Author Archives: Hon Hoang

BRUINS IN THE PROS: CHEER AND DANCE EDITION 2

CLA has enjoyed a long history of producing professional athletes in a variety of sports. In this sequel to Bruins in the Pros: Cheer and Dance Edition, we’re featuring 12 recent graduates who are currently performing for professional cheerleading and dance teams in both the NFL and NBA.

Claudia Borton ʼ21

UCLA Degree: Dance major, Spanish minor

Professional Teams: Third season with Las Vegas Raiderettes (2022 - Present), Los Angeles Charger Girls (2019-20)

UCLA Activities: Icarus Dance Company (2017), UCLA Dance Team (2018-19), Junior Spirit Squad Coordinator (2018-19), Student Representative at JWAC (2018-21), WACSmash 2020, Spring Sing 2021 (Outspoken), UCLA Snow Team (2020-21), Chi Omega Sorority (2017-21) (Recruitment Chair 2021)

Favorite UCLA Memory:

“During spring quarter of my senior year, we held many Ski Team traditions, some of which honored and recognized the seniors on the team. We spent almost every weekend at Mammoth Mountain, laughing, sharing stories and, most importantly, shredding. My younger sister Sarah, who originally recruited me for the team, is now the president of the Ski Team for her senior year.”

How has UCLA helped you in pursuing your goals?

“UCLA gave me the tools to think critically about how I approach my goals rather than being narrow-minded on how to achieve a certain outcome. The people I met over my four years taught me that the process of growth is much more rewarding than reaching a desired outcome. UCLA continues to help me as I have relationships with my professors and peers that will last a lifetime.”

Ashley Holtz ʼ23

UCLA Degrees: Biochemistry, Biomedical Research minor

Professional Team: Second season with Las Vegas Raiderettes (2023 - Present)

UCLA Activities: UCLA Dance Team, Icarus Contemporary Dance Team, Undergraduate researcher in Dr. Steven Clarke’s lab, Rivkin EDU, Regenerative Medicine Associated Program, Expressive Movement Initiative, Pi Beta Phi sorority

Favorite UCLA Memory:

“One of my favorite memories was the UCLA vs. LSU football game in 2021. It was so exciting to perform to a stadium full of fans at the Rose Bowl during my first season! I also will always remember graduation weekend. I enjoyed celebrating with my friends and family before moving to Las Vegas!”

How has UCLA helped you in pursuing your goals?

“UCLA allowed me the opportunity to engage in pre-med activities while continuing to dance. In one of my first UCLA classes, I remember thinking I would never be able to read scientific literature. I have come a long way since, and I owe it to my PI and professors at UCLA. Additionally, my UCLA Spirit Squad coaches and teammates prepared me very well to cheer at the professional level. I cannot express enough gratitude for the inspiring peers and mentors I met at UCLA. Go Bruins!”

Maddie Mapes ʼ20

UCLA Degree: Dance major, Food Studies minor

Professional Team: Fifth season with Las Vegas Raiderettes (2020 - Present)

UCLA Activities: UCLA Dance Team

Favorite UCLA Memory:

“Taking the field for the first time at the Rose Bowl while on the UCLA Dance Team. I always dreamed about cheering for the Bruins and it was such an honor to represent UCLA.”

How has UCLA helped you in pursuing your goals?

“Being on the UCLA Dance Team challenged me to become a stronger dancer and overall shaped me into the person and athlete that I am today. I am grateful for my coaches who helped me pursue my goal of dancing and cheering at the professional level. I am so proud to be a Bruin and will always cherish my memories from UCLA. Go Bruins!”

Mia Robertson ʼ22

UCLA Degree: Dance major, Film, TV, and Digital Media minor

Professional Team: Third season with Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders (2022 - Present)

UCLA Activities: Kappa Kappa Gamma

Favorite UCLA Memory:

“Finally being able to take classes in person because I transferred here during the pandemic.”

How has UCLA helped you in pursuing your goals?

“UCLA helped me achieve my goals because the dance major introduced me to a great community of people with similar goals and aspirations.”

Leah Roga ʼ23

UCLA Degrees: Communications and Film, TV, and Digital Media minor

Professional Teams: Golden State Warriors Dance Team (2023-24)

UCLA Activities: UCLA Dance Team Captain, UCLA Athletics Marketing Intern and Expressive Movement Initiative Teaching Dance to Children With Special Needs

Favorite UCLA Memory:

“Performing with Gwen Stefani and the L.A. Philharmonic at the Hollywood Bowl! Dancing to ‘Hollaback Girl’ in front of thousands of people is an experience I will never forget.”

How has UCLA helped you in pursuing your goals?

“UCLA provided a strong foundation in my field and connected me with valuable opportunities for both my professional and dance careers. I am so grateful to be able to work full time as a marketing compliance specialist while also pursuing my lifelong dream of being a professional cheerleader!”

Abby Roque ʼ21

UCLA Degree: Nursing

Professional Team: Second season with Los Angeles Laker Girls (2022 - Present)

UCLA Activities: UCLA Dance Team

Favorite UCLA Memory:

“The UCLA vs. SDSU game in 2019 was the very first football game [at which] I danced with the Spirit Squad. The Bruin pride that fuels the energy at the Rose Bowl Stadium is unmatched! There is nothing like a first-game experience on the field and court.”

How has UCLA helped you in pursuing your goals?

“As the first nursing student on the UCLA Dance Team, I was able to continue chasing my love for dance while studying at one of the most prestigious nursing schools in the country. I have continued pursuing both of my passions, now practicing as an ICU nurse and professional NBA dancer.”

Ani Rosen ʼ23

UCLA Degrees: World Arts & Culture and Dance major and Entrepreneurship minor

Professional Team: First season with Los Angeles Laker Girls (2023-24)

UCLA Activities: UCLA Dance Team (Senior Captain), Member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority

Favorite UCLA Memory:

“It is hard to pick just one memory – but some of my favorite memories include stepping out onto the field at the Rose Bowl for the first time, traveling with the UCLA Basketball team during March Madness, and dancing alongside a group of incredibly talented and inspiring teammates and coaches. It was truly an honor getting to represent UCLA!”

How has UCLA helped you in pursuing your goals?

“I will forever cherish the invaluable lessons that I learned throughout my time as a student at UCLA, and it was my experiences in and out of the classroom that set me up for a successful professional career. My time on the UCLA Dance Team inspired me to chase after my dreams of dancing professionally, and it truly is a dream come true getting to represent the Lakers organization as a Laker Girl!”

Sydney Rosen ʼ20

UCLA Degrees: Psychology Communications and Film, TV, and Digital Media minor

Professional Team: First season with Los Angeles Laker Girls (2023-24)

UCLA Activities: UCLA Dance Team (Captain Senior Year), Member of the Kappa Alpha Theta Sorority, Beta Xi Chapter

Favorite UCLA Memory:

“My first football game as a Dance Team member stands out. So much hard work and preparation had gone into that moment, and to feel the excitement of the crowd at the Rose Bowl, and dance in front of tens of thousands of fans for the first time, was an experience I will never forget. I also have fond memories of traveling for Pac-12 and NCAA tournaments, and meeting my forever best friends throughout my involvement on campus.”

How has UCLA helped you in pursuing your goals?

“The education I received at UCLA taught me how to be curious, think critically and thoughtfully, and always be dedicated to and passionate about what I am working on, which has served me in all aspects of life. The experience I gained on the UCLA Dance Team allowed me to accomplish my dream of being a Los Angeles Laker Girl, and I am forever grateful for the connections I made and lessons I learned as a Bruin.”

Jordie Schwerdt ʼ20

UCLA Degrees: Psychobiology

Professional Team: Second season with the Las Vegas Raiderettes (2023 - Present), Los Angeles Laker Girls (2021-22)

UCLA Activities: UCLA Dance Team, Kappa Alpha Theta, Alumni Affairs Intern, Bruins Fighting Pediatric Cancer Member, Volunteer at UCLA Mattel Children's Hospital

Favorite UCLA Memory:

“My favorite UCLA memory is traveling to basketball tournaments with the UCLA Spirit Squad!”

Lauren Shaw ʼ23

UCLA Degrees: Dance

Professional Team: First season with Los Angeles Laker Girls (2023-24)

UCLA Activities: UCLA Dance Team, Member of the Alpha Phi, Beta Delta Chapter (Vice President of Membership Recruitment)

Favorite UCLA Memory:

“Choosing just one favorite memory from my time at UCLA is difficult. However, a moment I will forever cherish is performing ‘Thunderstruck’ with my teammates at the Rose Bowl during the UCLA vs. USC football game.”

How has UCLA helped you in pursuing your goals?

“Growing up, I always dreamed of becoming a professional dancer. My experience with the UCLA Dance Team, dancing at football and basketball games, is where I truly fell in love with performing. This school and program taught me the importance of school spirit, being an ambassador and being a great teammate. It has equipped me with the skills I need today at the professional level. I am incredibly grateful to my coaches and directors for their guidance and mentorship throughout my time at UCLA. I will forever cherish the memories I made, both on and off the field. Go Bruins and Go Lakers!”

Aria Terango ʼ22

UCLA Degree: Dance and Neuroscience

Professional Team: Third season with Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders (2022 - Present)

UCLA Activities: WACSmash, Expressive Movement Initiative, MYUCLA Health Ambassadors, Mortar Board, Medicine and Art, and Pre-med Undergraduate Society

Favorite UCLA Memory:

“At graduation, I spent the whole day going to my favorite spots on campus, from Ackerman to Royce, with my family and best friends! It was the perfect culmination of all my hard work and allowed me to truly appreciate everything UCLA has offered me.”

How has UCLA helped you in pursuing your goals?

“I’m so grateful to UCLA for offering me such a high-quality education and encouraging me to stay curious and pursue my passions. For these reasons, I had the confidence to audition for this life-changing role.”

Mimi Wilson ʼ24

UCLA Degree: Psychology

Professional Team: First season with Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders (2024 - Present)

UCLA Activities: UCLA Dance Team, Academic Advancement Program (AAP)

Favorite UCLA Memory:

"My favorite memory at UCLA was the basketball games at Pauley Pavilion. I got to dance and cheer for the Bruins on campus and it was a dream come true. There is nothing better than doing what you love, with people you love, for a school you love."

How has UCLA helped you in pursuing your goals?

"Dancing professionally has always been a goal of mine, and the UCLA Dance Team helped me achieve that goal. Along with the irreplaceable memories, I trained with the incredible team and gained experiences that made me a well rounded individual. Being at UCLA in general has taught me the importance of being a good person and a hard worker."

***

If we missed any Bruins who are currently cheering or dancing with a professional sports team, please email us at connectfeedback@alumni.ucla.edu.

Graduation Well Wishes From UCLA Alumni

lumni were invited to submit well wishes to the graduating class of 2024 and share some pearls of wisdom for the benefit of these new grads. These were some of the responses.

“This is only the beginning – everything you have learned and loved at UCLA will be with you every step of the way. Exciting things are to come. Congratulations on everything you have accomplished and are yet to. Go Bruins!”

- Lizzy Tsuang ʼ21

“Congratulations Class of 2024! Your sacrifice and dedication has led you to this wonderful moment of possibilities. I will share with you some helpful advice that I received which is to stay connected by maintaining a network of peers and mentors who will be there to help you navigate your next path. Enjoy the journey!”

- Sandra Matthews-Sims ʼ91

“Stay in touch with your UCLA friends as you go through life - it’s so much fun to see what direction everyone goes in. I’m going to the 70th birthday party of a friend of mine from UCLA in the late 1970s! Also, cherish those friendships made in your formative years!”

- Karen Letendre ʼ76

“Congrats, grad! You persevered through challenges that have come your way, both personally and globally, so take time to acknowledge this. Your life will undergo so many more changes, so embrace them and the lessons they will teach you. Believe in your powers - your intelligence, your kindness, your curiosity - and be bold. Don't compare your journey to others because it's YOUR journey. You've got this!”

- Brianna Lopez ʼ14

“You will find your path. Be patient with yourself. You are enough and right where you need to be.”

- Lauren Yang ʼ13

“Cherish your relationships in everything you do and take nothing for granted. Life is truly a fast and unpredictable adventure that will delight and humble you. So enjoy the ride, weather the storms, create your story and keep on living!”

- Gil Hoftman ʼ05

“Thank you all for your efforts to transverse this challenge and improve yourself amongst the best in the world. Let others learn and be inspired through your actions. We can't wait to see.”

- Alan Achterberg ʼ89

“Never stop learning new things. It is a lifelong process. Find your passion. Be kind!”

- Bridget D’Aguilar ʼ03

“Soak in every moment of this great accomplishment, then get ready for the next great adventure! And always remember to stay connected to UCLA.”

- Todd Sargent ʼ96

“Dr. Seuss said it best: 'Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.' Live each day being fully present, and with awareness and gratitude. You are a Bruin, so you are destined for great things!”

- Maureen Leavitt ʼ98

Going B1G Time

Op-ed by Patrick E. Auerbach ’92, Ed.D.

early 2,500 years ago, ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus famously stated, “The only thing constant is change.” We hear quotes like that oftentimes, especially when any sort of change happens, whether it’s expected or not.

One change that we can be reasonably sure almost all Bruins (and Trojans across town, for that matter) didn’t expect was the seismic announcement back on June 30, 2022, that UCLA (and USC) would be leaving the Pac-12 Conference and joining the Big Ten Conference on Aug. 2, 2024, once the current Pac-12 television contract expires.

At the very moment when this news broke (thanks to longtime San Jose Mercury News columnist Jon Wilner) that fateful day, I was wrapping up a meeting at the USC Tower in Downtown Los Angeles, marking the end of another fiscal year in my former role as chief alumni relations officer at USC (yes, this Bruin proudly wore cardinal and gold for a couple of decades!).

