. An NPR Best Book of the Year, this workplace story is set in the world of video game design.

Suzanne Park is a Korean American writer who was born and raised in Tennessee. She is also the author of the adult novels “The Do-Over” and “So We Meet Again.” Park currently resides in Los Angeles with her husband, female offspring and a sneaky rat that creeps around on her back patio. In her spare time, she procrastinates.

Liquid: A Novel (2025)

Mariam Rahmani, Ph.D. ’19

Mariam Rahmani delivers a modern tale of romance, loss and belonging. This satirical novel tells the story of a young Muslim adjunct professor who decides to give up her career and marry rich, committing herself to 100 dates in the course of a single summer. Mariam Rahmani is a writer and translator. She holds a Ph.D. in comparative literature from UCLA and teaches at Bennington College.

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As our collection of Bruin authors grows, we’re categorizing the books into an online library, and we’ll need your help to make it as comprehensive as possible. If you know of one, please submit a Bruin author. While all these books are written by UCLA alumni, inclusion into the list is not an endorsement.

Books by Bruins Library

Previous articles in the Books by Bruins series

Had the pleasure of visiting Delicious at the Dunbar Hotel during a business meeting with a group of eight, and we were all thoroughly impressed. Our waitress was super nice and incredibly attentive, making sure we were well taken care of from start to finish. I ordered the French toast, and it did not disappoint — buttery, light and generously portioned. The scrambled eggs were fresh and fluffy, and the sausage was packed with flavor. A couple of folks at the table tried the chicken sandwich, which looked amazing and the oxtails plate is a definite must-try — tender and flavorful, served with perfectly roasted sweet potatoes. Great service, great food and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Highly recommend!

Chez Foushee

Owner: Whitney Cardozo ʼ87

Location: 2 E. Grace St., Richmond, VA 23219

Phone: 804-648-3225

Email: info@chezfoushee.com

Website: chezfoushee.com

Social: @chezfoushee

Yelp Rating: 4 stars

About:

Chez Foushee is a beloved restaurant located in the heart of downtown Richmond, Virginia, known for its inviting atmosphere and refined approach to contemporary American cuisine with French influences. Originally opened in 1989, the restaurant has been a local favorite for decades, continuing to deliver exceptional dining experiences that blend classic dishes with creative flair and seasonal ingredients. The elegant yet comfortable setting makes it a popular choice for both casual lunches and special occasions, reflecting the charm and culinary spirit that have defined Chez Foushee for more than 30 years.

Review:

“Ended up here completely by accident on a nice Sunday morning. It was meant to be just a nearby, safe choice, that seemed ok and had decent reviews. However, after coming here, it is probably now my favorite spot in Richmond! This is an extremely fine establishment with exceptional customer service (just the way it should be in a French-style restaurant), high-quality meals and great decor. Additionally, the restaurant staff has a great selection of French music playing, which completes the whole experience. A totally great place that must be visited, whether you are looking for a fine dining experience or just a quick brunch. I wish I could give 10 stars.” - Alex I.

La Fogata Mexican Restuarant

Co-Owner: Vram Alian ʼ05

Location: 5142 Van Nuys Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA 91403

Phone: 818-501-9065

Email: info@vivalafogata.com

Website: vivalafogata.com

Social: @vivalafogata

Yelp Rating: 3.8 stars

About:

La Fogata Mexican Restaurant in Van Nuys brings authentic Mexican flavors to the heart of the San Fernando Valley. Known for its vibrant, colorful atmosphere and warm hospitality, the restaurant offers a diverse range of traditional dishes, including flavorful tacos and enchiladas, sizzling fajitas and fresh seafood. Guests appreciate the bold, rich flavors, generous portions and family-friendly environment, making it a popular spot for both casual dining and special gatherings. With a commitment to quality ingredients and authentic recipes, La Fogata provides a true taste of Mexico right in Van Nuys.

Review:

“I have seen La Fogata many times driving up and down Van Nuys Boulevard, and finally decided to stop and try it out. Before walking in, I was under the assumption that this was a restaurant with waiters and all that. I was pleasantly surprised at the setup; you walk up and order the way you do at most fast-food joints. But let me tell you, La Fogata is no fast food joint! The food is fantastic! I had the carne asada plate, and it was tasty! I believe I found a hidden gem! Awesome! Will definitely be back!” - Sergio P.

Moo Creamery

Owner/Founder: Jessica Pounds ʼ03

Location: 4885 Truxtun Ave., Suite B, Bakersfield, CA 93309

Phone: 661-861-1130

Email: info@moocreamery.com

Website: moocreamery.com

Social: @moocreamery

Yelp Rating: 4.1 stars

About:

Moo Creamery is a popular local diner in Bakersfield, California, founded by Jessica Pounds in 2008. Known for its gourmet burgers, hand-cut fries and homemade ice cream, the restaurant features creative menu items like the PB & B Burger, which combines peanut butter and bacon, and unique ice cream flavors such as bacon ice cream. Moo Creamery emphasizes fresh, high-quality ingredients sourced from local producers, ensuring flavorful dishes for its patrons. In 2025, the restaurant announced plans to relocate from its original Truxtun Avenue location to downtown Bakersfield, aiming to revitalize the East Chester neighborhood and provide easier access for customers.

Review:

“This is my third time at Moo Creamery and every time it has been what I expected or more! Iʼve been there for breakfast and lunch. This time it was for breakfast, so my husband got the chilaquiles with brisket. I ordered the protein sweet potato waffles and couldnʼt finish it. I got a caramel latte too! Usually itʼs pretty quiet inside, and I love that they have outside seating in case I were to take my kids. The service is perfect; they check on you just enough to make sure you have everything you need, but not too often that you feel rushed out.” - Jillian G.

Christakis Greek Cuisine

Co-Owners: Michael O’Hare Wallace ʼ94 and Sarah Wallace Rasmussen ʼ02

Location: 13011 Newport Ave., Tustin, CA 92780

Phone: 714-731-6600

Website: christakisgreekcuisine.com

Social: @christakisgreekcuisine

Yelp Rating: 4.5 stars

About:

Christakis was opened by William and Joanne Christakis Wallace on April 1, 1996. A native of Agios Dimitrios, Greece, it was always Joanne's dream to create a little piece of home in California. With her family, and the two Greek Tzoytzorakos brothers, Joanne saw her dream come to life. Although Joanne lost her battle to cancer only three years after creating Christakis, her spirit lives strong. The recipes are based on home meals, and have been expanded by the family at Christakis. We are blessed with regular customers that have been our cornerstone, and delighted by visitors we hope become family.

Review:

“Came here on a spontaneous date night late in the summer. I believe my partner was easily able to grab a reservation. We were immediately charmed by the live music playing in the patio and the decor indoors. My partner had the chance to travel to Greece last year and has been looking for a Greek restaurant to capture the flavors he had there, and according to him, Christakis was exactly it. The pastitsio was what he was seeking, and I really appreciated the meaty, herby flavors. The lamb chops were the most tender lamb chops I've ever had, and I thought it was a nice touch adding both our entrees on one plate to eat with all the sides to eat family style. I've tried recreating the potatoes since coming here but have to come back soon to have the real deal! I would recommend everything we ate. The trio of dips were delicious and the pita tasted fresh. The villager's salad was refreshing. If they have the tomato soup, it's a must try (spoken as a tomato soup lover!). The baklava was a delicious way to end our meal.” - Kim C.

Stationæry

Co-Owner: Alissa Bell Carnazzo ʼ06

Location: 3 San Carlos St., Carmel, CA 93921

Phone: 831-250-7183

Email: info@thestationaery.com

Website: thestationaery.com

Social: @thestationaery

Yelp Rating: 4.0 stars

About:

Stationæry is a neighborhood restaurant in Carmel, California, operated by Anthony & Alissa Carnazzo. Tucked between San Carlos and Mission Streets in the San Carlos Square, this intimate space is a haven for locals. Offering brunch, dinner, specialty coffee and natural wines, they celebrate comforting flavors with elegant presentation. Led by Chef Amalia Scatena, they primarily source from Monterey and Santa Cruz County farms and ranches, according to what is fresh and in season.

Review:

“Great spot for brunch - there was a nice variety of seating (outdoor, greenhouse or indoor) and the service was attentive. The farmerʼs salad was delicious - nice variety of fresh vegetables (broccolini, green beans, radish, carrots) and paired well with an apple cider vinaigrette that had perfect zing. The steak and eggs were perfectly cooked and seasoned! The tenderloin was tender and the potatoes creamy. The chimichurri and sweet onion complemented the dish very well!” - Caly T.

Mariaʼs Italian Kitchen - West Los Angeles

Owner: Madelyn Alfano ʼ80

Location: 10761 Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064

Phone: 310-441-3663

Email: maria@mariasitaliankitchen.com

Website: mariasitaliankitchen.com

Social: @mariasitaliankitchen

Yelp Rating: 3.7 stars

About:

Mariaʼs Italian Kitchen in West Los Angeles is a family-owned restaurant founded by Madelyn “Maddy” Alfano, whose passion for food was inspired by her mother, Maria Alfano. What began as Maria selling homemade Italian dishes from her garage grew into a beloved neighborhood restaurant known for its warm hospitality and classic Italian comfort food. Under Maddyʼs leadership, Mariaʼs Italian Kitchen has expanded across Los Angeles, keeping the same homemade recipes and family spirit that started it all. Itʼs a local favorite for hearty pastas, pizzas and traditional dishes served with a personal touch.

Review:

“I cannot recommend this place enough for anyone who is gluten-free. The kitchen was very accommodating and made sure everything was not only safe but delicious, too! Iʼm newly gluten-free, so I remember the taste of bread very clearly and Iʼve yet to find any place that has such delicious food I can eat. They have gluten-free bread, pasta and pizza. Seriously, come eat here; it was delicious.” - Kailyn K.

Smoke Queen Barbecue

Owner/Founder: Winne Yee ʼ03

Location: 12941 9th St., Garden Grove, CA 92840

Phone: 714-583-8251

Email: winnie@smokequeenbbq.com

Website: smokequeenbbq.com

Social: @smokequeenbbq

Yelp Rating: 4.4 stars

About:

Smoke Queen Barbecue in Garden Grove, California, is owned and founded by Winnie Yee-Lakhani, a pitmaster known for blending classic Texas-style barbecue with Asian-inspired flavors. What started as a pop-up has grown into a popular restaurant celebrated for its smoky brisket, tender ribs and creative sides that reflect Yee-Lakhaniʼs multicultural background. Her approach to barbecue honors traditional slow-smoking techniques while adding bold twists, making Smoke Queen a standout in Orange Countyʼs food scene and a rising name in modern American barbecue.

