News

When one thinks of Los Angeles from an international perspective, images of majestic sunsets and sunrises, Hollywood movies and famous actors, year-long warm weather, and a vibrant mix of diverse cultures come to mind. While these visual icons define Los Angeles, many international students also recognize it as home of the UCLA brand—a beacon of opportunity. UCLA stands on the foundational pillars—that with hard work, and the drive to succeed, possibilities are endless.

In 2007, Jenny Byrd started a job as an Event Manager for UCLA Residential Life. An artist at heart, she was unsure that an administrative career in higher education could ever be a viable path for her. However, during her nearly two decades working at UCLA, Jenny found new creative outlets in research and assessment, student programming and organizational development. What began as just a day job supporting her moonlight career as a theater producer slowly became her calling.

This quarter, we’re thrilled to introduce Vanessa Aviva González-Siegel (she/ella/ela) as the newly appointed director of the UCLA LGBTQ Campus Resource Center. Situated in the heart of the Student Activities Center and across from the Arthur Ashe Student Health and Wellness Center, the LGBTQ Center has long been a hub for inclusion, acceptance, and community on campus. With Vanessa’s proven leadership, this dynamic space is projected to grow its impact even further across the UCLA community.