The Enduring Benefits of UCLA Alumni Regional Networks

The UCLA Alumni Association serves as a vital link connecting graduates to their alma mater and to each other, offering a multitude of opportunities for networking, community engagement, and career advancement. Through regional, diversity, and affinity alumni networks, Bruins can maintain strong ties with UCLA and build lasting relationships with fellow alumni around the globe. These networks provide a platform for alumni to engage in activities that promote wellness, giving back, and social and professional connections, enriching their lives and strengthening the Bruin community.

Building Bruin Communities: The Role of Regional Networks

UCLA is a big place. So much so that during your time on campus you probably gravitated towards a smaller community of Bruins - be it a fraternity/sorority, your dormmates, a student club, etc. - and created some lifelong memories. As alumni, the same opportunities exist to build Bruin community through regional, diversity and affinity alumni networks. Regional networks play a crucial role in fostering a sense of community among UCLA alumni who are geographically dispersed. These networks organize a variety of events and activities that cater to diverse interests, providing opportunities for alumni to connect with one another, share experiences, and build lasting relationships.

Spotlighting the Bay Cities Bruins

Launched in 2016, the UCLA Alumni Bay Cities Network, aka the Bay Cities Bruins, officially represents Bruins in El Segundo, Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach, Hawthorne, Gardena, Torrance, the Palos Verdes Peninsula and surrounding neighborhoods. Its mission: to welcome alumni, families and friends of the University by providing diverse opportunities to engage, and encouraging a balanced lifestyle through activities focusing on wellness, giving back, and social and professional connections. In four short years, the Bay Cities network has already launched almost 100 events and established an endowed scholarship fund. Whether it’s book clubs, cocktail competitions, figure skating, hikes, paint nights or dog meet-ups, the network has worked to expand the variety of events it offers and cater to different interests. “I would say that they've done a really great job of diversifying the types of programs that we offer for not just alumni, but for the current community in the region as well,” said Monica Lee ’01, UCLA Alumni Affairs Director of Regional Networks.

The success of the Bay Cities Bruins network can be attributed to its inclusive nature and the dedication of its volunteers. “We are in agreement that we want to have an inclusive network,” said Vanessa Montiel ’16, president of the Bay Cities Bruins. “And what that means is we want to be inclusive of everyone of all ages, backgrounds, special interests and hobbies. This focus on family and inclusivity extends from the culture and values of the network’s leadership board. Rather than being conducted as formal business meetings, the network’s monthly board meetings take the form of potlucks where each board member brings a dish to share with others. It was this sense of community and inclusion that stood out to Montiel when she first joined the network when it was first established, and what has compelled her to stay after all these years. “When I joined the alumni network, I actually had recently moved to the South Bay. I didn't grow up there, and I had lived in a different area. So when I moved there, I didn't really know anybody,” Montiel said. “When I was introduced to the alumni network, I formed some really great relationships, and a lot of these board members have become friends and family to me.

The Power of Shared Experiences: Food and Football

Montiel said she has noticed that events centered around food are the most popular and tend to attract the highest turnout because members like having the opportunity to try different types of food at discounted prices. The group’s goal of fundraising for student scholarships also encourages higher turnout at events and greater engagement with the network. One of their biggest events is the annual tailgate at the Rose Bowl during football season. Proceeds from ticket sales go toward scholarships, and for a very reasonable price attendees are able to share a meal with fellow Bruins and enjoy the game together. Montiel said sometimes people buy tickets even if they don’t plan on attending the event simply because they want to support the scholarship fund. As a result, last year, they were able to award three student scholarships. In the upcoming year, the Bay Cities Bruins aim to continue growing the network by expanding its volunteer base, event offerings and scholarship funds. It’s become a primary goal to increase the number of student scholarships they’re able to offer year after year. And like many of the goals of UCLA alumni networks in the Los Angeles area and around the world, it’s only possible when Bruins commit to building their community together.

Opportunities for Engagement and Growth

The UCLA Alumni Association offers a multitude of opportunities for alumni to stay connected, engaged, and continue their personal and professional growth. These opportunities range from online networking platforms to career development programs, mentorship programs, and exclusive alumni benefits.

Career and Professional Development

The UCLA Alumni Association has a module devoted to career engagement where UCLA university alumni can access job boards and guides during their job search, discover ways to engage with the community through volunteer efforts and further connect via additional resources. The association also has UCLA ONE, its own online media networking system created for alumni looking for jobs and to engage with other alumni online. UCLA university alumni can stay up-to-date on the UCLA Alumni Association through the Connect Newsletter or in person via the numerous alumni events the association hosts. From on-campus events to networking events in other parts of the country, there are many locations and opportunities to find nearby UCLA university alumni.

Networking events bring alumni together for both social or professional gatherings, such as Nachos and Networking. UCLA ONE is an online platform for Bruins to network professionally, post jobs and solicit advice by industry. Alumni and friends are honored for their professional achievements and service to their communities. Industry-specific topics draw from alumni experts and are held at UCLA or streamed online. Many are in partnership with the UCLA Career Center or can be found within UCLA ONE.