By the time I got back to my former office on USC’s University Park campus 15 minutes later, the news was everywhere, the Twitterverse (as it was formerly known!) was on fire with every conceivable opinion and my iPhone was blowing up with text messages. And I was not alone, of course…whether a Bruin, Trojan, or anyone connected to any Pac-12 or Big Ten institution, or any casual sports fan for that matter, you couldn’t escape this bombshell news and have some sort of reaction.

To be candid, having been on staff at USC since 2000 (including eight years in USC Athletics before heading over to the USC Alumni Association), I wasn’t entirely surprised that the Trojans were heading to the Big Ten. After all, there had been a “wandering eye” mystique and whispers for decades among the Trojan Family that, as a private institution with a spirited rivalry against Notre Dame – the “golden (dome)” standard of intercollegiate athletics independence – USC should also consider independence, at least in the venerated world of college football, especially as the Big Ten and Southeastern Conference (SEC) continued to pull markedly ahead of the Pac-12 and other “major leagues” (e.g. Big 12 and Atlantic Coast Conference) in terms of media rights and exposure.

And to be even more candid, as a degree holder from both institutions (and a former member of the UCLA Spirit Squad in the late ʼ80s and early ʼ90s), I felt that I was more excited than practically anyone I spoke to that day or thereafter, Bruin or Trojan! After all, two of my three alma maters (the other being Tennessee, safely tucked away in the Smoky Mountains as a proud member of the SEC), were suddenly making national news and a bold statement that they were giving college sports yet another shot in the arm by joining what is considered the nation’s most prestigious athletic and academic conference (I’ll break that down later in this piece).

Yet, who could imagine UCLA and USC, the Pac-12’s flagship brands for men’s basketball and football (and yes, Arizona could easily lay claim to being the men’s basketball standard the last couple decades), not being part of the West Coast’s preeminent athletic conference? Not many, I posit…but it wasn’t the Los Angeles schools acting in a vacuum.

In fact, the winds of change had been blowing for quite some time, and many will point to the previous summer, when Texas and Oklahoma shook everything up with the news that they were bolting from the Big 12 to the SEC in 2025 (and since then, with so much else in turmoil, that timeline was accelerated to 2024). This development in 2021 put the wheels in motion for more upheaval, and regardless of any of the backroom dealings and conversations to which very, very few were privy (even top-ranking administrators and fiduciary board members, as it turns out), USC and UCLA were in the proverbial catbird seat with illustrious athletic and academic heritage, and key positioning in the nation’s second largest media market.

And while the rich (e.g. Big Ten and SEC) were getting seemingly richer with each passing year with more lucrative media rights deals, the gaps between those “Power 2” and the rest of the Power 5 (Pac-12, Big 12, ACC) were becoming more profound and putting the latter three at an increasing competitive disadvantage. While we can only continue to speculate as to what conversations could have been happening (other than some of the public speculation and jockeying for a potential Pac-12/Big 12 merger after the summer 2021, news of Texas and Oklahoma heading to the SEC), what we do know is that for the reasons announced on June 30, 2022, UCLA and USC were heading to the Big Ten beginning in the 2024-25 academic year to solidify their respective positions as top-tier athletic and academic juggernauts being a part of the most academically renowned Power 5 conference.

Of the Big Ten’s current 14 members, 13 of them are members of the elite American Association of Universities, a consortium of 71 of the most academically prestigious colleges and universities in North America. The current Pac-12, including UCLA and USC, boasts 9 AAU members, and once UCLA, USC, Oregon and Washington join the Big Ten on Aug. 2, the Big Ten will have 17 of its 18 members as part of AAU, while Nebraska – whose AAU status was revoked in 2014 – is believed to be seeking reinstatement in the AAU at some point in the future.

Remember, UCLA has been deemed the nation’s no. 1 public research university for seven consecutive years, so why shouldn’t UCLA, with its illustrious athletics heritage, be a part of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious athletic conference?

Well, now UCLA (along USC, Oregon and Washington) is heading to the behemoth Big Ten, and along with USC will receive full shares of a new Big Ten media rights deal that’s expected to yield at least $60 million per year for each school (while Oregon and Washington – who opted last summer to join the defection to the Big Ten – will receive 50% shares for the next six years), markedly higher than the $25 - $30 million that a 10-member Pac-12 (sans UCLA and USC) was expected to secure.

What is paramount now, as the Big Ten era quickly approaches, is for the entire UCLA community – alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents, friends, donors and fans – to show up, and show up “B1G!”

Even if the Los Angeles schools stayed in the Pac-12, the most optimistic estimates from industry experts only put the Pac-12’s media value at $500 million per year, or $42 million per institution under the Pac-12’s equal shares distribution model. This underwhelming valuation, along with the continued Pac-12 Networks distribution shortcomings – which for more than a decade caused much consternation and headaches for fans since the Network’s launch back in 2012 – was enough reason to strongly consider a new world order for UCLA and USC, especially as the Big Ten Networks were not only generating significantly more cash for their institutions, but also being more accessible to Pac-12 audiences than their own Networks in their own media backyards!

And now, with these four Pac-12 powerhouses joining the Big Ten (or B1G as it’s commonly referred), it will boast the nation’s top four media markets:

NYC metro area – Rutgers

Los Angeles

Chicago – Northwestern and Illinois

Philadelphia – Penn State

Five of the top 10 with the addition of:

D.C. metro area – Maryland

And eight of the top 15 with the addition of:

Detroit – Michigan

Seattle – Washington

Twin Cities – Minnesota

The other Power 2 conference, the SEC, can only claim four of the top 15 media markets.

Of course, the arguments for staying in the Pac-12 were certainly formidable (though not the point of this article), given that concerns were raised about student-athlete welfare considering more extensive travel distances and potential for missed classes, the shirking of decades-long traditions such as annual Bay Area football trips and rivalries such as UCLA-Arizona Men’s Basketball, and UCLA’s intra-system relationship with UC Berkeley (I believe that with their recent rebranding they want to be Berkeley again, even though we’ll refer to them as “Cal” for the purposes of this piece).

And, of course, once the additional wave of defections was announced last summer with Oregon and Washington joining UCLA and USC in the Big Ten, Arizona, Arizona State, Colorado and Utah heading to the Big 12, and Cal and Stanford heading to the ACC, more doubts arose from Bruins concerned that our move to the Big Ten started the domino effect leading to the Pac-12’s eventual dissolution (even though Oregon State and Washington State are remaining part of the league as it looks to reconstitute or realign itself in the next two years). Whether UCLA alumni – who care so deeply for our alma mater whether we are sports fans or not – agree or disagree with the impending move to the Big Ten (and the unfortunate demise of the Pac-12), the reality is that it is happening, and it’s approaching quickly!

While so much remains to be seen, we can be sure of this much: UCLA’s leadership, thanks to outgoing Chancellor Gene Block and Athletic Director Martin Jarmond, did their homework to assure that being a part of the Big Ten was in the overall best interest of UCLA, the Bruin athletics program and our student-athletes. UCLA Athletics has done extensive research and work to assure that the impact of Big Ten travel, considering a myriad of scheduling models and creative travel matrices, would be more than feasible with enhanced resources (thanks to the Big Ten financial largesse) such as chartered travel and increases in nutritional, physical and mental well-being resources. Let’s also not forget UCLA’s obligation to make $10 million “Calimony” payments each year for the next three years to assist Cal, which will be less resourced in its new ACC home.

