Alumni Spotlights

We're proud to highlight a Gaucho Alum, novelist and recent Emmy Nominee JD Slajchert! He was a part of the Men's Basketball team during his time at UCSB from 2014 to 2018 and the story of him and his biggest fan is continuing to change lives. While competing in high school, JD befriended a young boy with Sickle Cell Disease named Luc Bodden, and when JD committed to continue his career collegiately at UCSB, Luc vowed to never miss a single game of his in The Thunderdome. Luc passed away in the middle of JD's career at Santa Barbara, but following this loss, JD then decided to dedicate himself to preserving their unique bond in the form of a book. Following JD's graduation in 2018, he went on to publish his debut novel, MoonFlower, that same year—a story inspired by his relationship with his biggest fan. JD would go on to become a prominent advocate for Sickle Cell Disease, speaking to groups and organizations across the country, and recently a feature story was organized by Spectrum News 1 in order to highlight JD's career from athlete to author. This June that story was awarded an Emmy Nomination for Sports Feature of the Year, and JD and the Bodden family are hoping to win the award on July 26th in Luc's honor. Today, you can find JD helping run a nonprofit alongside the Bodden family named after Luc called "The LucStrong Foundation," which supports families with children that are diagnosed with Sickle Cell Disease, writing different projects in both the book and TV world, or giving motivational speeches and talks to a wide-range of people around the world. He is also scheduled to be giving a TEDx Talk this upcoming fall. To learn more about JD and to watch the Emmy Nominated feature, please visit his website www.jdwritesbooks.com.

Nadia M. Bauta is the founder of TecnoLatinx XR Lab, a pioneering organization that empowers underserved communities through technology, civic engagement and education. Her journey began at UC Santa Barbara, where she earned a degree in Law and Society, driven by her passion for social justice and the law as a tool to create lasting change. After graduation, she attended law school and later worked in various roles focused on civil rights, tech startups and intellectual property, gaining valuable experience that would later shape the mission of her own company. The idea for TecnoLatinx XR Lab emerged after Nadia recognized the gap in access to cutting- edge tech education for various communities. Inspired by her own experiences and the power of technology to change perspectives, she set out to bridge the digital divide. Today, Nadia’s work ensures a more inclusive future in technology.

Colleen Pizarev is a communications professional with a rich background in international PR and media. During her time at UCSB, Colleen was actively involved in Alpha Phi Sorority and the university’s crew team, both of which provided her with lifelong friendships and cherished memories. Colleen's career path took an unexpected turn after the birth of her son when she transitioned into the communications field. She began as a reporter for the Silicon Valley Report, a high-technology television news program on PBS, leveraging her background in the communications realm. Her experience in international business and PR connections led her to PR Newswire, where she played a pivotal role in expanding the company’s international division. Over 21 years, she ran an editorial bureau, opened offices around the world and eventually led the Global Communications Consulting Group, working with corporations and agencies to navigate cross-border communication strategies.

Archie Holmes joined The University of Texas System as Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs in October 2020. Prior to joining U. T. System, Archie was the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs at the University of Virginia and was a faculty member at both the University of Virginia and The University of Texas at Austin. As Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, he served as chief advisor to and representative of the executive vice president and provost in academic matters related to the curriculum and general health and welfare of the academic units. Over this career, Archie has co-authored over 110 referred technical articles and 70 conference presentations and received numerous awards for his teaching and advising activities.

Andrew is a highly accomplished entrepreneur, founder of two businesses: Fiat Luxe Tours in Washington D.C., and The Crafter’s Library in Santa Barbara, CA. His career journey began at UC Santa Barbara, where he earned a double major in Political Science and Global Studies. His time at UCSB shaped his critical thinking, global perspective, and entrepreneurial spirit, which continue to guide his endeavors today. After graduating, Andrew's career took several exciting turns, from working in hospitality to starting Fiat Luxe Tours in Washington, D.C., where he shared his love for history and politics as a guide. Drawing from this experience, Andrew transitioned into retail entrepreneurship, founding The Crafter’s Library, a creative coworking space and community hub in Santa Barbara. AJ remains an active part of the UCSB community, mentoring students, working with campus organizations like the Family Vacation Center, and celebrating the Gaucho spirit. His favorite aspect of his career is the opportunity to chart a nontraditional path, proving that success comes from embracing risks and pursuing passions.

Kelly Ryan is a driven entrepreneur and the co-founder of Raise Consulting, a recruitment firm specializing in commercial real estate and construction. With a passion for helping people and building relationships, Kelly has played a pivotal role in helping organizations and professionals achieve their goals. During her time at UCSB, Kelly was deeply involved in Greek Life, serving as the President of Kappa Alpha Theta, where she developed the leadership and relationship-building skills that have been central to her professional journey. A dedicated alumni, Kelly remains closely tied to UCSB through Alumni Association events, such as Greek Interconnect. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from UC Santa Barbara.