About Emily: Originally from Greater Los Angeles, Emily returned home after spending a few years in foggy San Francisco, where she built her career at AT&T, working across B2B sales, sales enablement, and early-career talent acquisition. Her professional experience includes launching sales enablement programs, supporting enterprise clients, and leading early-career hiring initiatives focused on expanding access to roles in technology, marketing, finance, sales, and more. Emily is now exploring opportunities at the intersection of human capital and business strategy within consumer-focused industries, including CPG, health, wellness, and fitness. She is particularly interested in roles that allow her to build inclusive, people-centered organizations while driving sustainable growth.

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Two quarters into business school, I’ve found myself pausing more often. Not because things have slowed down (they definitely haven’t), but because I’m finally able to take a breath and reflect on how I got here. Before Anderson, my life was rooted in San Francisco. I had built a career I was proud of, a routine that worked, and a sense of comfort that’s hard to walk away from. But deep down, I knew there was something more I wanted, for my growth, for my impact, and for the communities I hoped to serve long-term. Deciding to leave San Francisco and come back home to Los Angeles to pursue an MBA wasn’t easy. It came with risk, uncertainty, and more than a few “what if” moments. Still, I trusted that betting on myself would play out some way, even if I couldn’t fully see the path yet.

I vividly remember the call from Anderson admissions. I was overwhelmed with emotion. Not just excitement, but relief. The journey to that moment had been rigorous, balancing a demanding job, commuting to the office five days a week, carving out time for applications, and trusting the process when the finish line felt far away. That call wasn’t just an acceptance, it was confirmation that the leap I took was worth it.

Now, two quarters in, what stands out the most is the culture that the staff, students, and alumni have curated over the years to make this such a special place. More specifically, how intentionally the community shows up at Anderson, week after week. One of the most refreshing things about Anderson’s culture is that there’s no single way to build community here. Whether you identify as an introvert, an extrovert, or somewhere in between, there are countless ways to plug in, without pressure to be everywhere all at once. Some weeks, community looks like high-energy social events and club gatherings. Other weeks, it’s quieter moments like coffee chats, small group dinners, or casual conversations after class. Anderson creates space for all of it, and that flexibility has made it easier to show up as my full self.

Being involved in student organizations has been one of the most grounding parts of my first year. Through the Admissions Ambassador Corps (AAC) and The Consortium, I’ve found purpose in giving back, supporting prospective students and helping open doors the same way others once did for me. It’s a reminder that access and representation matter, especially in spaces like business school. With ALMA, I’ve experienced a deep sense of Latin cultural pride, joy, and shared ambition. It’s a space that feels both energizing and grounding. The Women’s Business Connection (WBC) has offered moments of vulnerability, encouragement, and women supporting women, whether through candid conversations about recruiting or simply reminding each other that we’re capable of more than we think.

And if you’re interested in hobbies like crafting, working out, running, thrifting, pickleball, attending concerts, or hanging at the beach, UCLA Anderson is the perfect place to try new things or continue pursuing your interests. Fun fact, you will never be bored in LA. These aren’t just organizations or hobbies, they’re communities that have shaped how I experience Anderson.

Learning groups were one of the first reminders that community doesn’t always start organically; sometimes, it starts as an assignment. Between group projects, late nights, and navigating uncertainty together, what began as a random grouping quickly became one of the most meaningful parts of my experience. A recent holiday BBQ dinner with my learning group felt like a full-circle moment, less about school and more about genuine connection. Those are the moments when classmates turn into friends.

Professional development at Anderson has also felt deeply communal. Days on the Job, along with coffee chats with second-years and alumni, have shown me that career exploration doesn’t have to be transactional. Some of the most impactful moments weren’t about titles or perfect answers; they were honest conversations about pivots, trade-offs, and purpose. There’s comfort in realizing that no one has it all figured out and that we’re all learning together.

Of course, some of the strongest bonds are built outside of Anderson’s walls. The Big Sky, Montana trip was one of those experiences, a reminder that community is often formed in the most unexpected places. Early morning flights, après-ski events, shared meals, laughter, and being fully present did more to strengthen relationships than any formal networking ever could. Those moments, along with spontaneous meals, celebrations, and small wins, have become some of my favorite memories so far.

What I’ve learned two quarters in is this: community at Anderson isn’t limited to orientation or major events. It happens every week. It shows up in club meetings, cultural celebrations, coffee chats, speaker events, small group hangouts, trips, spontaneous plans, and most definitely Andernoons.

There’s always room for you, and you’re free to engage in a way that feels authentic to you. Anderson’s culture matters because it meets people where they are and invites them to grow together. Two quarters down, I’m grateful not just for what I’ve learned in the classroom, but for who I’m learning alongside. For anyone considering this journey and wondering if they’ll find their people here, there’s space for you. And chances are, you’ll find community in ways you never expected.

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Student Blogger: Emily Rivera ‘27

Undergrad: California State University, Long Beach

Pre-MBA: AT&T

Leadership@Anderson: Director of Interviewing, Admissions Ambassador Corps; Director of Social & Community, Alliance for Latinx Management at Anderson; Riordan MBA Fellow Mentor Coordinator