“ROOTED IN RESILIENCE
Nurturing Growth & Innovation for an Abundant Harvest”
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
8:00 am – 4:00 pm
Carnesale Commons, Palisades Room
251 Charles E Young Drive West, Los Angeles, CA 90095
Focusing on the idea of mentorship and guidance, our theme will be “Rooted in Resilience: Nurturing Growth and Innovation for an Abundant Harvest.” The AMG Leadership Conference will feature prominent campus leaders on a variety of topics. We invite you to join us for a full day of keynote speakers and professional development workshops.
Registration
Registration requires an @ucla.edu email
Speakers
Mark Ramseyer
Ram-Si-Er | He/Him/His | Program Director, UCLA Extension
Mark embodies exactly what it means to grow a meaningful career at UCLA, while lifting others along the way. Mark holds a deep history within the UC system, spanning over two decades of dedicated service.
Dr. Elizabeth Gonzalez
She/Her | Director, Organizational Change, Office of Inclusive Excellence
Dr Elizabeth Gonzalez, UCLA’s inaugural Director of the Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) initiative, is an Indigenous leader committed to collective action for institutional transformation. Since her appointment in 2022, Dr. Gonzalez has engaged senior leadership, staff, faculty, students, and alumni to enhance the university’s capacity to support its diverse student body, resulting in the establishment of UCLA’s Latinx Success Center and the Excelencia Scholars Program, a new scholarship for low-income students.
Dr. Gonzalez earned her Ph.D. and M.S. in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and her B.A. in Psychology, cum laude, from UCLA. A Ford Fellow, she is recognized for her research on ethnic-racial identity development and her commitment to advancing educational opportunity, making significant contributions to the field through both her scholarship and leadership.
Dr. Drea Letamendi
Drey-ah let-ah-MEN-dee | She/Ella | Director of CORE Mobile Crisis Services, CAPS
Dr. Drea Letamendi (she/her/ella) is a clinical psychologist, mental health advisor for the creative arts and entertainment industries, and two-time TEDx speaker with an undergraduate degree from Cornell University, her PhD from UCSD, and postdoctoral training at UCLA. Dr. Drea served UCLA as a campus mental health leader, which included 3 years as the Interim Director of the UCLA Resilience Center and 8 years as the Associate Director of Mental Health Training, Intervention, and Response in Residential Life. In 2025, Dr. Drea began serving as the Inaugural Director of UCLA CAPS Compassionate Response, or “CORE.” CAPS CORE is the UCLA’s first mobile crisis response program that deploys a team of unarmed first responders who support, assist, and provide mental health care for Bruins in crisis throughout our campus community. Dr Drea teaches groups at universities and colleges, hospitals and therapy clinics, and entertainment and gaming studios such as Marvel and Disney about how to use storytelling for self-development and empowerment.
Michael V. Jenkins, PhD
Manager, IT Risk Operations
Michael V. Jenkins, PhD, MBA, is a leader, educator, and organizational strategist at UCLA Health. With extensive experience developing high-performing teams and strengthening organizational effectiveness, he helps leaders navigate complexity, build trust, and drive meaningful results. A frequent speaker and facilitator, Dr. Jenkins connects leadership theory with practical application.
Marian Gabra
Ma-ri-an | She/Her/Hers | Senior Director, Learning & Development and Strategic Partnerships, Center for Academic Advising in the College
Marian Gabra is a lifelong advocate for learning, leadership, and collaboration. In her role as Senior Director of Learning & Development and Strategic Partnerships, she designs programs and initiatives that help individuals and organizations adapt, grow, and thrive. Her work focuses on creating meaningful learning experiences, supporting leadership development, and fostering partnerships that connect education with practice. Marian provides leadership and oversight to the College Advisor Training Program and has created and implemented the Advising Communities of Excellence (ACE) Professional Development Program. She is the director of University Studies, and teaches courses under the program. She also advises students in the Center for Academic Advising in the College. She currently chairs the UC wide Advisor Training & Professional Development work-group and serves on the NACADA Research Committee. Marian is passionate about helping learners discover their potential and creating environments where people feel empowered to contribute, innovate, and lead. She brings a relationship-centered approach to her work, believing that lasting impact happens when learning, community, and opportunity converge. Marian is a published author, and has been a featured keynote speaker. She earned her BA in English from Occidental College in 2002 and her doctorate in Comparative Literature from UCLA in 2010.
