Beth Apillanes

Executive Chair, Innovate@UCLA
Manager, Enterprise Information Technology Services, Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL)

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. I would also like to extend a sincere thank you to Bhupesh Arora (Executive Chair, 2024–2025) for his dedicated leadership, and to the entire board for their commitment to our continued success. Furthermore, I am thrilled to welcome our newest board members who are joining us this term; your fresh perspectives and expertise will be vital as we continue to evolve.

Opening our books to a new chapter is the perfect moment to look ahead. I anticipate an extraordinary year ahead. Our mission has always been to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world IT leadership. As we move into 2026, a year where the “near-impossible” is becoming the standard, that bridge is more vital than ever.

A Year of Connection and Insight

Our strength lies in our collective knowledge. Throughout the coming year, we will continue to offer the high-impact programming that defines our organization:

• Executive Leadership Forums: Our CxO Exchange are exclusive sessions designed for CIOs and senior IT leaders to share strategies and navigate the complex digital landscape in a trusted environment.
• Women in Technology: Dedicated programming and networking focused on empowering, connecting, and elevating women leaders across the technology ecosystem.
• Academic & Research Integration: Leveraging our unique connection to UCLA by bringing the expertise of world-class professors and researchers directly to our members through engaging sessions on the cutting edge of IT.
• Themed Workshops & Webinars: Our Summer Solstice program provides deep dives into the operational hurdles and emerging opportunities, from Generative AI to Cyber Resilience, facing the modern enterprise.
• Networking Mixers: Reconnecting our vibrant community across Southern California to foster the partnerships that drive our industry forward.

Thank you for being the heart of this organization. I am eager to meet more of you in person at our upcoming events and to work together to make 2026 our most innovative year yet.

Wishing you a prosperous New Year!

Warm regards