Twelve Bruins Complete Board of Counselors’ Leadership Institute Journey
Wednesday, May 10, marked the culmination of the School of Dentistry’s annual Board of Counselors’ Leadership Institute (BOCLI); however, the personal growth, goal-setting, and mentorship for its 12 student participants will continue well beyond this four-month program.
BOCLI brought together a dozen third- and fourth-year dental students with a group of successful volunteer alumni who shared deep knowledge, experience, and skillsets from their careers in dentistry. Over the course of ten evening sessions, the future dentists established their career objectives, identified their leadership styles, and developed skills critical for professional success.
"I am incredibly grateful for the program as it has helped me uncover the aspects of myself that give me the potential to be a great leader. It has exposed me to the qualities that distinguish remarkable leaders in practice, academia, and other domains," said Megan Haug, D.D.S. '24. "I also now have a clearer vision of my future goals and a renewed sense of what is possible for me to achieve. I feel more prepared than ever to embark on my journey after receiving amazing lessons in resilience and the skills necessary to reach my desired destination."
Guest speaker sessions featuring leaders in a range of fields will cover a broad range of topics, from emotional intelligence to entrepreneurship to spokesperson and communications training. A visit by Cori Close, head coach of the perennially-successful UCLA women's basketball team, resonated with many participants.
"Coach Cori Close's session was undoubtedly the most impactful for me during the BOCLI program. What struck me the most was her emphasis on leadership that revolves around supporting and valuing others. It aligned perfectly with my own values and beliefs," said Haug. "Coach Close's insights and personal experiences have provided me with valuable information that will undoubtedly contribute to my success and happiness. Hearing about her journey and the challenges she faced, as well as the strategies she employed to navigate them, was truly inspiring."
After students presented their five- and 10-year leadership roadmaps, the Institute culminated with a presentation of certificates and a celebratory reception on May 10 at the Meyer and Renee Luskin Conference Center. Each student received a copy of If Your Mouth Could Talk, a book authored by BOCLI Committee Member Kami Hoss, D.D.S. '93, about the relationship between oral health and general health. View a photo gallery from this culminating event on Flickr.
2023 Board of Counselors’ Leadership Institute Student Participants
Nandini Braganza (D3)
David Daniali (D3)
Andrew Ghadimi (D4)
Sima Habrawi (D3 / Professional Program for International Dentists)
Megan Haug (D3)
Brent Humeston (D3)
Kody Kuo (D3)
Brennan Leininger (D3)
Yi-Ling Loo (D3)
Bradley Mobeck (D3)
Akintayo Ogunji (D3 / PPID)
Tanya Tabibian (D4)
Thank you to our BOCLI Committee Members
Naomi Ellison, D.D.S. '81, BOCLI Chair
Joan Otomo-Corgel, D.D.S. ’76, M.P.H. ’80, Board of Counselors Chair
Oariona Lowe,D.D.S., P.D. '84, M.P.H. ’16, Board of Counselors Vice-Chair
Kami Hoss, D.D.S. '93, M.S., Board of Counselors member
Mitra Mogharabi Ardehali, D.D.S. '90, Board of Counselors member
Steve Okamoto, D.D.S. ’84, G.P. ’85, A.P. ’88, Board of Counselors member
Gerald Roodzant, D.D.S. ‘79, Board of Counselors member
Ron Mito, D.D.S. '76, F.D.S. R.C.S.Ed., Advisor
Alanis Tziouvalas, Staff Liaison