Review:

“I literally flew in from Texas to California just to try Smoke Queen Barbecue after hearing so much about it, and it was absolutely worth the trip! The food was phenomenal: the brisket was melt-in-your-mouth tender with a perfect smoke ring, the ribs had just the right pull, and the sides (especially the mac & cheese and cornbread) tasted like comfort on a plate. The service staff was top-notch, friendly, attentive and clearly passionate about what they do. Even with a busy line, the staff took time to explain the menu and make sure I got exactly what I wanted. The ambiance is warm and welcoming, with that true barbecue joint feel but elevated with a clean, modern touch. You can tell this is a place built on craft and community. If youʼre anywhere near California (or even if youʼre not), Smoke Queen Barbecue is a destination spot. Iʼd happily fly back again just for another plate!” - Quinton T.

BKLYN Wild

Owner: Ivy Stark ʼ93

Location: 55 Water St., New York, NY 10038

Email: ivy@bklynwild.com

Website: bklynwild.com

Social: @bklynwild

Yelp Rating: 3.4 stars

About:

BKLYN Wild is a plant-forward, vegan restaurant located at 55 Water Street in New York City. The concept, associated with Chef Ivy Stark, focuses on creative, flavorful dishes that highlight vegetables, grains and plant-based proteins. The restaurant emphasizes sustainability and healthy eating while delivering bold, inventive flavors that appeal to both vegans and omnivores alike. With its modern, casual atmosphere, BKLYN Wild has become a go-to spot for those seeking satisfying, eco-conscious meals in the heart of the Financial District.

Review:

“Let me preface by saying Iʼm not a vegan and do not particularly enjoy vegan food. However, I came here with my mom, who is very healthy, and we decided to give it a try. We ordered the Diablo and Feliz bowl, and wow, was it delicious. It was served fresh, and the levels of flavor depth were impressive (it may be the sauce or dressing they added?!). Overall, the service was prompt and fresh and the ambiance was fairly calm but keep in mind we were there when they opened. Iʼd recommend arriving before the lunch rush, so you can have plenty of seating options in the food hall. Pro-tip: bring your food to the rooftop for epic views.” - Mary D.

Chilte

Co-Owner/Founder: Aseret Arroyo ʼ03

Location: 765 Grand Ave., Phoenix, AZ 85007

Phone: 602-807-5226

Email: reservations@chiltephx.com

Website: www.chiltephx.com

Social: @chilte_phx

Yelp Rating: 4.4 stars

About:

Chilte is short for Chiltepan, which means strong but mighty. Starting in a 10x10 pop-up tent, we have always aimed to disrupt the industry at every level, whether cooking on the street or in a five-star restaurant. As we lay the groundwork for our first brick and mortar, we are determined to stay focused on the vision of where we are headed, yet never forgetting where we come from. Food is an intimate universal connection to our past, present and future. It allows us to immerse ourselves and experience palatable and multicultural art. We aim to bring our unique and inspired expression to the table while allowing the dishes to tell the stories untold. Join us as we strive to inspire a new culture in the culinary industry by sourcing locally, cooking from the heart, mentoring one another and building our community through food.

Review:

“Loved the vibe when we walked in. It's eclectic and cozy. The music was not too loud. We ordered the pablanito and ponche margaritas. My second round I ordered the white/rose sangria. We started with the plantain and refried beans with crema starter. Then we decided to try the fried yucca. We ended up with the MSG chicken. They had two choices of meat tonight for that dish. The other choice was the pork chop. For dessert hubs ordered a shot of espresso and we tried the elote cheesecake. It was ALL ridiculously good! Our server was attentive and helpful. The menu is pretty vague and you kind of need to ask to see what really comes with the dish. Overall, it was a great date night and I would like to come back.” - Kelly C.

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To submit a Bruin-owned business for future consideration, please send a note to connectfeedback@alumni.ucla.edu.

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Bruin-Led Businesses: Nonprofits

s a spinoff from the Bruin-owned Business series, we’re highlighting organizations founded or led by UCLA alumni with a mission towards improving the quality of life in our communities. Whether it’s advancing medical science or promoting the arts, protecting the environment or fighting for justice, we owe a debt of gratitude for their work in making this world a better place. On Giving Tuesday (Dec. 2), please consider supporting a business that appeals to your interests.

Westside Music Foundation

Co-Founder and President: Deborah How, M.A. ’92
Westside Music Foundation
Address: 12424 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 100, Los Angeles, CA 90025
Phone: 424-581-6400
Email: info@westsidemusicfoundation.org
Website: westsidemusicfoundation.org
Social: @westsidemusicconservatory

About:
The mission of Westside Music Foundation is to provide high-quality, inclusive music education and performance opportunities to students of all ages and backgrounds. They aim to foster a lifelong love of music by offering instruction in theory, ear training and instrumental performance, while also promoting cultural understanding and artistic growth. Through community outreach, concerts, masterclasses and youth programs, the organization works to make music accessible, enriching and integral to the broader community.

With My Own Two Hands Foundation

Founder and CEO: Lindsey Pluimer ’08
With My Own Two Hands Foundation
Address: 1278 Glenneyre St., #433, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Phone: 949-416-5005
Email: info@withmyown2hands.org
Website: withmyown2hands.org
Social: @withmyown2hands

About:
The founder, Lindsey Pluimer, was an All-American basketball player at UCLA. Inspired by a class discussion, Pluimer pledged to visit Africa and work to address inequality there. When she had the opportunity to travel to South Africa, she recognized the immense lack of basic human rights, but she also saw, first hand, the resilience and hope in the communities she visited.

Motivated to take action, she returned to the States, retired from professional basketball and founded With My Own Two Hands Foundation in 2011 with the commitment to provide children with the basic human rights of water, food and access to education.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice

Founder and Former President/Executive Director: Stewart Kwoh ʼ70, J.D. ʼ74
Asian Americans Advancing Justice
Address: 1620 L Street NW, Suite 1050, Washington, D.C. 20036
Phone: 202-296-2300
Email: comrequests@advancingjustice-aajc.org
Website: advancingjustice-aajc.org
Social: @avancingjusticeaajc

About:
Rooted in the dreams of immigrants and inspired by the promise of opportunity, Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC advocates for an America in which all Americans can benefit equally from, and contribute to, the American dream. Our mission is to advance the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and to build and promote a fair and equitable society for all. We serve as a voice for the Asian American community – the fastest-growing population in the U.S. – fighting for our civil rights through education, litigation and public policy advocacy. We serve to empower our communities by bringing local and national constituencies together and ensuring Asian Americans are able to participate fully in our democracy.

Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital

CEO: Elaine Batchlor, M.P.H. ’90
Martin Luther King Jr. Community Hospital
Address: 1680 E 120th St., Los Angeles, CA 90059
Phone: 424-338-8000
Email: info@mlkch.org
Website: mlkch.org
Social: @yourmlkch

About:
When we opened in 2015, we recognized we had a unique opportunity: to reinvent the way care is delivered in safety-net communities. Our goal is to provide care equal to that found in more affluent areas and that commitment is reflected in everything we do. From our beautiful, state-of-the-art facilities to our best-in-class technology, systems and operations, to our mission-driven providers from the nation’s leading academic centers, we have established an intentional, quality-driven healthcare culture to address South L.A.’s most pressing health problems.

Alliance for a Better Community

CEO and President: Vanessa Aramayo ʼ01
Alliance for a Better Community
Address: 201 South Figueroa St., Los Angeles, CA 90012
Phone: 213-267-2144
Email: info@afabc.org
Website: afabc.org
Social: @afabc_la

About:
In the mid-1990s, a group of Latina/o civic and business leaders came together regularly and informally to address the many challenges confronting Los Angeles’s Latina/o community. For several years, the group, self-identified as the “Tuesday Morning Breakfast Club,” addressed a variety of regional matters through their personal and organizational networks and resources. While they were successful in redressing many of the various policy challenges they tackled, they ultimately decided that L.A.’s Latina/o policy and advocacy vacuum necessitated the formation of an organization to serve as a voice of Latina/o interests. They created ABC to promote a proactive Latina/o agenda within City Hall, the County, L.A. Unified, the media and other public or influential entities to respond to the needs of the region’s largest and fastest growing population.

SciArtsRUs

Founder and President: Ranjini Ramachander Kaushik, Ph.D. ’04
SciArtsRUs
Location: Los Angeles, California
Phone: 310-892-0794
Email: Info@sciartsrus.com
Website: sciartsrus.com
Social: @sciartsrus

About:
SciArtsRUs is a nonprofit aimed at promoting awareness and sustained interest for science, arts and music via educational opportunities, community outreach programs and events, including accessible and affordable learning modules for children by children.

Los Angeles Inception Orchestra

Founder, President and Artistic Director: Akira Nakano ’94
Los Angeles Inception Orchestra
Address: 2542 Panorama Terrace, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Phone: 213-359-1608
Email: akira@inceptionorchestra.org
Website: inceptionorchestra.org
Social: @inceptionorchestra

About:
TheLos Angeles Inception Orchestra's goal is to bring music composition, drama, dance and arts education to students of all abilities through guided collaboration and creativity. They also aim to shift perceptions of both creators and audiences in the process.

Trickle Up

CEO and President: Lauren Hendricks ’92
Trickle Up
Address: 31 W 34th Street, Suite 7001, New York, NY 10001
Phone: 212-255 9980
Email: info@trickleup.org
Website: trickleup.org
Social: @trickleuporg

About:
Trickle Up is a nonprofit organization that focuses on helping women living in extreme poverty build a better future for themselves and their families. They work by providing seed capital, business training and ongoing coaching to help women start and grow small businesses. The organization partners with local groups and governments in places like Latin America, South Asia and Africa to reach people who are often left out of traditional aid, especially women, people with disabilities and Indigenous populations. Their goal is to help one million women lift themselves out of poverty by 2030, ultimately impacting the lives of about five million people.

Plastic Pollution Coalition

Co-Founder and CEO: Dianna Cohen ’89
Plastic Pollution Coalition
Address: 4401A Connecticut Avenue NW, #143, Washington, D.C. 20008
Phone: 323-936-3010
Email: info@plasticpollutioncoalition.org
Website: plasticpollutioncoalition.org
Social: @plasticpollutes

About:
Plastic Pollution Coalition is a nonprofit communications and advocacy organization that collaborates with an expansive global alliance of organizations, businesses and individuals to create a more just, equitable and regenerative world free of plastic pollution and its toxic impacts.

CureDuchenne

CEO and President: Debra Miller ’77
CureDuchenne
Address: 100 Bayview Circle, Suite 5600, Newport Beach, CA 92660
Phone: 949-872-2552
Email: info@cureduchenne.org
Website: cureduchenne.org
Social: @cureduchenne

About:
CureDuchenne breaks the traditional charitable mold and balances passion with business acumen. We will fulfill our mission to cure Duchenne muscular dystrophy with our innovative venture philanthropy model that funds groundbreaking research, early diagnosis and treatment access. With pioneering education and support programs, our organization drives real change for those living with the disease and their loved ones.

One Mind

Founder and Chairman: Garen Staglin ’66
One Mind
Location: Rutherford, California
Phone: 707-963-4038
Email: info@onemind.org
Website: onemind.org
Social: @onemindorg

About:
At One Mind, our mission is to advance mental health by harnessing the power of science and the wisdom of lived experience to drive bold research, accelerate innovation and transform societal attitudes and workplace practices.

