Alumni

Morning Breakout Sessions

Changing International Relations & The Implications for The Globalized Economy | B-208
Jerry Nickelsburg Adjunct Full Professor and Director, UCLA Anderson Forecast
Kal Raustiala Professor of Law, Director, UCLA Ronald W. Burkle Center for International Relations, Faculty Director, UCLA International Education Office
Kati Suominen Founder and CEO, Nextrade Group
Daniel Treisman Professor of Political Science, UCLA

From Vision to Reality: Creating a World Without Disease | C-301
Moderator: Victor Tabbush Adjunct Professor Emeritus, UCLA Anderson
Craig Fox Harold Williams Chair in Management, UCLA Anderson
Cat Oyler '99 VP, Global Public Health, Tuberculosis at Johnson & Johnson

Imagine a world where we know when we need to go to the doctor before we feel sick. A world where we can maintain or restore our health, rather than treating the symptoms of a disease. A world where we truly have healthcare, not disease care. We will explore this idea with Professor Craig Fox who will present his research on implementing behavioral interventions to promote public health. Then, Cat will share her story of developing a roadmap to take this aspirational idea of a world without disease and begin to make it a reality. The session will be highlighted by a conversation with Craig and Cat, moderated by Adjunct Professor Emeritus Victor Tabbush, about addressing the critical, public healthcare issues facing our global community.

Welcome Remarks | Korn Convocation Hall

Jill Baldauf (BA '79, MBA '81) Associate Dean, Alumni Relations

State of the School | Korn Convocation Hall

Al Osborne  Interim Dean, Professor, Global Economics and Management Faculty Director, Price Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Commercialization of Space: The New Space Race | Korn Convocation Hall

Moderator: Van Espahbodi Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Starburst Accelerator
Richard French  Manager, Technology Partnerships, Space Technology Office, NASA JPL
Randy Glein '94 Co-Founder & Partner, DFJ Growth
Richard Milford '04 Senior Director, Systems Engineering, Virgin Orbit
Melanie Stricklan Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Slingshot Aerospace

Over the last decade, barriers to entry in the space sector have lowered, with a wave of entrepreneurs raising capital from non-traditional investors, creating new products, spinning-out technology from labs—with incredible business plans to match. Who are these new generation of innovators and what are the newest trends in space, communications and intelligence? Find out from entrepreneurs, strategists and venture capitalists leading the charge. Learn about immense opportunities and challenges that come with democratizing access to space that will propel humanity into the next.

UCLA Anderson Alumni Awards Presentation | Korn Convocation Hall

Outstanding Alumni Service Award
Kate Pletcher '07 Founder and CEO, Treehouse Partners

John E. Anderson Distinguished Alumni Award
Joel Fried (BA '84, MBA '86) President, PRIMECAP Management Company

Afternoon Breakout Sessions

Advance Your Career in an Ever-changing Marketplace | Executive Dining Room B-208
David Cooley Director, Alumni Career Services
Elissa Harris '00 Career Coach, Alumni Career Services

How does one successfully advance their career during an era of constant change, innovation and technological disruption?  Join David Cooley, Director of Alumni Career Services and Elissa Harris ’00, Alumni Career Coach, for an interactive workshop focused on identifying, setting and achieving your career goals. Reflect on your career experiences and skills to determine any gaps between where you are and where you want to be. 

Next Gen Gaming & Esports Communities | D-301
Moderator: Jay Tucker '09 Executive Director, Center for Management of Enterprise in Media, Entertainment & Sports
Virginie Grange ’99 Director, Business Development, Gaming Cloud, Microsoft
Chris "Chopper" Hopper Head of Esports for North America, Riot Games

Gaming generates more revenue than all major entertainment categories, including television and film—and it is still growing at a rapid pace. Even watching participants play games is outpacing viewership for traditional spectator sporting events. So, what business models and markets are driving this growth? Where are players and viewers engaging with the games and gamers? How is this phenomenon creating a global network that is ultimately re-defining our concept of community? Learn about how players, publishers and platforms are strategizing to grow their fanbase, engage their communities and generate revenue.

