Meet the Team
Speak with Our Talented Sales Team
The experienced team at the UCLA Luskin Conference Center and Hotel in Los Angeles is ready to help you plan your next conference, meeting, event or visit to Southern California. Contact us to request specific information or to answer any questions you may have. We’d love to introduce you to this unique UCLA hotel – a place to meet, engage, explore and be inspired!
Ellen Thornton
Director of Sales & Marketing
(310) 794-1253
What Drew Me to UCLA:
I am a native Angeleno and fourth-generation Californian with local and international luxury hotel sales experience. I am thrilled to be a member of the UCLA community and the UCLA Luskin Conference Center team. I am inspired by the UCLA Hospitality motto of "Hospitality First!" and am proud to represent such an impressive LEED Platinum-certified facility.
Hedy Varga
Senior Group Sales Manager
(310) 206-8718
What I like most about working at UCLA:
The work we are doing serves a higher purpose. Every single person with whom I meet fulfills a mission to educate or serve the community in some capacity. We are making the world a better place!
Shannon Terhune
Group Sales Manager
(310) 794-9905
Why I love working at UCLA:
I am thrilled to be a part of the UCLA Luskin Conference Center family! After more than two decades of working in the corporate hospitality industry, I decided to use my experience to support higher education. I have great respect for UCLA and am honored to support the esteemed university. The stunning Luskin Conference Center is truly a unique offering on any college campus, and I am incredibly proud of our team’s unwavering commitment to customer service and excellence.
Brian Tanaka
Group Sales Manager
(310) 794-1137
What drew me to UCLA:
Growing up in Hawaii, UCLA was one of the few staples I knew about the mainland. Once I moved to Los Angeles, I immediately learned of the impressive cultural impact UCLA has beyond being a leader as a public academic institution. I am ecstatic to have gone from vision board to being able to say I’m now a Bruin!
Alfonso Chavez
Senior Catering Sales Manager
(310) 794-1173
What drew me to UCLA:
Growing up in Fresno, I always had hopes and dreams of living in Southern California. I moved to L.A. a few years ago and have loved every minute of it. Nothing compares to getting the opportunity to work for one of the best universities in the world. I am beyond excited to learn, grow and be a part of the UCLA family. Go Bruins!
Dorcus Lam
Catering Sales Manager
(310) 794-7944
What drew me to UCLA:
As a global prestigious education institution, UCLA has a long history of excellence in research and an extensive track record of involvement in the community. I am proud to be a Bruin and to serve our guests at the state-of-the-art Luskin Conference Center and Hotel. I love that our work also helps the university support and reinvest in student housing. This mission motivates us to work harder each day.
Timothy Scheetz, CMP, SEPC
Catering Sales Manager
(310) 963-8521
What drew me to UCLA:
As an immigrant from Mongolia, I am grateful to have the opportunity to further my career with UCLA and the Luskin Conference Center professionals. I have developed my career to focus on events ranging from corporate gatherings to those known on a global scale. As a sustainable event professional with a certificate from the Events Industry Council, I am delighted to incorporate sustainable practices into our events.
Anthony Moreno
Small Meetings Manager
(310) 794-7923
What drew me to UCLA:
Being born and raised in Los Angeles, I’ve always had a strong appreciation for UCLA because of its strong academics, involvement with the community, philanthropic activities and campus diversity. I’ve been in the hotel industry for the past 16 years and never imagined there would be an opportunity for me at UCLA. I’m excited to have found a new home here and to be part of the Bruin family.
Jeanne Yu
Sales & Marketing Administrator
(310) 794-7925
What drew me to UCLA:
Having grown up in Los Angeles, UCLA has always drawn a profound respect from me. I admire the outreach and sense of community that UCLA anchors in Los Angeles. I am very excited to be part of the Luskin Conference Center and Hotel team.
Work with Our Events Team
Our team of accomplished meeting professionals works together in this vibrant UCLA hotel to manage even the smallest details of your event. You’ll be free to focus your energy and imagination on making your next breakthrough happen.
Samantha Chan
Director, Conferences, Catering, & Marketing
(310) 206-9273
Why I love working at UCLA:
As a self-proclaimed people person, this job is perfect for me as it allows me to meet and work with so many different individuals each day. Though in a university environment, it allows me to exercise my passion for hospitality in unique and creative ways to serve people, UCLA and the broader community. I love seeing and hearing people say they had no idea that UCLA has a venue as great as this! And what we do and the revenues we generate go back to UCLA programs and students, which makes me proud, gives me purpose and aligns with my core values.
Natalie Lewis
Senior Conference & Event Manager
(310) 794-4792
What drew me to UCLA:
Growing up in Texas, I wanted to attend UCLA. Now I am officially a Bruin! I come from a hospitality and non-profit background, and UCLA has given me the opportunity to blend both worlds. I also admire the university’s fiscal responsibility and commitment to reinvest the revenue earned to support student housing. I am honored be a part of the Bruin family and an amazing events team with such a diverse range of experience.
Yessenia Picazo
Conference & Event Manager
(310) 794-1173
What drew me to UCLA:
There are a lot of key factors that attracted me to UCLA, including the opportunity to express my passion for hospitality in a uniquely creative way to help others and expand my knowledge to serve the community. I also love that the revenues we generate are reinvested back into UCLA programs and students.
Marites Gaite
Conference Services Administrative Assistant
(310) 794-7929
What drew me to UCLA:
Initially, I was drawn to UCLA because it is a world-class academic institution with a rich history in cultural arts, service programs and a deep community involvement. Learning about the Luskin Conference Center and Hotel with their commitment to service in making this a place “where great minds come together for a greater purpose to make the world a better place” makes me proud and equally humble that I am a part of this team.