What is paramount now, as the Big Ten era quickly approaches, is for the entire UCLA community – alumni, students, faculty, staff, parents, friends, donors and fans – to show up, and show up “B1G!” Whether sports fans or not, hopefully Bruins will come together during this unique time, fill the Rose Bowl for UCLA’s historic Big Ten home opener vs. Indiana on Sept. 14 and renew our sense of pride and optimism for this exciting new era of our University. UCLA will have an amplified presence in more regions across the U.S., and will continue to actively program and engage with alumni in former Pac-12 regions such as the Bay Area, Phoenix and Denver, which will continue to be home to tens of thousands of Bruins.

And if you choose to stay on the sidelines for now, hopefully you’ll eventually join the ranks and come out and support UCLA wherever you are, whether that means attending a sporting event, becoming active in the Alumni Association, mentoring our students, volunteering your time, and/or financially supporting UCLA scholarships and other institutional priorities.

But if you want to wait and see, don’t worry…the next media negotiation cycle is scheduled for 2029-30, and as stated at the beginning of this article, the only thing constant is change.

Go Bruins!

For more information and cool facts about UCLA joining the Big Ten, please visit http://uclaxbigten.com.

Save the date for the Alumni Town Hall on Aug. 2, featuring Athletic Director Martin Jarmond.

Patrick E. Auerbach ’92, Ed.D., is a higher education and nonprofit strategy consultant based in Los Angeles. He can be contacted at patrick.e.auerbach@gmail.com.

True Bruin Traditions Keeper - 2024

We recently recognized 76 graduates who fulfilled all of the True Bruin Traditions Keeper qualifications ahead of their graduation with a special ceremony! The evening honored their program completion, highlighted memories from each tradition and awarded recipients one-of-a-kind medals to be worn at commencement. We can't wait to see their continued involvement as UCLA's newest and most spirited alumni! Learn more about the program here.

Bruins@GoogleNY: Mixer and Alumni Panel

The UCLA Alumni Association held a Bruins@GoogleNY Mixer and Alumni Panel on Tuesday, May 7 2024, at The Studio, Google at Chelsea Market in New York. The panelists included the following UCLA alumni that work at Google: 1) Elizabeth Borowsky, PhD ’95, Vice President of Data Information retrieval, 2) Tina Weyand ’97, Senior Director of Geo Developer Product Management, and 3) Gbolahan (Femi) Olanubi, PhD ’19, Senior UX Researcher. The moderator of the panel was Sol Peralta, MBA ’20, Global Product Lead at Google and YouTube Ads. If you are interested in organizing Bruins within your organization, email ace@support.ucla.edu.

Bruin Business 2024 Recognition Event

The UCLA Alumni Association's Bruin Business 100, presented by Gorilla Marketing, recognizes exceptional alumni entrepreneurs. On May 16, the 2024 cohort was honored at the Bruin Business 100 Reception, where the honorees were celebrated and had the opportunity to build community with one another.

Bruin-Owned Businesses: Fitness and Wellness 3

n celebration of Mental Health Awareness Month and several national fitness observances in May, we present the third edition of our Bruin-owned series showcasing businesses that strengthen, heal and nourish the mind, body and spirit. Be sure to scroll to the bottom to explore previous fitness and wellness Bruin business listings.

Essential Physical Therapy and Wellness

Owner: Mita Patel ’99

Phone: 424-209-7884

Location: 2001 S. Barrington Ave., Suite 119, Los Angeles, CA 90025

Email: info@essentialptwellness.com

Website: essentialptwellness.com

Social: @essentialptwellness_la

About:

Essential Physical Therapy and Wellness envisions a world where people live healthy vibrant lives. Dialogue about pain, injuries and functional limitations will change. People will know they can improve their physical conditions, heal and live life with more ease, regardless of their condition, pain, level of fitness or age. Its mission is to empower our community to be healthier, happier and stronger - to instill and enhance the overall wellness of the individuals in our community.

Review:

“Mita worked wonders for me. I came to her with pain in my left knee. My orthopedist said it could be an old injury, so we did an MRI. He saw scar tissue and suggested I see a therapist. Mita showed me how my muscles were tight and taught me to watch my IT band. She also showed me how my balance was off. She corrected it in just a few sessions and asked me to stretch post-workouts. And here I was stretching before... She is the perfect blend of educator and therapist.” - Anil P.

Core Conditioning

Co-Owners: Allyson Cabot ’88 and Gabrielle Shrier ʼ91

Phone: 818-907-0008 (Studio City) ǀ 818-333-7281 (Burbank)

Locations: 12930 Ventura Blvd., Suite 226A, Studio City, CA 91604

2104 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank, CA 91506

Email: info@coreconditioningpt.com

Website: coreconditioningpt.com

Social: @_core_conditioning_

About:

Core Conditioning is a premier rehabilitation, fitness and wellness center. What makes Core Conditioning different from conventional physical therapy clinics is that we integrate the worlds of medical science, whole body fitness and lifetime wellness. Our staff of passionate professionals brings diverse skills and backgrounds, including sports medicine, orthopedics, women’s health, pediatrics, neurological rehabilitation, osteopathic techniques and dance medicine. We are a team of highly trained physical therapists with only one goal: to strengthen your body and condition your life.

Review:

"THIS is how physical therapy should be done! The entire staff, from the front desk to the PT aides, to the trainers, Pilates instructors, and of course, the physical therapists are incredibly friendly, welcoming and knowledgeable. They use evidence-based methods combined with innovative techniques to provide a holistic service. The owners, Ally and Gabrielle, are extraordinary PTs that will check in and follow up with you to make sure you're improving and to adjust their treatments as you progress with your injury. I personally had a neck/shoulder that immediately started feeling better after the first session. This is very much a hands-on clinic, unlike many PTs that sit you in a corner to do exercises alone and then come back to check on you." – Conrad S.

Kenneally Acupuncture & Healing Resource Center

Owner: Kathleen Kenneally ’88

Phone: 661-252-4100

Location: 23542 Lyons Ave., Suite 202, Newhall, CA 91321

Email: acudoctr@sbcglobal.net

Website: kenneallyacupuncture.com

Social: @kenneallyacupuncture

About:

Kenneally Acupuncture is a place of transformation, healing and hope. Here, people are met where they are; we nurture and support our patients on their personal paths of healing and expansion. We embrace our patients with the boundless joy that comes with serving people we love with medicine we love to share. With hearts fully open, we compassionately hold a vision of healing for all who seek it. It is our honor to be part of your journey to wellness.

Review:

“I travel 2 hours for my appointments to see Kathleen - that’s how good she is as an acupuncturist. Kathleen also has a great awareness about her clients and has helped me in numerous positive ways.” - Deanie Z.