Hacker Fund

Founder and Executive Director: Justin Brezhnev ’14
Hacker Fund
Address: 3435 Ocean Park Blvd., #107 PMB 124, Santa Monica, CA 90405
Email: team@hacker.fund
Website: hacker.fund
Social: @hackerfund

About:
Hacker Fund empowers technologists to support disadvantaged communities, educate youth and protect the environment. It does this through fiscal sponsorship and by providing resources like event support, educational programming, donated hardware/software, makerspaces and corporate volunteers.

Burnham Center for Community Advancement

CEO and President: Tad Seth Parzen ’82
Burnham Center for Community Advancement
Address: 1100 Market St., Suite 424, San Diego, CA 92101
Phone: 619-329-8389
‍Email: together@burnhamcenter.org
Website: burnhamcenter.org
Social: @burnhamcentersd

About:
Established in 2020 by Malin Burnham and Tad Seth Parzen, the Burnham Center for Community Advancement (BCCA) is dedicated to moving our cross-border region forward, recognizing that meaningful impact requires more than just a good idea. We are steadfast in our commitment to taking decisive action to help make the San Diego region a better place to live, work and play for all. We do this by engaging and informing the public through quality civic dialogue and a dedicated Community Advisory function; identifying opportunities to solve challenges and creating a vibrant future; and collaborating, organizing and mobilizing to bring opportunities to life.

United Against Fentanyl

Founder and CEO: Paul Martin ’03
United Against Fentanyl
Location: Newport Beach, California
Website: unitedagainstfentanyl.org
Social: @unitedagainstfentanyl

About:
United Against Fentanyl is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that preserves and protects humanity with a focus on combating the fentanyl/synthetic drug crisis. We focus on three primary areas:

Organizing survivors, organizations and elected officials to bring change
Fighting for comprehensive solutions, from enforcement to education
Creating awareness of common sense bi-partisan legislation

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To submit a Bruin-owned business for future consideration, please send a note to connectfeedback@alumni.ucla.edu.

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Books by Bruins: Research

esearch is at the heart of the work of UCLA, advancing knowledge and generating transformative breakthroughs. This month’s books highlight alumni who continue to use research in their chosen field - from science to the humanities, and from the art of dance to the study of the human brain.

Research-Based Strategies to Ignite Student Learning: Insights From Neuroscience and the Classroom (2020)

Judy Willis, M.D. ’75

As a neuroscientist, Judy Willis focused her studies on understanding children and adults with brain function disorders. After practicing neurology for 15 years, Willis went on to a teaching career, using her brain research to inform her teaching practice. She has written six books for educators and parents about applying mind, brain and education research to improve teaching and learning strategies.

Dance Research Methodologies (2023)

Rosemary Candelario, M.A. ’07, Ph.D. ’11

Rosemary Candelario studied dance culture and performance at UCLA. As a scholar-artist, she relies on her expertise in dance and performance to understand the body in staged performance, social movements and popular culture. Her book brings together researchers from around the world to present methodological approaches that can be used to study a variety of dance forms and practices.

Research Methods & Data Analysis for Multicultural Social Work and Human Services (2014)

Siyon Rhee, M.S.W. ’81, Ph.D. ’88

Siyon Rhee studied at the UCLA School of Social Welfare. Rhee’s research focus includes mental health and mental health service utilization patterns in immigrant Asian families. The book gives readers the skills needed to become critical research consumers. She is an advocate for introducing social work students and practitioners to research-informed methodology and includes hands-on examples of how to conduct data analysis.

Generating Middle Range Theory: From Evidence to Practice (2013)

Sister Callista Roy, M.S. ’66, M.A. ’75, Ph.D. ’77

Sister Callista Roy is best known for creating the adaptation model of nursing, which emphasizes how individuals adapt to changes in their environment and how nurses can help them overcome health challenges. Through her research, Roy explored applications of the model in different healthcare settings. Her work bridged the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that her work could be applied to a variety of real-world scenarios.

Choice, Rules and Collective Action: The Ostroms on the Study of Institutions and Governance (2014)

Elinor Ostrom ’54, M.A. ’62, Ph.D. ’65

Vincent Ostrom ’42, M.A ’45, Ph.D. ’50

Elinor Ostrom was a co-recipient of the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for her work showing that groups can learn to share without needing government control, an idea she began exploring as a UCLA student. Vincent Ostrom was one of the originators of Public Choice theory, the idea that economic tools can deal with traditional political science problems. This book brings together their groundbreaking research and analysis.

School Integration Matters: Research-Based Strategies to Advance Equity (2016)

Megan Hopkins, Ph.D. ’11

Megan Hopkins studied education at UCLA, with a specialization in Urban Schooling. Hopkins’ research focuses on policy and leadership for multilingual K-12 students. Her book is the product of numerous applied research projects on the preparation of teachers and the implementation of state policies in bilingual education.

Sustainable Desalination and Water Reuse (2021)

Eric M.V. Hoek, M.S. ’96, Cert. ’14

Eric M.V. Hoek is a professor in UCLA’s Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering. His academic work explores innovations that can help build a more sustainable future. His book explores his research into reverse osmosis, an effective desalination and advanced water treatment technology.

Modern Epidemiology (2008)

Sander Greenland, M.S. ’76, Ph.D. ’78

Sander Greenland is a double Bruin who studied epidemiology at UCLA. Epidemiology plays a main role in public health, and Sander’s book highlights associations between exposures and outcomes. The book is a comprehensive look at epidemiologic research methods.

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As our list of Bruin authors grows, we’re categorizing the books into an online library, but we’ll need your help to make it as comprehensive as possible. If you know of one, please submit to our list of Bruin authors.

While all these books are written by UCLA alumni, inclusion on the list is not an endorsement.

Books by Bruins Library

Previous articles in the Books by Bruins series

UCLA’s Latest Research and Breakthroughs Shaping the Future

World’s First Human Bladder Transplant Restores Hope and Quality of Life

Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center

Summary:
In a groundbreaking medical achievement, surgeons at UCLA’s Ronald Reagan Medical Center, led by Dr. Nima Nassiri, successfully performed the first-ever human bladder transplant. The eight-hour procedure replaced a nonfunctioning bladder with a healthy donor organ, restoring urinary function and greatly improving the patient’s quality of life. This pioneering surgery opens the door to a new type of organ transplant, offering hope to patients with severe bladder damage from cancer, congenital conditions or trauma cases that previously had limited treatment options. UCLA’s success marks a global milestone in surgical innovation, setting a new standard for complex procedures.

Breakthrough Alzheimer’s Research Offers Promise for Memory Recovery

UCLA Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer's Research and Care

Summary:
UCLA researchers under the direction of Drs. Istvan Mody and Varghese John have discovered a promising compound, DDL-920, that restored memory and cognitive function in mice with Alzheimer’s-like symptoms by boosting the brain’s natural electrical rhythms. Unlike existing Alzheimer’s drugs that only remove harmful plaques, this molecule jumpstarts key neurons to revive gamma oscillations — high-frequency brain signals critical for memory. In lab tests, treated mice remembered maze escape routes as well as healthy mice, with no side effects observed. If proven safe in humans, DDL-920 could not only transform Alzheimer’s treatment but also offer hope for conditions like depression, schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder by targeting the brain’s memory circuits from within.

Study Shows Audiences Reward Inclusive Films

UCLA Institute for Research on Labor and Employment (IRLE)

Summary:
A UCLA study shows that audiences of color and women are shaping Hollywood’s future, proving that diversity isn’t just right, it’s profitable. Films with 31% to 40% actors of color, such as “Killers of the Flower Moon” and “Wonka,” earned the highest box-office returns. Meanwhile, hits like “Barbie” and “The Little Mermaid” thrived, thanks to female viewers, who made up the majority of ticket buyers. The Hollywood Diversity Report found that movies directed by filmmakers of color almost always featured diverse casts, and franchises like “Creed” and “John Wick” saw record earnings when embracing inclusion. Yet despite these gains, women and other underrepresented groups still lag in key industry roles. UCLA researchers emphasize that investing in diversity, both on screen and behind the camera, is now a business imperative, enabling studios to connect with audiences, boost profits and ensure long-term sustainability.

Engineers Develop Zero-Carbon Method to Green Cement Production

UCLA Samueli School of Engineering Institute for Carbon Management

Summary:
UCLA engineers have unveiled “ZeroCAL,” a breakthrough process that could slash nearly all carbon emissions from cement production, a major global source of CO₂. Unlike traditional methods that release nearly a kilogram of CO₂ per kilogram of cement, ZeroCAL uses calcium hydroxide instead of limestone, producing lime without generating greenhouse gases. The approach also creates clean hydrogen and oxygen that could fuel existing kilns, and it integrates seamlessly into current cement plants without requiring costly new infrastructure. Early demonstrations, including a partnership with India’s Ultratech Cement, show the method is scalable and could revolutionize not only cement but potentially steel production, offering a fast, practical path to decarbonize heavy industry.

Next-Gen Bladder Care: Smart Wearable Sensor for Independence

UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

Summary:
UCLA investigators are highlighting groundbreaking advances in prostate and bladder cancer, AI-assisted diagnostics and patient-centered care at AUA 2025. Key innovations include 3D modeling that helps surgeons plan robotic prostate cancer surgeries for better nerve-sparing outcomes, cost-effectiveness analysis showing pembrolizumab may be a smarter choice than nivolumab for high-risk bladder cancer, AI-driven prostate cancer mapping, a wearable system for monitoring bladder health after spinal cord injury, and digital tools that improve shared decision-making in kidney stone treatment. These studies, led by researchers from UCLA’s David Geffen School of Medicine and Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, are helping shape more effective, personalized and cost-conscious approaches to urologic care.

Wearable Glove Turns Sign Language into Real-Time Speech

UCLA Samueli School of Engineering

Summary:
UCLA bioengineers have created an innovative, lightweight glove that can translate American Sign Language into spoken English in real time through a smartphone app. Equipped with stretchable sensors along each finger, the glove detects hand movements and, combined with facial sensors, captures the expressions essential to ASL. The signals are sent wirelessly to a small wrist-mounted circuit that converts gestures into speech at about one word per second. Unlike bulky previous devices, this affordable and flexible glove is durable, easy to wear and can recognize hundreds of signs, offering a practical way for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals to communicate directly with non-signers — and for anyone to learn sign language more easily.

Wearable AI Patch Lets People Speak Without Vocal Cords

UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior

Summary:
UCLA bioengineers have created a tiny, flexible neck patch that translates the movement of throat muscles into audible speech, offering a non-invasive way for people with voice disorders to communicate. About a square inch in size, the device uses machine-learning technology to recognize specific laryngeal muscle movements and convert them into spoken words with nearly 95% accuracy. Designed to move naturally with the wearer, it adheres to the skin above the vocal cords and could assist patients recovering from laryngeal surgery or living with vocal cord dysfunction. This breakthrough builds on the team’s previous work with wearable devices that translate American Sign Language into speech, opening new possibilities for accessible, real-time communication for people with speech challenges.

