Kimberly Freeman ('02) Joins UCLA Anderson As Assistant Dean for Diversity Initiatives and Community Relations

Earlier this week, UCLA Anderson Dean Judy Olian announced that Kimberly Freeman (’02) is the school’s new assistant dean for diversity initiatives and community relations.

Freeman comes to Anderson from the Southern California Gas Company where she served as the director of community relations and led departments that coordinated philanthropic contributions, community outreach and employee involvement. Kimberly worked for the Sempra family of companies for over 24 years. 

In addition to her Anderson MBA, Freeman holds a Masters in Public Policy from USC (where she also served as an adjunct professor) and a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering and operations research from UC Berkeley. She currently serves on several boards, including the Women’s Foundation of California, the Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA), the California African American Museum (CAAM) and the Leaders’ Quest Foundation. Freeman succeeds Linda Baldwin who retired in July.

As the assistant dean for diversity initiatives and community relations, she will spearhead the school’s initiatives to enhance its community through diversity and create an inclusive culture among students, faculty and staff.  She also will be responsible for community partnerships and outreach.

Freeman took time out from her hectic, first-week schedule to chat with the UCLA Anderson Blog.

Why did you decide to return to UCLA Anderson?

My view is that I never left Anderson.  Since graduation, one of my passions has been giving back to the community by serving as an ambassador for the school in its efforts to recruit diversity candidates for its MBA programs.  Among its many benefits, this position as assistant dean allows me to merge my passion with my professional background and skills in community involvement, relationship management and diversity outreach.

What are your responsibilities and priorities?

My responsibility is to enhance diversity and inclusion for key stakeholders here at the school and to raise recognition for the UCLA Anderson brand within the broader community. My priorities are building high quality programs that serve our students, faculty and staff, adequately addressing issues of concern as they may impact diversity, and, in support of our mission, to leverage resources here on campus and out in the diverse communities we serve.

You’re just getting started so this might change, but as of now, what is you’re your biggest challenge?

I’d like to think of my challenge as an opportunity and that is to create a robust, sustainable network for recruitment, retention and support of students, faculty and staff around these issues of diversity and inclusion that help move the school forward.

Comments

[Rick Ainsworth]

Kim, we here in HS School of Engineering and Applied Sceince look forward to your leadership

Rick

[Alexander Kim]

UCLA is lucky to have you, with the tremendous network you have! Go BRUINS! - Alex

[Denita Willoughby]

So proud of you my friend!
Denita