4 Sight Academy

Owner: Sean Panado ’20

Phone: 619-800-8382

Location: 7420 Clairemont Mesa Blvd., Suite 109, San Diego, CA 92111

Email: 4sightacademy@gmail.com

Website: foursightacademy.com

Social: @4sightAcademy

About:

4sight Academy is where everyone is an athlete. Our state-of-the-art facility offers world-class equipment, training and community to empower your performance and limitless lifestyle. The 4sight Family consists of athletes of different ages, sports and professions. How they impact their communities, teams and organizations differ, but they share the unifying traits of unbreakable integrity, confidence in their self-worth and the ability to uplift others.

Review:

“There is nobody I could recommend more highly in the athletic trainer space than Sean Panado. He takes immense pride in his work, which is evident in the spotless facility and level of detail he puts into making sure each athlete's regimen will ensure their success. Anyone looking to elevate their training and performance is sure to find an incredible coach, mentor and lifelong friend in Sean.” - Jacob Y.

Mission Oaks Counseling & Wellness Center

Owner: Michelle Wonders ’88

Phone: 805-419-0449

Location: 1100 Flynn Road, Suite 201, Camarillo, CA 93012

Email: contact@mocwc.com

Website: mocwc.com

Social: @mocwc

About:

Mission Oaks is an organization for healing that provides the tools for revitalization of the mind, body and spirit. Our treatment philosophy considers all layers of a person to ensure overall wellness and vitality: the psychological, the physical, the spiritual, the social and the intellectual. MOCWC is staffed by professional and licensed practitioners who utilize healing modalities that support a nurturing environment for adults, adolescents, children, couples and families.

Review:

“MOCW is an asset to our community. I came to the center with my youngest child who was dealing with anxiety. Working with Ann, we were able to do some exercises that helped resolve it and continue to address it through the home program. I also love the meditation programs and the variety of classes they offer outside of the counseling programs! I highly recommend the center!" - Maggie R.

Aviara Acupuncture & Integrative Health

Co-Founder: Nenita McElroy ’93

Phone: 760-814-8196

Location: 6120 Paseo Del Norte, Suite L-1, Carlsbad, CA 92011

Website: aviaraacupuncture.com

Social: @aviaraacupuncture

About:

Aviara Acupuncture & Integrative Health delivers quality, compassionate and superior patient care using a time-tested, holistic healing system. You benefit from receiving a customized treatment plan based on your specific health needs in a caring and professional setting. In addition to acupuncture, we implement herbal therapy and other East Asian modalities such as Tui na therapeutic massage, nutrition and lifestyle recommendations.

Review:

“I am so happy I found Nenita. I came to her after years of unresolved symptoms with insatiable hunger. My doctors were unable to treat me successfully, which led me to go to Nenita with a list of strange symptoms that most doctors dismissed as "stress-related." She confidently knew that my condition was treatable, which gave me hope. Her warm and caring manner made me look forward to returning each week. I swear, I've never felt so relaxed! After a handful of sessions, I feel awesome. Just make an appointment. You will not regret it!” - Alisha B.

Weitz Sports Chiropractic and Nutrition

Owner: Dr. Ben Weitz ’83

Phone: 310-395-3111

Location: 1448 15th St., Suite 201, Santa Monica, CA 90404

Email: patients.weitzchiro@gmail.com

Website: drweitz.com

Social: @weitzchiro

About:

Quality chiropractic care for back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, sports injuries, elbow pain, wrist pain, hip pain, knee pain, ankle pain, foot pain, whiplash, headache, migraine, soft tissue injuries, muscle injuries and joint injuries. Dr. Weitz has over 27 years of experience as a sports chiropractor, rehabilitation expert and functional medicine nutritionist.

Review:

“Dr. Weitz has been my chiropractor for about three years and I'd highly recommend him! I began working with Dr. Weitz due to my lower back pain. Over the years, he has helped me resolve several issues with his precise diagnoses and adjustments. I feel a surge of energy and a sense of well-being after each session. My entire body feels connected and even my mind is sharper. The atmosphere in the office is peaceful and inviting. His staff is very personable and caring. Dr. Weitz is an excellent chiropractor who also has a great podcast, "Rational Wellness," addressing a variety of topics with top experts in each field.” - Jana H.

Village Health Foundation

CEO/Founder: Jewel Thais-Williams ʼ71

Phone: 323-733-0471

Location: 4077 W. Pico Blvd. Los Angeles, CA 90019

Email: villagehealthfdn@aol.com

Website: villagehealthfoundation.org

Social: @villagehealthfdn

About:

Our main mission is to provide affordable, accessible and effective professional services in complementary medicine to the community. We originally began as a natural healthcare clinic offering nontoxic treatments for people with HIV/AIDS. Our activities have expanded to include treatments for a wide range of diseases. We treat clients who are at risk for, or who have already developed diabetes, hypertension, high blood pressure, arthritis, heart disease, chronic diseases and have any variety of pain issues.

Review:

“This place is a 'jewel' in the community (no pun intended.) I was treated by Jewel who is thoughtful, patient, warm and kind... not to mention extremely knowledgeable and experienced. If you are interested in beginning or maintaining a holistic health and wellness regime while supporting an amazing community resource without breaking your pockets, the Village Health Foundation is your place!” - Lena H.

The Lunch MOB

Co-Owner: Jonathan Bonuan ’94

Phone: 949-415-9529

Location: 23552 Commerce Center Drive, Suite D, Laguna Hills, CA 92653

Email: thelunchmob.co/contact

Website: thelunchmob.co

Social: @thelunchmob

About:

It was 2014 when new dad Jonathan started preparing lunches for his then rambunctious toddlers, Jonah and Liam, to take to daycare. At first, he was happy-go-lucky, but then happy-go-lucky became a boring routine after noticing he was packing the same three to five "vanilla" meals each week. More importantly, he became increasingly concerned about his boys' nutritional needs, leading him to explore a variety of tastier and more health-conscious meals.

Review:

“Thank you, Lunch Mob, for the high quality, interestingly conceived lunches you provide to schools. Our child has not only been enjoying your meals but has also had the opportunity to develop a more adventurous palate due to being less resistant to trying new foods at school than at home. We appreciate the daily variety of options to choose from, the different portion sizes that you make available, the nutritional value of the food and the reasonable cost. Keep up the good work!” - Dan R.

Perfect Body Incorporated

Owner: Shawn Phillips ’98

Phone: 310-720-8125

Location: 11567 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025

Email: holisticbodytrainer@gmail.com

Website: shawnphillipstraining.com

Social: @shawnphillipstraining

About:

As a personal trainer in the Los Angeles area, I believe that in order to reach your highest achievement in life you must optimize your body so that this optimal state enhances your ability to express all of your gifts, talents, skills, abilities and attributes. Health and wellness is the foundation and platform of all expression and action in life. With an optimized body, you will begin to create and design the life that you want! By using an integrative approach to health, holistic fitness allows you to focus on various aspects of health which can optimize hormonal and neurotransmitter function, allowing you to have more energy, think more clearly, be assertive and look great.