Climate Change Is Making California’s Fire Seasons Longer and More Destructive

UCLA Institute of the Environment and Sustainability (IoES)

Summary:
A UCLA study shows that human-driven climate change is pushing California’s wildfire season earlier by an average of one to two days per year, with some areas experiencing fire season starting up to seven weeks sooner than in the early 1990s. Rising temperatures and drier vegetation are creating longer windows for destructive fires, particularly in northern forests and high-elevation mountains. As fire seasons expand, the risks to communities, homes and natural resources grow. The research highlights the urgent need for continued climate science to inform policy and preparedness strategies as California faces increasingly intense and prolonged wildfire seasons.

Ultrasound “Jump-Starts” Brain Activity in Coma Patients

UCLA Brain Research Institute

Summary:
UCLA neuroscientists have used low-intensity focused ultrasound to awaken brain activity in two patients who had been in a minimally conscious state for over a year. The small, saucer-sized device targets the thalamus, the brain’s central hub, to stimulate neurons. Within days of treatment, one patient regained the ability to respond to commands, recognize objects, write and communicate, while the other could identify familiar items and understand speech for the first time in years. Though the changes are small, they represent meaningful reconnections for patients and families. The non-invasive technique shows promise as a future portable therapy to help “wake up” patients from chronic brain injuries.

UCLA Transit To Launch California’s First Wireless Charging Road

UCLA Events and Transportation

Summary:
UCLA research is helping bring a revolutionary vision to life in Westwood: Electric Avenue, a stretch of roadway embedded with wireless charging technology that can power electric vehicles as they drive. Using inductive charging coils beneath the pavement, energy is transferred directly to receivers on EVs, keeping batteries topped up without stopping to plug in. UCLA engineers and transportation experts contributed their expertise to design the system, optimize energy transfer, and plan for real-world deployment. Scheduled to debut ahead of the 2028 Olympics, Electric Avenue will showcase how “charging as you go” can reduce range anxiety, improve fleet efficiency and ease the strain on charging stations, paving the way for scalable, citywide charging infrastructure that could keep cars, buses and delivery vehicles in motion while cutting emissions and congestion.

New Research Unlocks Molecule That Restores Hair Growth

UCLA Broad Stem Cell Research Center

Summary:
UCLA researchers have discovered a small molecule, PP405, that can “wake up” dormant hair follicles, encouraging full, natural regrowth. In early human trials, a simple nightly topical application produced promising results, far surpassing the thin fuzz typical of current treatments. Developed by UCLA scientists William Lowry, Heather Christofk and Michael Jung, this breakthrough targets follicle stem cells directly, potentially offering a safe and effective way to reverse pattern hair loss, a condition affecting over half of men and a quarter of women by age 50. The team has co-founded Pelage Pharmaceuticals to advance the treatment, backed by $16.4 million in funding, with larger trials underway and FDA approval on the horizon. Full, healthy hair may no longer be just a dream.

Breakthrough Cancer Vaccine Offers New Hope

UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

Summary:
A novel cancer vaccine, ELI-002 2P, is showing promising results in patients with some of the toughest-to-treat cancers, including pancreatic and colorectal cancer. Developed in part by researchers at UCLA Health Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, the vaccine trains the immune system to recognize and attack tumors driven by KRAS mutations, which are common in these cancers. In early trials, most patients generated strong immune responses, some cleared cancer biomarkers entirely and those with higher immune responses stayed cancer-free far longer than expected, sometimes nearly two years. Unlike fully personalized treatments, ELI-002 2P is an “off-the-shelf” vaccine, making it easier to deliver to patients. These encouraging results are fueling a larger Phase 2 trial and the development of next-generation vaccines targeting even more KRAS mutations, offering hope for a new way to fight aggressive cancers.

A Rare Visitor from Beyond Our Solar System

UCLA Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences

Summary:
Astronomers, including UCLA’s David Jewitt, have captured the clearest view yet of 3I/ATLAS, an interstellar comet speeding through our solar system at 130,000 miles per hour, the fastest object from another star ever observed here. Using Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3, Jewitt and his team revealed a teardrop-shaped dust plume streaming from the comet’s icy core, while other space- and ground-based telescopes help study its composition and track its journey. Although its exact origin remains a mystery, researchers estimate 3I/ATLAS has been traveling through interstellar space for billions of years. This marks only the third known interstellar object to enter our solar system, following ‘Oumuamua in 2017 and 2I/Borisov in 2019. With new observatories like the Vera C. Rubin Observatory scanning the skies, astronomers expect to spot many more interstellar visitors in the coming years, offering unprecedented insights into the universe beyond our solar system.

Smart 3D-Printed Pen Offers Early Detection for Parkinson’s

UCLA Samueli School of Engineering

Summary:
UCLA bioengineers have developed a self-powered, 3D-printed “smart pen” that could help spot Parkinson’s disease early by analyzing handwriting. The pen’s flexible tip and magnetic-ink system capture subtle hand movements and convert them into electrical signals, which AI then analyzes for motor changes linked to Parkinson’s. By detecting these early signs before major neurological damage occurs, the pen could provide a simple, accessible tool for faster diagnosis and intervention, potentially expanding care beyond specialized clinics.

Chemists Break a 100-Year-Old Rule, Opening the Door to New Drug Discoveries

UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

Summary:
UCLA researchers have overturned a century-old chemistry rule, proving that molecules once thought impossible to make can exist and be harnessed for drug discovery. Bredt’s rule claimed that certain carbon atoms in complex molecules couldn’t form double bonds due to geometric limits. But a team led by Neil Garg demonstrated a way to create and stabilize these “anti-Bredt olefins,” enabling new chemical reactions and 3D molecular structures that could accelerate pharmaceutical innovation. Published in the journal Science, this breakthrough could rewrite the textbooks and inspire a wave of new possibilities in medicine.

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To learn more about UCLA research and how you can support it, visit https://www.ucla.edu/research. #StandUpforUC

Books by Bruins: Summer Reading

hether you’re sitting by the pool, lounging on the beach or beating the heat indoors, curling up with a good book just might be the perfect summer escape. From memoirs by UCLA athletes to intriguing mysteries and page-turning novels, pick up one of these Bruin books for your reading pleasure.

FICTION

Liquid, A Love Story (2025)

Mariam Rahmani, Ph.D. ’19

Will There Be Wine?: A Novel (2023)

Whitney Cubbison ’98

Whitney Cubbison graduated from UCLA with a degree in French. She worked at Microsoft for 16 years, spending 13 years in the Paris office. During that time, she held various international roles that encompassed public relations, employee communications, executive speechwriting and social media. She left her job after earning her French citizenship to focus on writing her first novel. The story was inspired by her experiences as an ex-pat divorcée navigating life in a foreign country.

MEMOIRS

How to Eat a Small Country: A Family's Pursuit of Happiness, One Meal at a Time (2011)

Amy Finley ’96

After graduating from UCLA, Amy Finley quickly realized that her true passion lay in cooking. When she won the third season of The Next Food Network Star, she thought her dreams had come true. But when the demands of her new career put a strain on her marriage, she decided to make a drastic change. “How to Eat a Small Country: A Family's Pursuit of Happiness, One Meal at a Time” is her tale of moving to rural France to preserve her family.

What Just Happened? Bitter Hollywood Tales from the Front Line (2020)

Art Linson ’64, J.D. ’67

During his third year at UCLA Law, Art Linson was invited to a movie screening at the home of producer Harold Mirisch. That night, he decided he wanted to pursue a career in Hollywood. His film credits include “The Untouchables,” “Heat,” “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” and “Fight Club.” Linson has written two books that give a backstage look at the characters and calamities of making a motion picture.

Back from the Dead (2017)

Bill Walton ’74

Bill Walton played center for John Wooden’s UCLA basketball team for three years, including two undefeated seasons with NCAA championships and an NCAA record 88-game winning streak. After UCLA, he went on to a standout career in the NBA and broadcasting. The beloved athlete’s memoir shares the lessons he learned from Coach Wooden and his love for the music of the Grateful Dead, and how they each helped him through his darkest hours.

My Unusual Life (2023)

Laurie Lewis Havel ’72

High school volleyball standout Laurie Lewis Havel’s chance encounter with athletes returning from the 1964 Olympic games changed her life, leading her to compete at the 1968 Summer Olympic Games in Mexico City. She joined the UCLA volleyball team in 1969, and led them to their first women's championship in 1972. While at UCLA, she worked at a local magazine and after graduation began a career with Architectural Digest magazine. Her book chronicles the many twists and turns of her unpredictable life story.

HUMOR

In Such Good Company: Eleven Years of Laughter, Mayhem, and Fun in the Sandbox (2016)

Carol Burnett (1951-1954)

Comedy legend Carol Burnett shares hilarious behind-the-scenes stories from her iconic weekly variety series, “The Carol Burnett Show.” She credits her time in UCLA’s Theater Arts Department for changing her plans and setting her on the path to a career in show business. A 1985 recipient of the UCLA Medal, she now shares the talent and creativity that captured hearts and made us laugh.

Why Fantasy Football Matters: (And Our Lives Do Not) (2006)

Max Handelman, MBA ’03

Max Handelman launched Fox Sports' fantasy games division. He is now an independent film producer. In “Why Fantasy Football Matters (And Our Lives Do Not),” he and co-writer Erik Barmack celebrate the eccentric personalities, absurd rituals and hilarious superstitions of one of the most fanatical fantasy leagues on earth.

MYSTERY

Murder Behind the Gates: The Private Investigator Annie Hudson Mystery Series (2024)

Valerie Brandy ʼ11

Private investigator Annie Hudson solves cases with the help of her partner, FBI Agent Ethan Beckett. As the pair unravel mysteries across the country, each case brings them one step closer to a tragedy from the past that ties them together. Valerie Brandy is a Los Angeles-based screenwriter, filmmaker and best-selling author. Brandy graduated from UCLA in three years as a prestigious Alumni Scholarship Recipient. At 20, she sold her first spec script, making her one of the youngest members ever inducted into the Writers Guild of America (WGA).

The Florentine Deception (2015)

Carey Nachenberg ʼ95, M.S. ʼ95

In this action-packed techno-thriller, a routine computer cleanup sets off a quest for a deadly treasure. Carey Nachenberg is a leading security specialist, and he brings that knowledge to enhance the story’s realistic details. Nachenberg pledged 100 percent of the book's profits to charity and has already donated to the Success Academy, KIPP.org, UniCamp, Npower.org and UCLA engineering scholarships for low-income computer science students.

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While all these books are written by UCLA alumni, inclusion on the list is not an endorsement.

Books by Bruins Library

Previous articles in the Books by Bruins series

Books by Bruins - LGBTQ Stories

n celebration of Pride month, our Books by Bruins series features publications about LGBTQ topics ranging from personal memoirs to historical stories to humorous film critiques. As this compilation of Bruin authors grows, we’re categorizing the books into an online library, but we’ll need your help to make it as comprehensive as possible. If you know of one, please submit a Bruin author. While all these books are written by UCLA alumni, inclusion in the list is not an endorsement.

