UCLA Luskin

Los Angeles Alumni Regional Reception
2023-12-12 17:30 - 20:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Gensler, 500 S. Figueroa, Los Angeles, 90071
About the Reception:
The UCLA Luskin Alumni Regional Reception is an exclusive gathering designed to bring together alumni from various Luskin departments and graduation years. This event provides a platform to engage in meaningful conversations, share experiences, and foster connections with professionals with a common Luskin background.
What to Look Forward To:
A warm welcome from the Luskin faculty and representatives.
Networking opportunities with accomplished Luskin alumni.
Refreshing conversations about recent developments and future prospects.
Why You Should Attend:
Reconnect with former classmates, professors, and friends.
Expand your professional network within the Luskin community.
Stay updated on the latest developments and initiatives at UCLA Luskin.

Public Policy Virtual Diversity in Research & Resources Fair
2023-12-02 11:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
The Master of Public Policy (MPP) virtual Diversity Research & Resource Fair will be a day of connection and exposure to one of the many research centers at the Luskin School of Public Affairs. This year, we will host a presentation by our distinguished faculty, Dr. Tierra Bills on the Institute of Transportation Studies and its work within policy. We will also feature a student representative of the D3 Initiative at UCLA Luskin and finish with a panel of current MPP students. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with faculty and ask students questions to learn more about their lived experiences.
For additional questions about this event please reach out to: cristy@luskin.ucla.edu.

City Hall Day Info Session
2023-11-28 12:30 - 13:30 | Zoom
Interested in participating in the Luskin City Hall Day Program? Please consider attending this information session for an overview of City Hall Day and to learn application tips. Each year, fifteen to eighteen Luskin graduate students study an urban social policy issue, spend an entire day interviewing stakeholders involved in that issue, conduct additional research based on these meetings, and present policy recommendations to a Los Angeles City Councilmember on possible ways to address this policy issue. The stakeholder interview day at City Hall will take place in February. The councilmember and exact date is TBD/TBA.
This event is for Luskin graduate students. Please register via CareerHub to receive the Zoom link.
Information on last year’s City Hall Day can be found here: https://luskin.ucla.edu/ucla-luskin-day-at-los-angeles-city-hall-returns

First Gen Alumni Panel
2023-11-17 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
This alumni panel discussion will provide a platform for our esteemed first-generation graduates to share their inspiring journeys, both as graduate students and as professionals in the field of public affairs. Your experiences will offer invaluable insights and guidance to current students and fellow alums.

Panelists:

Maneesha Horshin MPP ’22
Daniel Cruz MURP ’22

Public Affairs Major Information Session #2
2023-11-16 17:00 - 18:00 | Room 4357 Public Affairs Building, 337 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
REGISTER HERE!
Join us at the Public Affairs Major Information Session to learn about the scope of the B.A. in Public Affairs, major requirements, application process, and how the Luskin School of Public Affairs supports your academic goals!
The information session is open to first- and second-year students who are interested in the Public Affairs major.
Information Session Dates

Information Session #1:

November 2, 2023
4:00pm – 5:00pm
Register to receive the Zoom link

Information Session #2:

November 16, 2023
5:00pm – 6:00pm
4357 Public Affairs Building
Light refreshments will be served.

Registration
Register here to attend one of the two information sessions.
Learn More About the Major
Learn more about the Public Affairs major at www.luskin.ucla.edu/undergrad or schedule an appointment with a Luskin undergraduate counselor.
Questions?
For questions about the Public Affairs Major, contact the Public Affairs Undergraduate Program via MyUCLA Message Center.

Student Legal Consultation
2023-11-16 12:30 - 14:30, 2023-11-15 12:30 - 14:30 | 3260A Public Affairs, Los Angeles, CA, United States
The mission of Student Legal Services is to prevent, ameliorate, or resolve legal problems that confront students by providing professional legal counseling and assistance. Student Legal Services also seeks to educate students about their legal rights and responsibilities through informational programs and materials, as well as individual counseling.
This event will feature a free 20-25 min one-on-one consultation.

