Leaders2Give at UCLA Passes the Torch
You’ve probably heard it before… someone shakes their head and says, “I don’t know what’s going to happen when this next generation is in charge.”
We’ve heard it too. But the truth is, if our experience with Leaders2Give at UCLA is any indication, we’re going to be just fine.
In fact, we might be better than fine…
This month, we’re thrilled to welcome a brand new group of student leaders from UCLA who are stepping into volunteer roles at Leaders2Give at UCLA, a campus-based student organization that exists to support our mission through fundraising, education, and service.
This new team is taking the reins from four incredible young women - Brea (pictured here), Kelly, Amy, and Arely - who helped launch the group and recently graduated. Their legacy includes thoughtful initiatives like fundraising to support security lighting at the John Gullo Home for Children and assembling personalized hygiene kits for children entering both New Creation Kids and the John Gullo Home for Children. They set the tone, and their impact will continue through the structure and heart they’ve built into the program.
Now, a new cohort is preparing to carry that work forward. Though their journey is just beginning, their passion for leadership, community, and equity is already clear. From health outreach events to fundraising, they’re committed to using their skills to help others and we can’t wait to see where their ideas take us.
We hope you’ll join us in welcoming this new group of inspiring student changemakers. Read on to meet each of them and hear what drew them to Leaders2Give.
Sara Maghami is a Psychobiology and Communication Major passionate about improving women’s health and helping traditionally underserved communities receive proper healthcare.
She is currently doing research focused on improving familial hypercholesterolemia underdiagnosis and volunteering at Cedars-Sinai hospital.
What part of Leaders2Give’s mission resonates most with you, and why?
I was touched by learning about how Leaders2Give aims to inspire people to be leaders and philanthropists in their own communities, not just within this nonprofit specifically. There is a clear strong belief within this organization that every single person, no matter who they are or what they have, has the ability to make an impact on the world, and that impact, no matter how small, will be valuable. As a young person who, especially given the current circumstances all around the world, wants to help but isn’t always sure how, Leaders2Give’s commitment to preserving through change and empowering those around them to do the same is truly inspiring to me.
How do you hope to make an impact this year in your role?
I hope to spread awareness about Leaders2Give on UCLA’s campus and contribute as much as possible to the continued development of the home, in whatever way is needed or becomes necessary. I would also love to help foster a strong connection between our UCLA community and the home as well as non profit as a whole, so future students can continue involvement for years to come.
Sophie Ohanyan is a third year psychobiology major interested in furthering mental health resources for underserved communities.
She is currently working towards going to medical school for psychiatry.
Why did you want to get involved with Leaders2Give at UCLA?
I wanted to get involved with Leaders2Give at UCLA to help raise awareness and funds in support of vulnerable children in developing communities. As a psychobiology major, I find it extremely important to give back in any way I can, whether through volunteering, advocacy, or community outreach. Everyone deserves to live in a safe, clean, and loving environment, and I am honored to be part of a team that prioritizes service and works to make that a reality.
How do you hope to make an impact this year in your role?
This year, I hope to make an impact by bringing both my experience and perspective to support Leaders2Give’s mission in a hands-on, meaningful way. I’ve planned and coordinated fundraiser events in the past, so I understand how to engage communities and drive participation. As a psychobiology major, I also recognize how deeply connected mental health is to overall well-being, especially in children. I believe every child deserves not just safety, but an environment where they can feel supported, grow, and thrive. Through my role, I want to raise awareness for the children in need and foster an environment where everyone feels empowered to lead.
Emma Ladha is majoring in psychobiology.
Outside of school, she enjoys traveling, hanging out with friends, working out, reading, binge-watching TV shows, and going to concerts.
She’s bright, driven and places equal importance on work, study and socialising
Why did you want to get involved with Leaders2Give at UCLA?
