Our Stories
Anderson Inspired the Dedication of a UCLA Lifer
Bruin Patty Gonzalez Johnson (B.A. ’99, Riordan Fellow ’02) was a first-generation college student on the campus where she’s forged her career
From The Blog
Growing a Greener Pipeline in Mexico and Beyond
According to award-winning businesswoman, renewables advocate and Mexican-American Sarah Valdovinos (’01), “Climate science shows that we have a problem. I’m not preoccupied with winning the debate about who’s causing it. The question is, what are we going to do about it?”
From The Blog
¿Cuál es el Problema Exactamente?
His goal is not to teach students how to “win” every negotiation, but rather to identify what they want out of negotiations to achieve their goals, as well as to know when to walk away
In the News
Outgoing ASA Prez Ignited Culture Shift
"I feel that I was able to leave Anderson a better place than what it was when I first arrived and I am confident that the changes we have worked to implement will be institutionalized and endure long after I leave Anderson"
From The Blog
Meeting as Equals
Community engagement expert Gil Penalosa (’84) explains how walkable cities promote social integration
In the News
Meet First-Generation MBA Denice Gonzalez-Kim
Among the inspiring stories of students who beat the odds, Gonzalez-Kim told P&Q: "I’ve helped change the trajectory of my extended family. It feels incredible.”
Emprendedores y Empresas de Nueva Creación
El futuro es más prometedor para estas startups que comenzaron en el Venture Accelerator at UCLA Anderson
Riders Share
Founder: Guillermo Cornejo ('19)
Riders Share is the Airbnb of motorcycle rental, connecting unused motorcycles to licensed riders. Riders Share has the only insurance policy that works for both renters and owners of motorcycles in the sharing economy.
Elenita
Founders: Jordan Dil ('19), Mikel Noriega ('19)
Elenita is America's first mezcal ready-to-drink cocktail in a can, giving consumers an entry point into the world of mezcal. The company won the 2019 Knapp Venture Competition, taking home the $50,000 grand prize.
ClearClub
Founders: Pablo Osorio Martini ('19), Joe Upchurch ('19)
Another Venture Accelerator success story, ClearClub provides teeth-grinders with custom night guards for 90% lower prices than dentists through its direct to consumer subscription service.
Aprenderás de los Mejores
Nuestra facultad es reconocida como una de las mejores en el país
Miguel M. Unzueta
Senior Associate Dean of MBA Programs; Professor of Management and Organizations
"It is often said that 'perception is reality.' [I research] the psychological motivations that underlie people's perceptions of diversity-related phenomena."
Fernanda Bravo
Assistant Professor of Decisions, Operations and Technology Management
“My work relies on collaboration with industry partners to identify trade-offs, validate models and pursue practical innovation and potential implementation of my solutions.”
Ricardo Perez-Truglia
Assistant Professor of Economics
“What do others think of you? Are you rich? Smart? Hard-working? The desire to shape these opinions is a powerful driver of human behavior ... We need to know what people believe in order to truly understand their motivations.”
Sebastian Edwards
Professor of Global Economics and Management
"For the better part of a century, populism was widely regarded as a distinctly Latin American phenomenon, a recurring political plague on countries such as Argentina, Ecuador, and Venezuela."
Bienvenido al Club
Latin American Business Association (LABA)
Through a broad offering of professional and social events, the Latin American Business Association (LABA) aims to showcasing the region’s diverse cultures and business opportunities for the mutual benefit of our members and the broader Anderson community.
Anderson Latino Management Association (ALMA)
ALMA is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and collaborative environment to promote professional development and business leadership while celebrating the American Latino experience.
Publicado en el UCLA Anderson Review
La revista académica, UCLA Anderson Review, contribuye en gran medida a la validación y al mismo tiempo a la difusión del conocimiento de avanzada
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Read StoryModern Monetary Theory: Fiasco in Latin America, Option in U.S.?