Rejeana Mathis
She/Her | Director, Learning & Organizational Development, Campus Human Resources
Rejeana Mathis serves as the Director of Learning and Organizational Development in UCLA Campus Human Resources. In this role, she is responsible for leading the training function and designing and facilitating leadership and management development, team interventions, and process improvement efforts. Rejeana joined UCLA in 2007 to establish the Management Development Certificate Program. Before joining UCLA, Rejeana was Director of Workforce Development at the Los Angeles Times, Manager of Leadership Development at Tribune Company, and a human resources manager at the Chicago Tribune Company Freedom Center production facility. In addition, Rejeana was a management consultant providing coaching, training, and facilitation services for public, private, and non-profit clients. Rejeana became Chair-Elect of CUCSA in 2015, after serving as President of the UCLA Staff Assembly. She was also a recipient of the CUCSA Systemwide Outstanding Staff Award.
ProShare Team
Satenik Baghdasaryan
Clinical Information Manager, Emergency Department
Kyjana McMillan
Human Resources Analyst
Hector Lucero
Director of Finance, UCLA School of Dentistry
Quenesha Caballero
Senior Quality & Safety Programs Administrator
Vivian La
Audit and Accounting Manager
Agenda
Morning
| Time & Conference Room | Description |
|---|---|
| 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM, Palisades Room | Registration and Breakfast |
| 9:00 AM – 9:10 AM, Palisades Room | Welcome and Conference Overview |
| 9:10 AM – 9:15 AM, Palisades Room | Introduction of Opening Fireside Chat: Mark Ramseyer and Patty Gonzalez Johnson |
| 9:15 AM – 9:55 AM, Palisades Room | Opening Fireside Chat with Mark Ramseyer
Join us for a dynamic session with Mark Ramseyer—former AMG Chair, higher education leader, and professional development advocate. Drawing on over two decades of UC service and his instrumental role in shaping AMG, Mark will share practical strategies for cultivating a lasting, impactful career at UCLA. He will discuss how to leverage campus networks, upskill and adapt to technological shifts like AI, and provide actionable insights for both aspiring and seasoned managers. |
| 9:55 AM – 10:05 AM, Palisades Room | AMG Chair Welcome and Introduction of VC Lovely Video |
| 10:05 AM – 10:10 AM, Palisades Room | Introduction of Morning Fireside Chat: Elizabeth Gonzalez and Lily Hernandez |
| 10:10 AM – 10:45 AM, Palisades Room | Morning Firechat: Elizabeth Gonzalez, PhD., Director of Hispanic-Serving Institutuion (HSI) Initiatives at UCLA’s Office of the Chancellor.
Join us for a conversation with Dr. Elizabeth Gonzalez, Inaugural Director of the HSI initiative and Director of Organizational Change within UCLA’s Office of Inclusive Excellence, as we explore leadership practices in fostering growth among teams and strengthening community across UCLA. As new challenges and changes occur across the university, managers play a vital role in helping their teams adapt and thrive. Together, we will reflect on leadership, resilience, and the power of community in supporting success. |
| 10:45 AM – 11:00 AM, Palisades Room | Announce Breakout session transition, Thank Sponsors and do Raffle |
| 11:00 AM – 11:15 AM, Palisades Room | Break and Transition to Breakout Sessions |
Breakouts A.M.
| Time & Conference Room | Description |
|---|---|
| 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM, Hermosa 1 | Planted, Not Promoted: Growing Into Leadership Before the Title Comes
Michael Jenkins, Manager, IT Security Risk Operations, UCLA Health IT & ISS Leadership is cultivated long before authority is conferred. While many wait for a promotion, future leaders plant seeds of character, credibility, curiosity, and contribution that shape their lasting impact. This engaging session explores how emerging professionals can grow their influence, honor institutional wisdom, and navigate change with confidence. Participants will discover practical strategies for leading where they are today, proving that the most effective leaders are not simply promoted, but intentionally planted and purposefully prepared. |
| 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM, Venice 1 | Nurturing Growth and Innovation: An Intentional Leadership Framework
Marian Gabra, Sr. Director, Learning & Development and Strategic Partnerships, Center for Academic Advising in the College Strong workplace cultures do not emerge by chance. They are shaped by leaders who intentionally create environments where people feel valued, supported, motivated, and inspired to innovate. In this session, participants will explore the principles and practices of intentional leadership and its impact on organizational culture. Through a practical leadership framework, attendees will examine how purpose-driven leadership can cultivate trust, belonging, accountability, and engagement across teams and institutions. Drawing on concrete examples and experiences, the session will highlight strategies for fostering cultures of community care, continuous growth, and innovation. Participants will leave with actionable ideas for creating conditions that support individual development, strengthen collaboration, and encourage creative problem-solving in an evolving higher education landscape. Whether you lead a team, manage programs, or influence culture within your institution, this session offers tools and insights to help you lead with intention and build environments where people and ideas can thrive. |
| 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM, Malibu | Embracing the Seasons, Although You Hate (insert season here)
Rejeana Mathis, Director, Learning & Organizational Development, Campus Human Resources (CHR) While some of us delight in the changing leaves of autumn, others are counting down the days until summer returns. The real challenge isn’t the season itself—it’s how we navigate the seasons of growth and professional development with joy, possibility, and peace of mind. This session will help you assess where you are, reframe your perspective, and flourish through times of change. You’ll leave with practical tips, actionable tools, and dedicated time to explore new possibilities and chart your next steps. |
| 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM, Palisades Room | ProShare Your Journey: Building Connections Across UCLA
Join a panel of former ProShare participants as they share how the program helped them build meaningful relationships, expand their cross-campus networks, and gain new perspectives on the UCLA community. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, hear candid experiences, and learn how ProShare fosters lasting connections and professional growth across the university. |
Lunch
| Time | Description |
|---|---|
| 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM, Palisades Room | Transition back to Palisades Room for Lunch |
| 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM, Palisades Room | Raffle and Thank You Sponsors |
| 1:30 PM – 1:45 PM, Palisades Room | Break and Transition to Breakout Sessions |
Breakouts P.M.
