Look Who’s Turning 30! Women & Philanthropy at UCLA

30th Anniversary Celebration Luncheon Honoring Carol Block
Wednesday, May 1, 2024
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM PDT
Luskin Conference Center on the UCLA Campus

Women & Philanthropy at UCLA is celebrating our 30th anniversary – 30 years of women supporting the University, inspiring one another, and shaping the future of UCLA.

We are honoring Women & Philanthropy Board Member Carol Block, the Associate of the Chancellor, on this momentous occasion.

We hope you can join the festivities!

>>Click here to RSVP<<

Is Something Amazing or Terrible About to Happen: AI Today

We are on the cusp of potentially incredible transformations with the expansion and exponential progress of Artificial Intelligence (AI) –
will the impact be positive, negative, or a bit of both?

Faculty experts from across campus will share their thoughts about benefits and challenges of AI for individuals, communities, and the world at-large.

>>To watch a video of the event, click here<<

Talking Solutions: Reasons to Hope for the Future of the Planet

Environmental news often focuses on the scariest problems, from climate disasters to extinctions, but there are reasons for hope at UCLA. Faculty, researchers and, students are finding solutions to help heal the planet.

A panel of faculty experts from across campus highlighted UCLA’s work on climate and sustainability issues, resolving problems, and improving how people interact with the planet.

>>To watch a video of the event, click here<<

Stories of Success Series: “Beyond Leaning In”

Based on research, but told as a fast-paced novel, Beyond Leaning In: Gender Equity and What Organizations are Up Against is a silver medalist in the 2022 Axiom Awards, recognizing the world’s best business books.

Author and UCLA triple-alumna, Melanie Ho, discussed her novel that alternates between the perspectives of male and female characters across genders, generations, and levels at a fictional workplace; and gave new insights about why gender gaps are so hard to close despite our best intentions.

>>To watch a video of the event, click here<<

Breakthroughs in Brain Development Through the Lifespan 

UCLA researchers are dedicated to understanding the mysteries of how the brain develops and works, and creating effective new therapies for when it doesn’t. 

A panel of female neuroscientists shared significant discoveries in their research on the brain as it develops, functions, and ages. 

>>To watch a video of the event, click here<<

How Do We Move Forward? Navigating Life “After” the Pandemic?

With setbacks to our return to “normal” life, what does normal even look like as this pandemic doesn’t seem to end? Will we ever be able to “return to normal”? What long-term impact has the pandemic had on different aspects of our lives and various sectors?

Faculty from areas across UCLA discussed how our world has altered, if we will ever go back to our pre-pandemic routines, and what we may want to retain or do away with as we attempt to return to the lives we once knew.

>>To watch a video of the event, click here<<

Anti-Racism and Systemic Change: What UCLA is Doing Internally to Rise to the Challenge

Throughout UCLA, important structural conversations continue and advancements are being implemented internally to examine and address racism in order to impact positive change on the UCLA campus – for students, faculty, and staff.

A panel of experts from UCLA leadership and faculty shared activities and actions throughout campus that are focusing on racism and discrimination at the institutional level. Attendees learned what UCLA is doing to support transformation across the University through powerful programs and research.

>>To watch a video of the event, click here<<

Healthy Outcomes: How Social Determinants Contribute to Health Disparities

People understand how things like heredity, age, and nutrition impact our health, but social determinants like income inequality, language barriers, and housing instability have an even greater effect on health.

We heard from a panel of experts from UCLA Health and the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA about how community conditions and other factors play a powerful role in determining health and outcomes.

>>To watch a video of the event, click here<<

Anti-Racism and Systemic Change: What UCLA is Doing to Impact Positive Change in Society

Throughout UCLA, important research is being conducted to examine systemic racism in society and efforts are underway to address its complexities and impact positive change in the community. Learn what UCLA is doing to support transformation across society through powerful programs and research.

A panel of experts from UCLA leadership and faculty shared initiatives and actions throughout campus that are targeting racism and discrimination at the societal level.

>>To watch a video of the event, click here<<

A Peek Into the UCLA Film & Television Archive

UCLA Film & Television Archive is renowned for its pioneering efforts to rescue, preserve and showcase moving image media, and is dedicated to ensuring that the collective visual memory of our time is explored and enjoyed for generations to come.

Established in 1965, the Archive is the second-largest repository of motion pictures and broadcast programming in the United States, after the Library of Congress, and the world’s largest university-held collection. May Hong HaDuong, the new Director of the UCLA Film & Television Archive, discussed the moving image library’s efforts to restore, preserve, collect, research and educate, and her goals for its future.