The populist model, embraced by some on the American left, resembles policy that helped torpedo some smaller economies
Read StoryCultures That Delay Gratification: Their Immigrants to the U.S. Excel in School
The benefit to students increases over time
Finance
Read StorySizing Up the Measurable Good of Affirmative Action
An economic model sets aside who loses and focuses on efficiency and overall growth
Economics
Read StoryCitizens Not Fooled by Fake Statistics
Ricardo Perez-Truglia examines what happened when the Argentine government lied about inflation numbers
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Read StoryThrough the Minimum Wage Looking Glass: Economic Consensus Unrealized
Researchers struggle with faulty study designs, flyspecking each other’s work, re-arguing decades of debate about jobs and income
Read StoryHow People Gather Information — or Don’t — to Make Decisions
Personal beliefs, especially among the less educated, often outweigh actual data
Behavioral Decision Making
Read StoryDo People Donate Money to Signal Their Intelligence?
Research suggests such a connection when donations are publicized
Strategy
Read StoryWhen Manufacturers Commence Exporting, They Become More Efficient
Looking at costs, in a sample of 5,000 plants in Chile, remarkable productivity gains occur
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Read StoryBusinesses Vastly Overestimate the Likelihood of Being Audited
Should tax-collecting agencies keep audit activity secret to discourage cheating?
Applied Management Research Field Study
Whether evaluating new models for microfinance, improving foreign supply chain efficiency or evaluating growth and expansion strategies, our global pro-social AMR field study projects make a real, immediate and often profound impact.
Peru
A plan to support the development of an environmentally sustainable value chain for coffee production in northern Peru
Guyana
UCLA Anderson field study consultants find the project management key to sustaining Guyana’s indigenous communities
Galapagos
UCLA Anderson field study team dives deep into Galapagos tuna supply chain
Guatemala
On-the-ground strategies for eroded land in Guatemala’s coffee-growing regions
5 Questions
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Read the AnswersJeremiah David (’15)
Senior Operations and Compliance Manager, Environmental Charter Schools
Jeremiah David (’15)
Senior Manager of Operations and Compliance, Environmental Charter Schools
Every young person deserves an equal opportunity, along with guidance and support, to create the quality of life that he or she believes in.
How are you applying your business background to the K–12 education arena?
Since starting to work in public education two years ago at Environmental Charter Schools, I’ve put my project management and IT skills to immediate use to improve on and, in some cases, create structured processes for knowledge management, contract bidding, compliance reporting and project oversight. I supplemented these hard skills with the leadership approach I developed while earning an M.Ed. through the Broad Residency in Urban Education. What’s next for me in the field is to deepen my knowledge of best practices in teaching and learning, including 21st-century competencies and skills.
How has environmental service learning evolved since ECS started in 2000?
Creating a more sustainable and just world is as important as ever. Environmental service learning in 2019 intersects with many fields in both public and private domains, including clean energy technologies. Green industries are providing more and more avenues for our students to continue their service to the environment in their post-high school and post-college lives.
What did you learn at UCLA Anderson that’s helping you in your job right now?
I learned many soft skills. Most crucially, how to manage conflict, how to communicate effectively and concisely, and how to negotiate.
How do you think we can build a more and more inclusive community at Anderson?
The existing ethos at Anderson provides a great basis for inclusivity and shared success. Outreach and recruitment strategies could extend outside the box by more heavily weighting and rewarding non-academic factors such as work experience and demonstrated ability to overcome obstacles.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever gotten?
There are two: Learn from everyone in your path and never ask others to do what you wouldn’t do yourself.
Read the AnswersMaggie Sandoval (’10)
Director, Project Operations, Evidation Health
Maggie Sandoval (’10)
Director, Project Operations, Evidation Health
I’m a health care strategist specializing in startup operations, program and client management.
Did anything in your early years or family background influence the course of your studies and professional pursuits in the business of health care?
My parents always expected me to perform at a high level in school. I think it’s important to have people with high expectations for you so that you can learn to have them for yourself. I learned at home how important it is to do the right thing and stand up for it, even when it’s not popular.
