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Our Big Belle Family

To paint a picture as to how Belles has impacted my life at UCLA, I’ve decided to reflect on a recent social event put on by our Public Relations office, the Alumni Brunch! A few Saturdays ago, about fifteen current Belles and fifteen Belle Alumnae gathered together at Bplate to enjoy some yummy brunch and bond over our mutual love for Belles! There was so much love in the room, and everyone from baby Belles to recent graduates and Belle alumni from literally 40 years ago were able to connect over a shared passion for philanthropy and the friendships Belles has given each and every one of us.

I felt especially blessed to be a part of this particular event, because two of the Alumni in attendance were part of the very reason I joined Belles myself! When I first got into UCLA a year ago, my Aunt Carrie Khouri raved to me about some organization that she just loved during her time as a Bruin, where she met her still-best-friend Jill. I didn’t think too much of it, and figured that it probably didn’t exist on campus anymore! Then, when I started at UCLA, I reconnected with a long time family friend, Lana Homsi. Lana encouraged me to apply to her favorite organization, which she told me had given her a home on such a big campus. Little did I know, that Lana and Aunt Carrie had both been talking about the very same Bruin Belles!!

Everything they told me when they encouraged me to apply has been MORE than true of Belles. Belles is everything I was looking for at UCLA, the service opportunities we have are unique and impactful, the women are inspiring and empowered, and the friendships are incredibly strong because we lift each other up, and share the same underlying values. It was so special to see all of these relationships intertwined at the Alumni Brunch, I even got to meet the famous Jill! I know that I will still be coming to Belle Alumni events in the far-away future because of the impact that Belles has had on me and the love I have for every Belle I know. 

Taylor Salamone
Campus Culture Distinguished Belle



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