UCLA Ombuds Service & Conflict Management
2023-11-16 12:30 - 13:30 | 3333 Public Affairs Building, 3250 Public Affairs Bldg, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Please join Natalie Gibson on Thursday, November 16th for an informational session on Ombuds Services and Conflict Management. The session will include an overview of the types of services the Ombuds Office provides, examples of when and how to use Ombuds as a resource, and tips for better communication. We will also discuss conflicts that students may experience, and strategies for how to manage them. This will be an interactive session with plenty of time for questions and discussion.

Urban Planning Open House
2023-11-16 10:00 - 16:00 | Zoom
Come get to know us as you navigate the application process at a virtual open house. Learn about the application process, sit in on classes, and meet faculty and current students. Informational sessions for both the MURP and PhD Program will occur as well.
The final schedule is still being worked out and will be emailed out closer to the event. Below is a tentative outline:
MURP PROGRAM
10:30am | Department Welcome
11:00am | AOC Session 1
11:55am | AOC Session 2
1:30pm | Student Panel
3:00pm | Q&A with Director of Admissions
PHD PROGRAM
10:30am | Department Welcome
11:00am | AOC Session 1
11:55am | AOC Session 2
1:30pm | PhD Student Panel
3:00pm | Q&A with Director of Admissions
Course recordings will be made available at the start of the program to be watched whenever you would like. Any live courses will be arranged and scheduled closer to the event, potentially even on days other than that of the event itself.

Register here!

Student Services Coffee & Carbs Resource Fair
2023-11-14 12:00 - 13:30 | 2355 Public Affairs, 337 Charles E Young Dr, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
The resource fair aims to provide valuable information, services, and opportunities to the Luskin student body. Having access to the support services will enhance student’s academic journey and overall well-being. This event will be in conjunction with our popular “Coffee & Carbs” brunch.

Meditation Monday: Outdoor Mindfulness Clinic
2023-11-13 12:30 - 13:30 | Sculpture Garden
Please join us as Alea Orange, M.Ed. (she/her), Rise Center Health & Well-Being Coordinator leads us in mindfulness practices. Students (Staff and Faculty are encouraged to attend) will learn the basics of mindfulness and explore ways of using the outdoors as a tool and anchor for mindfulness practice.
The RISE Center’s core mission is to uplift and support every Bruin’s well-being by providing the education, resources, and tools needed to foster health, healing, and hope for themselves and the world around them. As an extension of CAPS (Counseling & Psychological Services), RISE serves as the campus Resilience Center as part of Student Resilience and Mental Health Services.

BIPOC Student Experience Panel
2023-11-09 16:00 - 18:00 | Online
This event will bring together a diverse group of BIPOC students, currently enrolled in the MURP program. They will share their experiences, insights, and advice on topics such as the navigating MURP program, graduate school life, and planning in the unique urban landscape of Los Angeles. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and actively engage with the panelists.

Register here!

A Conversation With Regina Wallace-Jones
2023-11-06 18:30 - 20:00 | UCLA James West Alumni Center, Los Angeles, United States
Join the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs for a conversation with Regina Wallace-Jones MPP ’99, CEO and president of ActBlue, the tech nonprofit that facilitates online donations to progressive organizations and candidates.
Wallace-Jones will share her unique mix of experiences: She has worked as an engineer and executive for some of the biggest companies in the tech industry, has a strong track record as an organizer of political campaigns and ran for office herself, serving as mayor of East Palo Alto.
ABOUT REGINA WALLACE-JONES

Long Beach Management Assistant Alumni Panel
2023-11-03 12:00 - 13:00 | Virtual Event
Our panel will feature accomplished alumni who have participated in the Long Beach MGMT Assistant program. Their experience, expertise, and success stories will inspire and empower fellow alumnae, current students, and aspiring professionals.
Meet the panelists:
Mary Daou, MPP ’20, Program Specialist at the City of Long Beach Development Services
Ryan Kurtzman, MURP ’18, Smart Cities Program Manager for the City of Long Beach
Alvin Teng, MPP ’18, Special Projects Coordinator with Homelessness Services for the City of Long Beach

Public Affairs Major Information Session #1
2023-11-02 16:00 - 17:00 | Zoom

Cafecito con Luskin
2023-11-02 09:00 - 11:00 | Alcove Cafe and Bakery, 1929 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, United States
“Cafecito con Luskin” is an informal and friendly gathering where members of our Luskin community can come together, catch up, and build connections over coffee and delicious treats. Whether you’re an alumnus, student, faculty member, or friend of the Luskin School, this event promises to be a delightful and enriching experience.