I wanted to get involved with Leaders2Give because I truly believe in the power of service to create change. I was excited by the idea of joining a group that values leadership through helping others and provides students with the opportunity to make a real impact. I also appreciated that Leaders2Give brings together individuals who are passionate about giving back, and I wanted to be part of that kind of community.
How do you hope to make an impact this year in your role?
As Community Service Chair, I hope to help create meaningful, hands-on service projects that make a real difference. I want to plan events that are both fun and rewarding for our members while also building strong connections with local organizations. My goal is to encourage more people to get involved, stay engaged, and feel proud of the work we accomplish together.
Sarah Tadha is a rising senior studying Human Biology and Society with a minor in Global Health. She’s passionate about foster youth advocacy and advancing health equity.
In her free time, she loves reading, traveling, and exploring new cafes with friends!
Why did you want to get involved with Leaders2Give at UCLA?
Leaders2Give aligned with a purpose I have been growing into for years. My heart has been shaped by the stories of vulnerable children: those navigating foster care, recovering from trauma, or displaced by systems that failed to protect them. I have had the honor to work alongside forensic pediatricians at the Resiliency Institute for Childhood Adversity, where I helped document injuries and compile evidence to advocate for children who have faced abuse or neglect. I have also been able to serve this passion through research at UCLA TIES for Families to better support foster parents, and by helping foster youth find community and inspiration through Give Something Back’s summer camps.
Through this work, I have learned that service is about showing up consistently, even when it’s hard. Leaders2Give’s mission to uplift youth through sustainable, cross-border collaboration mirrors that belief. With my global health experiences at refugee camps in Mexico, helping run mobile clinics in Peru, or organizing efforts right here at UCLA, I see this organization as an extension of a lifelong responsibility I carry: to listen, to uplift, and to act.
How do you hope to make an impact this year in your role?
As President of Leaders2Give at UCLA this year, I aim to create spaces where every member of our chapter feels not only empowered to serve but also deeply connected to the children we support. I bring a heart rooted in advocacy, experience in global and forensic child health, and a deep respect for the power of collective action. My goal is to lead with empathy and purpose, ensuring that our work leaves a lasting and sustainable impact on the communities we serve.
Ela is a rising junior MIMG major and Biomedical Research Minor. She is working hard to earn a PhD in Molecular Biology and enter the biotherapeutics/biotechnology industry. In fact while many of us are enjoying some downtime this summer she has dedicated her summer to continue her research in the Plath Lab at UCLA.
Why did you want to get involved with Leaders2Give at UCLA?
I wanted to get involved with Leaders2Give at UCLA because I was drawn to the opportunity to directly provide aid and support to those in need. I felt inspired by the organization’s success stories that have greatly impacted the lives of vulnerable children. I hope to rally the support of UCLA’s student body for such an important cause.
How do you hope to make an impact this year in your role?
I believe my greatest strength is my tunnel vision and precise planning towards a goal. I hope to bring this drive into my role as vice president of UCLA’s chapter. I plan to organize fundraisers and events to raise awareness and encourage involvement.
We’re proud to be part of a growing community of partners who are making a difference. Keep reading below for updates from our partners.
fff
PARTNER UPDATES
John Gullo Home for Children
The John Gullo Home for Children provides temporary shelter for children in BCS whose families are experiencing medical crises. Read the latest update below:
Belen Meza Sandez (Facility Director) and Sara María Esparza Lucero (Assistant Director) have been hard at work at the John Gullo Home for Children, continuing to build bridges with those who serve vulnerable families in our region.
On July 31st, they welcomed Lic. Blanca Gallardo, Director of Cancer Care Coordination at DIF Los Cabos, along with her colleague Clarissa Zambrano. (DIF is Mexico’s National System for Integral Family Development, a government agency dedicated to child and family welfare.)
The visit included a full tour of the home, a conversation about our mission, and an opportunity to strengthen our connection with the families that DIF supports. Blanca and Clarissa shared that they are currently working with two families who may be eligible to receive support from our home.