Review:

“Wow! After working with many trainers over the years, Shawn is absolutely unique and the best. He takes a holistic approach to training, not just focusing on pumping iron or cardio till you drop. A tailored nutrition plan and a balanced life are key ingredients. After 4 weeks with Shawn, I've lost 7 pounds and 2 inches in my waist! Amazingly, with less pain and body aches than in my past training experiences. His approach works, I'm lucky to be working with him!” - Robin H.

Balance Chiropractic

Owner: Amy Yang ’00

Phone: 626-357-2222

Location: 120 W. Olive Ave., Monrovia, CA 91016

Email: info@bal-chiropractic.com

Website: bal-chiropractic.com

Social: @bal.chiropractic

About:

At Balance Chiropractic, we are committed to relieving our patients' body pain and improving their overall health and well-being using the principles of chiropractic care. We are results-oriented professionals who provide a step-by-step treatment program to help our patients achieve their goals, whether they are to alleviate pain, optimize mobility and comfort, improve posture, speed up recovery time or increase performance in their daily lives.

Review:

“This place is great! Dr. Amy Yang is kind, courteous and an amazing doctor. My lawyer sent me here after my car accident in February. My neck was feeling sore and painful, but she was able to relieve my pain and discomfort. If you are looking for an awesome chiropractor, look no further. She is a rock star! Thank you very much for such great care.” - Yasmin C.

Imbody Wellness

Founder: Isabella Bablumian ’04

Phone: +55-21-99832-1907

Location: Online

Email: hello@imbodywellness.com

Website: imbodywellness.com

Social: @imbodywellness

About:

Isabella’s passion is helping people find their unique path to vitality and pleasurable wellness. She has a passion for living with the Sensefulness Method for activating body wisdom, self-awareness and embodiment. This unique interdisciplinary approach was born in Brazil, inspired by the Afro-Brazilian traditions that celebrate life on earth as the culmination of our spiritual embodiment, based on the latest research in behavioral change, nutrition and fitness, positive psychology, and neurolinguistic programming. It infuses sexual energy activation practices and other healing modalities from the ancient Taoism.

Review:

“I would like to thank Imbody for the workshops and talks that opened my eyes to new ways of being, bringing quality of life, knowledge and the desire to continue improving. The little droplets of wisdom I learned from the Institute brought big changes to my inner world and my day-to-day. Despite the simple approach of workshops and talks, the experiences I had with Imbody were transformative and memorable, burning wellness directly into my soul's blueprint. As a result, I continue discovering the best version for myself, while the benefits I learned are perpetuated in me and my future generation. My eternal gratitude to Bella.” - Isabella R.

9Round Fitness

Owner: Chris Borgia ’10

Phone: 310-986-3910

Location: 1109 Aviation Blvd., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254

Website: 9round.com

Social: @9round_hermosabeach_aviation

About:

Get fit and have fun with 9Round Kickboxing Fitness, the premier kickboxing fitness studio in Hermosa Beach. The 30-minute, circuit-style workouts are the perfect solution for busy schedules, with no class times and a new session starting every three minutes.

Review:

“I have been going to 9Round for about three months now and I have never felt better. Chris and Barbara are amazing! They inspire me every time I come to work out harder. In just three months, I have seen results - I am healthier, stronger and happier. I had a hard time finding a safe gym during the COVID pandemic until I found 9Round in Hermosa. I love that you can show up whenever to start your workout and you really get a one-on-one training experience. The workouts also change every day so you never get bored. So happy to be a member of this gym.” - Brenda L.

Artemis Yoga

Co-Founder: Elizabeth Padula, MBA ’99

Phone: 617-393-3590

Location: 639 Mt. Auburn St., Watertown, MA 02472

Email: info@artemisyoga.com

Website: artemisyoga.com

Social: @artemisyoga

About:

Based in Watertown, Massachusetts, Artemis Yoga is an independent yoga studio offering more than 30 classes weekly in studio or online. The schedule is flexible for studio or home practice. Artemis Yoga is known for its welcoming community where anyone can learn and practice yoga to strengthen the body and relax the mind.

Review:

“Can I do 10 stars? I've been practicing Iyengar yoga for nearly 30 years, and Artemis is simply superb, a warm and welcoming studio and a true community. The space is bright and spotless. The teachers are top-flight, attentive and careful, modifying poses to suit individual abilities. The range of classes and educational sessions are impressive. Oh, and they have lovely front-of-house staff plus easy parking. Hats off to owner Liz Padula for creating and nurturing this gem of a yoga studio!” - Cynthia B.

Sculpt Fitness

Owner: David Minishian ’15

Phone: 562-470-6466

Location: 3255 E. South St. Suite K202, Long Beach, CA 90805

Email: longbeach.sculptfitness@gmail.com

Website: sculptfitnessla.com

Social: @sculptfitnessla

About:

We help clients create sustainable lifestyles to build the body they want. We don't push supplements or promote restrictive diets. We believe in finding a flexible approach to your health and fitness. Our training programs include our small group boot camp, semi-private training and personal training. Our coaches specialize in weight management and fat loss, muscle building and strength training, aerobic conditioning, sports performance, mobility and sustainable nutrition coaching. We also provide meal prep and food delivery services with our private chef to make nutrition simple and convenient.

Review:

“I have been part of the Sculpt Fitness family for over 5 years, I have contemplated going elsewhere only to realize Sculpt is my forever home. Sculpt is the only place I have ever felt comfortable. The coaches at Sculpt believe in their clients and will go over and beyond to provide the best experience possible. The atmosphere is clean, safe and definitely worth checking out” - Liz. V.

LA Sports Acupuncture

Founder: Jorga Houy ’93

Phone: 323-739-4333

Location: 5619 N. Figueroa St., Unit 221, Los Angeles, CA 90042

Email: jorga@lasportsacupuncture.com

Website: lasportsacupuncture.com

Social: @lasportsacupuncture

About:

At LA Sports Acupuncture, we specialize in sports medicine: the prevention and treatment of injuries and pain. Acute traumatic injuries require rapid response and are usually resolved rather quickly; old chronic injuries usually take longer to treat. Combining traditional knowledge of acupuncture, acupressure and herbal medicine with orthopedics and sports medicine. Chinese medicine regards the highest class of medicine to be prevention and the pursuit of longevity. By adopting many of the lifestyle choices offered by the philosophy of Chinese medicine, we can live long and healthy lives.

Review:

“It's truly amazing how a single session can address issues you've been grappling with for years. Over the past 15 years, I consistently experienced hip clicking and tight hip flexors on my right side, particularly during exercise. I used to attribute this to my body's natural asymmetry, believing I had to just deal with it. I tried various remedies such as stretches and trigger point balls, but they only offered minimal relief. Then, about five years ago, I began to develop lower back pain on the right side, and I soon realized the connection between my right hip clicking and this discomfort. Following just one session with Jorga, the hip clicking disappeared, and I immediately noticed an improvement in my core strength, as I could perform leg lifts without any clicking. Even my back pain seems to have improved significantly. I can't help but regret not seeing Jorga sooner.” - Sylvia S.

