Education and Research Center Staff

Julie Friedman, MPH

jafriedman@mednet.ucla.edu

Julie Friedman has an eclectic background in health education, worksite wellness, early childhood development, and community based participatory research. She has written and published articles on health promotion and public health issues, as well as on twins. She has been an invited presenter at local and national conferences to discuss the diverse community engagement projects she has managed.

From her roots as a medical assistant at Planned Parenthood, to launching the lactation program for employees of the Los Angeles Times, Julie has continued addressing women’s health in her current position. Julie was instrumental in founding Worksite Wellness LA, a nonprofit organization providing onsite health education to low wage workers, and served as the board chair from 2015-2017. In December 2017, Julie was appointed to the LA County Commission for Women by Supervisor Lindsey Horvath and chairs the Health Committee.

Social justice issues are central to Julie’s work and she remains committed to advancing health equity and narrowing women’s health-wealth gap. She is married and has twin sons.

Sophie Viray

sophieviray@mednet.ucla.edu

Sophie Viray completed her undergraduate education at UCLA in June 2024 with dual majors in International Development Studies and Korean Language, and a minor in Global Health. During her undergraduate career, she served on leadership for various student organizations, studied abroad at Korea University in Seoul, South Korea on a program scholarship from UCLA's Center for Korean Studies, and worked at UCLA School of Law's Event Planning Office.

She is passionate about healthcare accessibility, and is especially interested in health law and policy. In her free time, Sophie enjoys dancing and discovering new dessert spots in Los Angeles.

Kelly Ruiz

February 2025 - present

Kelly Ruiz is currently a Master of Public Health student at California State University, Northridge with a concentration in Community Health Education. Kelly received a Bachelor’s degree in Public Health with a minor in Kinesiology from California State University, Fullerton in 2021. Kelly's passion for public health lies in enhancing access to healthcare and resources through preventative care, community engagement, and making a positive impact on public health practices for individuals and communities. Currently, Kelly is a part of the COVID-19 Grant and Admin team at a public health department, which has sparked interest in the administrative aspects of public health and highlighted the significance of the department’s operations in addressing critical community issues and public health emergencies.

During Kelly's free time, Kelly enjoy exploring new coffee shops, going on hikes, spending time with family and friends, and trying new activities outdoors. Kelly's goal is to ultimately empower communities to thrive through sustainable and equitable health initiatives.

Geolina Ibrahim

February 2025 - present

Geolina Ibrahim is an intern passionate about global health and women's healthcare equity. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology with an emphasis in Environmental Science from Mount Saint Mary’s University and is currently pursuing her Master of Public Health with a concentration in Global Health at the USC Keck School of Medicine. Geolina aspires to attend medical school to further her mission of advocating for minority women who are often overlooked and underserved by the medical industry. Her dedication to women’s health was deeply inspired by a medical mission trip back home to Ethiopia, where she witnessed firsthand the dire conditions many women face.

In her free time, Geolina enjoys hiking, listening to music, traveling, and singing. She also loves spending time at the beach, where she finds peace and inspiration. Through her work and passions, she hopes to drive meaningful change and improve healthcare access for vulnerable populations.

Scarlett, who is wearing a graduation cap and gown, and a blue graduation stole from University of California, Irvine

Scarlett Mar

December 2024 - Present

Scarlett Mar received her B.S. in Psychology with a Biological Sciences minor from UC Irvine in 2022. She is a current Master of Public Health graduate student at the University of Southern California concentrating in Community Health Promotion. In hopes of uplifting others from disadvantaged backgrounds similar to hers, she has extensive research and mentorship experiences focused on creating visibility and equity for underserved communities.

Scarlett is passionate about promoting health equity and aspires to serve her community in the future as a public health focused physician, leader, and researcher. In her free time, she enjoys hiking and dog walking, thrifting, creative writing, exploring cafes around LA, and hanging out with her two one-eyed cats.

Bianca Ojeda

November 2024 - Present

Bianca is a passionate advocate for environmental justice and public health, currently pursuing dual master’s degrees in urban planning and public health at the University of Southern California. With a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from USC, Bianca has been deeply involved in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, working to create more equitable and just communities. She has led community engagement efforts, project management initiatives, and outreach programs that address various community needs and challenges across Southern California.

Bianca’s work is deeply rooted in fostering equity and sustainability in underserved communities. One of her most transformative experiences was working on an outreach campaign in Vernon, California, to support residents affected by toxic emissions from a local battery recycling facility. This work ignited her passion for community-driven health interventions and underscored the critical importance of health-conscious urban planning.

Upon completing her graduate studies, Bianca plans to specialize in health impact assessments and conduct research on the intersection of environmental conditions, urban planning, and public health. Her long-term vision is to influence policy and practice that ensure healthier, more resilient communities worldwide, drawing on her academic background and practical experience to drive lasting, positive change.