Sustainability Success Stories: Alumnae at the Forefront
2023-11-01 12:15 - 13:30 | 5391 Public Affairs, Los Angeles, CA, United States
Our panel will feature accomplished alumnae who have blazed trails in the sustainability arena. Their experience, expertise, and success stories will inspire and empower fellow alums, current students, and aspiring professionals.
What to Expect:
-Our panelist will discuss their sustainability journey, the challenges they’ve overcome, and the path to success.
-They will share insights and strategies for lasting impact in sustainability and related fields.
-Networking opportunities with fellow panelists and attendees.
-Light food and refreshments will be provided.

Meet our moderator and panelists:
Moderator: Nurit Katz, MPP and MBA ’08
UCLA’s first Chief Sustainability Officer, Nurit Katz, is working to foster partnerships among academic, research, and operational departments to facilitate the creation of a world-class living laboratory for sustainability at UCLA. Nurit served as Executive Officer for UCLA Facilities Management for six years and is an Instructor for UCLA Extension’s Sustainability Certificate Program. She also serves as Commissioner on the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Board. Nurit holds an MBA and a Masters in Public Policy from UCLA and a BA in Environmental Education from Humboldt State University and is pursuing a PhD in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology.
Panelists:
Daniela Simunovic, MURP ’13
Daniela Simunovic is a recognized leader with 20 years of experience developing programs and policies to advance social, economic and environmental equity. Daniela currently serves as the Senior Director of Climate and Sustainability in the Office of Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, where she supports implementing the Mayor’s climate and sustainability goals. Simunovic previously served as a Senior Advisor on Environmental Equity to the California Air Resources Board Chair. Before that, Daniela was a Senior Policy Director at Better World Group. At the California Strategic Growth Council, Daniela led the development and implementation of the Transformative Climate Communities Program, a place-based initiative focused on investing in the State’s most vulnerable communities. As Deputy Director of Environmental Health and Justice at the Liberty Hill Foundation, she supported adopting and implementing the “Clean Up Green Up” ordinance. Daniela received her Master of Urban and Regional Planning from the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs.
Kristen Torres Pawling, MURP ’12
Kristen Torres Pawling is a sustainability policy expert with over a decade of public and non-profit experience in climate change and its intersection with the built environment. Kristen is the deputy chief of staff for LA City Councilwoman Katy Yaroslavsky. She previously served as senior staff at the County of Los Angeles Chief Sustainability Office, crafting and overseeing the implementation of the nation’s most ambitious regional sustainability plan. Kristen has worked on various sustainability issues, including transportation, regional planning, land use, air quality, and climate resilience. She was awarded the 2022 UCLA Young Alumnus of the Year for her public service to Los Angeles and the UCLA community. Kristen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in geography/environmental studies and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from UCLA.
Colleen Callahan, MURP ’10
Colleen Callahan (she/her) is co-executive director and co-founder of the Luskin Center for Innovation (LCI), based in the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs. She has played an integral part in building the research center from the ground up. Collaborating with colleagues and civic partners, she helps ensure that LCI’s research shapes equitable and effective environmental policy and plans. She spends much of her time strategizing, partnering, amplifying LCI’s work, and leading or supporting research projects, communications, events, and more.
Colleen has nearly 20 years of experience in social entrepreneurship, environmental policy, and urban planning. Previous experience included establishing the L.A. office of the American Lung Association, later serving as local lead on clean air campaigns. She is a Switzer Environmental Fellow with an M.A. in Urban Planning from UCLA and a B.A. in Urban and Environmental Policy from Occidental College.