NutriFit

Founder: Jackie Keller, Ext. Cert. ’88

Phone: 310-473-2989

Location: 11692 Gateway Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90064

Email: info@nutrifitonline.com

Website: nutrifitonline.com

Social: @nutrifitonline

About:

NutriFit specializes in crafting fresh, personalized meal plans that are delivered to your doorstep. We also offer full-service nutritional support, biometric testing, wellness coaching and health-related products. Since 1987 we have been providing custom solutions that help our clients achieve optimal health and well-being. It’s our mission to help our clients live longer and healthier lives.

Review:

“I can't recommend Nutrifit enough. From day one my experience has been amazing. I met with Jackie to discuss my weight loss needs due to high blood pressure and pre-diabetes concerns. She put me on a plan that not only helped me lose the weight, but got me off all the medication I was on. In addition to health benefits, she opened my eyes to foods I had never had before. The food is absolutely amazing! I look forward to every delivery to see what 'goodies' I have for the day.” – Tara M.

Wonderwell Creative

Founder and CEO: Kate Bone ’00

Location: Online

Email: hello@wonderwellcreative.com

Website: wonderwellcreative.com

Social: @wonderwell.creative

About:

Creativity is your nature. Everyone and everything is creative, and you were born to create. Here at Wonderwell, we take a holistic and nature-based approach to the creative process. We tend to our projects as if we were tending to a garden. Through our educational programs, community circles and private mentorship, we help creators ground into your body, clarify your vision and develop nourishing structures to bring your dreams into reality. The best part? You don't have to do it alone. We're cultivating a global creative community of multi-passionate creatives to encourage and inspire you every step of the way.

Review:

"This is a space I have been looking for my whole life. The space you've created is conscious, buoyant and extremely loving. I am beyond grateful to share space and learn from you and the beautiful community that has formed." – Hannah B.

Happy Camper Play Therapy

Owner and Founder: Renee Holdo ’86

Phone: 404-731-8621

Location: 707 Whitlock Ave., Building D-34, Marietta, GA 30064

Email: happycamperplaytherapy@gmail.com

Website: happycamperplaytherapy.com

About:

At Happy Camper Play Therapy and Expressive Arts, we specialize in individual, and family play therapy, as well as child-centered play therapy and adolescent counseling. Additionally, we offer group work, workshops and seminars. Our clinicians are available to present on a variety of topics. Throughout the therapeutic process, the client is encouraged to take an active role in his or her treatment with the support of the therapist. Our goal is the client's goal. We utilize a variety of techniques to assist the client in achieving greater self-awareness, more positive relationships while increasing their capacity to experience and express their feelings. Clients of all ages, couples and families can reconnect with their inner values and sense of self-worth enabling them to find their way to move forward. When you play more, you feel better.

LushNature Wellness

Founder: James Aliberti ’87

Phone: 415-999-1554

Location: San Francisco Bay Area

Email: jamesalushnature@gmail.com

Website: golushnature.com

About:

LushNature Wellness offers guided forays, bird walks and outdoor team-building exercises to stave off chronic illness and isolation, and improve employee satisfaction and retention, benefitting present and future generations. With deep connections to the transformative properties of nature and the inhabitants of the wilds of the San Francisco Bay Area, sustainably promoting constructive partnerships with local organizations and beyond, we foster change by empowering thousands of participants to pursue interests in science, education and other positive quality of life enhancements.

Review:

"After my LushNature experience, I started looking at my challenges in the lab from more of what you'd call 'a bugs eye-view,' and it helped my project progress profusely. So many of the things the naturalist said super-resonated with me." - Kara P.

***

To submit a Bruin-owned business for future consideration, please send a note to connectfeedback@alumni.ucla.edu.

All Bruin-Owned Business Articles

Bruin Shelter Seeks Help Providing Students’ Basic Needs

recent UCLA survey found that 5% to 20% of California’s public college and university students experience homelessness. Bruin Shelter is a student-led organization that relies on donations to provide “a safe and supportive environment for all, providing basic resources, and helping students pursue their academic goals.”

Emerald Wong Exp. ’24 and Rachel Xu Exp. ’25 are Bruin Shelter student volunteers who believe there is an urgent need to address this important issue. Xu says, “Something that we try to emphasize is that the residents are just students. If you're sitting in a 300-person lecture hall, one of every 20 students in that lecture with you is facing housing insecurity.”

Emerald Wong is Bruin Shelter’s current vice president. She is majoring in human biology and society and minoring in public health, and plans to apply to medical school after a gap year working as a clinical research coordinator. She says, “We believe that there should be no barriers to higher education, especially housing. I’ve learned how we as students can mobilize to create change on our campus, especially ethical, long term, sustainable change.”

Rachel Xu is the shelter’s co-director of staff and will be next year's incoming president. She is a human biology and society major with plans to apply to medical school and become a physician. She says, “I've come to really feel so passionately about securing basic needs for students. Seeing how food, access to medical care and housing are so intertwined has given me a more comprehensive view of healthcare and basic needs.”

Bruin Shelter was founded in 2016 by Louis Tse, M.S. ’14, Ph.D. ’16, and Luke Shaw to address the lasting economic impact of the 2008 recession. At that time, the estimated cost of running the 10-bed shelter was $25,000 per year. Since then, the shelter located in Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Santa Monica has housed a total of 51 Los Angeles college students.

More information on the shelter’s history can be found in our 2016 story on the founding of Bruin Shelter. The nonprofit organization Students4Students (S4S) oversaw shelter operations, and expanded to include Trojan Shelter at USC and Aggie House at UC Davis.

Bruin Shelter pairs students facing a lack of housing with case managers recruited from the David Geffen School of Medicine and the Luskin School of Social Work who connect them with resources to find permanent supportive housing, employment opportunities and health care. Xu says, “I think when you have access to basic needs, it goes unnoticed and taken for granted. But having secure access to basic needs is so important, especially on college campuses.”

In 2020, the shelter paused operations as a result of unprecedented challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. Although they couldn’t house students, volunteers launched a remote case management program to connect students experiencing housing insecurity with available resources. They also created a basic needs resource guide, which they provide to all applicants. Following the pandemic, as the shelter prepared to reopen, S4S let them know that they were facing financial challenges and chose to dissolve their organization. Seeking a solution, Bruin Shelter volunteers reached out to founder Louis Tse, who now runs the nonprofit organization, Student MOJO. Student MOJO accepted it as a project under their fiscal sponsorship.

Student-volunteers are searching for a new shelter location, and continue to provide essential services and resources. Wong says, “We really want to emphasize that we're looking for a new space to accommodate us and our mission.” Xu continues, “It's always been our priority to make sure we can offer housing free of cost. We're looking for financial support and job opportunities for our service recipients. These students have bright futures ahead of them, and they need housing to get there.”

“It's always been our priority to make sure we can offer housing free of cost. We're looking for financial support and job opportunities for our service recipients. These students have bright futures ahead of them, and they need housing to get there.”

