Kick off the day with opening remarks, a brief overview of the event, and framing for the conversations and sessions ahead.

Faculty Roundtable Discussion: Black Faculty Advancement Matters 

In this session, we will explore strategies for fostering robust networks that empower and support existing faculty, nurture mentorship opportunities for new faculty members and strengthen the pipeline for future talent. 

This session is designed to be a shared space for building a collaborative network across the system to support the unique needs of faculty at R1 institutions. 

Mentor, Coach, Sponsor — Your Career Entourage: Why You Need All Three 

In today’s evolving workplace, professional growth isn’t meant to be a solo journey. It requires a network of intentional relationships that help you build skills, navigate challenges and open doors. This session breaks down the distinct and powerful roles of mentors, coaches and sponsors — your essential “career entourage.” 

Participants will learn how each role supports career development differently, who they need at various stages of their journey and how to cultivate these relationships with confidence and authenticity. Through practical examples and reflective discussion, attendees will leave with a clearer roadmap for engaging the right partners at the right time in their career to accelerate their professional progress. 

This session is designed to be interactive, uplifting and applicable for staff at all career levels. 

We will close out the event with reflections, shared takeaways, and final remarks as we look ahead to continued engagement.

• Light Refreshments will be provided
• Open to all; no ticket or RSVP required 

Tickets are available for purchase through the Mondavi Center Box Office 

• Map to the Gateway Structure
• Visitor Parking - $18 daily rate in C, L and F zones (free for those with valid disabled placard) 

For guests who need overnight accommodation, below is the booking link with the UC Davis corporate rate pre-filled for local World of Hyatt properties:  

• Hyatt | Select Room  

What Would Ryan Do? Professional Development Lessons from “Sinners” 

What can the biggest blockbuster of 2025 teach us about professional development? Much more than you think. We will explore lessons within and surrounding the film and how you can apply them to your career and life aspirations. There will be spoilers! 

This session is designed for all staff and will be highly interactive because it takes a village to make it to dawn.  

Join us for a UCLA tour

• Campus Map
• Visit UCLA Fowler Museum 
• Visit UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame 
• Visit the Hammer Museum 

This interactive workshop will teach participants how to become radical listeners, those who listen across and against bias. How do we filter out noise and truly hear each other? How do those of us who hold stories that are often hard to tell, figure out how, when, and in what circumstances to share them?

They will reflect on the intersections of culture, creativity, identity, and leadership, and how the arts can offer inspiration and perspective during challenging times. 

Location: Luskin Conference Center Optimist Room (on 2nd floor).

Visitor parking is $17/day and can be paid via self-service pay stations or ParkMobile (refer to “How to Pay” on visitor parking site).

Suggested lots are Parking Structure 8 (nearest to Luskin Center) or Parking Structure 4 (nearest to Student Activities Center) (Campus parking map).

UC employees may be eligible for parking reciprocity:

• In order to obtain reciprocity, faculty and staff must upload proof of their home campus permit and a valid UC ID to the Bruin ePermit Portal.
• Follow this step-by-step guide at least a day in advance.

• Hotels near UCLA