Tiana, who has brown hair and bangs, wearing pink scrubs

Tiana Thompson

November 2024 - Present

Tiana is a fourth-year MD/MPH student at USC Keck School of Medicine pursuing a residency in OBGYN. Her passion for both medicine and public health drives her commitment to addressing health disparities, particularly focusing on the impact of mental health. She has been actively involved in several initiatives, including volunteering at the violence intervention program and the Downtown Los Angeles Women's Center, where she supported vulnerable populations in accessing care and resources. Tiana's goal is to empower her future patients with the knowledge and tools they need both inside and outside the clinic, blending compassionate medical care with public health advocacy. In her spare time, she teaches yoga and enjoys expressing her creativity through pottery.

Danielle wearing a white dress with a graduation cap and stole

Danielle Tejada

September 2024 - February 2025

Danielle is a second-year Master's student in Public Health at California State University, Northridge, where she also earned her Bachelor's in Public Health. She currently works as a Health Specialist at a nonprofit, supporting low-income families in accessing vital healthcare services. Her passion for public health education stems from her desire to empower underserved communities, ensuring they have the knowledge and resources to make informed health decisions. Her previous roles in healthcare settings have strengthened her commitment to addressing health disparities, inspiring her to continue learning and advocating for equitable healthcare. In her spare time, she enjoys exploring new coffee shops and hiking.

Tricia, who is wearing a graduation stole

Tricia Yong

September 2024 - January 2025

Tricia Yong is currently pursuing her MPH degree at UCLA with a concentration in Community Health Sciences. At UCLA, she works at the CalFresh Initiative to expand student access to CalFresh and increase food security. Additionally, she serves as a Graduate Student Researcher at the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research.

Before coming to UCLA, she graduated from UCI where she majored in Public Health Policy with a minor in Medical Anthropology. Her passions in public health revolve around increasing health equity within women's health, sexual and reproductive health, and food security. As a result, she has been involved in a diverse spectrum of public health initiatives, such as interning at the CA Department of Public Health, serving as a sexual health Peer Health Educator, and being involved in health equity and health literacy research. Tricia is passionate about centering communities within public health efforts and aims to uplift communities in her current and future endeavors.

Outside of academics, Tricia loves to hang out with her cat, cook new recipes, and play video games.

Arlyn, who has brown hair, wearing a class of 2020 CSUN graduation stole

Arlyn Sanchez-Membreno

August 2024 - December 2024

Arlyn Sanchez-Membreno is currently pursuing her Master’s in Public Health with a concentration in Community Health Promotion at the University of Southern California (USC). She earned her undergraduate degree in Public Health with a minor in Psychology from California State University, Northridge.

Arlyn brings a wealth of diverse experience to her current role. Before joining us, she interned at Kaiser Permanente as an Operational Intern, where she supported various departments, including Consulting Services, Dermatology, and Outside Referrals, gaining valuable insights into health administration. Additionally, she worked as a medical scribe at UCI Medical Center, assisting an infectious disease physician and deepening her understanding of healthcare operations and patient care.

Outside of her professional pursuits, Arlyn enjoys staying active with afternoon runs and cherishes time spent with her 17-year-old dog, Canello. She also has a passion for gardening, cultivating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and flowers in her backyard.

Adineh, who is wearing a graduation cap and gown

Adineh Vertanus

September 2024 - November 2024

Adineh is a dedicated last-year student in an MPH program with a focus on community health. Having earned their BA in public health from California State University, Northridge, they are now combining their academic knowledge with hands-on experience at a Regional Center. In the Early Start department, Adineh works closely with children aged 0-3 and their families, helping them overcome developmental delays. Their passion for supporting early childhood development and commitment to community health is evident in both their studies and professional work, making a positive impact in the lives of young children and their families.

In their free time, Adineh loves spending quality time with their little boys, creating cherished memories through family trips and outdoor adventures. Whether it's exploring new places or enjoying bike rides together, these moments provide a perfect balance to their professional and academic life, offering joy and connection with their family.

Sandy Phan

July 2024 - November 2024

Sandy Phan completed her undergraduate education at The University of California, San Diego with a major in Global Health in 2019. During her final year at UCSD, she had the opportunity to work for Planned Parenthood of the Pacific Southwest. Which ultimately motivated her interest in pursuing a career in women's health. This dedication led Sandy to present her thesis paper to UCSD's Global Health Symposium. Where she discussed cultural awareness and potential implementations for reducing incidence rates of HIV for women living in Sub-Saharan Africa. Her time at UCSD was well spent and transitioned Sandy to focus on various health-related fields that included both clinical and administrative work. She had spent three years working in a cardiovascular clinic and helping Autistic children through behavioral health.

Fast forward to 2024, Sandy is completing her final year at The University of Southern California's MPH program. With the concentration of Community Health Promotion, while balancing two full-time healthcare careers in maternal genetics and behavioral health. In her free time, Sandy is pursuing a certificate in pottery. Ideally, she would love to spend her free time teaching others how to make beautiful masterpieces.