The Work for California - Your State Career presentation will give you an opportunity to learn about the benefits of California state service, the range of career opportunities with the State of California, and the process for searching and applying for state jobs. Speakers provided resources and answered attendees’ questions about the hiring process.

The field of environmental science offers a wide range of career pathways, from sustainability and conservation to policy and research. In this webinar, UC alumni professionals share their experiences and strategies for navigating diverse career paths in environmental science, from exploring new opportunities and staying ahead of emerging trends to making successful pivots and overcoming challenges in this dynamic and evolving field. Panelists include Derek Sabori (UCI ’95, MBA ’02), Founder of The Underswell; Tiffany Duong (UCLA ’06), Co Founder of The Seabirds, Tela Oral and Three Otters Media; and Dr. Isis Fausto-Vicencio (UCLA ’17, UCR PhD ’22), Air Pollution Specialist at the California Air Resources Board.

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An expert panel, comprising professionals with M.D., M.P.H., and dual degrees, discussed the unique opportunities and challenges each path offers, sharing insights into how these roles differ, intersect, and contribute to the broader health landscape. Topics included career trajectories, the impact of each degree on career options, and advice on choosing the right path.

Mentorship and Guidance

UCLA alumni can also connect with currently enrolled UCLA students through the UCLA Alumni Mentor Program. Through the mentorship program, alumni can guide undergraduate and graduate students at UCLA, sharing their own experiences as former UCLA students and how they got to where they are now.

Lifelong Learning and Enrichment

The UCLA Alumni Association provides opportunities for lifelong learning and personal enrichment through educational tours, invitations to art shows and lectures, discounts to UCLA Extension courses, and access to UCLA Recreation activities. Educational tours, often accompanied by expert faculty, dive into the culture, history and ecology of specific regions.

The UCLA Extension alumni network is still relatively new, but expanding rapidly. It was founded in 2023. Approximately 100 people attended the UCLA Extension Alumni Welcome Reception hosted at Audio Graph Beer Co. with catering from Heritage Kitchen L.A. “I am very excited to be here with you tonight,” said Nisha Chauhan-McGrath, director of UCLA Extension Alumni Relations. Attendees were encouraged to network with their fellow graduates who hold certificates in everything from music business to accounting and beyond. “You join the 670,000 Bruins universe-wide and we are so happy to have you,” said Jenn Wells, chief of staff, UCLA Alumni Association Alumni Engagement. Those benefits include career and leadership development programming, both in-person and virtual, and the UCLA ONE online networking community. “We are so interested in your stories - what brought you to Extension, what you’re doing now, and what you want to do in the next five years - and how we can continue to build a program that supports you, reflects you, is something that is dynamic, and most importantly, is very fun,” Chauhan-McGrath said. “We are so proud to have you as part of our alumni community.

Exclusive Alumni Benefits

The UCLA Alumni Association offers exclusive alumni-only discounts and/or benefits through the UCLA Alumni Insurance Benefits Program, administered by AMBA. Financial partnerships with businesses offer additional services, discounts or benefits to alumni or students. Fuel your Bruin pride with the Wescom Bruin Edge Visa® Credit Card. Earn 5% back per $1 spent at select UCLA and Rose Bowl Stadium merchants redeemable for everything from cash back to donations to UCLA non-profit causes, and 1.5% anywhere Visa is accepted. Terms and conditions apply. Subject to credit approval. UCLA’s premier family resort in Lake Arrowhead is a beloved destination for parents and children.

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Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Identity-based alumni groups, focused on common ethnicities, religions, gender and lifestyle, offer opportunities for connection and support. Participation is open to all and works closely with identity-based student groups.

Giving Back and Supporting Future Bruins

UCLA alumni networks play a vital role in supporting current and future Bruins through scholarships, mentorship programs, and volunteer opportunities.

Scholarship Funds

Alumni groups actively fundraise for student scholarships, encouraging higher turnout at events and greater engagement with the network. Alumni donors and volunteers award merit-based scholarships to nearly 200 incoming students annually, incentivizing the best and the brightest students to come to UCLA.

Student Engagement

Student groups under the Alumni Association enhance the UCLA student experience. Students who received an Alumni Scholarship, participate in interclub activities and two campus-wide events: Locks of Love and My Last Lecture Award, and required to complete 40 service hours. Students who put on the weeklong festivities leading up to the Homecoming football game in the fall.

A Legacy of Connection and Support

UCLA alumni first assembled and organized activities in 1925 as part of the Southern branch of the Berkeley Alumni Association. It declared its independence in 1934 to become the UCLA Alumni Association. Today it is under the umbrella of UCLA External Affairs and led by the associate vice chancellor, Julie Sina. The UCLA Alumni Association exists as a conduit, a resource and an advocate to advance the interests of UCLA and its nearly half-a-million living alumni. To enrich the lives of alumni and involve them in UCLA’s future. As a 501(c)3, the governing board oversees the Association’s activities and strategically plans the direction of the organization. As a member-driven organization, all alumni are considered members of the Alumni Association with access to benefits. You can gain access to additional benefits by purchasing an elevated Blue or Gold membership, which supports vital Association programs.

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