In this Alumni Spotlight Q&A, Nadia M. Bauta shares her journey from UCSB student to lawyer and cofounder of TecnoLatinx XR Lab, an organization focused on training and exposure to emerging technology for underserved communities to leverage these tools for empowerment and social change. She reflects on her decision to attend UCSB, drawn by its unique blend of academic rigor and vibrant cultural scene, and how her studies in Law and Society shaped her passion for social justice. Nadia discusses how her early interest in law met her interest in technology at UCSB, laying the foundation for her future endeavors. After graduation, she earned her law degree and founded EmblemIP, a solo law practice focused on intellectual property law, followed by work managing large-scale economic development initiatives at NYCEDC, and ultimately to co-founding TecnoLatinx XR Lab.
What drew you to UCSB for your undergraduate years?
I first experienced UCSB through a high school summer program where we stayed on campus—specifically in San Miguel Hall—and got a real sense of what college life could be like. It was the first time I had ever stepped foot on a college campus, and that exposure was powerful. I connected deeply with the environment, the people, and the sense of possibility it offered.
What really drew me to UCSB was the combination of academic excellence and a strong culture of student leadership and public service. I met students who were doing meaningful work on campus and in their communities. That made a lasting impression. UCSB felt like a place where I could not only earn a degree but also grow into the kind of changemaker I aspired to be. That decision shaped the trajectory of my life—from law school to working in public economic development and eventually founding TecnoLatinx XR Lab to serve the communities that have inspired me along the way.
While at UCSB you majored in Law and Sociology. How did UCSB help you develop your professional passions?
The Law and Society major at UCSB offered a deep dive into how legal systems interact with race, class, education, and economic mobility—realities I had witnessed growing up in a rapidly gentrifying community in Los Angeles, but that I hadn’t yet had the language or tools to fully unpack. It was a unique interdisciplinary program that blended jurisprudence, philosophy, political science, sociology, and even a bit of psychology—especially in how laws are created, interpreted, and followed. I began to see how law isn’t just about rules—it shapes behavior, opportunity, and power structures in everyday life. That realization was pivotal and fueled my passion for using law as a tool for change. I also minored in Women’s Studies, which helped me think more critically about identity, access, and systems. Together, these programs helped me see how these systemic structures could be reimagined to better serve the public. UCSB was the foundation that helped me see how law, society, and innovation could come together to create real impact.
You mentioned that being a part of ResLife was a big part of your UCSB journey. What did being involved in that community teach you?
When I started college, my grandmother, who raised me, had recently become very ill, and I was navigating the emotional weight of that while adjusting to a completely new environment. When she passed during my sophomore year, the campus community I had built through ResLife became even more important. It started with me attending Residence Hall Association meetings just to stay connected. That’s where I met other service-oriented students who came from a diverse set of communities and shared a deep sense of purpose. We didn’t just want to succeed—we wanted to support others along the way. Eventually, I became the hall representative for Santa Rosa, which helped me feel more rooted. Then I had the opportunity to live in Manzanita Village when it first opened—it was a brand-new part of campus life and being one of the first students to experience that space, especially through ResLife training, was incredibly special. It helped me build core memories that made UCSB feel like home. Becoming a Resident Assistant took that growth to another level. UCSB’s RA training was intensive and holistic. We learned crisis response, peer counseling, team building, and how to foster inclusive communities. Those skills weren’t just about managing a residence hall—they were life skills that I still use today. Through ResLife, I learned how to lead with empathy, build trust, and advocate for people navigating real challenges. That foundation is exactly what prepared me for my work today—whether it’s mentoring students, managing complex projects, or building equity-centered programs through TecnoLatinx XR Lab. It taught me how to create a community wherever I go.
What memory do you look back on most fondly during your time at UCSB?
The memories that stand out most are from my time in ResLife, especially as a Resident Assistant. It wasn’t just about serving students—it was the relationships I built with my fellow RAs and our leadership team that truly shaped my experience. We came from different backgrounds, but we were united by a shared commitment to supporting others. Even now, years later, those friendships are still active in my life. I talk to one of my fellow RAs regularly, just texted with a few others last week, and I’m still in touch with my RD, Shalauna Miller, who was such a grounding presence during that time. That kind of connection—built through trust, long hours, and shared responsibility—has been irreplaceable. We weren’t just colleagues; we became a chosen family. We celebrated together, grew through challenges, and created lifelong memories—whether it was team bonding retreats, spontaneous beach days, or just decompressing after long nights of duty. Those moments of joy, resilience, and camaraderie are what anchored me during college and still influence the way I build community in my work today. UCSB also gave me space to explore new parts of myself—I learned how to surf, started sailing, and embraced the biking culture around campus. The physical beauty of the campus definitely played a role, but it was the human connections and shared growth that made my time at UCSB unforgettable.
You’re coming back to UCSB for ‘Volver, Volver, Volver.’ How does it feel to return to the place that helped shape you, and what does an event like this mean to you now, after all you’ve accomplished?
