Ask the Administration Leadership Team
In honor of Women’s History Month, we asked the women of our Administration Leadership Team to share their thoughts on inspirational women, obstacles, leadership and more.
Magyn Kydd, director, marketing and communications
What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
This month is an opportunity to celebrate women and raise awareness of our stories, histories, equal rights, challenges and opportunities. We have seen in some countries and throughout history that having these rights is not a universal truth or finite state, but continually needs awareness and to be fought for. I am a daughter, sister, spouse, mother, colleague and friend, and I am grateful to live in a society where I can freely pursue an education and career while raising a family and working for an institution that upholds such core democratic values. I am also grateful for the many amazing female leaders and colleagues who inspire me daily.
Lisa Koberling, interim executive director, transportation
Who is the most influential woman in your life and why?
If I had to pick just one woman, it would be my mom. While my mom did not work outside the home until I was in junior high, she ran the house, was president of a variety of volunteer programs, paid all the bills, kept us all fed and clothed (though sometimes in matching outfits that she made). She always believed in me and pushed me academically, but also figured out how to squeeze out the money so that each of us could participate in sports and always had books to read. I was the first in my family to graduate from college, and that was 100% because of her. Her biggest regret was never going. I fully appreciated everything my mom was when my brother became a single parent of two girls. My mom stepped up in a thousand different ways, and the rest of us followed her example, helping my brother raise two amazing women.
Lucy Avetisyan, associate vice chancellor and chief information officer
What is the biggest gender-based obstacle you’ve faced in your career?
One of the biggest obstacles that I have faced in my career is the gender bias and stereotypes that exist within IT organizations. These biases have significantly affected how I was perceived and valued in my earlier roles as an IT manager. Sometimes I was not taken seriously and my leadership and tech skills were questioned or downplayed compared to my male colleagues. I was subjected to microaggressions, such as being excluded from important meetings or not receiving the same recognition or compensation as my male counterparts. I am committed to addressing these issues and believe that to do so requires a focused effort to promote diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in all aspects of the workplace.
Michelle Sityar, chief of staff
Why is it important to have women in leadership roles?
It is important to have women in leadership positions as it sets the stage for more diverse and inclusive workplace environments. Having female executives also helps overcome barriers and societal issues including, but not limited to, gender biases and pay inequity. Importantly, it is crucial for future generations to have transformational female leaders who set the tone, so they know that they too can aspire to bring bold, new ideas into the world.
Lubbe Levin, associate vice chancellor, campus human resources
How can women develop their leadership skills at UCLA?
The great news (for everyone) is that leadership skills can be learned and enhanced throughout one’s career. Some tips for women about developing these skills include the following:
- Identify a senior leader you admire and request an informational interview to learn about the skills they find important. This approach could evolve into a mentorship opportunity.
- Volunteer to lead a project outside of your specialization to demonstrate your initiative and willingness to learn.
- Offer to make a presentation to a leadership group in your organization on a topic they will view as important.
- Engage in campus activities by becoming active (and potentially a board member) in the Staff Assembly, the Administrative Management Group (AMG), or one of the other affinity groups at UCLA.
- Apply to participate in programs such as CHR’s Professional Development, Staff Enrichment, or Management Enrichment programs, which are offered annually.
- Ask a trusted colleague to provide confidential feedback on skill areas where you can grow, or volunteer to participate in 360-degree feedback.