Movies That Made Me Gay (2023)

Larry Duplechan ʼ78

Larry Duplechan’s memoir transports viewers through Hollywood history with humorous film criticism while simultaneously covering his experience growing up as a Black gay man in the early 1960s. Duplechan is the author of five novels, including “Blackbird,” which is considered the first modern Black “coming-out” novel, and the Lambda Literary Award-winning “Got ‘til it’s Gone.”

Q&A: Voices From Queer Asian North America book Cover

Q&A: Voices from Queer Asian North America (2021)

Alice Hom, M.A. ʼ92

“Q&A: Voices from Queer Asian North America” considers how Asian American racial and queer sexuality interconnect in mutually shaping and complicating ways. Alice Y. Hom is an Asian American LGBTQ community activist and author, and the director of Equity and Social Justice for The Northern California GrantMakers. She is also the host of the Historically Queer Podcast. Her 1998 book, “Q&A: Queer in Asian America; Unifying Differences,” won the Lambda Literary Award for Best Book in Lesbian and Gay Anthologies/Non-Fiction.

Gay L.A.: A History of Sexual Outlaws, Power Politics, and Lipstick Lesbians (2009)

Stuart Timmons ʼ81

Drawing on rare archives and photographs as well as more than three hundred interviews, Lillian Faderman and Stuart Timmons chart L.A.'s unique gay history, from the first missionary encounters with Native American cross-gendered “two spirits” to cross-dressing frontier women in search of their fortunes; from the bohemian freedom of early Hollywood to the explosion of gay life during World War II to the underground radicalism set off by the 1950s blacklist; and from the 1960s gay liberation movement to the creation of gay marketing in the 1990s. While a student at UCLA, gay historian, activist and author Stuart Timmons cofounded Outfest, which has grown into one of the nation’s largest and most influential LGBT film festivals.

Queer American History: A Reader in Documents and Essays (2024)

Amy Sueyoshi, M.A. ʼ98, Ph.D. ʼ02

Sueyoshi bridges feminist, queer and ethnic studies to show how the white quest to forge new frontiers in gender and sexual freedom reinforced racial inequality through a pan-Asian American stereotype weighted with sexual and gender meaning. Amy Sueyoshi is the associate dean of the College of Ethnic Studies at San Francisco State University. She is the author of “Queer Compulsions: Race, Nation, and Sexuality in the Affairs of Yone Noguchi.”

It Rhymes with Takei (2025)

George Takei ʼ60, M.A. ʼ64

Following the award-winning bestseller “They Called Us Enemy,” George Takei’s new full-color graphic memoir reveals his most personal story. Takei has shown the world many faces: actor, author, outspoken activist, helmsman of the Starship Enterprise and living witness to the internment of Japanese Americans. Now, for the first time ever, he shares the full story of his life in the closet, his decision to come out as gay at the age of 68, and the way that moment transformed everything.

Twenty Years of Legal Marriage for Same-Sex Couples book cover

Twenty Years of Legal Marriage for Same-Sex Couples in the United States: Evidence Review and New Analyses (2024)

Benjamin Karney, M.A. ʼ92, Ph.D. ʼ97

It has been 20 years since the first marriage licenses were issued to same-sex couples in Massachusetts. The authors of this report draw on an evidence review and analyses that reveal that the benefits of access to legal marriage for same-sex couples are unambiguously positive. For the past 25 years, Dr. Benjamin Karney has been studying change and stability in intimate relationships, especially in the early years of marriage. His research relies upon longitudinal data, repeated measures, multilevel modeling and observational coding of couple interactions.

Love Comes First: Creating LGBTQ Families (2021)

Bradford Kolb, EMBA ʼ22

This first-hand account covers practical information from an organization specializing in adoption for LGBTQ parents as well as sperm donation from the largest sperm bank in the country. As president and managing director of HRC Fertility, Dr. Bradford Kolb is internationally known for having some of the highest rates of pregnancy success in the country. He has also been a pioneer in assisting LGBTQ families. Dr. Kolb is the president and board chair of Love Comes First, a nonprofit organization dedicated to furthering awareness of LGTBQ families via multimedia storytelling.

Mama's Boy: A Story from Our Americas (2019)

Dustin Lance Black ʼ96

Dustin Lance Black wrote the Oscar-winning screenplay for “Milk” and helped overturn California's anti-gay marriage Proposition 8, but he grew up in a conservative Mormon household outside San Antonio, Texas. His book explores what it took to remain a family despite such divisions — a journey that stretched from the steps of the U.S. Supreme Court to the wood sheds of East Texas. Black is an Oscar winner, a TFT alumnus and a veteran screenwriter, producer, director and playwright.

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Books by Bruins - Health and Wellness

ay is Mental Health Awareness Month. As part of our ongoing Books by Bruins series, we are featuring a compelling collection of books that focus on this theme in a variety of ways — from personal stories of healing to healthy cookbooks to finding peace in yoga and meditation. As this compilation of Bruin authors grows, we’re categorizing the books into an online library, but we’ll need your help to make it as comprehensive as possible. If you know of one, please submit a Bruin author. While all these books are written by UCLA alumni, inclusion in the list is not an endorsement.

Anti-Cancer Foods Meal Plan Cookbook: A 28 Days Quick, Easy and Nutritious Diet Guide for Cancer Patients (2023)

Margaret Paul, M.A. ʼ62

“The Anti-Cancer Foods Meal Plan Cookbook" is a guide to embracing the healing power of food. The book features delicious recipes to nourish your body and invigorate your spirit, explained by cancer survivor, Emily, who discovered the incredible potential of anti-cancer foods. Margaret Paul holds a Ph.D. in psychology and is a public speaker, educator, chaplain and artist. She is the author of several best-selling books that have been translated into 11 languages. She has appeared on many radio and TV shows, including the Oprah show. She has taught classes and seminars for individuals, couples and businesses since 1967.

Organic Soul: The Healing Power of African American Music in a World of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Mario Ewell, M.A. ʼ20

“Organic Soul” is an exploration of music's transformative power, focused on African American music’s profound impact on health and well-being. Stevie Wonder’s pioneering work with synthesizers influenced the development of technologies like advanced AI systems and voice interfaces. Discover how the rhythms, melodies and harmonies of African American music can reduce stress, boost immunity and enhance cognitive function. UCLA Graduate and Professional Student Alumni Network board member Mario Ewell brings his unique blend of creative vision and business acumen to this groundbreaking work.

The Kindness Advantage: Cultivating Compassionate and Connected Children (2018)

Dale Atkins, Ph.D. ’82

“The Kindness Advantage: Cultivating Compassionate and Connected Children” offers inspiration and activities to teach empathy, inspire a culture of compassion and connection, and empower children to make a difference in their community and the world. The book presents 10 fundamental concepts to weave into a family’s daily life including sections on relaxation, breathing, visualization and meditation. Dale Atkins is a licensed psychologist with a Ph.D. in educational philosophy. “The Kindness Advantage” is her seventh book.

Influenced: The Impact of Social Media On Our Perception (2022)

Brian Boxer Wachler (1984-1988)

This book explores what happens to our brains and our behaviors each time we addictively engage in social media. Brian Boxer Wachler argues that our reliance on social media has an impact on how we think, feel and perceive everything around us. “Dr. Brian” has devoted his career to the physical and mental intersection of how we perceive ourselves and the world around us. He is the medical director at his Beverly Hills institute and a staff physician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He has written numerous articles and authored four popular medical books.

Recipe For Survival: What You Can Do to Live a Healthier and More Environmentally Friendly Life (2022)

Dana Ellis Hunnes, M.P.H. ʼ07, Ph.D. ʼ13

In her book “Recipe for Survival,” dietitian and environmentalist Dana Ellis Hunnes outlines the steps to becoming a healthier and more sustainable consumer and improving the health of the planet. Her research examines the relationships among climate change, food choices and food security, and how these affect our health, as well as the health of the planet and its oceans. Hunnes is an adjunct assistant professor with the Fielding School of Public Health at UCLA where she teaches courses on nutrition, chronic disease and the environment. She is a senior dietitian at the Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center.

The Psyche's Gifts: Art, Art Making, and the Journey from Mental Illness to Mental Wellness (2021)

Corinne Lightweaver ’85

"The Psyche's Gifts: Art, Art Making, and the Journey from Mental Illness," features a series of artworks that reflect Corinne Lightweaver’s personal experience of living with mental illness, including depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Working from her unconscious, she uses techniques of paper collage to access, reveal and artistically document her journey. Lightweaver is an artist, writer, editor and author. Her artistic journey began in painting, with wildlife as her favorite subject.

Off the Hook: How Forgiving You Frees Me (2019)

Dana Tibbitts ʼ80

“Off the Hook” shares real-life stories of people who were unknowingly captive to past hurts, and who then walked through deep forgiveness. This way offers healing and freedom through forgiveness. It’s about the power of letting go of old pain. Dana Trapnell Tibbitts began her career as a writer and media relations professional at UCLA in 1980 and continued to work in higher education, media and the arts for much of the next three decades. She has authored several books, including “Harnessing the Sky: Frederick ‘Trap’ Trapnell, the U.S. Navy’s Aviation Pioneer,” published by the Naval Institute Press.

Your Personal Renaissance: Twelve Steps to Finding Your Life's True Calling (2008)

Diane Dreher, M.A. ’70, Ph.D. ’73

Combining the lost wisdom of the Renaissance with groundbreaking research in positive psychology, "Your Personal Renaissance” approaches the concept of a personal calling — not just a job, but a joyous, meaningful life. The book features an innovative program of contemplative steps and practices drawn from Eastern and Western philosophy. With a Ph.D. in English literature from UCLA, as well as an M.A. in counseling, spiritual counseling and holistic health credentials and International Coach Federation certification, Diane Dreher is a best-selling author, professor, positive psychology coach, keynote speaker and associate director of the Applied Spirituality Institute at Santa Clara University.

Unbreakable Mindset: The Four Habits That Will Help You Thrive in Your Career and Life (2020)

Edward Gorbis, M.S. ’13

Edward Gorbis is a high-performance coach, blogger, keynote speaker and podcast host. In this work, he teaches immigrants and first-generation professionals how to rapidly accelerate their careers by developing an invincible mindset and focusing on a few activities that yield tremendous results. Gorbis is the CEO of Career Meets World, an online coaching platform and a startup advisor, helping startups develop their growth strategies. He was formerly a civil engineer who became a senior sales director at WeWork.

Think Remarkable: 9 Paths to Transform Your Life and Make a Difference (2024)

Guy Kawasaki, MBA ’79

In “Think Remarkable,” tech titan Guy Kawasaki teams up with Madisun Nuismer, producer of the Remarkable People podcast, to deliver insights from a collection of interviews to help readers show the world their best self. The authors draw on insights from working closely with some of the world's most remarkable people. Guy Kawasaki is the chief evangelist of Canva, an online graphic design tool. Formerly, he was an advisor to the Motorola business unit of Google and chief evangelist of Apple. He is also the author of "APE," "What the Plus!," "Enchantment" and nine other books. Kawasaki also has a B.A. from Stanford University, as well as an honorary doctorate from Babson College.