In the absence of a physical shelter, volunteers have focused on initiatives to help students in other ways. In 2023, they raised nearly $6,000 in a UCLA SPARK campaign to continue their efforts to provide basic needs for unhoused college students. As part of their food resource program, volunteers shop for and deliver groceries to Los Angeles college students facing food insecurity and assemble backpacks containing hygiene, clothing and medical items which they donate to organizations that serve Los Angeles’ unhoused community. They also attend research conferences and share their mission through presentations and events.

Bruin Shelter partnered with other service-oriented student groups to create a Community Service Commission of the Undergraduate Students Association Council. The group successfully advocated for UCLA to eliminate dining hall restriction for students with overdue tuition fees.

UCLA students Wong and Xu have come away from this experience with a deeper understanding of the complex issues surrounding housing insecurity and the importance of addressing basic needs for their peers, along with the power of getting involved and working for a better world.

Xu says, “I've been able to see these tangible changes that we've made, and it reminds you that as a student, you have so much power to effect change in your community. No action is too small and we should all use that to our advantage to create a more equitable environment.”

Wong says, “You are only in college for such a short time, I think you should really spend that time doing something that is both impactful to the broader community and meaningful to you. As students, we have so much more power than we realize; what you do really matters to other people.”

Donations to Bruin Shelter go towards providing basic needs to students experiencing housing insecurity, including hygiene and first aid products, groceries, clothing and school supplies. They are seeking a new shelter location, and in the meantime, they are working to connect college students with rent-free and supportive housing options. If you would like to donate, please click here and be sure to indicate your donation is on behalf of Bruin Shelter.

A Fitness Examination of Sound Body Sound Mind

t started as a nonprofit organization in 1998 founded by Cindy and Bill Simon with a focus on supporting public schools. Their first installation was a fitness center at Palisades High School under the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). They immediately saw a change in students’ attitudes towards exercise, which snowballed into a mission to open more fitness centers across the city. Bill Simon, an assistant adjunct professor in both the UCLA Department of Economics and the UCLA School of Law, and recipient of the Marty Sklar My Last Lecture Award, told UCLA, “Our ultimate goal is to ensure that every student has the opportunity, knowledge and tools to pursue a healthy lifestyle through physical fitness.”

Since its creation, Sound Body Sound Mind (SBSM) has grown to 152 centers and impacts nearly 200,000 students each year. Along with the fitness center, SBSM develops an exercise curriculum and provides professional development training.

Its mission: “To promote self-confidence and healthy lifestyle choices among today’s youth.” Amelia Sherman, manager of communications and programming at SBSM, is deeply connected to this mission. She attended an LAUSD school, and although she didn’t know it at the time, her school’s fitness center was one of SBSM’s first.

“Our ultimate goal is to ensure that every student has the opportunity, knowledge and tools to pursue a healthy lifestyle through physical fitness.”

The organization merged under the UCLA Health Foundation in 2020. Since the transition coincided with the COVID-19 pandemic, Sherman says there were adjustments to how the organization partnered with schools, pivoting from “opening as many fitness centers as possible” to “nurturing current schools and setting up the foundation to grow.”

Now in their 25^th year, they are pushing to revamp their current fitness centers. Sherman and her colleague recently visited all the 152 schools in SBSM’s network and determined the state of each of the centers. They are working to review the currently active programs and ensure that their funding dollars go to the sources that need it the most. They use metrics, derived from Health and Human Services and CDC data, to see the areas where the health disparities are the greatest, so they can focus their funding there. Since the program has been in existence at some of these schools for close to 25 years, Sherman says, “UCLA plans to repair any equipment or train new teachers and make sure that they have the knowledge of the science behind the fitness centers.”

Sherman explained how SBSM uses state-mandated physical fitness tests as beginning and end markers to determine if the program is successful. According to the SBSM website, “Since 2017, across 30 schools that completed data collection, the average FitnessGram pass rate before our program was 39%. After implementing our program for an eight-week period, passing rates improved to 59%.” This data shows the correlation between the centers and curriculum that Sound Body Sound Mind implements.

Along with the physical testing, they also have students complete a wellness survey which asks about resources and support within their community regarding physical education awareness and their attitudes towards it. Both the fitness tests and the surveys are used to measure the effectiveness of the centers and the organization’s partnership with the schools.

Since SBSM works with local public schools, they often face the problem of overextended administrators and teaching staff. Even after they partner with a school, the staff may not be able to fully utilize the resources provided to them, leaving the resource untouched. Sherman explains, “Before initiating the program, [SBSM] trains all PE teachers. Teachers are the stewards of the program to promote healthy lifestyles with their students. They are the ones receiving the resources, so it is beneficial when they completely understand how to use them.” She says, “Once we give a fitness center to a school, it is the responsibility of the school site to maintain and repair it, but it's often forgotten, unfortunately. So we see a lot of schools that don't receive the best care.”

Another challenge the organization has faced is the long-lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. She says, “We see in the data that student fitness levels have taken a nosedive after the pandemic.” Sherman explains that it is beyond the control of just one program, but she hopes that based on their positive results, SBSM can help students return to a stable baseline.

“If you exercise more, you feel better.”

The name Sound Body Sound Mind was based on research that showed “if you exercise more, you feel better.” In 2021, the organization created a mindfulness education curriculum with the Mindful Awareness Research Center at UCLA. Despite the curriculum’s proven benefits, it was difficult to implement because the video lessons required students to lose their exercise period. However, they have used this challenge to refocus on physical education and its benefits to mental and physical health.

Sherman shares a similar sentiment regarding the current state of fitness education across Los Angeles. “Going to all these schools, going to different neighborhoods, you can really see the divide in the resources that each school site has.” She says, “It's so important that students have the ability to walk into a room and feel confident in a gym setting so they can have lifelong fitness.”

Having grown up in Los Angeles, Sherman enjoys the close connection she has to the program and sees it as a “legacy of giving back to her community.” She says many UCLA alumni attended SBSM schools and now have a chance to make a difference for the future. “If alumni want to give back to their community, they can make a contribution. But on a personal level, they can always just get out and keep moving.”

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To learn more about Sound Body Sound Mind and ways to help, visit https://www.uclahealth.org/programs/soundbodysoundmind.

Bruins in NYC: Networking Mixer and Alumni Panel

The UCLA Alumni Association, in collaboration with the UCLA Chancellor’s Society and the UCLA Alumni New York Tri-State Network, brought the spirit of Westwood to Manhattan, New York City on May 8th, 2024 with a networking mixer and alumni panel in a gorgeous venue. The panelists included: Tamara Lazzarotto '12, Head of Business Development, Emerging Brands & Strategic Partnerships at Amazon, Samuel Lee '15 Vice President, Investment Banking at Morgan Stanley, and Angélica S. Gutiérrez, Ph.D. '00, PhD '12 Business Professor at Loyola Marymount University, Contributing Writer at Inc. Magazine, and Visiting Professor/Renwick Faculty Fellow at NYU Stern School of Business.