We would discuss issues around the dinner table. I think the ability to have discourse and communicate has contributed to my success. I went to a California public school with a number of classmates who were immigrants, and many of them did not enter a four-year university. My dad stopped by the Stanford campus on a business trip to pick up an application for me. I applied, never thinking I would get in! That honestly was a life-changing experience. The people you meet, it changes your worldview, it changed what I thought was possible.
I didn’t know what I wanted to do after graduating college, and I ended up working at a health care services company, where I learned a ton! Most important, I learned that I need to be working for an organization that is mission-driven. No matter who you are, the health care system will touch you, your family and friends at some point. I like that I’m helping to make an impact in that space.What did you learn at UCLA Anderson that’s helping you in your job right now?
How to work with all different types of people and navigate big personalities. At Anderson, I loved meeting all the people and learning their stories and interests. I was a member of the Latino Management Student Association, a lovely and inclusive group.
What is the state of diversity and inclusion in your industry?
Certain departments within digital health are diverse and others aren’t. We can definitely do better! What’s great, though, is that I can help move the needle ― even if it’s just one person at a time. We are actively having conversations to improve diversity and inclusion.
What’s the next “big thing” in the medical/health industry?
I worry about how much climate change is affecting and will continue to affect people’s health. I think we are making headway to empower patients to take charge of their health on a daily basis. What’s exciting is, more and more, the data patients generate (via Fitbits, voice, location) can be collected passively and used to help detect and control health conditions. Companies are funding research to produce evidence that models generated from these new data can be used to improve health outcomes, amplifying the “classic” health care system.
What class or topic business schools should be teaching current MBAs?
I really liked studying abroad at Anderson. It teaches you to be open to different cultures and ideas, and that there are multiple solutions to problems. It’s good to hone the skills of listening and asking questions. Being curious is a great trait. Practical classes are good, too ― learn how to use Excel or Google Sheets. Learn how to write a concise, clear email. Pay attention to details: slides should all be in one font.
Read the AnswersAna Peña ('13)
Director of Conference Support Team, Teach for All
Ana Peña (’13)
Director, Conference Support Team, Teach For All
I’m an engineering grad and MBA with a passion for changing the world through social entrepreneurship and innovation.
Why did you decide to get an MBA?
I was a career switcher and I felt that my background in engineering was limiting. It was the perfect opportunity to explore a new space and expand my background knowledge and understanding of business.
What is the most important skill that we should be teaching MBA students today?
Empathy.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever gotten?
Don’t settle for a job that doesn’t bring you joy.
What’s one change that you’d like to see in the business or nonprofit spaces today?
I’d love to see a shift toward longer-term benefits to people, planet and profit over short-term financial gains.
Have any key lessons you’ve learned in a professional context derived from your specific background and heritage?
My biggest lesson has been that I need to take time to reflect and process. The most difficult part of being Latina in the workplace is identifying when your background — versus other aspect of your work — is what is creating tensions or opportunities. To do that well takes time and space to think through challenges.
Read the AnswersDiana Salsa (B.A. '03, '09)
Director of Marketing,
Wonderful Citrus
Diana Salsa (B.A. ’03, ’09)
Director of Marketing, Wonderful Citrus
I’m a CPG professional with cross-functional experience in finance, marketing, trade marketing and category/customer insights.
Why did you decide to get an MBA?
I am a first-generation American and the first in my family to earn a bachelor’s degree. I had the opportunity to work in the admissions office of UCLA Anderson as an undergraduate and receive fantastic counseling from folks like Linda Baldwin. A few years into a career at an accounting firm, I realized I wanted to change functions. The MBA was an easy choice.
What three things did you learn at Anderson that have been most helpful to you in your career?
How to work on a diverse team effectively, how to build meaningful relationships and how to build and deliver compelling and persuasive presentations. My study group included someone who had worked on Wall Street, and someone who made toys! Learning how to bridge these skill sets and resolve conflict has made me a better leader and professional.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever gotten?