Blanca committed to speaking with these families directly, offering psychological support, and… if the families are open to it… helping us move forward with the process for an official referral and visit.
She expressed her sincere thanks and trust in our ability to work together in service of families facing medical crises.
New Creation Kids (NCK) Children’s Home
New Creation Kids is a children’s home in La Paz providing safe, stable shelter for children whose families are facing serious challenges such as addiction and homelessness. Read about our involvement with the home below:
New Creation Kids (NCK) has been with us since the very beginning and continues to hold a special place in our journey. Operated by Roberto and Alma Osuna, this independent, registered Mexican nonprofit provides a safe and stable home for up to 30 children at a time—children whose parents are unable or unfit to care for them due to circumstances such as addiction, violence, or homelessness.
As many of you know, Leaders2Give does not oversee the operations of New Creation Kids. Instead, we support them by helping to fund essential daily needs like food, electricity, education, fuel, and water. Our involvement also includes stepping in on urgent capital improvements—like when we installed cisterns to help address water shortages in 2021.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we currently have enough funding to cover their basic needs for the year. That said, the needs at NCK are ongoing and often unpredictable. If you’d like to help cover the cost of essentials like water deliveries or meals, please consider making a donation. Just $25 can support one child for ten days.
The East Cape Health Center
The East Cape Health Center is a nonprofit clinic in Los Barriles offering full medical and dental services with discounted or free care for families in need. Read their latest update below:
East Cape Health Center welcomes over 98 children in collaboration with DIF Los Barriles
East Cape Health Center, in collaboration with DIF Los Barriles, warmly welcomed over 98 children between the ages of 6 and 12 to its facilities. This activity was part of an educational initiative aimed at introducing young children to the healthcare services available in their community and inspiring interest in future professional vocations.
During the visit, the children toured our medical and dental areas, beginning with a welcome and a brief explanation of our rules. In the laboratory, they observed microorganisms under the microscope. In the X-ray area, they explored digital images of dental panoramas and real bone structures. They also learned about emergency care and the importance of dental hygiene.
It was a day full of learning, curiosity, and smiles, an experience that reinforces our commitment to childhood education and health.
We are proud to continue promoting these meaningful and impactful experiences year after year.
Feeding The Hungry
Feeding the Hungry is a volunteer initiative in Los Barriles that provides monthly food vouchers to local families experiencing food insecurity. Read their latest update below:
The Los Barriles Feeding the Hungry (FTH) charity offers assistance to the least fortunate among us. It consistently helps around two dozen local Mexican Families
It does this by regularly giving them food vouchers valued at 1300 pesos each month. These can be used in a local supermarket. Los Barriles is a small community. Families in need are referred to FTH by friends, relatives, and local medical practices.
Each family involved in the program is interviewed to assess their situation. Every six months or so they are interviewed again to check on their progress. About a third of the families that have been enrolled in the program have been able to get back on their feet and no longer need assistance.
The charity is funded by donations and various local fundraising events. Every peso donated is used to purchase food vouchers.
Feeding the Hungry has made a huge difference in the lives of local families who have been struggling. However, Ben and Harriet Purkey, and Gordon and Joy Blackie are all getting older and would love to have some assistance in the running of this charity.
If you would like to make a real difference in the lives of the poorest of the poor among us, they would be delighted to hear from you.
Ben and Harriet Purkey purkeybh@gmail.com, and Gordon and Joy Blackie gordonandoy@gmail.com
SNAP - Spay, Neuter, and Prevention
SNAP offers free spay/neuter services for the local community in and around Los Barriles, BCS and promotes youth leadership through animal welfare education. Read their latest update below:
While many consider this the “off season” in Los Barriles, SNAP is anything but on break!
750 Surgeries and Counting:
As of mid-July, we’ve already sterilized 750 dogs and cats in 2025. This life-saving work is only possible thanks to your generous support.