Ryan Mckenzie

May 2024 - August 2024

Ryan Mckenzie is a second-year student at the University of Southern California, currently pursuing her MPH with a concentration in Epidemiology and Biostatistics. She completed her undergraduate studies in Biology at Loyola Marymount University. Ryan’s diverse background includes roles as an entrepreneur, substitute teacher, certified nursing assistant, and caregiver for senior citizens with chronic diseases in a specialized senior facility. However, her most cherished role is being a devoted mother to her two sons, which fuels her passion for advocating for and enhancing black maternal and infant health. In her leisure time, Ryan indulges in traveling, scrap gardening, reading, baking sourdough bread, and homeschooling her son.

Viviana Pimentel

May 2024 - August 2024

Viviana is currently immersed in her Master of Public Health (MPH) studies at USC, specializing in Community Health and Promotion. She completed her undergraduate education at California State University, Channel Islands, where she obtained her Bachelors of Science in Health Science as well as actively participated in the AmeriCorps program, serving low-income families in Camarillo. Alongside her studies, she pursued a minor in Chicano Studies, deepening her understanding of cultural dynamics in health. As a former Program Coordinator at a Family Resource Center in the Central Valley, she dedicated herself to assisting families grappling with drug addiction, homelessness, and limited medical care access. Driven by a passion for community health, Viviana is poised to apply to PA school this year, with fervent ambition to return to her hometown and confront the pervasive health disparities entrenched in her community. Outside the realm of academia, Viviana finds solace in spending cherished moments with her dogs, exploring the culinary arts through baking, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle with regular gym sessions.

Casey Abrahams

April 2024 - August 2024

Casey Abrahams is in her last semester as an MPH student at the University of Southern California, specializing in Biostatistics and Epidemiology. She completed her undergraduate education at Brown University in May 2019, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Health and Human Biology. She is passionate about advancing healthcare, addressing health inequities, and improving health outcomes in vulnerable and marginalized populations. She has previously contributed to initiatives aimed at increasing health education and awareness and promoting equitable access to health care. Casey has worked at the Rhode Island Free Clinic, a medical clinic that provides free comprehensive medical care and preventive health services to R.I.’s medically uninsured adults. She also taught a sexual and reproductive health curriculum to adolescents and teenagers at the Rhode Island Training School, a juvenile detention facility. Casey is driven to make a meaningful impact in public health, and her volunteer and research experiences have equipped her with valuable skills and insights to contribute effectively to public health initiatives. In her free time, you can find her reading, hiking, camping, or cuddling with her cat Tigger.

Juan Larson

April 2024 - June 2024

Juan Larson is a fourth-year undergraduate Human Biology and Society major at UCLA, pursuing a minor in Evolutionary Medicine. He began his internship at the Iris Cantor UCLA Women’s Health Center in April 2024 with the hopes of learning more about the public health field. Motivated by his experiences working with underserved communities, he passionately advocates for health equity and justice in local and broader communities. Additionally, Juan serves as the Co-Director of Warehouse Management of the UCLA Medical Aid Initiative, which seeks to donate unused medical supplies to agencies across the globe. In his free time, he loves to listen to music, workout at the gym, and go hiking.

Vivian Tran

February 2024 - June 2024

Vivian Tran graduated from UC Berkeley in 2023 with dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in Integrative Human Biology and Molecular and Cell Biology and minored in Global Public Health. She is currently a Master of Public Health student at UC San Diego and will be graduating in Spring 2024. She began interning at the Iris Cantor UCLA's Women's Health Center in February 2024. As a first generation student coming from a low-income background, Vivian is passionate about supporting underserved communities and breaking down barriers to care and reflects these aspirations in her ongoing research, career as a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, and volunteer experiences. Post-graduation, Vivian will be applying for medical school, where she will continue pursuing her passion for healthcare. In her free time, Vivian enjoys gardening, cooking, and playing casual video games.

Patricia Palomares

January 2024 - June 2024

Patricia Palomares is a fourth-year undergraduate at UCLA majoring in Human Biology and Society with a minor in Public Health. She started interning at the Iris Cantor UCLA's Women's Health Center in January 2024. She is passionate about health accessibility and justice and the intersection of public health and law. She was previously a caseworker for the Mobile Clinic Project at UCLA, where she had the privilege of working with the unhoused community in the Greater Los Angeles area, listening to their experiences, and connecting them with various resources. Throughout her undergraduate career, she also has been involved with programming for UCLA Residential Life and leadership with Chi Delta Theta Multicultural Sorority. In her free time, you will catch her crocheting, going on a nature walk, planning/hosting a dinner party, enjoying a cup of coffee, working out, or listening to music!

Sam Duong-Brett

January 2024 - March 2024

Sam Duong-Brett is a current fourth year undergraduate at UCLA majoring in Human Biology and Society and minoring in Global Health. Sam started interning at Iris Cantor UCLA Women's Health Center in January 2024 with the hopes of improving healthcare accessibility and education for women in the Los Angeles area. Sam serves as the Co-Student Director of the CTSI-Research Associates Program to provide opportunities for undergraduates to participate in clinical research. She is also a rheumatology clinical research volunteer, where she helps conduct various clinical studies. In her free time, Sam enjoys reading, baking, hiking, and running!