Healing Your Hungry Heart: Recovering from Your Eating Disorder (2022)

Joanna Poppink ʼ77, M.A. ʼ77, Cert. ʼ15

One in five women suffer from eating disorders. For women in their thirties and beyond, issues of loss from divorce, death, empty nest syndrome marriage and career pressures can trigger an eating disorder. “Healing Your Hungry Heart” offers a comprehensive recovery program for women with eating disorders, based on the author’s 30-year professional practice treating adults with anorexia, bulimia and binge eating. She shares her personal struggles, along with stories from a wide range of clients she has counseled and a step-by-step program. Poppink is a California, Arizona, Florida, Oregon and Utah psychotherapist, whose specialties are post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and eating disorder recovery with adults.

Get Out of Your Own Way by Jovita Jenkins

Get Out of Your Own Way (2004)

Jovita Jenkins, MBA ʼ94

In her debut offering, success strategist and executive coach Jovita Jenkins challenges readers to get out of their own way and deal with whatever is holding them back. With the honesty of an old friend and the insight of a professional coach, she leads readers on an intense journey of self-discovery that sets them on the path towards creating a compelling new chapter of their lives. In her book, she brings her prescription for success to her readers and empowers them to be more focused, confident and successful. She is certified as a professional coach through the International Coach Federation and is an area director for Toastmasters International.

Generation Anxiety: A Millennial and Gen Z Guide to Staying Afloat in an Uncertain World (2023)

Lauren Cook ’13

From licensed clinical psychologist and TikTok therapist Lauren Cook, “Generation Anxiety” is a practical guide aimed at millennials and Gen Z for tackling anxiety. This relatable, honest and information-packed book incorporates research and diverse client experiences to help readers gain insight into their own stressors. It also provides easy, actionable steps to help readers ride the waves of anxiety rather than constantly swimming against them. Cook began her training at UCLA, where she majored in psychology and communication studies. She completed her doctorate in clinical psychology at Pepperdine University. She created the Name Your Story mental health group training curriculum that has been utilized by thousands of collegians around the country. She has been featured in many digital and print publications and has given more than 500 talks at various companies, universities and organizations.

Mastering Life's Energies: Simple Steps to a Luminous Life at Work and Play (2007)

Maria Nemeth ʼ67, Ph.D. ʼ74

“Mastering Life’s Energies” shows us how to use all the energies of our lives — physical vitality, creativity, time, money, enjoyment and relationships — to realize our goals and dreams and live a life filled with possibility and promise. Maria Nemeth offers purpose-driven people simple yet powerful tools for training our brains for success. Designed and refined over decades of work with people all over the world, her work turns timeless wisdom into practical skills that have helped tens of thousands to live and serve with clarity, focus, ease and grace. Nemeth is founder and director of the Academy for Coaching Excellence, which has trained thousands of people worldwide.

Sparks of Spirit: How to Find Love and Meaning in Your Life 24 Hours a Day (2004)

Rolf Gompertz ʼ51

“Sparks of Spirit” contains 27 brief meditations and a list of supportive biblical verses. The simple, practical system is non-denominational and can be incorporated into the reader’s belief system. Gompertz fled Nazi Germany to America when he was 11 years old, and settled in Los Angeles. He is the author of eight books and numerous articles and short stories on Jewish and spiritual themes. He was honored with the English Department's Best Student of the Year Award and named to the honor society, Phi Beta Kappa.

The Success Messages: Inspiration to Recharge Your Passion, Potential & Purpose (2014)

Romeo Marquez Jr. ʼ04

“The Success Messages” is a collection of inspiring wisdom to reset your mind and spirit for success. The intention of this book is to enlarge your vision and remind you of the miracles you are set to create in this world. Read with an open heart and you'll experience the inner joy and happiness you are destined to live. Romeo Marquez Jr. is an international keynote speaker, author and creator and host of Superstar Success University. He earned his B.A from UCLA's School of Theatre, Film & Television and trained with an elite group of global success leaders.

Your Life as Story: Discovering the New Autobiography and Writing Memoir as Literature (1997)

Tristine Rainer ʼ68

In “Your Life as Story,” autobiography expert Tristine Rainer explains how we can shape the important messages in our lives into compelling narratives. Blending literary scholarship with practical coaching, Rainer shares her remarkable techniques for finding the essentials of story structure within your life's scattered experiences. At UCLA, she co-founded the University’s Women’s Studies program and taught the first course offered on women writers. As founder and director of the Center for Autobiographic Studies, she promotes the creation and preservation of autobiographic works, teaches, lectures and consults. She has written a memoir about her relationship with Anaïs Nin.

The Big Happy Life: A Journey to Happiness Starring Posie the Penguin (2016)

David Pettit ʼ72, J.D. ʼ75

This rhyming children's story carries with it a message about finding happiness that is as relevant for the children reading it as it is for the adults who may read it to a child. Posie the Penguin begins to feel that she is not content with her life in Antarctica and decides that there must be more out there than her life of black and white. She travels to a warmer climate where she learns an important lesson about happiness.

Engineering Happiness: A New Approach for Building a Joyful Life (2012)

Rakesh Sarin, M.S. ʼ73, Ph.D. ’75

Rakesh Sarin has been conducting ground-breaking research on happiness for more than a decade. Together with co-author Manel Baucells, he integrates their research with the latest thinking in the behavioral and social sciences to offer a new approach to the puzzle of happiness. Woven throughout with wisdom from the world’s religions and literatures, “Engineering Happiness” has something to offer everyone who wants to better understand, attain and sustain a more joyful life. Sarin has been a member of the UCLA Anderson faculty since 1979. He was awarded the Paine Chair in Management in 1990.

The Psychology of Self-Esteem: A Revolutionary Approach to Self-Understanding That Launched a New Era in Modern Psychology (2001)

Nathaniel Branden ʼ51

Dr. Nathaniel Branden introduces readers to six action-based practices for daily living that provide the foundation for self-esteem and explores its central importance in five areas: the workplace, parenting, education, psychotherapy and culture. Six Pillars of Self-Esteem provides concrete guidelines for teachers, parents, managers and therapists who are responsible for developing the self-esteem of others. Branden is a lecturer, practicing psychotherapist and the author of 20 books on the psychology of self-esteem, romantic love and the life of Objectivist philosopher Ayn Rand. His work has been translated into 18 languages and sold more than four million copies.

Finding Real Yoga (2025)

Daren Black, M.A. ʼ81

In “Finding Real Yoga,” Daren Black shares his experience as a student of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. Through his autobiographical memoir, he shares how he experienced a transformation from illness and homelessness to healing and self-empowerment through spiritual self-help. He has included tools, inspiration and wisdom from his spiritual self-help journey. Black has been practicing yoga and meditation since the 1970s. He developed Practical Ayurveda as a more user-friendly approach to Ayurvedic yoga.

***

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Bruin-Owned Businesses: Tech

ur next feature in the Bruin-owned Business series highlights tech entrepreneurs and their companies. Explore the world of AI, online legal and food ordering services, education and business solutions for your personal and professional needs.

Grad Pad

Founder: Rondale Davis, MBA ’23

Grad Pad
Social Networking Platform

Website: gradpad.online

Email: rondaledavis@gradpad.io

Social: @grad.pad

About:

Enhance your institution’s alumni or professional network with ongoing digital and in-person events that keep your community connected all year round. We break down barriers by engaging alumni through tailored interactions that reflect your network’s unique interests, values and experiences — unlocking fresh opportunities and fostering genuine connections.

Review:

“Grad Pad has been instrumental in helping us build bridges and break down silos within our program. These connections are key to our success as a top-tier MBA program, and the platform has provided a great way for students, alumni and faculty to stay engaged with one another. It really brings people together and strengthens the community, which is invaluable for a program like ours.” - Dylan S.

DriverFly

Founder: Julia Pasternack ’09

DriverFly
Software for Recruiting/Hiring Drivers

Website: driverfly.co

Email: info@driverfly.co

Social: @driver_hiring

Phone: 714-340-5502

About:

At DriverFly, we build software to enhance the bond you have with your drivers. We believe that the key to successful CDL recruiting lies in understanding and fostering personal, meaningful relationships between drivers and employers. Through automation technology, our software is built to maximize those relationships through increased engagement and reach.

Review:

“I highly recommend this company to anyone hiring drivers. Their customer support team is very helpful in answering my questions and resolving any issues. I recently started using DriverFly's ATS and am pleasantly surprised. System is easy to navigate for tracking hires.” - Anonymous

Decipher Something

Co-Founder: Chalisa Prarasri ’14

Decipher Something
Deconstructing Concepts With AI

Website: deciphersomething.com

Email: hi@deciphersomething.c om

Social: @decipher.something

About:

Democratizing science, one term at a time. Written by GenAI, verified by experts. Prof Bot is writing a database with millions of terms, acronyms and techniques.

Review:

“Reduced the amount of tangential research I had to do to decipher techniques and terminology." - Student

Idea Maker

Founder: Thomas Kwon ’92, M.S. ’95, Ph.D. ’98

Idea Maker
Technology Solutions for Small Businesses

Website: ideamaker.agency

Email: tom@ideamaker.agency

Social: @ideamakeragency

Phone: 949- 444-2526

About:

Thomas Kwon founded Idea Maker in 2016 to provide boutique development solutions to small businesses and start-ups in Orange County and the greater Californian areas. Following a career as a software engineer, Kwon has long-standing experience in web and application development, making him an expert developer. He chose the company name Idea Maker because, as you may have guessed, we aim to make your ideas a reality.

Review:

“Idea Maker's portfolio is what drew us in. Their design style was in alignment with what we were after. We had initial consultations with three companies that we had narrowed it down to. Once we had our initial meeting with Tom at Idea Maker we knew we had the right choice to make. Their communication style works well for us.” - Oscar M.

DivorceHelp123

Founder: Debra Mignola’90

DivorceHelp123
Technology for Family Law

Website: divorcehelp123.com

Email: support@divorcehelp123.com

Social: @divorcehelp123

About:

DivorceHelp123 is a family law software designed to streamline the legal process for family lawyers and their clients, helping with form filling, deadline tracking and overall organization.

Review:

“As the managing partner of King Law Offices, PC, I can confidently say that we absolutely love using DivorceHelp123. This innovative program has revolutionized the way we handle family law cases and has made a huge impact on the way we provide legal services to our clients.

DivorceHelp123 is an incredibly powerful tool that helps our team of family lawyers fill out forms, track important deadlines and stay organized throughout the entire legal process. The program is user-friendly and intuitive, which means that our attorneys can focus on providing top-quality legal representation to our clients without worrying about the logistics.” - Brian K.