UCSB was foundational in shaping not only my academic path but also my sense of identity, leadership, and purpose. Coming back for Volver, Volver, Volver at the All Gaucho Reunion brings all of that into focus in such a meaningful way. Returning to UCSB feels like coming full circle. Last year a UCSB Alumni Association event, held on campus, reminded me how deeply this place shaped me. I met Epifanio Peinado, who co-leads the UCSB Chican@/Latinx Alumni Network, and connected with other alumni, reminding me how powerful shared experience at UCSB can be. Even though I hadn’t known most of the other attendees while a student, the conversations felt familiar—like picking up with old friends. We spoke about campus life, memories of the buildings we traversed, the bike paths, sunsets at campus point, the beach—these threads of memory that transcend time. It also opened doors to connect with parts of campus I hadn’t explored as a student, like the engineering department, where I later participated in an alumni event. The experience showed me how dynamic and evolving the UCSB community is, and how alumni can continue building bridges long after graduation. This is a chance to give back to the community that helped raise me. UCSB didn’t just prepare me academically—it gave me my first platform as a leader, my first experience building community, and the foundation for the work I do now with TecnoLatinx XR Lab. Events like All Gaucho Reunion are powerful reminders that we don’t just graduate and move on—we stay connected, we come back, and we uplift those who come after us.
What inspired TecnoLatinx XR Lab, and how did your background in law inform the work you're doing now?
TecnoLatinx XR Lab was inspired by my lived experience—growing up in a community full of creativity, resilience, and brilliance, but with limited access to the kinds of opportunities that open doors long term. I saw friends in elementary and high school who were incredibly talented—artists, problem-solvers, natural leaders—but they didn’t always have access to safe spaces, mentors, or the digital tools that could help them explore or express those talents. I was fortunate. My grandmother was instrumental to me getting access to my first computer. It ran on dial-up, and yes, I tied up the phone line constantly, but it opened a window into a world of possibilities. That small head start gave me exposure that so many of my peers didn’t have. And when I looked around, even years later, I realized that the digital divide wasn’t just about devices or internet—it was about systemic access to opportunity and long-term economic mobility. TecnoLatinx XR Lab is about flipping the narrative—so students from overlooked communities aren’t just passive users of tech, but active creators, builders, and leaders. My legal background—especially in intellectual property—has been instrumental. People often think of law as something that happens in a courtroom, but to me, it’s always been a tool for access and protection. IP law showed me how ideas are commercialized, how creators can protect what they build and profit from their creativity. At TecnoLatinx XR Lab, I integrate this perspective into everything we do. I help students understand that their ideas matter—and they have the legal right to protect and profit from them. I’ve had students and even artists in the lowrider and cultural arts communities come to me saying, “Someone copied my design,” or “I have this software idea—how do I make sure it’s mine?” Those moments reinforce the need for this kind of knowledge at the community level. TecnoLatinx XR Lab is about access and agency. We’re not just teaching tech—we’re building economic futures and redefining who gets to innovate. I always remind my students: you’re not just tech users—you’re future patent holders, inventors, designers, and future founders. Own that.
What aspect of your career do you find most rewarding?
What I find most rewarding is witnessing people transform how they see themselves. Especially those who enter our TecnoLatinx XR Lab programs saying things like, “I’m not creative,” or “I’m not good with tech.” Then, weeks later, they’re confidently calling themselves artists, technologists, or XR designers. That kind of shift in identity is powerful—it changes lives. I’ve seen students light up after printing their first 3D model, realizing “I made this from scratch.” I’ve had college students update their resumes with titles like “technical artist” after finishing our workshops. I’ve watched senior citizens put on a headset for the first time and create digital art—reclaiming a space they thought had passed them by. It’s not just about gaining a new skill—it’s about shifting a mindset. That sense of belonging in emerging tech spaces is what we’re really building. And once that shift happens, it doesn’t stop with one person. It ripples. People bring that new sense of possibility home—to their families, their neighborhoods, their communities. That’s why I tell every participant: “Once we invest in you, your job is to invest in someone else.” We’re not just cultivating talent—we’re building a culture of service, confidence, and community resilience. Those moments—when someone reclaims their voice, discovers their power, and turns around to lift others—those are the moments that make this work deeply meaningful. That’s the impact I care about most.
What would you tell a prospective student considering attending UCSB?
I would tell them that attending UCSB isn’t just about getting a degree—it’s about stepping into a space that can transform your sense of self, your path, and your future. For me, UCSB was the place where I learned to lead, to speak up, and to believe that my voice and experiences mattered. At UCSB I found my community, discovered my strengths, and started to build the confidence that would carry me through law school, public service, and eventually cofounding TecnoLatinx XR Lab. UCSB offers a unique mix of academic excellence, student leadership opportunities, and community support. Whether it’s becoming an RA, joining a student organization, volunteering, or just having a late-night conversation in your residence hall—those moments shape who you are becoming. It’s also a place where you can start fresh. You may come in with friends or completely on your own, but you’ll find people who challenge and support you. Try something new—learn to surf, explore campus clubs, walk the lagoon, ask a professor for mentorship. Don’t just go to class—be present in the life of the campus. And most importantly, find ways to be of service. Because when you invest in others, you grow in ways that stay with you long after graduation. UCSB taught me how to build community, how to take initiative, and how to lead with purpose. Take up space, stay curious, and let UCSB shape you—but also leave your mark. Because your story doesn’t just belong here—it’s needed here.
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