On January 30, 2026, the Bedari Kindness Institute, Dialogue Across Difference Initiative, and Office of Inclusive Excellence realized a breakthrough event for the UCLA Community: a Convening of UCLA Dialogue Practitioners and Bridge Builders (in alignment with Campus Community Conversations and UCLA Connects).
Its mission was simple: UCLA is home to a number of invaluable programs, initiatives, and departments that specialize in dialogue, but many of which operate in silos and unaware of the great work of their peers. In this event, all such practitioners and leaders were brought together with the express aim to “de-silo” the dialogue process, conflict resolution, and bridge building efforts and resources.
Overview
Through the course of 3 hours – featuring speaker sessions and breakout groups – all invited participants were able to glean a sense of the varied resources offered on campus, the work of their colleagues in the dialogue space, the different perspectives explored, methodologies used, and opportunities for potential collaboration moving forward.
“There are so many people across campus who are working tirelessly every day to build bridges between, deepen connection, resolve conflict, foster understanding, repair harm, or create spaces for learning and growth across our differences. We are part of a rich ecosystem of practitioners who are building a culture of resilient communication across difference at UCLA.
So often, we do this work in silos. We hoped to build bridges between the bridge builders on campus.”
— Maia Ferdman
Deputy Director, UCLA Bedari Kindness Institute
Staff Director, Dialogue Across Difference Initiative
Participants
Brought to life by Maia Ferdman and Professor David Myers from the Bedari Kindness Institute and Dialogue Across Difference Initiative, Vice Provost Ralina Joseph and Brandie Kirkpatrick from the Office of Inclusive Excellence, and a special introduction by Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost Darnell Hunt, the event was a remarkable success – reaffirming our commitment to a shared vision of belonging, and laying the blueprint for future convenings to continue this important work.
The audience consisted of over 40 staff, faculty, and students from groups like the Intergroup Dialogue Program, Ombuds Office, Heterodox Academy, the Healthy Campus Initiative Engagewell Pod, and members of the UC Office of the President.
“Attending the Dialogue Practitioners meeting was a powerful and affirming experience. The gathering truly delivered on the promise of building bridges across our campus. It brought together brilliant, deeply invested colleagues who might not otherwise have crossed paths, yet who share a common commitment to UCLA’s mission and future.
I left the meeting energized by the people I met and the initiatives I discovered—important, innovative work happening right here on our campus that I had not previously known about. That kind of connection is not incidental; it is foundational. When we create intentional spaces for dialogue, we accelerate learning, collaboration, and trust across institutional boundaries.
This is how culture change happens.”
— Emily Rose
Assistant Provost
Chief of Staff to the UCLA Executive Vice Chancellor and Provost
Takeaways
Across the board, participants walked out with a renewed commitment to a shared vision of belonging and safety at UCLA. And to realize that mission, the convening revealed an urgency and desire to normalize dialogue as part of the institutional culture. While recognizing possible obstacles ahead, the group’s collective energy displayed a willingness and strength to rebuild trust, provide faculty with information and training to strongly incorporate dialogue within academia, break down silos and expand resources to campus (including the UCLA Dialogue Resources Inventory), and to embed the culture of conversation and listening within the fabric of UCLA.
In addition, participants shared with us how grateful and pleased their were to join this convening, reveling in their ability to speak freely, learn from their colleagues, and finding a conducive space for conversation. More than that, participants felt a profound need for this type of space – a readiness and willingness to partake in meaningful dialogue. We concluded the event with renewed purpose and the overwhelming request to hold this type of space again in the future.
“Given UCLA’s size and complexity, there are countless constituencies seeking connection and a voice. This event showcased the many initiatives intentionally designed to foster community within and across those diverse groups. I believe the day sparked new partnerships and ongoing information sharing that will strengthen and benefit the entire campus.“
— Rejeana Mathis
Director, Learning & Organizational Development
UCLA Campus Human Resources