If you are unsure of your career direction, build a transferable skill set at a respected company and consider geographic relocation. Once you have determined your career direction (and gained the confidence that you can conquer something as daunting as a new city), use that developed confidence to continually challenge yourself in your career.
What’s the one change you’d like to see happen in business today?
As a society, we absolutely need to extend the amount of paid parental leave for both men and women. So many valuable employees drop out of the workforce unnecessarily because they (and the companies they work for) don’t know how to make it all work. The stigma of taking permitted leave is sad. Companies that invest in progressive policies will undoubtedly earn improved employee loyalty, which will begin to be a differentiator in recruiting.
How do you celebrate your heritage?
It’s important to keep connected to your culture. I bring my whole self to work, and I’ve even been able to share my perspective with the teams marketing to Hispanic communities. It’s also important to me to keep a connection to my culture at home. I have two daughters who are bilingual, and I want them to be proud of their entire heritage as they grow up.
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Read the AnswersErica Dionne ('09)
VP of Product Development and Strategy, Digital Distribution, NBCUniversal Inc.
Erica Marie Dionne (’09)
Vice President of Product Development and Strategy, Digital Distribution, NBCUniversal Inc.
As an entertainment and digital media executive, I am a strategist and goal-orientated team player with experience in digital distribution, new product development, marketing communications, content, value creation and client relationship management.
What words of advice would you give to an incoming UCLA Anderson student?
Try to be authentic, no matter what you are or what you do. Your career is long, and if you aren’t your authentic self you will never find the right fit. Opportunities that should be present for you will never show up if you aren’t authentic. Be who you are, and the rest will follow.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever gotten?
Rather than set your focus too far in advance, focus on the next step. Do your best where you currently are, and that will open up the next opportunity, the next step. Looking too far forward might cause you to miss the opportunities that are right in front of you.
What are you reading right now?
How To Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk — this is a book that is applicable for conversations at every age! And The Power of Unreasonable People — it’s a great reminder that if you have a point of view on something, and if it’s rational to you, it has the opportunity to shift the world. Don’t let the naysayers hold you back from trying!
What is one thing that each of us can do today to begin to build an inclusive community here at Anderson?
Don’t make assumptions about each other. Instead, relate to each other in a human way, and build your network that way. Talk less about work, and more about each other. Don’t close your mind, don’t narrow your vision, don’t categorize each other. Ignore the assumptions and be open to new realities. You might learn more from your classmates than you thought you would!
What is the most important skill that we should be teaching our students today?
There are actually a few key competencies that students need today to be competitive in today’s business environment. First, the ability to use the skills you are learning at Anderson in real-world environments, rather than in theoretical scenarios, is crucial. Second, honing communication skills, both written and verbal, is key, as both are necessary to adequately support your recommendations. And third, understanding that the consumer will interact with businesses through a screen, rather than in person — this is the state of business today.
UCLA Optimists
Adriana Galván
Associate Professor, Psychology
Marcelo Suárez-Orozco
Wasserman Dean, UCLA School of Education & Information Studies
Al Osborne
Senior Associate Dean, UCLA Anderson School of Management
Ana-Christina Ramón
Assistant Director, UCLA Ralph J. Bunche Center for African American Studies
On one of the most beautiful campuses in the country, in a global city teeming with energy and brimming with opportunity, risks are taken, doors are opened and anything is possible. In ways large and small, across the street or around the world, UCLA Optimists are making the world better for everyone.
Riordan Programs
Providing a pathway for underrepresented students to excel in business and leadership
Tomorrow's leaders emerge from a transformational experience with Riordan mentors, educational workshops and community service. The Riordan Scholars Program, College to Career Program and MBA Fellows Program provide leadership and management training to diverse individuals all over the country.
Learn About the Organizations That Advance Our
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Mission
Women@Anderson
Black@Anderson
Veterans@Anderson
LGBTQ@Anderson
Latinx@Anderson
