On November 21, 2019, students from the International Business Association (IBA) organized UCLA Anderson’s largest food festival - International Food Festival Fall 2019 (IFF Fall 2019). This annual tradition, supported by the Center for Global Management, Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, MBA Student Affairs and ASA, showcases, celebrates and embraces the international culture and diversity of UCLA Anderson through a universal form of expression — food. The event was held on the North Terrace in place of Anderson Afternoons and was featured as part of UCLA Anderson’s Embracing Diversity Week’s programming. The beautiful ambience was spiced up as UCLA Anderson students from different countries gathered together to experience different cultures through cuisines from all over the world. Adding to the ambience were decorations – the false roof created by bright lights and international mini flags. Stalls decorated with regional handiwork only added to the elegance of the event.

The celebration was attended by more than 300 current and prospective students from across UCLA Anderson’s various degree programs, faculty and staff as well as friends and family. The event featured 14 different cuisines from India, China, Taiwan, Israel, Korea, Nigeria, Indonesia, Japan, France, Cuba, Greece, Italy, Argentina and other parts of Latin America. Host students, representing different student clubs at UCLA Anderson from around the world, sourced authentic food from some of the best restaurants across Los Angeles. Some students also dressed up in their country’s and/or region’s traditional attire and spent time conversing with the guests to explain the details of the food served such as special occasion when it is consumed and cooking ingredients and methods. While a collection of appetizers provided by the South Asian Business Association built up the appetite, desserts from the European Business Association made the atmosphere a bit sweeter. Cultural diversity was also on display through international music and student hosts sharing facts and customs about their own countries.

The Critics’ Choice Award for the best tables was judged on the basis of providing the best cultural experience. The decision was a difficult one to make. The two winners selected by judges from FTMBA Student Affairs and Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, included the Black Business Students Association for its chicken wings and puff puffs and the European Business Association for its assortment of macrons.

IBA is grateful to the Center for Global Management, the Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, ASA and MBA Student Affairs for supporting the event and ensuring that UCLA Anderson remains an open and inclusive environment that embraces, celebrates and values diversity. In addition to the IBA, participating student clubs included: South Asian Business Association, Japan America Business Association, Anderson Christian Fellowship, Strategy & Operations Management Association, Anderson Latino Management Association, Greater China Business Association, Korean Business Student Association, European Business Association, Southeast Asia Business Association, Jewish Business Student Association, Asian Management Student Association, Black Business Students Association, Anderson Eats, and AnderTech.