Mira Flores Community Clinic:
In July, we hosted a full-day clinic in Mira Flores, providing 54 animals with sterilization and flea/tick medication. Summer clinics bring extra challenges—heat impacts animals, owners, and volunteers alike. We were lucky to have the Casa Sheila recovery team from San José on site, and Cortez Rescue stepped up by transporting dogs (and even one cat!) to and from the clinic, removing barriers for pet owners.
Educating the Next Generation:
SNAP was honored to participate in Curso de Verano (Summer Camp) for over 100 children. We spent two meaningful days teaching kids about responsible pet ownership and the importance of compassion. These young minds asked great questions and offered thoughtful insights—we left inspired and hopeful.
Student-Created Videos Coming Soon:
As part of the camp, students are developing their own videos to share what they learned. We can’t wait to showcase their creativity on our social media pages soon!
Thank You for Standing With Us:
Your continued support—whether through donations, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness—keeps our mission alive. Together, we’re creating a safer, more compassionate future for the animals of Baja.
Crescent Moon Project - Art for Children
Crescent Moon Project offers free arts-based classes that spark creativity and help children grow into compassionate, community-focused leaders. Read their latest update below:
Reef-Themed Summer Camp Inspires Young Artists and Ocean Advocates!
The Crescent Moon Project was proud to partner with East Cape Environmental Education & Recycling and several other local organizations to offer the free summer camp for children in Los Barriles. CMP led weekly art sessions, bringing creative opportunities to every camper.
The camp’s theme, Reefs, celebrated the essential role coral reefs play in marine ecosystems.
Children learned about vibrant reef systems like Cabo Pulmo—one of the oldest reefs in the Eastern Pacific—which provide habitat for countless species and help protect coastlines. With reefs increasingly threatened by pollution, climate change, and overuse, the camp aimed to inspire ocean stewardship through hands-on learning.
Although not all campers are not enrolled in our year-round art classes, they dove into projects that echoed the work of our CMP student artists. Throughout the week, children explored a range of materials—collage, papier-mâché, paint, stamps, and acetate—to create reef-inspired art. They began with two-dimensional coral collages and advanced to constructing intricate 3D reef dioramas.
As with all our programs, each session began with design thinking and open-ended exploration to foster creative confidence and planning skills. Children were encouraged to experiment with color, texture, and composition until their reef visions came to life.
Thanks to our CMP teacher, Yasmin Meraz, the support of Friends Supporting Families volunteers, and the leadership of older student helpers working alongside younger campers, this collaborative effort truly reflected CMP’s mission to nurture creativity and leadership in our community.
Wonderland for Kids Sponsorship Program
Wonderland for Kids is a bilingual childcare center in Los Barriles offering a Sponsorship Program to help low income families access affordable childcare. Read their latest update below:
This October, Wonderland for Kids is becoming a Montessori preschool, offering high-quality, child-led education for children ages 1 to 6. Our dedicated team—local teachers and mothers passionate about early childhood development—is currently undergoing in-house Montessori training to better serve the needs of our community.
Through our Sponsorship Program, we provide early education and care for children of single working mothers who wouldn’t otherwise have access.
One sponsored child was born extremely premature and spent two months in the NICU. Her mother, forced out of work to care for her, is now rebuilding her life while her daughter thrives in our care. Another mother, a waitress at a popular local restaurant, recently had her pay cut—yet her child remains with us thanks to sponsors.
But we need your help to keep these children in our care—and to say yes to more families who need us. We receive requests for help every week—but without more sponsors, we simply can’t keep up.
Do you know a child you'd like to sponsor? Maybe the son or daughter of your cleaner, gardener, favorite waitress, or local shop worker?
Get in touch with us today—let’s make it happen together.
Your donation gives a child a future—and a family the chance to move forward.
To learn about the different ways to donate to Leaders2Give and any of our Partners, visit our Donate page.