Meet Our Alumni Panel!

Lauren was a transfer student and graduated class of 2023, majoring in Cognitive Science with Specialization in Computing and Digital Humanities minor. Currently she's a Research Analyst at Disney, focusing on the performance of Disney Branded Television shows. In her time at UCLA she served multiple roles in SEW and STEW and was a member of the UCLA Club Dragon Boat team. Now she spends her days catching up with One Piece, playing pickleball and golf, and hanging with her 3 pet hamsters (named Meat Nugget, Hot Potato, and Tater Tot).

Katherine Pham graduated from UCLA in 2018 with a B.A. in Psychology. During her undergrad, Katherine was involved in Circle K International, Society for Physical and Occupational Therapy, Residential Hill Government, and Vietnamese Student Union (SEW: Hosted by SEA Co Outreach and Housing Coordinator, VSU High School Conference Family Head, and VCN Traditional/Moditional Dance). After graduating, Katherine served as an Admissions Evaluator for UCI, and City Council Aide to a City Council member in Anaheim. Katherine currently works for TGR Foundation as the Student Outreach and Support Manager. In her spare time, Katherine enjoys traveling, writing food reviews, and going to the movies.

Calimay Pham is a Deputy County Counsel for the Los Angeles County Office of the County Counsel. She is a double Bruin, receiving her BA in the Study of Religion and History in 2010 and her JD at UCLA Law in 2014. Calimay is the Immediate Past President of the State Board of Barbering and Cosmetology and has served as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Alhambra. Calimay is also an Adjunct Lecturer in Law at USC Gould School of Law. Calimay was raised in San Jose and is the first college graduate in her family.

[email: calimaypham@gmail.com]

Ashley Hanson is a Physician Associate specializing in family medicine at a low-income clinic in Long Beach, California. She earned a dual master’s in Physician Assistant Studies and Public Health from Touro University California in 2022 and a Psychobiology degree from UCLA in 2017. During her time at UCLA, she was involved in SEW: Hosted by SEA Co, VCN, VCU Internship, and APHC. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, trying new foods, and playing pickleball.

Deanne Do graduated in 2018 with a degree in Psychobiology and is currently an Assistant Practice Manager at a medical clinic. While pursuing a premed path, she worked as a scribe in the emergency department during COVID-19 before transitioning into clinical operations. She is now pursuing a Master’s in Health Administration. During undergrad, she held leadership roles in the VSU space, including SEW: Hosted by SEA Co Co-Chair and Traditional Dance Coordinator for Vietnamese Culture Night. She also volunteered with UNICAMP, SEA CLEAR, and UCLA’s Ronald Reagan Medical Center. She enjoys balloon art and crafting with her Cricut machines in her free time.

[email: deanned@ucla.edu]

Dr. John Tran, Pharm.D., MBA | UCLA c/o 2011| Major: Biology | Minor: Education | Occupation: Pharmacist | I'm not a numbers guy so my math don't always be mathing, but here are some numbers for you. 18 years ago I was in your shoes, excited to finish high school but lost to which college to choose. 17 years ago I found myself at UCLA and through various involvements in VSU and SEA CLEAR I helped started the first SEW: Hosted by SEA Co back in 2008. We had a vision of helping students that look like me have a better understanding that we can belong at UCLA. 14 years ago I graduated from UCLA and promised every chance I got, I would come back and continue the lega-SEA.  2 months ago, I got the invite! It's an honor to be here.

Jennifer Xiong is a proud Fresno native and daughter of HMong refugees. She completed her undergraduate studies in 2015, double-majoring in Gender Studies and Asian American Studies. It was her involvement with organizations like the Association of Hmong Students (AHS), the Asian American Studies Center, as well as interacting with her Southeast Asian-American peers at UCLA that she found her passion in grassroots and advocacy work. As a lifelong community organizer, developer, and leader, she has a wealth of experience in community-based organizing, human services, and communications. Jennifer has a passion and drive to connect with people through education, activism, advocacy, and storytelling. She currently works as a Program Manager at The Asian American Liberation Network in Sacramento, where she gets to pursue her passion--advocating for and empowering communities through impactful programs and building strong coalitions alongside other organizations. In her free time, she loves traveling (she just returned from France), eating (she's a self-proclaimed foodie & coffee snob), spending time with loved ones including her crazy rat terrier Luna, and practicing her Spanish. [email: jennifer@aalnsac.org]

joanne luong graduated in 2023 with a bachelor’s in aerospace Engineering and a minor in Asian American Studies, and then in 2024 with a master’s in aerospace engineering. During her time at UCLA, her involvements included sew: Hosted by SEA Co and VSU. Currently, she works as a fluids engineer for blue origin.

