Annual Conference

DAY 1

The conference started with welcomes from Associate Vice Chancellor of Campus Human Resources Lubbe Levin and AMG Chair Mark Lucas. Then, UCLA Chancellor Gene D. Block welcomed guests with a pre-recorded video message.

Athletic Director Martin Jarmond delivered the opening keynote and shared his E.L.I.T.E. mindset, which stands for Energy, Leadership, Integrity, Toughness and Excellence. Jarmond went on to discuss the importance of being aware of the energy you can bring to a room.

Project Management 101

Vivian Taslakian, Program Director for UCLA Extension’s Engineering Department, delivered an overview of the various methodologies of Project Management. She also reminded attendees to take advantage of the 25% discount on UCLA Extension courses available to UCLA staff.

UCLA Staff & Faculty Groups

Day 1 also featured a panel discussion about staff & faculty groups on campus. The audience got to learn about the history, mission, and upcoming events from the Black, Latino, Native American, and Asian American Pacific Islander staff and faculty groups. The panel was moderated by Joy Kruger, president of UCLA Staff Assembly.

Campus Resources

In the campus resources spotlight, Dylan Stafford, Asst. Dean and Director of Admissions for the FEMBA program at the Anderson School of Management, promoted upcoming leadership courses. Cole Oost, manager of public outreach, uncovered the hidden gem—or should we say campus jewel—that is the UCLA Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden.

AMG Power Bites

Day 1 concluded with a special recipe for the AMG Power Bites, a quick, delicious, affordable snack made from natural ingredients that will help keep you focused and energized throughout the day. Culinary Arts Coordinator Julia Rhoton reminded attendees that UCLA Rec’s Teaching Kitchenoffers culinary workshops, hands-on training, and free resources available to UCLA staff. Check out the recipe!

DAY 2

Day 2 kicked off with some energizing FitWell exercises followed by a special message from UC President Michael V. Drake.

Following President Drake’s message was a truly inspiring keynote from Vice Provost of Enrollment Management Youlonda Copeland-Morgan. To frame her discussion on leadership, Copeland-Morgan discussed the saying, “Success is where preparation meets opportunity.” She spoke frankly about the challenges she has faced as a woman of color and her steady rise to lead a White House task force on middle class families.

“It’s not about us, the leaders,” said Copeland-Morgan. “It’s about the mission.”

Change Management & Communications

For the first time, the AMG Conference featured a  segment focused on Change Management, particularly as it relates to leadership and communication at UCLA. Associate Vice Chancellor of IT Services and Chief Information Officer Lucy Avetisyan and Strategic CommunicationsDirector of Media Relations Bill Kisliuk discussed leadership in IT and media relations during a period of rapid change.

Campus Resources

Similar to the day before, Day 2 featured important campus resources every Bruin should know about. Dianne Fuller discussed the various services and specialties offered from the UCLA School of Dentistry. Kimberly Terrill talked about the UCLA Career Center, and Tom King discussed the importance of blood donation and the many resources provided by the UCLA Blood & Platelet Center.

“Eye-opening.”

Probably one of the most memorable parts of the conference was the closing keynote delivered by Vice Dean of Justice, Equity Diversity & Inclusion for the David Geffen School of Medicine, Dr. David McIntosh. Presenting current data from freely available sources, Dr. McIntosh took attendees on a journey that explores race, socioeconomic norms, and what it really means to live in a diverse community.

Networking Session

After the conference concluded, attendees were invited to a special networking session hosted by Deputy Director of Enrollment Management Dr. Scott Carter. This meeting featured breakout rooms where staff from all across campus could meet, share stories and even exchange contact information.

THANK YOU!