| Time & Conference Room | Description |
|---|---|
| 1:45 PM – 2:30 PM, Hermosa 1 | Planted, Not Promoted: Growing Into Leadership Before the Title Comes
Michael Jenkins, Manager, IT Security Risk Operations, UCLA Health IT & ISS Leadership is cultivated long before authority is conferred. While many wait for a promotion, future leaders plant seeds of character, credibility, curiosity, and contribution that shape their lasting impact. This engaging session explores how emerging professionals can grow their influence, honor institutional wisdom, and navigate change with confidence. Participants will discover practical strategies for leading where they are today, proving that the most effective leaders are not simply promoted, but intentionally planted and purposefully prepared. |
| 1:45 PM – 2:30 PM, Venice 1 | Nurturing Growth and Innovation: An Intentional Leadership Framework
Marian Gabra, Sr. Director, Learning & Development and Strategic Partnerships, Center for Academic Advising in the College Strong workplace cultures do not emerge by chance. They are shaped by leaders who intentionally create environments where people feel valued, supported, motivated, and inspired to innovate. In this session, participants will explore the principles and practices of intentional leadership and its impact on organizational culture. Through a practical leadership framework, attendees will examine how purpose-driven leadership can cultivate trust, belonging, accountability, and engagement across teams and institutions. Drawing on concrete examples and experiences, the session will highlight strategies for fostering cultures of community care, continuous growth, and innovation. Participants will leave with actionable ideas for creating conditions that support individual development, strengthen collaboration, and encourage creative problem-solving in an evolving higher education landscape. Whether you lead a team, manage programs, or influence culture within your institution, this session offers tools and insights to help you lead with intention and build environments where people and ideas can thrive. |
| 1:45 PM – 2:30 PM, Malibu | Embracing the Seasons, Although You Hate (insert season here)
Rejeana Mathis, Director, Learning & Organizational Development, Campus Human Resources (CHR) While some of us delight in the changing leaves of autumn, others are counting down the days until summer returns. The real challenge isn’t the season itself—it’s how we navigate the seasons of growth and professional development with joy, possibility, and peace of mind. This session will help you assess where you are, reframe your perspective, and flourish through times of change. You’ll leave with practical tips, actionable tools, and dedicated time to explore new possibilities and chart your next steps. |
| 1:45 PM – 2:30 PM, Palisades Room | ProShare Your Journey: Building Connections Across UCLA
Join a panel of former ProShare participants as they share how the program helped them build meaningful relationships, expand their cross-campus networks, and gain new perspectives on the UCLA community. Attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions, hear candid experiences, and learn how ProShare fosters lasting connections and professional growth across the university. |
Closing
| Time & Conference Room | Description |
|---|---|
| 2:30 PM – 2:45 PM, Palisades Room | Break and Transition back to Palisades Room |
| 2:45 PM – 2:55 PM, Palisades Room | Raffle and Sponsor Thank you |
| 2:55 PM – 3:00 PM, Palisades Room | Introduction of Afternoon Speaker: Dr. Drea Letamendi
Introduction: Jenna Bustamante, M.Ed |
| 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM, Palisades Room | Nurturing Your Leadership Narrative: Restorative, Empowering, and Long-lasting Well-Being Strategies
Dr. Drea Letamendi, Director of CORE Mobile Crisis Services, CAPS Attendees will learn wellness techniques designed to achieve mental balance, re-affirm purpose, and fit their own personal story of leadership. Rooted in Positive Psychological Capital (PSYCAP) leader development theory, this session rejects the one-size-fits-all myth and champions storytelling as a powerful tool of growth and development. |
| 3:45 PM – 4:00 PM, Palisades Room | Raffle and Closing Remarks |
Sponsors
Survey
Coming soon!