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Bruin Resource Center
Bruin Resource Center

About the Bruin Resource Center

The heart of resilience, belonging, and success at UCLA.

Who we are | Our purpose
Empowering Bruins Through Community and Connection

Photo of two students connecting in front of Canyon Point

At the Bruin Resource Center (BRC), we are committed to nurturing an inclusive, supportive environment for all UCLA students, with specialized programs and resources that uplift students from resilient communities—including foster youth, parenting students, those impacted by incarceration, students experiencing houselessness, students in recovery, and undocumented students or students from mixed-status families.

We provide comprehensive support through personalized guidance, meaningful referrals, and empowering community connections, ensuring every Bruin thrives academically, socially, and personally.

Mission
The UCLA Bruin Resource Center (BRC) supports students’ development, well-being, and academic success, fostering an inclusive and socially just campus community.
Vision
The Bruin Resource Center envisions thriving, dynamic, and resilient communities of students and staff.
Motto
Connect. Support. Achieve. #BuildingResilientCommunities

Bruin Resource Center Staff

Professional Staff

Portrait of $Andrew J. James-McClure, M.Ed.
Andrew J. James-McClure, M.Ed.
Director, Bruin Resource Center
Portrait of $Acacia M. Warren, Ed.D.
Acacia M. Warren, Ed.D.
Associate Director, Bruin Resource Center
Portrait of $Enrique Campos, M.A.
Enrique Campos, M.A.
Assistant Director, Bruin Resource Center
Portrait of $Suzanne (Seppy) Seplow, Ed.D.
Suzanne (Seppy) Seplow, Ed.D.
Associate Vice Chancellor, Student Development & Health
Portrait of $Gina Pech, Esq.
Gina Pech, Esq.
Supervising Attorney, Undocumented Student Program and UC Immigrant Legal Services Center
Portrait of $Ishia Barajas, M.S.
Ishia Barajas, M.S.
Program Director, Students with Dependents Program
Portrait of $Elisia Estrada, B.A.
Elisia Estrada, B.A.
Assistant Program Director, Student with Dependents Program
Portrait of $Teaira Nelson, MSW
Teaira Nelson, MSW
Program Director, Bruin Guardian Scholars Program
Portrait of $Deisy Leanos Meza, M.A.
Deisy Leanos Meza, M.A.
Program Director, Undocumented Student Program
Portrait of $Leslie Calderon, B.A.
Leslie Calderon, B.A.
Assistant Program Director, Undocumented Student Program
Portrait of $Maritza Lopez, B.A.
Maritza Lopez, B.A.
Program Director, Bruin Underground Scholars Program
Portrait of $Justin Sims, B.A.
Justin Sims, B.A.
Assistant Program Director, Bruin Underground Scholars Program
Portrait of $Patil Derhagopian, M.A., MFT
Patil Derhagopian, M.A., MFT
Assistant Program Director, Collegiate Recovery Program
Portrait of $Markeith Royster, Ed.D.
Markeith Royster, Ed.D.
Program Director, Bruin Guardian Scholars Academy
Portrait of $Jennifer Soto, B.A.
Jennifer Soto, B.A.
Program Coordinator, Bruin Guardian Scholars Academy
Portrait of $Nick Blake, M.S., PPS
Nick Blake, M.S., PPS
Case Manager

Our student staff
Bruins Supporting Bruins

Photo of BRC student staff

Our dedicated team of student staff is at the heart of the Bruin Resource Center’s mission. These students provide essential peer support, guide fellow Bruins to valuable resources, and foster an inclusive atmosphere of connection and belonging. Many student staff members are also part of UCLA’s resilient communities, bringing their own lived experiences and insights to help empower others on their paths to success.

Land acknowledgement
Honoring Our Land and Its People

Photo of BRC staff

The Bruin Resource Center at UCLA acknowledges the Gabrielino/Tongva peoples as the traditional land caretakers of Tovaangar—the Los Angeles basin and Southern Channel Islands. As a land-grant institution, we pay our deepest respects to the Honuukvetam (Ancestors), ’Ahiihirom (Elders), and ’Eyoohiinkem (our relatives and relations), past, present, and emerging. We are committed to fostering a campus community that honors this heritage and respects the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples.