By volunteering at the BRITE Center, I have learned about the various aspects of putting on a health fair. In particular, I learned about where to find resources and statistics on specific populations that may be underrepresented as well as the best locations to hold health fairs. My experience at the BRITE Center has further motivated me to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology with a focus on minority and underserved populations. I hope to learn as much as I can from the BRITE Center and be able to utilize this knowledge in my future studies and research projects.

The BRITE center has expanded my knowledge of the different health disparities in certain minority populations. I am now more aware and ready to make a difference in these communities. UCLA is known as a research institution, and the BRITE center has given me the opportunity to explore research in a field different from what I was used to. I have made many valuable connections here who are all very supportive and resourceful in helping me move forward in my career.

“I feel privileged to have worked with Dr. Mays as one of her undergraduate teaching assistants at UCLA for abnormal psychology in spring 2006, spring 2007, and spring 2008, learning more about the art of effective teaching.  In summer 2007, I worked with Dr. Mays on a project on American Indian Mental Health as well, gaining more experience and insight in the realm of psychological research.   Working with Dr. Mays has given me special skills I continue to use and build on today.”

Raymond recently completed his third year of his clinical psychology PhD program at the California School of Professional Psychology in Los Angeles.  In 2010, he interned at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles in the Children’s Center for Cancer and Blood Diseases. In August 2011, he began an internship at Chabad Residential Treatment Center, working with individuals with chemical dependencies and addictions, and their families.  He recently presented his research on emotional intelligence at the Western Psychological Association Convention in Los Angeles.

“Drs. Cochran and Mays provided me with invaluable mentoring and guidance during and after my volunteer work at the UCLA BRITE Center…’Thank you’ is hardly substantial enough to express my gratitude.”

Cynthia has an interdisciplinary background in women and children’s health, education, advocacy and child development.  Since 2003, she has worked as a bilingual educational therapist and special education advocate at the Kaiser Permanente Watts Counseling and Learning Center and in private practice.  She also trains early childhood professionals to utilize high-quality, evidence-based developmental screening tools.  She co-authored an October 2005 article in the American Journal of Public Health titled “The Developmental Stages of a Developmental Screening:  Steps to Implementation of a Successful Program,” which describes  various models for providing developmental screening. Cynthia holds an MPH in epidemiology and a BA in Latin American studies from UCLA, and certificates in infant mental health (Early Childhood Foundation, 2002), educational therapy (California State University, Northridge, 2005) and special education advocacy (University of Southern California/Children’s Hospital Los Angeles/Learning Rights Law Center, 2008).

Nurit is UCLA’s first sustainability coordinator, and is working to foster partnerships among academic, research and operational departments and further the goals and initiatives of the campus sustainability program. Nurit is also an instructor for UCLA Extension’s Global Sustainability Certificate Program, and serves on the executive committee of  the Luskin Center for Innovation and on the board of Opportunity Green.  Nurit holds an MBA from the UCLA Anderson School of Management, a master’s degree in Public Policy from the UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs and a BA in environmental education from Humboldt State University. While at the BRITE Center, Nurit worked on food security advocacy for disadvantaged communities in Los Angeles.