Cynthia Guzman, an Employee with DGSOM’s Dean’s Office, recognized by UCLA Staff Assembly

A cornerstone of the DGSOM community, Cynthia Guzman is a dedicated behind the scenes champion for our faculty members and a vital mentor to Academic Analysts school wide. She doesn't just manage processes; she empowers her peers by sharing deep institutional knowledge to help them navigate complex academic personnel matters. Cynthia’s participation was pivotal on the UCLA UCPath Task Force, where she identified areas of non-compliance and systemic pay gaps. Rather than just flagging issues, she collaborated with cross campus experts, creating best-practice processes and advocated for solutions that significantly reduced administrative burdens. Cynthia perfectly bridges the gap between high-level policy and daily operations. Her proactive problem-solving and selfless dedication to the growth of others make her a true "quiet hero" of the Dean’s Office. She is a wonderful person to partner who embodies True Bruin Values!

Arlene Feliciano, Christine Lazok-Torres, and Joaquín (Quim) Madrenas, MD, PhD, at award ceremony
From left to right: Arlene Feliciano, Christine Lazok-Torres, and Joaquín (Quim) Madrenas, MD, PhD

DGSOM Staff of the Year Award 

DGSOM AP Staff of the Year Award recognizes academic personnel staff in DGSOM who exemplifies leadership, a positive team work environment, and/or delivers consistent high quality work.

FY24-25 Recipients:

  1. An Lu – Department of Medicine
  2. Kristine Embrador – Department of Radiological Sciences
  3. Cynthia Guzman – Academic Affairs
  4. Shonte Williams-Bell – Department of Pediatrics
  5. Christine Lazok-Torres – Departments of Surgery, Orthopaedic Surgery, and Urology.

FY23-24 Recipients:

  1. Arlene Bieschke – Department of Medicine
  2. Ivonne Castaneda – Department of Pediatrics
  3. Kristine Embrador – Department of Radiological Sciences
  4. An Lu – Department of Medicine
  5. Brian Phan – Departments of Biological Chemistry and Human Genetics
  6. Jocelyn Tieman – Academic Affairs