Kevin Arifin (he/him) graduated from UCLA in 2023 with a double major in Psychobiology and Education & Social Transformation Studies and a minor in Science Education. Originally from Walnut, CA, he served as the Education Director/Internal Vice President of the Association of Indonesian Americans, the Lead Actor for Indonesian Cultural Night and the Chair of Student Experience Weekend: Hosted by the Southeast Asian Coalition and more. Outside of the Southeast Asian space, Kevin held leadership roles in the Bruin Association of Students in Education (BASE), UCLA Campus Tours, the Learning Assistant Program and other research groups. Kevin currently works as an admission counselor for Harvey Mudd College, where he is continuing his work in advocating for underserved communities in STEM and higher education.

[email: kevinarifin31@g.ucla.edu]

Hi! I’m Will, the current Project Coordinator supervising UCLA’s Southeast Asian Campus Learning Education and Retention Program. I’m SoCal born and raised, earning my B.A. in Anthro (Bio) from UCSB and my M.A. in Education from SDSU. I’ve been involved with community organizing since my freshman year of high school, which has led me to working in education now! Outside of work, I tend to spend a lot of time cooking, consuming media (scifi, anime, video games, all kinds really), playing with my needy cat! I’m an open book, ask me anything :). [number: 714-623-1658]

Michael Ly graduated in 2017 with a B.S. in Physiological Science and minor in Food Studies and is now a dentist. He attended the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health and graduated with a dual DMD/MPH. Michael is finishing his General Practice Residency at the Seattle VA and plans to work at a federally qualified health center to fulfill his passion for public health. In his free time, Michael likes to bake and spend time with friends and partner, Jonah. He was heavily involved in VSU, being the VCN Director and a SEW: Hosted by SEA Co Co-Chair in his 4th Year. [email: michael.ly.dmd@gmail.com]

Leana Serey Taing, the first in her family to attend law school, became an attorney after her family fled the Cambodian genocide and settled in Stockton, California. Inspired by their experiences, she dedicated herself to public service. Taing assisted the Office of the Co-Prosecutor at the Extraordinary Chambers in the Courts of Cambodia, prosecuting Khmer Rouge leaders for crimes against humanity and genocide. She interned for the United Nations in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Currently, she serves as Deputy County Counsel and teaches Legal Writing at USC Gould School of Law. Taing earned her J.D. from UCLA and B.A. from UC Berkeley. [email: LeanaTaing@gmail.com]

Diana Ty graduated in 2007 as a political science major. She was part of the Resident Technology Services program as an undergrad at UCLA’s Office of Residential Life. She is currently working at UCLA Health in IT, and has been with them for 13 years as an Application Manager.

Victor Tran graduated from UCLA in 2020 with a BA in Sociology and Geography and a minor in Urban and Regional Studies. Victor is also a graduate of the Master of Urban and Regional Planning program at UCLA Luskin, with a concentration in community economic development and housing, and previously worked as a Graduate Student Researcher at the UCLA Center for Neighborhood Knowledge. He is currently working as a Project Management Associate, Lead at Venice Community Housing Corporation (VCHC), pursuing the predevelopment, financing, and construction of much needed affordable and supportive housing in Los Angeles.

Johnnie is currently a PhD student in the Higher Education and Organizational Change program at UCLA. He earned his Bachelor's degree in World Arts and Cultures (with a minor in Visual and Performing Arts Education) in 2018 from UCLA and his Master's degree in Higher and Postsecondary Education in 2020 from Teachers College, Columbia University. His research focuses on the impact of yoga on college students holistic wellbeing. During his free time, he enjoys rollerblading at the beach, spoken word poetry, playing Super Smash Bros on Nintendo Switch, and playing the piano.

Angela Arunarsirakul is a dynamic strategist whose experiences span consulting, policymaking, teaching, and marketing in various industries. She started off her career in education, spending four years teaching English in Indonesia and Japan. Most recently, she worked as a consultant at Bain & Company where she advised clients on some of their most complex business problems.Angela is a proud double Bruin who was active in USAC, SEA CLEAR, and various cultural organizations. She is an avid supporter of international education and studied abroad in Thailand and Indonesia. She currently serves as Vice President of Asian Pacific Alumni of UCLA.

I'm Dylan and am a recent Economics major and film minor graduate from 2023. I was involved in the Association of Indonesian Americans, Lapu the Coyote that Cares, and SEA CLEAR during my time at UCLA. I currently work as an Area Manager for an Amazon building in Oxnard. On my off days, I spend time working on film projects and taking acting classes.