UCLA Luskin Department of Public Policy

07/06/2026

Congratulations to 2024 alum Akib Rahman, MPP for his new position as Government Relations Manager at California Humanities. Akib continues his work in supporting the arts after two years as the Policy Coordinator at Arts for LA. https://lnkd.in/g3wxRM5Q.

06/25/2026

Alum Spotlight: New MPP'26 alum Thomas Shay will continue his graduate education as he pursues a Juris Doctorate degree at the Pepperdine Caruso Law School. Thomas joins many MPP alums who pursue a Law degree after their MPP studies. linkedin.com/in/thomas-c-shay

06/25/2026

Alum Spotlight: MPP'01 alum Jennifer Bryning Alton is Founder, President @ Pathway Policy Group, LLC. She was a panelist at on a session titled: "Partnering with the U.S. Government to Support Biodefense from Detection to Response" discussing the role of Congress and legislation in improving our country’s health security. linkedin.com/in/jbalton

06/24/2026

Congratulations to MPP'23 alum Darielle Green for her new position as Management Assistant in the City of Long Beach. Darielle is also a Certified Diversity Professional (CDP). This is a program and certification offered by the National Diversity Council Certified Diversity Professional (NDCCDP). linkedin.com/in/darielle-green-mpp-cdp-349435202

06/18/2026

Congratulations to Narek Sarkissyan, Esq., MPP'15 alum for his new position as an M&A and Private Equity attorney at Bartlit Beck LLP. Narek continues to volunteer as Museum Guide at the Griffith Observatory.

Experience: Bartlit Beck LLP · Education: University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School · Location: Denver · 500+ connections on LinkedIn. View Narek Sarkissyan, Esq., MPP’s profile on LinkedIn, a professional community of 1 billion members.

06/18/2026

Alum Spotlight: MPP'23 alum Guadalupe (Lupita) Gutierrez is Program Director at the San Joaquin Building Trades Council. Lupita completed the Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Stockton program, a 10-month program dedicated to developing leaders who are committed to shaping Stockton's future. linkedin.com/in/guadalupegutierrez29

06/17/2026

Congratulations to MPP'07 alum Stephanie Watt for starting a new position as a Senior Project Manager on the Workplace team at Skydio. She will be managing construction projects end-to-end for Skydio's physical workspaces. linkedin.com/in/wattstephanie

06/17/2026

Congratulations to MPP'19 alum Brian Harris for new position as 1st Armored Division and Fort Bliss Director of Public Affairs. In his post he states: "I’m sure the next few years will bring plenty of challenges, but I’m excited to know I can finish my Army career having been a Division PAO. Iron Soldiers!" In the Army, PAO stands for Public Affairs Officer. PAOs are the primary communication strategists and spokespersons for military commanders, responsible for managing media relations, community outreach, and internal command information.
linkedin.com/in/brianhavenharris

06/17/2026

Congratulations to MPP'14 alum Laila Elimam for her new position as Senior Policy Advisor at the Office of Commissioner Rodney Ellis in Harris County, Texas, linkedin.com/in/lailaelimam

06/17/2026

Congratulations to MPP'25 alum Jessika Viveros for starting a new position as Employment Services Coordinator at Goodwill Industries of Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties. linkedin.com/in/jessika-v