>>To watch a video of the event, click here<<

Is Kindness Contagious?: The Bedari Kindness Institute

Can just witnessing an act of kindness, even between strangers, make us feel better about our world and make us more inclined to perform an act of kindness ourselves? Does mindfulness make us healthier? Are social relationships necessary for mental and physical health?

A panel of experts who are part of the UCLA Bedari Kindness Institute provided information on innovative research that’s being conducted by the world’s first interdisciplinary research institute with a goal of transforming the individual and society as informed by the understanding and practice of kindness.

>>To watch a video of the event, click here<<

Anti-Racism and Systemic Change: How You Can Be Part of the Solution

People often mistakenly believe that simply being “not racist” is enough to eliminate racial discrimination. But it takes more than that. It is about undertaking steps to eradicate racism at the individual, institutional, and structural levels. It requires people to be “anti-racist”, which is rooted in action.

A panel of UCLA experts helped attendees understand their own implicit biases and how their individual actions can affect systemic change.

>>To watch a video of the event, click here<<

The Impact of Women on Election 2020

Women have a tremendous amount of influence in the 2020 Election — in the voting booth and as candidates running for office.

A panel of UCLA experts discussed what women mean for the election nationally and locally. How much of an impact the participation of women as candidates and voters will actually have on different elections. What women can do to have their voices heard.

>>To watch a video of the event,  click here<<

Webinar: Behind the Scenes: How a Fowler Museum Exhibition is Designed

Sebastian Clough, Director of Exhibitions, shared a unique behind-the-scenes presentation on how exhibitions are put together at the Fowler Museum.

He also showed a sneak peek video of the new exhibition The Map and the Territory: 100 Years of Collecting at UCLA, which is comprised of objects assembled from UCLA’s diverse collections, and discussed how it has been revised to accommodate social distancing practices.

>>To watch a video of the event,  click here<<

Webinar: Nutrition for Immune Support in the Era of COVID-19

Nutrition is the cornerstone of health — it affects many different disease conditions; such as cancer, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, dementia, and heart disease, as well as overall quality of life. As a leader in research, patient care, and education, the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition is at the forefront — both locally and nationally — building awareness of the impact nutrition has on a person’s health.

A panel of UCLA physician nutrition specialists from the UCLA Center for Human Nutrition discussed how to optimize your nutrition to support your immune system and well-being during the pandemic and beyond.

>>To watch a video of the event,  click here<<

Webinar: Ways to Find Happiness in Challenging Times

With mounting uncertainty and concern for family, friends and the community, it is natural to feel anxious and perhaps scared. Amid these negative emotions, however, sustaining positive feelings is essential. It increases motivation, creativity, adaptive problem solving, immune functioning and kindness — all things we need more than ever as we’re restricted at home with family members, roommates or alone.

Cassie Mogilner Holmes, Associate Professor of Marketing and Behavioral Decision Making at the UCLA Anderson School of Management, shared best practices to sustain positivity during difficult times.

>>To watch a video of the event,  click here<<

Living Your Best Life: Developing Health Resiliencies

As more of our population ages, it’s vital to develop strategies that effectively ensure outstanding quality of life and enhanced medical health.

A team of UCLA health experts will discuss how individuals can benefit from improving their overall health so they can become more resilient and satisfied as they age.

>>To watch a video of the event,  click here<<

Celebrating 25 Years of Women & Philanthropy at UCLA

A fun, festive luncheon celebration for Women & Philanthropy’s 25th Anniversary was held on June 19, 2019 that highlighted the impact of the program and its members throughout the campus, appreciated women’s support and leadership at UCLA, and recognized women “Lighting the Way” through 100 years of University history.

» Click here to watch a video of the event

» Click here for photos from the event

» Click here to see sponsors and historical photos

What Impact Does Technology Have on Relationships?

Is the use of technology and social media beneficial or harmful to the interpersonal relationships of adults, young people and teens?
Conflicting information has been disseminated about the positive and negative impact of social media, video games and online activity on relationships. A panel of experts in the field explored the beneficial and harmful implications of technology usage on personal connections.

» To watch video of the event, Click here

Stories of Success Series: The Value of Impact Investing and Strategic Philanthropy

Many people want to put their capital into companies, organizations, and funds that generate social and environmental impact while providing a financial return. These socially responsible entities aim to uphold a mission to do well while doing good for society.
A panel of experts discussed the importance and value of financially supporting investments that are meaningful as well as the benefits that making impactful philanthropic contributions can have on your portfolio, while also sustaining your principles.

