About Alyssa: Born and raised in New Jersey, Alyssa spent time living in NYC, Florida, and North Carolina before coming to Anderson. With a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from Rutgers University, Alyssa worked across functions from front-end development to product management, to technical sales and marketing, most recently, at Palo Alto Networks. Alyssa intends to use her MBA to explore other careers at the intersection of finance and technology.

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This March, Out@Anderson hosted its annual Out@Anderson Awareness Week, bringing together students, allies, and industry voices for a series of events celebrating LGBTQ+ identity, storytelling, and community building at UCLA Anderson.

Across three events, students gathered to learn from LGBTQ+ creators, connect through small-group conversations, and celebrate community through performance and fundraising. The week culminated in the club’s signature Amateur Drag Show, which raised $3,773 for the TransLatin@ Coalition, a Los Angeles nonprofit.

Together, the events created space for meaningful dialogue, celebration, and deeper connection across the Anderson community.

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Small Group Dinners: Building Community Through Conversation

Awareness Week began with Small Group Dinners hosted in partnership with the Wine Club and CBC. The dinners brought together Anderson students and allies in an intimate setting designed to foster conversation and connection.

Over the course of the evening, participants had the opportunity to meet members of the Out@Anderson community, share their experiences, and build a deeper understanding of LGBTQ+ identities and allyship within the Anderson community.

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“The Category Is Queer”: Storytelling and Representation in Film

The week continued with “The Category Is Queer,” a screening and panel discussion celebrating queer storytelling in film and media. Hosted in Crown Auditorium, the event featured LGBTQ+ filmmakers and creatives sharing their work and discussing the role of storytelling in shaping culture and expanding representation.

The program included short film screenings followed by a panel discussion with industry professionals including documentary filmmakers, comedians, and producers whose work explores themes of identity, equity, and inclusion.

The event concluded with a reception where students and guests continued conversations with the panelists and one another. 

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The 5th Annual Amateur Drag Show

Awareness Week concluded with Out@Anderson’s 5th Annual Amateur Drag Show, one of the club’s most anticipated events of the year. Students took the stage to perform in drag, competing for the title of Best Amateur Drag Performer while showcasing creativity, humor, and bold performances.

The event drew 80 attendees from across the Anderson community and beyond. Hosted by the incredible Virgo, the evening featured student performers, music, and an enthusiastic crowd celebrating LGBTQ+ culture and artistry.

Most importantly, the event also served as a fundraiser. Through ticket sales and audience tips, the show raised $3,773 for the TransLatin@ Coalition.

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Celebrating Community at Anderson

Out@Anderson Awareness Week highlighted the power of community, storytelling, and celebration. From intimate dinners to conversations with queer creators and a vibrant drag show finale, the week offered multiple ways for students to engage, learn, and connect.

Events like Awareness Week play an important role in strengthening the Anderson community by creating spaces where LGBTQ+ students and allies can come together, share experiences, and celebrate authenticity.

Out@Anderson looks forward to continuing to build community and host impactful programming in the years ahead.

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Student Blogger: Alyssa Ramella ‘26

Undergrad: Rutgers University – New Brunswick

Pre-MBA: Technical Product Engineer at Palo Alto Networks

Leadership@Anderson: Co-President, Out@Anderson; VP of Technology, Anderson Student Association; VP of Application Readiness, AnderTech; VP of Prospective Student Affairs, Admissions Ambassador Corps; VP of ESG/Sustainability, Net Impact; VP of Inclusive Excellence, Energy & Clean Tech Association