Our Mission, Vision & History
Mission: To connect the SoCal tech community with industry thought leaders and world-renowned academia and students.
Vision: To be the leading voice in the tech community that inspires business innovation.
Innovation
Inspiring business innovation and value creation by technology thought leaders.
Education
Connecting members to gain insights from our programs and a world-renowned university.
Community
Creating a strong network of passionate business leaders from diverse backgrounds.
Executive Messages
Jim Rinaldi
Executive Director, Innovate@UCLA
Transitions Are Inevitable. Your Network Shouldn’t Be.
Career transitions can be exciting, scary, energizing, and anxiety-driven—sometimes all at the same time.
Those of us who have spent time in the C-suite know this firsthand. A role evolves. A board shifts direction. A merger closes. A new opportunity emerges. Or sometimes, a transition arrives unexpectedly. Even retirement—something we plan for over decades—can feel disorienting if we’re not prepared.
Beth Apillanes
Executive Chair, Innovate@UCLA
Dear Innovate@UCLA Members,
As we close the chapter of a fantastic year and turn the page to a new one, I am writing to you with a deep sense of gratitude and excitement. It is a profound privilege to step into the Executive Chair position for Innovate@UCLA, an organization that has served as a cornerstone for the Southern California technology community for 47 years.
I am truly honored to lead this distinguished community of visionaries, academic partners, and industry pioneers.
Member Organizations