» To watch video of the event, Click here

Is Artificial Intelligence Something To Be Feared or Embraced?

As AI becomes increasingly advanced and capable, should we be concerned or optimistic about cutting-edge innovation? Some people consider super intelligent AI a danger to humanity if it progresses unabatedly, while others think that AI can be beneficial to humankind.
A panel of experts from throughout the UCLA campus discussed the role machine learning AI will play in our lives, the consequences super intelligent AI might have, and UCLA’s contributions to the field.

» To watch a video of the event, click here.

The Language of Friendship: The Role of Talk in an Understudied Relationship with Author Deborah Tannen

Deborah Tannen, New York Times best-selling author and Professor in the Department of Linguistics at Georgetown University, had exactly the right words for the audience about friendships. As she does in her new book, You’re the Only One I Can Tell: Inside the Language of Women’s Friendships, Professor Tannen explored the communication and miscommunication dynamics between female friends and the unique nuances that exist in these relationships. During her lecture, Professor Tannen gave vivid examples of real-life dialogue between women of diverse backgrounds that illustrated the power of words to build, nourish, dismantle, and amend friendships.

» To watch a video of the event, click here.

Stories of Success Series: Doing Well While Doing Good

Many people want to work for socially impactful businesses that are at the crossroads between social good that makes the world a better place and a successful business model. A panel of UCLA alumnae experts with experience in the field of social enterprise revealed ideas, insights, and lessons learned for those interested in doing well and doing good.

» To watch a video of the event,click here.

Brainstorm: Breakthrough in Brain Research

Through the use of the latest technology, the top-ranked UCLA Department of Psychology is studying all aspects of brain functioning. In a conversation moderated by the Dean of Life Sciences, a panel of five professors from the UCLA Department of Psychology participated in an informative discussion about their ground-breaking brain research. Each faculty member shared her historic research on a different facet of the most complex and least understood organ in the body, the human brain.

» To watch a video of the event, click here

What Now…? The Impact of the 2016 Election

Faculty experts from the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs shared information and research about the outcome and impact of the 2016 election after the long, grueling election cycle. The panel gave insights about what people can expect from the newly elected president and Congress. They discussed thoughts about whether the country can be brought together and if there will be any real, meaningful solutions.

» To watch a video of the event, click here.

Making a Global Impact Through Medical Education and World Health

The UCLA Center for World Health’s vision is to heal humankind through shared knowledge and compassion and to make a difference in people’s lives throughout the world. Their success stories encompass maternal and pediatric health, surgical innovations, and global research. Faculty experts shared exciting stories about how they’re using education, research and service in addressing today’s most pressing global health challenges and making a sustainable difference.

» To watch a video of the event, click here

Hope Is Real: The UCLA Depression Grand Challenge

The UCLA Depression Grand Challenge unites dozens of UCLA scientists and scholars with community stakeholders around a common goal: cutting the burden of depression in half by 2050 and eliminating it by century’s end. A panel of UCLA experts shared prevention strategies, new interventions and treatment screenings, and what this issue means for women in particular.

» To watch a video of the event,click here.

Female Entrepreneurs Flourish in LA: Stories of Success in E-Commerce

Women in Los Angeles are breaking entrepreneurial barriers with exciting, innovative solutions. What makes L.A. the new “it” location for start-ups? How are women empowered to succeed in this environment? A panel of female UCLA graduates who’ve launched successful online businesses discussed their successes, challenges, and how their UCLA experience has helped them along the way.

» To watch a video of the event,click here.

A New Frontier in Technology: Printing the Future in 3-D

UCLA faculty and students are exploring three-dimensional printing as a tool to create nearly anything. Select the “print” option, and out comes a skateboard, a beautiful dress, a micro-house, complete with a bed, kitchen and full bathroom. Or human tissue, organs, and bones.

UCLA experts in the fields of Engineering and Urban Design shared how 3-D printing actually works, the future of this technology, and what these innovations mean for you. Examples of student works printed in 3-D were showcased.

» To watch a video of the event, click here.

LET GIRLS LEARN: Activating the Entertainment Industry for Social Good

The UCLA Burkle Global Impact Initiative shared about their participation in the “Let Girls Learn” campaign and efforts to promote and facilitate the treatment of critical international issues within the entertainment industry.

