EmPower Hour

EmPower Hour programs invite UCLA alumni, faculty and staff to come together and delve into various social issues affecting our local and global communities. These programs serve as a space for alumni to engage in thought-provoking discussions with content experts and explore strategies to inspire action towards building a more equitable and inclusive world. Whether you're a seasoned advocate, a concerned community member, or someone eager to learn more, EmPower Hour events offer a valuable opportunity to deepen our shared understanding of pressing issues and connect with others committed to creating positive change.

EmPower Hour Playlist

Recent EmPower Hour Programs

This event took place February 27, 2024, at UCLA's Black Bruin Resource Center. The aim of this program was to raise awareness about the importance of mental health within the Black community. By openly discussing mental health issues, stigma is reduced and folks are encouraged and empowered to seek help when needed. Emphasizing community wellness goes beyond addressing mental health alone.

This event took place on November 8, 2024, at the James West Alumni Center. This facilitated discussion shined a spotlight on the trailblazing alumnae who have excelled in their artistry in film and television, while maintaining their active commitment to positive social change. From combatting stereotypes and methods of tokenism, to humanizing historically underrepresented communities, these featured alumnae have successfully intersected talent with activism.  

This event took place on May 18, 2023, via Zoom. The journey to completing one’s degree is unique to each student. Sometimes, students may encounter life experiences or challenges that require them to step away from the university. Following time away, the prospect of returning can feel daunting. In this conversation, featured speakers shared their experiences completing their degrees after a break of several years, and their motivations for returning.

EmPower Hour Audio Recording

Listen to EmPower Hour: Journey Back, It's Never Too Late to Complete Your Degree

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Featured speakers Anna Spain Bradley, Vice Chancellor for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, and Dr. Elizabeth Gonzalez ‘09, the inaugural Director of the Hispanic-Serving Institution at UCLA, discuss UCLA’s current progress toward becoming a Hispanic-Serving Institution and how this aligns with a vision for equity on campus and beyond. UCLA Alumni Diversity Programs & Initiatives is proud to co-sponsor this event with the UCLA Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Office, the UCLA Hispanic-Serving Institution and the UCLA Latino Alumni Association. To learn about UCLA’s pursuit of the Hispanic-Serving Institution designation please see the Chancellor’s message, the Hispanic-Serving Institution taskforce’s report, and the announcement of Dr. Gonzalez’s position. Read more information on the UC system’s Hispanic-Serving Institution efforts and the White House Initiative.

The 2021 EmPower Hour series focuses on alumni reflections on activism. From student activism to protests, this series will dive into the lived experiences of our alumni guests and offer participants an opportunity to reflect on their own activism practices.

UCLA Diversity Programs & Initiatives and UCLA Mixed Alumni Association is proud to present "BIPOC Women Reframing Self-Care for Community Activism." In this session, BIPOC alumnae discuss self care, mental health and how BIPOC women are reframing the idea of self care to be activists for their communities.