Sharing in the spirit of service makes lifelong memories. Her Campus spoke with 4th year History major and Entrepreneurship minor, Anne Christie, about making an impact in the community with Bruin Belles. Bruin Belles is a non-profit philanthropic organization dedicated to service and the promotion of women’s leadership.
Her Campus: What is Bruin Belles, and what are some of the things that you do?
Anne Christie: Bruin Belles Service Association is a student run organization on UCLA’s campus that fosters philanthropy and women’s leadership. We began in 1946 as the official hostesses of the Bruin Rugby Association, but we have since evolved into an organization that volunteers with organizations across Los Angeles such as Meals on Wheels, Beyond the Bell, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and many more! We are proud to say that we annually commit over 10,000 hours of community service. Members also have the opportunity to do other types of events, such as volunteering in the UCLA Football press box, attending career development workshops and going on food excursions with their fellow Belles.
HC: What makes a great Bruin Belle?
AC: A great Bruin Belle is someone that shows kindness towards others, has a passion for service and always supports her fellow Belles. However, besides those qualities, our membership is very diverse. Bruin Belles come from many different majors, interests, cultures and walks of life.
HC: What makes Bruin Belles unique among all other service organizations?
AC: Bruin Belles is unique because it offers its members a wide variety of opportunities that caters to the diverse interests of our members. Bruin Belles has 5 pillars that events are based around: Philanthropy, Women’s Leadership, Fundraising, Campus Culture and Social. Every week, an agenda is presented to our members with different events in each category, and members can choose to attend the events that best suit their interests. The diversity of our events also allows our members to step outside of their comfort zones and try new things, such as attending a Veteran’s Hospital holiday party, trying goat yoga or attending workshops on water conservation.
HC: What are some of the life lessons Bruin Belles has taught you?
AC: It seems like I learn something new from every experience I have had with Belles. Our philanthropy events have taught me the importance of taking time out of your week to help others. Being on the executive board has taught me the importance of professionalism and the value of working on a team. Women’s leadership events have prepared me to enter the professional world after I graduate. The lessons I have learned in Bruin Belles have shaped my college career and have readied me for postgraduate life, something I will forever be grateful for.
HC: How many current members are there?
AC: Bruin Belles typically has an annual membership of 90 women. We also pride ourselves on our extensive alumni network!
HC: What are some of your upcoming events?
AC: On Thursday, February 21st from 6pm-8pm, we will be hosting our very first talent showcase, Beyond the Belles, which will have various performance groups from around campus coming together in honor of our beneficiary, Beyond the Bell. If you would like to attend, please email our Campus Culture Director, Sowmya.
We are also hosting our annual Women’s Leadership Conference on Sunday, March 3rd from 9am-1pm. At this event, we invite a diverse group of speakers and advocates to come spend a day with us to promote professional and personal empowerment, community outreach and global issue awareness. If you are interested in attending, please click here.
HC: How can girls get involved?
AC: Bruin Belles hosts our annual recruitment during the fall of every year. If you are interested in learning more about Bruin Belles and our application process, please visit bruinbelles.com.
You can find Bruin Belles on their Website, Instagram and Facebook
We can’t wait to see what amazing things you do in the future, Anne and Bruin Belles!