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.
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.
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.
ProShare Your Journey: Building Connections Across UCLA
- 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
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.