Meet Presidential Management Fellow Sophia Li, MPP '22
2023-10-31 12:00 - 13:00 | 5391 Public Affairs, Los Angeles, CA, United States
We are excited to invite you to a special Meet and Greet event featuring our distinguished Presidential Management Fellow alumna, Sophia Li, MPP ’22. Sophia has achieved remarkable success in her career, and this is your opportunity to connect with her, gain insights, and expand your professional network.
During this informal gathering, you will have the chance to:

Hear Sophia’s inspiring story and learn about her experiences as a Presidential Management Fellow.
Gain valuable career insights and advice.
Network with other alums and students from the MPP program.
Enjoy light refreshments and great conversations.

Opportunities in Transportation and Planning with CDM Smith
2023-10-30 14:00 - 15:00 | Room 4357 Public Affairs Building, 337 Charles E. Young Drive East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
Meet with representatives from CDM Smith, a civil and environmental engineering firm. CDM Smith has over 85 offices across the country, including Los Angeles. Their transportation unit recruits for internships and new professional roles each year and will be actively recruiting for two planning internships in their LA office during Summer 2024. Join Kyle Benedict (Campus Recruiter) and Juan Ramirez (Transportation Planner) to learn more about these opportunities, especially if you are seeking an internship this upcoming summer!

UG CORO Fellows in Public Affairs Alumni Panel
2023-10-30 12:00 - 13:00 | 5391 Public Affairs, Los Angeles, CA, United States
The UG CORO Fellows in Public Affairs Alumni Panel aims to showcase the diverse journeys and achievements of our esteemed alumni who have participated in this prestigious program. Their unique perspective and contributions greatly enrich the panel discussion, allowing current students interested in the program to learn from their experiences and insights.
Adriana Bernal, B.A. in Public Affairs and Minor in Education Studies ’22 alumna
Adriana is passionate about social policy issues, leadership development, and community engagement. A native of the Bay Area and a proud product of California public schools, she is committed to using innovative policy solutions to empower underserved communities.
As a policy fellow with the UCLA Latino Policy and Politics Institute, she helped build the initiative into the leading research center for data on Latinos in the U.S. She also volunteered as a summer camp counselor with UCLA UniCamp and served as a youth leader with Changiest LA, a nonprofit promoting civic engagement skills for middle and high school students.
As a Coro Pittsburgh Fellow, Adriana conducted legislative research, implemented fundraising campaigns, and provided program evaluation support to local nonprofits. Through her Coro experience, she developed a passion for cross-sectoral collaboration and has built meaningful relationships with leaders in Pittsburgh.
Adriana is the Communications Associate at FISA Foundation, a grant-giving organization supporting women, girls, and people with disabilities in the Southwestern Pennsylvania region. Adriana is excited to continue uplifting communities in Pittsburgh and partnering with local leaders to drive positive change.
Saman Haddad, B.A. in Public Affairs and Minors in Labor and Workplace Studies and Urban and Regional Studies ’22 alumnus
Saman Haddad is proudly from the City of San Bernardino in the Inland Empire. After graduation, Saman became a Coro Fellow in Los Angeles through Coro Southern California. Throughout the fellowship, Saman worked closely with several organizations, including:
Nonprofit Placement: The Urban Foundation, Kid City
Electoral Politics Placement: Hydee Feldstein Soto for L.A. City Attorney
Private Sector Placement: Lendistry
Government Placement: Los Angeles Unified School District, Board District 4
Labor Placement: LA-OC Building and Construction Trades Council
Independent Placement, Period I: Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians
Independent Placement, Period II: NEW Capital, LLC
From the fellowship, Saman learned about the complexities associated with policy creation and implementation, team management, and values-based leadership, amongst others. Saman is a first-year law student at Yale Law School, focusing on the intersections between educational accessibility, housing, and technology. Saman loves trying new foods, caring for his plants, and strength training in his free time. Saman looks forward to connecting with anyone interested in the fellowship!

