Fall 2025 Programming Highlights
Summer CxO Exchange – SoFi Stadium (August 20th, 2025)
This year’s CxO Summer Exchange at SoFi Stadium brought together over 40 technology leaders for an engaging evening of networking, exploration, and professional connection. Attendees had the unique opportunity to experience the stadium up close, enjoying both the on-field experience and behind-the-scenes tours. Beyond the tour, participants connected over dinner and networking, sharing insights and perspectives on industry trends in a relaxed, collaborative atmosphere. The event was made possible thanks to the support of our sponsors: Cast AI, e360, Cyera, Tessell, iSpace, and Obsidian Security. The combination of exclusive access, meaningful conversations, and shared experiences made this gathering a memorable success for all involved.
Innovate@UCLA Women in Technology (WIT) and Women in Technology Hollywood (WiTH) Workshop – The Unapologetic Value Proposition (October 14th, 2025)
On October 14, 2025, Innovate@UCLA and Women in Technology Hollywood (WiTH) hosted The Unapologetic Value Proposition Workshop, led by Beate Chelette, Founder and Growth Architect of Chelette Enterprises. Recognized by HuffPost as one of the “50 Must-Follow Women Entrepreneurs,” Chelette guided attendees through an empowering session focused on defining, communicating, and owning their unique professional value. Throughout the workshop, participants explored the four key elements of a strong Unique Value Proposition (UVP): setting clear goals, identifying benefits, understanding reasons, and articulating the “Why You.” Chelette encouraged attendees to embrace authenticity, recognize what sets them apart, and share their skills without hesitation or self-doubt. The event concluded with actionable insights on how to communicate with confidence, align personal goals with organizational needs, and pitch ideas with purpose. Innovate@UCLA extends sincere thanks to iSpace, the event sponsor, for supporting this inspiring workshop that celebrated women leaders and innovators in technology. Attendees left energized, equipped with tools to express their value unapologetically and lead with authenticity.
2025 Innovate@UCLA Career Exchange #3 – Virtual Session (November 18th, 2025)
In our third Career Exchange virtual session, Innovate@UCLA welcomed Janet Horan, Vice Dean and CFO at USC Marshall School of Business, moderated by Ghalib Kassam, EVP, CIO, and CISO at the Los Angeles Times. The discussion explored how CIO competencies have evolved, emphasizing the growing importance of soft skills, strategic partnership with leadership, and human-centered IT leadership alongside technical expertise. Key topics included the skills and experiences search committees now prioritize for higher education CIOs and how IT leaders can balance technical knowledge with effective team and process management.
Southern California CIO Community Executive Summit – Collaborate with your peers (December 9th, 2025)
In collaboration with Gartner C-level Communities, Innovate@UCLA participated in the full-day Southern California CIO Executive Summit on December 9th at the Marriott Long Beach Downtown. Many of our members took the stage, engaging top CIOs in interactive sessions, peer-to-peer meetings, and networking, covering priorities like modernizing IT operating models, aligning IT investments with business outcomes, and strengthening leadership capabilities.
2025 Executive Board End-of-Year Board Celebration (December 9th, 2025)
The Innovate@UCLA community came together on December 9 at L’Opera Restaurant in Long Beach CA for the annual End-of-Year Board Celebration Dinner. The evening honored the exceptional leadership and contributions of our Board Members, whose vision and dedication continue to inspire the community and drive meaningful impact. At its core, Innovate@UCLA fosters spaces where technology professionals connect, share insights, and advance innovation together, setting the stage for a dynamic 2026. The event was graciously sponsored by Patrio AI, a Los Angeles–based DVBE consultancy specializing in responsible, outcome-driven AI solutions.