Mint Mobile

Founder: David Glickman, M.A. ’94

Mint Mobile
Mobile Virtual Network Operator

Website: mintmobile.com

Social: @Mintmobile

Phone: 800-683-7392

About:

Mint Mobile is a wireless service provider that operates as a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) on T-Mobile’s network in the United States. It offers affordable prepaid phone plans by selling service in multi-month packages rather than traditional monthly billing.

Review:

"Their customer service is exceptional. Not only are they friendly, but they are actually able to help you. I wish more companies had customer service like this." - Natasha D.

LegalZoom

Co-Founder: Brian Lee ’93, J.D. ’96

LegalZoom
Legal Technology

Website: legalzoom.com

Email: support@legalzoom.com

Social: @LegalZoom

Phone: 888-379-0854

About:

LegalZoom is an online legal technology and services company founded in 2001, specializing in providing accessible legal solutions to individuals and small businesses. LegalZoom offers a variety of services, including legal document preparation, business formation and access to independent attorneys.

Review:

"I didn't have time to go through an attorney and I figured it would be easier going through LegalZoom... They did all the paperwork for the LLC and everything went great." - James

Blizzard Entertainment

Co-Founders:
Michael Morhaime ’90, Allen Adham ’90, Frank Pearce ’90

Blizzard Entertainment
Video Game Development and Publishing

Website: blizzard.com/en-us

Social: @blizzard

About:

Blizzard Entertainment is a premier developer and publisher of entertainment software, and the company is renowned for creating some of the industry's most critically acclaimed games, including World of Warcraft®, Overwatch®, Hearthstone®, StarCraft®, and Diablo®.

Review:

“From the moment I stepped foot into Diablo 4, I was greeted by a breathtaking world meticulously crafted by the visionary minds at Blizzard Entertainment. The attention to detail is second to none, with hauntingly beautiful environments that simultaneously evoke a sense of dread and wonder. Every corner of this world pulsates with life, and the atmospheric graphics draw you in, making it impossible to escape its grasp.” - D.B.

ChowNow

Co-Founder: Eric Jaffe ’00

ChowNow
Online Food Ordering Platform

Website: chownow.com

Email: support@chownow.com

Social: @chownow

Phone: 888-707-2469

About:

For over a decade, ChowNow has been building tech for food people, so restaurant owners can save money, staff members can save time and diners can order better. Because when restaurants thrive, they can keep serving food that gives your community its unique flavor. We want to keep it that way.

Review:

“We are an experienced user of the ChowNow platform, using it here at our location for 8 years. ChowNow provides us with a simple and effective tool, providing our guests with online ordering. Using this we are able to offer a simple way for our customers to interact with our menu and drive repeat business. The information gathered helps us keep customers returning..” - Kent G.

Hatch Labs

Founder: Eva Agapaki, M.S. ’15

Hatch Labs
AI Product Development and Market Strategists

Website: hatchlabs.ai

Email: eva@hatchlabs.ai

Social: @hatchlabs.ai

Phone: 626-460-8050

About:

Our program was conceived from a fervent passion for cultivating innovative products that are either rooted in rigorous research or address complex engineering challenges. Our mission is to empower deep tech entrepreneurs and innovative larger businesses, enabling them to fully realize their potential and successfully introduce their groundbreaking ideas to the market. Our founder, Dr. Eva Agapaki, brings a unique blend of expertise to the table. With a strong background in AI product development, technical research and product-market fit (PMF) strategy, she is ideally positioned to elevate your early-stage idea to new heights.

Review:

"This is a very professional space with solid leadership for entrepreneurs.” - The Photographer

GoGuardian

Founder: Todd Mackey, MBA ’91

GoGuardian
Digital Learning and Student Safety Solutions

Website: goguardian.com

Email: hello@goguardian.com

Social: @goguardian

Phone: 888-310-0410

About:

GoGuardian is an education technology company that provides digital learning and student safety solutions for K-12 schools. The platform offers a suite of tools designed to help educators manage classrooms, monitor online activity, filter content and ensure student well-being in digital learning environments.

Review:

“I love the fact that I can quietly get students back on track without disturbing the entire class. That I can close windows when they are off their assigned task.” - Margie W.

Robinhood

Co-Founder: Vlad Tenev, M.A. ’10

Robinhood
Financial Trading App

Website: robinhood.com/us/en

Email: support@robinhood.com

Social: @robinhoodapp

About:

Robinhood is a U.S.-based financial services company that offers a mobile app facilitating commission-free trades of stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and cryptocurrencies. Founded in 2013 by Vladimir Tenev and Baiju Bhatt, Robinhood's mission is to democratize finance for all by providing access to financial markets without commissions or minimum account balances.

Review:

“I love trading crypto and stocks on Hood. I’ve had lots of winning, lots of luck on the site. I love the technology. The graphs and quotes are very detailed and helps me make decisions. Some other brokers don't have good charts, slow tech. Great service. I was called several times after I emailed. Doing very well, very happy. I definitely recommend you to try it. It's fun and relaxing. Some other brokers make trading seem like unnecessary neck choking.” - Ocean

Tutorfly

Founder: Parsa Rezvani ’18

Tutorfly
Online Tutoring

Website: tutorfly.com

Email: info@tutorfly.org

Social: @tutorfly

Phone: 424-653-6159

About:

Tutorfly was founded with the vision of creating an accessible tutoring marketplace that could deliver high-quality tutoring services while simultaneously fostering connections between students and individual tutors who could serve as role models. Today, Tutorfly.com extends its reach to thousands of families across the United States, offering affordable and accessible online tutoring services.

Review:

“My experience with Tutorfly has been amazing from the beginning. I think that the partnership between Butler and Tutorfly is invaluable. We have made a huge difference in these kids' lives (and) we're working toward that achievement gap. I know it has made a big difference in helping our teachers by allowing us to have smaller groups." - Mrs. Rouse

ThousandEyes

Co-founder: Mohit Lad, M.S. ’04, Ph.D. ’07

ThousandEyes
Network Intelligence

Website: thousandeyes.com

Email: facebook@thousandeyes.com

Social: @thousandeyes

About:

ThousandEyes provides a holistic view of all connected elements of digital experience across the networks, apps, and infrastructure that organizations own — as well as those they do not own — so they can ultimately get a deep understanding of digital experiences and can take or automate actions to assure them.

Review:

“The data and insight you see when monitoring your network and application availability using Thousand Eyes is truly unbelievable. As its agents are embedded into the network just like a client, the view is from the client's perspective.” - Kevin A.

Liquid Inc.

Founder: Saujin Yi, MBA ’07

Liquid Inc.
Online Digital Identity Verification

Website: liquidinc.asia/global

About:

Liquid offers a seamless digital onboarding process by conducting online digital identity verification, thus preventing user drop-off. Our solution can be tailored to meet compliance with various regulations, including AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and other specific regulatory requirements relevant to your business.

Review:

“Liquid Inc. helped us achieve a secure and safe gaming environment. Our security measures, including user identification during emergencies and prevention of impersonation, contributed to maintaining a secure environment.” - S.U.P.

***

To submit a Bruin-owned business for future consideration, please send a note to connectfeedback@alumni.ucla.edu.

All Bruin-Owned Business Articles

Books by Bruins - Stories About Women

ach month, this Books by Bruins series will feature a new collection of books by theme. In this issue, we’re highlighting books written about women, which include industry trailblazers, rom-com socialites and unsung heroines who have shaped the course of history. As this compilation of Bruin authors grows, we’re categorizing the books into an online library, but we’ll need your help to make it as comprehensive as possible. If you know of one, please submit a Bruin author. While all these books are written by UCLA alumni, inclusion in the list is not an endorsement.

Bold & Brave: Ten Heroes Who Won Women the Right to Vote (2020)

Kirsten Gillibrand, J.D. ’91

On the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand shares the stories of 10 suffragists who fought for women's right to vote. “Bold & Brave” introduces children to strong women who have raised their voices on behalf of justice, and inspires them to raise their own voices to build our future. Senator Gillibrand of New York is a passionate advocate for women's rights. The New York Times bestselling author of “Off the Sidelines,” this is her first book for children. She is a graduate of UCLA School of Law.

Lessons Learned: Stories from Women Leaders in STEM (2023)

Deborah Shlian, MBA ’88

Deborah Shlian is a physician, healthcare consultant and the author of fiction and nonfiction books including a best-selling medical mystery series written with her husband. “Stories from Women Leaders in STEM” is part of a series that showcases women who overcame the odds while paving the way for others. Shlian and her husband, Joel Shlian, also a physician, became the first couple to complete the UCLA MBA program together.

We Are Inspiring: The Stories of 32 Inspirational Asian American Women (2019)

Angel Trazo, M.A. ’20

"We Are Inspiring" brings to life the stories of Asian American women from different communities. Trazo wrote the book with the goal of preventing the erasure of Asian Americans as an integral part of American history. Aimed at children ages 10 and over, the book covers 32 inspirational women including scientists, artists, actresses, comedians, judges and Olympians. Trazo is an author, illustrator and grad student based in the Bay Area. She holds a master's degree in Asian American Studies from UCLA. This is her debut children's book.

The Assertive Woman: A New Look (1975)

Nancy Austin ’71, MBA ’77

“The Assertive Woman” debunks stale stereotypes of women bosses, stay-at-home moms and superwomen. Packed with personal vignettes, exercises, step-by-step procedures and tips, it became the first book of its kind in 1975, and has been updated and reprinted several times since then. Nancy Austin is a writer and business consultant. She received her MBA from UCLA where she was part of the team at the Neuropsychiatric Institute studying California’s community mental health system. Her books have sold approximately one million copies and have been published in seven languages.

Trophies: A Novel (2008)

Heather Thomas ʼ80

Marion Zane is the top Trophy — she has it all: a faithful husband, loyal fellow-Trophy girlfriends, queen-bee status over the Hollywood "name-above-the-title" charities, and — best of all — no prenup! She knows inside information is king, smiles hide jealousy, jackals lure husbands away (or worse, steal personal assistants), housekeepers have the power to destroy and that everyone has devastating secrets — including her. Heather Thomas graduated from UCLA where she studied in the School of Theater, Film and Television. She starred as Jody Banks in TV's “The Fall Guy” from 1981 to 1986 and then left acting in 1998 to pursue writing.

Pounders of Grain: A History of Women, Work, and Politics in Mozambique (2016)

Kathleen Sheldon, M.A. ’77, Ph.D. ’88

This history of women in Mozambique includes their contributions to the social and economic lives of their communities from the mid-19th century through the end of the 20th century. In her book, Sheldon emphasizes the centrality of women's choices and decisions. Kathleen Sheldon is an independent historian who is a research affiliate with the UCLA Center for the Study of Women. She received her Ph.D. in history from UCLA in 1988 and her M.A. in African Area studies in 1977. She has written several books on women in Africa.

Before Amelia: Women Pilots in the Early Days of Aviation (2003)

Eileen (Fitzpatrick) Lebow ’47, M.A. ’49

“Before Amelia” is the remarkable story of the world's first female aviators who braved the skies during the early days of flight. Lebow looks at an international spectrum of pilots and their influence on each other. In an era when women's professional options were severely limited and the mere sight of ladies wearing pants caused a sensation, these women succeeded as pilots, flight instructors, airplane designers, stunt performers and promoters. Lebow taught in Maryland schools for 20 years before becoming an author of books on early aviation and education.