UC Center Sacramento Information Session
2023-10-26 12:00 - 13:30 | 5391 Public Affairs, Los Angeles, CA, United States
REGISTER HERE!
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UC Center Sacramento (UCCS) is a UC wide academic and internship program located one block from the California State Capitol. Students in the program engage in coursework, public policy research, and professional development while interning in and around the California State Capitol. UCCS has placed students in the Legislative and Executive Branches, Business, Education, Environment, Health Policy, Communication, Law, Local Government, State Agencies, Non-profits, and More!
Program Highlights:
– Personalized internship referral process
– Gain hands-on work experience
– Build a professional network
– Earn transferable units
– Remain financial aid eligible
– UCCS housing available
– Stepping stone into grad school or a career
– New LEED building across the California State Capitol
Come meet with representative to learn more about the admission requirements and application process!
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UC Center Sacramento Information Session
Thursday, October 26, 2023
12:00pm – 1:30pm
5391 Public Affairs Building
Register here! | Walk-ins are welcomed.
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Can’t make it to the information session?
Learn more about UCCS at https://uccs.ucdavis.edu/ or sign up for a virtual info session https://linktr.ee/uccentersac.

Housing Policy Networking Night
2023-10-25 17:00 - 19:00 | 3rd Floor Commons, 337 Charles E. Young Drive East, 3383 Public Affairs, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
UCLA Lewis Center Housing Policy Student Networking Night
Interested in housing affordability, zoning reform, tenant protections, fair housing, or homelessness? Maybe you care about the role of housing in better transportation, economic, environmental, and health outcomes or are interested in social, market, and public housing. Or maybe you just think the rent is too damn high
If any of this sounds like you, the Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies invites you to the first Housing Policy Networking Night of the 2023-24 academic year. Meet affiliated faculty and staff working on housing research and policy, and mingle with fellow students who share an interest in a more affordable and equitable future. As the Lewis Center Housing Initiative enters its fifth year, we welcome students of all backgrounds and experience levels to learn about upcoming opportunities and connect with their peers.
RSVP by October 17: bit.ly/lewis-housing-networking
Date: October 25, 2023
Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs, 3rd Floor Patio

Urban Planning Statement of Purpose Workshop
2023-10-24 18:00 - 20:00 | CA
The Statement of Purpose is the most important, and often the most daunting, part of any graduate application. Come join the Department of Urban Planning at UCLA Luskin as we go over useful tips and tricks for crafting the perfect statement. We will also workshop sample statements and see what made the best succeed and the worst flop.

Register here!

Luskin Lecture on Substance Use Prevention
2023-10-19 17:45 - 19:30 | California Nanosystems Institute, UCLA Campus, 570 Westwood Plaza , Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1656, United States
RSVP here: https://luskinlecturewithijeomaopara.eventbrite.com
Check-in and Reception will begin at 5:45 p.m. The lecture will start at 6:30 p.m.
Part of the Meyer and Renee Luskin Lecture Series
In a talk titled, “Approaching Substance Use Prevention by Harnessing Black Girls’ Strengths,” Yale University scholar Ijeoma Opara will delve into substance use prevention tailored to the unique challenges faced by Black girls, harnessing their inherent strengths to achieve success. Many Black girls encounter intersecting societal pressures, deal with stereotypes and often must overcome systemic inequalities. Shifting the narrative from deficits to strengths provides a proactive and empowering solution. Scholars and service providers can foster resilience, confidence and a sense of agency through a strengths-based approach, equipping Black girls with the knowledge and confidence they need to make informed, healthy choices. By highlighting evidence-based strategies that draw upon the inherent strengths within Black girls, the approach advocated by Opara bolsters cultural pride, fosters community engagement and mentorship, and encourages self-expression while also discouraging substance misuse.
About Dr. Ijeoma Opara
Ijeoma Opara PhD is an associate professor in Social and Behavioral Sciences at Yale University’s School of Public Health and the director of its Substances and Sexual Health (SASH) effort. Opara has given several talks across the country about her work highlighting strengths of Black girls and prevention research. The author of more than 60 publications, she has been published in high impact journals such as AIDS & Behavior, Nature and Urban Education.
She is an award-winning scientist whose recognitions include the Woman of Impact award from the Community Healthcare Network-Nigeria, the 2020 National Institutes of Health Early Independence Award, and a Memorial Advocacy Award from the American Public Health Association. Her currently funded research includes a project on machine-learning methods with youths of color in New Jersey.
A licensed social worker who has worked primarily with youth and families of color in urban cities, Opara received her doctorate in family science and human development from Montclair State University, a master’s in social work from New York University and a master’s in public health in epidemiology from New York Medical College. Her bachelor’s is New Jersey City University.
Land and Labor Acknowledgement
As a land grant institution, UCLA acknowledges the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar (Los Angeles basin, So. Channel Islands) and are grateful to have the opportunity to work for the taraaxotam (Indigenous peoples) in this place. We pay our respects to Honuukvetam (Ancestors), elders, and ‘Eyoohiinkem (our relatives/relations) past, present and emerging.
We hold sacred the labor of enslaved Africans and immigrants, often exploited, indentured and underpaid, that built and continue to serve our institutions of higher education. We honor the labor and resistance of these ancestors, acknowledge that we benefit from this land and labor, and strive to work towards liberation for all.

