Twelve Bruins Selected for 2026 Board of Counselors' Leadership Institute

Program provides D.D.S. students with structured insight into leadership pathways within dentistry, entrepreneurship, and academia

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By School of Dentistry Communications
1 min read

The UCLA School of Dentistry’s 2026 Board of Counselors' Leadership Institute (BOCLI) is officially underway, with 12 student leaders selected to participate in the School’s signature leadership development and mentorship program.

The cohort has already completed two of its 10 sessions – an introductory leadership and strengths assessment workshop, followed by training focused on emotional intelligence – setting the foundation for a winter and spring quarter of guided professional growth.

BOCLI is a selective program that connects third- and fourth-year D.D.S. students with members of the School’s Board of Counselors, providing opportunities for engagement with alumni leaders and structured insight into leadership pathways within clinical practice, organized dentistry, entrepreneurship, and academia.

The 2026 BOCLI cohort includes:

  • Sharen Abi Nader (D3)
  • Krystal Adan (D3)
  • Thomas Boyce (D3)
  • Sarah Donahue (D3)
  • Saharnaz Esmaeili (D4, Professional Program for International Dentists)
  • Gwi-Ok (Heidi) Jang (D4)
  • Catherine Johnson (D4)
  • Victor Li (D3)
  • Christian McClure (D4)
  • Ayato Shigihara (D3)
  • Fuyuto Shigihara (D3)
  • Yasmine Zoubeir (D4, PPID)

Over the coming months, students will continue to meet for evening sessions led by faculty, alumni, and experts both in and outside of dentistry, covering topics such as project leadership, entrepreneurship, wealth and student debt management, and spokesperson and communications training. The program will culminate in a student project presentation and certification celebration in May.

By bringing together emerging student leaders and experienced alumni mentors, BOCLI reflects a shared commitment between the School and its Board of Counselors to prepare graduates who are ready to lead; not only in the clinic but across an evolving dental profession.

People sitting around board room table
Christine Draa, Chief People Officer at the California Dental Association, led the first BOCLI session of 2026, a strengths assessment to help students define their leadership style.