The Women Who Made Early Disneyland: Artists, Entertainers, and Guest Relations (2024)

Kelsey Knox, M.L.I.S. ’14 and Cindy Mediavilla, M.L.S. ’77, Ph.D. ’00

This one-of-a-kind book examines the lives and achievements of the women who made early Disneyland. When Cindy Mediavilla attended a Disneyana convention held in 2015, she was surprised to learn about Ruth Shellhorn, a prominent post-war landscape architect who created the outdoor environment that became the original Disneyland park. Knox and Mediavilla – both lifelong Disney fans – found that as they researched Shellhorn and her work, there were countless women who were instrumental in building and operating what generations have known as, “the happiest place on earth.” Knox serves as the university archivist for UC Santa Cruz, while Mediavilla’s accolades include induction into the California Library Hall of Fame in 2022.

Entry Lessons: The Stories of Women Fighting for Their Place, Their Children and Their Futures After Incarceration (2022)

Jorja Leap '78, M.S.W. ’80, Ph.D. ’88

Recent reports show that women make up the fastest-growing population within the United States’ criminal justice system. Now, through immersive storytelling and expert analysis of women’s lives after prison, anthropologist Jorja Leap explores their journeys into, through and beyond the jail cell. Jorja Leap is on the faculty of the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, where she also serves as the executive director of the UCLA Social Justice Research Partnership. Dr. Leap has been the recipient of the UCLA Distinguished Teaching Award. She is the author of the highly acclaimed books “Jumped In” and “Project Fatherhood.”

Uta Barth: To Draw With Light (2012)

Uta Barth, M.F.A. ’85

Blind Spot Series publishes small-format, limited-run artist’s books that present a series of images from single bodies of work by important contemporary artist-photographers. Uta Barth’s stunning “To Draw With Light" features 46 color photographs alongside new works created specifically for the book. The Los Angeles–based contemporary artist has spent her decades-long career exploring the complexities and limits of human and mechanical vision.

She Damn Near Ran the Studio: The Extraordinary Lives of Ida R. Koverman (2020)

Jacqueline R. Braitman ’79, M.A. ’81, Ph.D. ’88

Best known as the woman who ran MGM, Ida R. Koverman served as talent scout, mentor, executive secretary and confidant to American movie mogul Louis B. Mayer for 25 years. “She Damn Near Ran the Studio” is the first full account of Koverman's life and the true story of how she became a creative political powerhouse during Hollywood's Golden Era. Jacqueline R. Braitman is a historian of American history who specializes in California women and politics. She is coauthor of “Justice Stanley Mosk: A Life at the Center of California Politics and Justice.”

Five Women of Byzantium (2020)

Robert Englekirk, M.S. ’65, Ph.D. ’70

The history of the pre-11th century Byzantine Empire presents the courageous, determined effort of the Byzantines to succeed. Women played a significant part in the evolution of mankind for they often saved mankind from disaster. Robert Englekirk has had a profound impact on civil infrastructure in California. His designs include the Getty Center, the Hollywood and Highland center and the tallest precast concrete building in California. He is an adjunct professor in civil engineering and has taught structural engineering at USC and UC San Diego. In 2015, he and his wife Natalie established the Englekirk Presidential Endowed Chair in Structural Engineering at UCLA.

There's Cake in My Future (2012)

Kim Gruenenfelder ʼ89

After listening to her closest friends' latest travails in love, parenting and careers, superstitious bride-to-be Nicole believes she has the perfect recipe for everyone's happiness: a bridal shower "cake pull" in which each ribboned silver charm planted in her cake will bring its recipient the magical assistance she needs to change her destiny. Kim Gruenenfelder graduated from UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in women's history. In addition to her novels “A Total Waste of Makeup” and “Misery Loves Cabernet,” she has written feature films, episodic teleplays and two stage plays.

The Ziegfelds' Girl: Confessions of an Abnormally Happy Childhood (1964)

Patricia Burke Ziegfeld Stephenson

Patricia Burke Ziegfeld Stephenson’s father, Florenz Ziegfeld, was the king of Broadway, producing an annual Follies featuring the cream of Broadway talent. Her mother, Billie Burke, is most remembered for her portrayal of Glinda the Good Witch of the North in the 1939 movie classic "The Wizard of Oz." "The Ziegfelds' Girl: Confessions of an Abnormally Happy Childhood," is the colorful backstage story of her adventures with her parents.

Brava: A Latina Lawyer’s Path to Empowerment (2023)

Adriana Palomares ʼ04

“Brava” is the inspirational story of a young Latina's coming-of-age journey as she searches for success and true happiness after she migrates to the United States from México. The book was the recipient of the 2024 International Latino Book Awards in two categories including the Isabel Allende Most Inspirational Fiction Book Award. Since publishing “Brava, A Latina Lawyer’s Path to Empowerment,” Adriana Palomares has presented at the Brilliance UCLA Alumnae Conference and other events including Latina Fest and the Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) conference.

Heart Matters: A Memoir of a Female Heart Surgeon (2010)

Kathy E. Magliato, MBA ʼ06

Dr. Kathy Magliato is one of the few female heart surgeons practicing in the world today. She is also a member of an even more exclusive group — those surgeons specially trained to perform heart transplants. In this powerful and moving memoir, which inspired the NBC series “Heart Beat,” Dr. Magliato takes us into her highly demanding, physically intense, male-dominated world and shows us how she masterfully works to save patients' lives every day. She is currently on staff at Providence Saint John’s Medical Center in Santa Monica, California, where she developed a Multidisciplinary Women’s Health Center to address the cardiac needs of female patients. In 2006, she earned an Executive MBA at UCLA Anderson School of Business and received their Inspirational Alumni Award as part of the 75th anniversary of the school.

Gertrude Stein and the Essence of What Happens (2005)

Dana Cairns Watson ’89, M.A. ’93, Ph.D. ’96

In “Gertrude Stein and the Essence of What Happens,” Dana Cairns Watson traces Stein's fascination with the cognitive and political ramifications of conversation. Watson shows how Stein’s use of silent reading and social speaking reveals the way reading and conversation build communities of meaning, to form personal relationships and the larger political structures we inhabit. Dana Cairns Watson has taught American literature and English composition at Middlebury College, Santa Monica College and UCLA.

Edith Heath: Philosophies (2021)

Jennifer M. Volland, M.A. '06, Cert. '03

“Edith Heath: Philosophies” is the definitive resource on Edith Kiertzner Heath and the history of Heath Ceramics, emphasizing the philosophical foundations and influences of the creative force. This publication offers an in-depth commentary on the presented themes of the environment, feminism, architecture and politics, while solidifying the relevance of Edith Heath's story in contemporary life and society. Jennifer M. Volland is an independent writer, curator, researcher and archivist. Her past work explores two architectural typologies: the cabin and the hotel as both author and curator.

Runaway Girl: Escaping Life on the Streets (2013)

Carissa Phelps, MBA ’07, J.D. ’07

Phelps was a runaway by age 12, escaping a troubled and dangerous home life. She turned tragedy into triumph as she rose from runaway to holder of an MBA. and a law degree from UCLA. "When I was at UCLA Anderson, I planned to go into private equity," Phelps said. "I wanted to start a fund through local investing that would focus on costly social questions. But I stepped away, went back to Fresno, wrote the book and formed Runaway Girl in early 2012." Runaway Girl, a California for-profit entity with a "special" or social purpose, creates employment opportunities for former runaways and survivors of human trafficking.

Noushin, a Memoir: The Making of a Woman Architect (2022)

Noushin Ehsan, M.Arch. ’72

Noushin Ehsan, a licensed architect with over 35 years of international experience, founded Accessible Architecture, PC, where she developed the concept of “The Spirit of Space” which incorporates the spiritual as well as the practical approach to architecture. Ehsan promotes designs that create a positive energy in your space. She believes that through harmony, proportion, light, cohesiveness of thought in design and use of material, one can design holistic spaces that uplift the spirit and energize the physical being. This approach to holistic design has no relevance to the size and budget of your projects and can be adapted in any style. Ehsan received her master’s degree in architecture & urban design from UCLA.

War, Women, and Power: From Violence to Mobilization in Rwanda and Bosnia-Herzegovina (2018)

Marie Berry, M.A. ’10, Ph.D. ’15

Rwanda and Bosnia both experienced mass violence in the early 1990s. Through close examination, Marie E. Berry unpacks the puzzling relationship between war and women's political mobilization. Dr. Berry is assistant professor of international comparative politics at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver. She was awarded the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government on outstanding scientists and engineers early in their careers.

A Daughter's Journey: A Memoir (2024)

Susan M. (aka Susie Myung-Sook) Chung ’77, M.S.W. ’79

Susan M. Chung, who has been described as "the 'Godzilla' of divorce attorneys in Silicon Valley," published her second autobiographical book, "A Daughter's Journey: A Memoir." The book "tells her accounts of courtroom dramas with golden threads of perspective and wisdom earned through decades of fighting, not only for justice, but her own personal struggles." Her first book, 2011's "A Mother's Journey — A Tale of Early Korean Settlers in Silver Lake," was a tribute to her mother, describing her family's arrival in Los Angeles and their significant role in the founding of Koreatown. Chung earned her bachelor's degree in sociology and her master's degree in social welfare from UCLA.

Humanizing the Sacred: Sisters in Islam and the Struggle for Gender Justice in Malaysia (2015)

Azza Basarudin, Ph.D. ’09

Based on ethnographic research of Sisters in Islam (SIS), a nongovernmental organization of professional women promoting justice and equality, Basarudin examines SIS members' involvement in the production and transmission of Islamic knowledge to reformulate legal codes and reconceptualize gender discourses. By weaving together women's lived realities, feminist interpretations of Islamic texts and Malaysian cultural politics, this book illuminates how a localized struggle of claiming rights takes shape within a transnational landscape. Azzarina Basarudin is assistant professor in the Department of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies at CSULB. With a Ph.D. from UCLA in gender and sexuality studies, her research interests are transnational feminisms, gender and Islam, and intimacy and human rights politics.

Martha: The Life and Work of Martha Graham (1992)

Agnes De Mille ’26

Agnes De Mille was a close friend of choreographer Martha Graham for more than 60 years. Her book traces Graham's inspirations and pivotal moments. Graham developed a dance technique that has been called the "cornerstone" of American modern dance, based on the opposition between contraction and release, a concept based on the breathing cycle. Graham was famous for works including “Appalachian Spring,” “Ekstasis” and “Lamentations.” American choreographer, Agnes de Mille graduated from UCLA Cum Laude at age 19, having developed a love for great literature. As a choreographer, she was known for her storytelling, which is expressed in her works like “Rodeo,” “Oklahoma” and “Carousel.”

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Your Life as Story: Discovering the New Autobiography and Writing Memoir as Literature (1997)

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