Strengthening the Climate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion | C-315
Heather Caruso Assistant Dean, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion; Executive Director, Morrison Family Center for Marketing and Data Analytics; Adjunct Assistant Professor of Management and Organizations

Together with the broader UCLA community, Anderson has committed to provide “an environment in which all are included, all are given an equal opportunity to learn and explore, in which differences as well as commonalities are celebrated, and in which dissenting viewpoints are not only tolerated but encouraged.” Sounds good, right? But how can we accomplish this in our community and workplace, recognizing that we ourselves can be the most influential elements of “environment” for one another? In active conversation with one another and Heather Caruso, Assistant Dean for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, this session will introduce you to the Engaged, Courageous, Humble & Open (ECHO) approach, with a focus on how it can both improve our individual interactions and powerfully strengthen Anderson’s climate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.

Discovering What's Possible: Technology & Our Connected World | Korn Convocation Hall

Sandy Huang (BA '94, MBA '99) Principal Product Manager, Amazon
Moderator: Heather Felix (MS '92, MBA '94) Program Director, UCLA Anderson’s Easton Technology Management Center

When it comes to technology, the possibilities are vast and ever changing. One thing is certain—technology is driving a more connected world. It’s transforming interpersonal communications, human connections and even our present-day concept of community. Drawn from her experience at Shutterfly, Jive Software and Amazon—where she is developing Alexa’s next generation of discovery and engagement experiences—Sandy will explore how technology has shaped the evolution of how we communicate and connect. Then, discover the opportunities and challenges on the horizon for our more connected world.

Building a Buzz: From Alfred Coffee to Calidad Beer | Korn Convocation Hall

Josh Zad '06 Founder & CEO, Alfred Inc.

Powered by his desire for a more approachable (and stronger!) cup of coffee in his neighborhood, Josh (Akhtarzad) Zad ’06 launched Alfred Coffee in in 2013 on chic, tree-lined Melrose Place in West Hollywood. Known as the premier Los Angeles coffee destination to see and be seen for celebrities, influencers, tourists and the Instagram-obsessed alike, Alfred has quickly established itself as a hip, California lifestyle brand offering cool vibes, friendly service and innovative products. A real estate developer turned serial entrepreneur, Josh will share lessons from starting a brick and mortar business in a competitive coffee market, adding a sister concept in Alfred Tea Room, and taking Alfred global to 15+ locations in LA, Austin and Japan. He will share insights on how Alfred leveraged social media, strategic partnerships and its famous trademarked “BUT FIRST, COFFEE.” phrase to turn Alfred into the standard bearer on how to successfully marry a brick and mortar offering with an enduring digital presence and thus generate a buzz worldwide — and how Josh is using the same brand tenets to develop his newest venture: Calidad Beer.

Driving Global Impact through Community Building | Korn Convocation Hall

Malik Ducard '00  VP, Content Partnerships, YouTube
Al Osborne  Interim Dean, Professor, Global Economics and Management Faculty Director, Price Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation

With a global reach of 1.9 billion+ users, local versions in 91+ countries, and content in 80 languages, YouTube provides a community to give everyone a voice and show them the world. Leading business development for family entertainment and educational content at YouTube, Malik Ducard drives efforts to amplify voices, democratize access and curate programming that is globally minded and locally relevant. Learn about the great opportunities, critical impact—as well as evolving challenges—that come with a global, story sharing platform. As a board member of several Los Angeles based nonprofits, Malik will also discuss how he is cultivating the next generation of change makers through championing diversity efforts in science and technology. Interim Dean Al Osborne will join Malik in a Q&A session following Malik’s presentation.

Networking Reception | Marion Anderson Courtyard

Make new connections and reconnect with friends and faculty at the largest alumni networking event of the year. International food stations, beer, and wine will be served.