» To watch a video of the event, click here

20th Anniversary Luncheon: Celebrating the Past, Creating the Future

On June 3, 2014, Women & Philanthropy at UCLA celebrated its 20th anniversary at Carnesale Commons by honoring women at UCLA who serve as examples of leadership and philanthropy and looking to our exciting future engaging the next generation of women leaders.

» To watch a video of the event, click here.

Thriving in a Hotter L.A.: Turning Los Angeles into a Global Model for Urban Sustainability

Learn from a panel of UCLA experts about the exciting new campus-wide, interdisciplinary Grand Challenges initiative, whose goal is for the Los Angeles region to use exclusively renewable energy and local water by 2050 while protecting native biodiversity and enhancing our quality of life.

» To watch a video of the event, click here.

Women & Stress: The Relationship Between Mind and Body in Wellness

Are men and women different when it comes to health and illness? Can we stay on the good side of stress? What do we understand about the link between stress and illness, aging, weight gain or pain? What can we do to manage the effects of stress? Join us to learn from a panel of experts in the field about the relationship between your mind and body in wellness.

» To watch a video of the event, click here.

Gridlocked?: Transportation and Visions of Los Angeles

Residents of Los Angeles spend a significant amount of time in cars and on buses, which makes traffic central to daily life. A panel of experts from the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs will discuss transportation issues that affect Los Angeles, how communities are impacted by transit-oriented policies and practices, and the broader impact travel behavior has on the quality of life in this busy metropolis.

Leverage Your Philanthropy

A presentation on the Today’s and Tomorrow’s Children’s Fund, a donor-directed “giving circle” through the Mattel Children’s Hospital that pools philanthropic funds to maximize impact in support of research and programs.

Mindful Awareness: Ancient Practice, Modern Science

A fascinating exploration into the cutting-edge research at UCLA and elsewhere that is proving the power of meditation and guided exercises that help reduce stress and encourage a more present lifestyle and awareness of the physical body.

The Science of Attraction

Find out what you’re saying to your mate – or potential mate – without saying a word. Top UCLA researchers provide a revealing look at how men and women communicate attraction. From overt cues to unconscious mannerisms, our interactions show that we are closer to our primate relatives than we might like to believe.

Reel People: The Art of Hollywood Costume Design

Film and theater costume designers build characters from the inside out and help tell each character’s story. Get a rare look into the world of this singular art form through the eyes of UCLA professor and Academy Award nominee Deborah Landis, who will illustrate her talk with film clips showing the transformative power of costume.

Discover | Learn | Cure
The Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCLA

The power of stem cell science comes true at UCLA. Find out how from Owen Witte, director of the Broad Stem Cell Research Center. He is joined by faculty researchers Gay Crooks, Sanaz Memarzadeh and Hanna Mikkola. Each woman is at a different point in her stellar career path; all draw inspiration from the center’s technology-driven, integrated environment.

Transforming Arts and Architecture:
Bruin Case Study—New Orleanss

A fascinating look at humanitarian architecture. Pritzker Prize-winning architect and UCLA faculty member Thom Mayne enlisted the help of his Bruin students to design a home that would be safe in the area hardest hit by Hurricane Katrina—New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward. The result astounded critics, fellow architects and would-be residents.

A Conversation with Lynda Resnick

Renowned entrepreneur and author Lynda Resnick shares her new book and fields questions about pioneering fresh approaches to marketing and creating unforgettable brands, such as her own POM Juice, Fiji Water and Teleflora. Learn more on Lynda’s blog: http://blog.lyndaresnick.com.

French and Italian Cuisine:
History, Science and Culture

A conversation on the history of cuisine and gastronomy in France and Italy, as our specialists consider the various food challenges we face in the 21st century, discuss innovative recipes and culinary traditions, recount exciting anecdotes, and examine dramatic breakthroughs in medicine and genetics

The New Evolution: How Genomic Science and Society are Shaping Our Humanity

A discussion on the effects of science on our community.

Operation Mend: Healing the Wounds of War

A presentation of the program to treat U.S. military personnel wounded during service in Iraq and Afghanistan, providing them with plastic and reconstructive services at UCLA.

» To watch video coverage of the event, click here.

Climate Change And Its Impact On Biodiversity

A fascinating look at climate change in Southern California and beyond, and the amazing research being conducted by UCLA’s pioneers at the Institute of the Environment.

UCLA’s 1st to 100: Athletics Past, Present and Future

A celebration of UCLA winning 100 NCAA Championships with the win by the women’s water polo team.