Fall 2023 Virtual Career and Internship Fair
2023-10-19 16:00 - 18:30 | Zoom
Registration to participate in the Luskin Virtual Fall Career & Internship Fair ends on October 19 at noon. All Luskin graduate students are encouraged to participate. Many of our employers are recruiting for both full-time and internship openings. Click the “Employers” tab to see who is coming and what type of positions they are recruiting for. First year students, this is a great opportunity to network with a future employer. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!

City Manager Panel
2023-10-19 12:30 - 13:30 | Zoom
Have you though about getting involved in local government and serving your community? Join three city managers from across California in this virtual panel discussion to talk about what it is like to work as a city manager and serve the constituents of that community. Panelists will discuss how students can begin to get involved in this type of work, the successes and challenges of this role, as well as share how their professional trajectory has been shaped by UCLA.
Elaine Jeng, P.E. // City Manager, City of Palos Verdes Estates
Alma K. Martinez // City Manager, City of El Monte
Ed Shikada // City Manager, City of Palo Alto
Open to graduate and undergraduate students.

Effective Networking: Preparing for a Virtual Career Fair
2023-10-18 12:00 - 13:00 | Zoom
Networking is another way of describing relationship building. When you build relationships the right way, you can gain awareness of yourself, find new opportunities, and more. In this workshop, learn how to network as well as best practices to find success both online and offline. You’ll find many of these strategies hone in on tactics for stronger relationships in general, no matter where you meet them.
Additionally, we will talk about tips to prepare for the graduate virtual career fair and make the most out of your participation in the event.

Urban Planning Admissions Webinar
2023-10-17 18:00 - 20:00 | CA
Come learn more about the Urban Planning MURP and PhD programs and how to navigate their respective application processes.
Learn more about:
• The field of Urban Planning
• MURP curriculum
• Areas of concentration
• Internships & Career Services
• International study opportunities
• Capstone projects
• Concurrent degrees
• Certificate programs
• Alumni/job placement
Register here

Senior Fellows Tea
2023-10-17 16:30 - 18:30 | UCLA Faculty Club, 480 Charles E. Young Dr. East, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, United States
The Senior Fellows Program is UCLA Luskin’s premiere mentorship program that matches master’s students in public policy, social welfare and urban planning with mentors who offer career guidance and leadership development. This is the kick-off event to the Senior Fellows Program and is closed only to selected and confirmed program participants.

Career Peers: Preparing for an Undergraduate Public Affairs Internship
2023-10-17 13:00 - 14:00 | 5391 Public Affairs, Los Angeles, CA, United States
Public Affairs undergraduates can come learn how to prepare for their capstone internship interviews by learning tips to build effective resumes and cover letters. Hosted by Career Peers from the UCLA Career Center.
Attendance will count towards a capstone workshop requirement for your major.
