A Message from the Director
Dear Community and Philanthropy Partners,
As we reflect on the past year at the UC Irvine SAGE Scholars Program, we celebrate our enduring commitment to academic excellence with an exciting evolution: the integration of financial literacy and wellness into our holistic support framework. This enhancement builds upon our foundation of empowering low-income undergraduates through mentoring, leadership training, professional development and meaningful work experiences.
For more than two decades, SAGE has been a beacon that guides our scholars toward success. Through hands-on opportunities and career development initiatives, we prepare our students to excel in their chosen fields, equipping them with the skills and capacity to thrive in today’s competitive landscape. This year, our expanded curriculum ensures that financial literacy is woven into every aspect of their journey, fostering academic achievement as well as financial independence and security.
Beyond degrees, our scholars have achieved remarkable milestones: from Phi Beta Kappa inductions to prestigious awards and internships at leading companies and nonprofits. These accomplishments are a testament to the program’s dedication and our scholars’ determination to make a lasting impact in their communities.
At SAGE’s core, our mission is about more than individual success — it’s about lifting our entire community through strong partnerships and inclusive opportunities. By fostering leadership development, cultivating career readiness and promoting financial wellness, we empower our scholars to create generational change and redefine what it means to build wealth inclusively.
Throughout this report, you will find inspiring stories of resilience, achievement and community impact. Together, we continue to forge pathways that transcend barriers, transform lives and ensure that wealth — defined not just monetarily but through knowledge, opportunity, and leadership — is accessible to all.
As we look to the future and the opportunities ahead, we extend our deepest gratitude to each of you for your steadfast support and partnership. Your commitment fuels our mission and empowers us to expand our reach and impact year after year. ■
With heartfelt gratitude,
Neda Moayedi Director, SAGE Scholars Program
Four Pillars
The SAGE Scholars Program is guided by four pillars to support and empower students on their diverse career trajectories.
■ Workforce & Career Readiness
SAGE strives to connect students with yearlong, paid internship positions with sponsor corporations or non-profit organizations. First in class to provide relevant and meaningful work experience, SAGE prepares new generations of global leaders for inclusive excellence.
■ Leadership & Professional Development
Specialized classes to enhance scholars’ leadership, academic and professional skills. Scholars receive one-on-one career advising that targets the job search process, interviewing skills, and graduate school preparation.
■ Service Learning
SAGE Scholars participate in community service projects across the UC Irvine campus and in the local Orange County area. The purpose of the SAGE-sponsored service learning projects is to instill a culture of civic responsibility among scholars.
■ Networking
SAGE scholars expand their professional network by establishing connections with SAGE alumni who are employed in various industries and have attended top graduate and professional schools in a variety of fields.
Graduating Scholars at a Glance
• SAGE ALUMNI, ALL TIME: 660 • GRADUATION RATE AMONG SAGE SCHOLARS, ALL-TIME: 100%
SAGE Scholars are as diverse, if not more, than the average UCI student, both in terms of ethnicity and lived experiences. Because SAGE Scholars represent every school on campus, the learning cohorts are exposed to and experience different majors and ways of thinking that students siloed in the schools do not. As a result, 38.4% of SAGE Scholars pursue two or more bachelor’s degrees, whereas only 13.4% of UCI Pell Grant recipients do.
3.60 GPA
SAGE Scholars graduated with an average GPA of 3.60, outpacing UCI students (3.46) and other Pell Grant students (3.42) by a significant margin.
UCI Schools Representation
32% of Graduating Scholars will attend graduate school 68% will enter the workforce
38.46%
Percentage of Graduating Scholars that received 2+ Bachelor’s Degrees
2023-24 Participants
0.98% Claire Trevor School of the Arts
76.92%
Percentage of Graduating Scholars on the Dean’s Honors List
6.86% Donald Bren School of Informaiton and Computer Science
0.98% Interdisciplinary Studies
2.94% Program in Public Health
4.90% School of Biological Sciences
7.84% School of Education
7.84% School of Humanities 0.98% School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
School of Social Ecology
School of Social Sciences
Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing
The Henry Samueli School of Engineerin
The Paul Merage School of Business
Race/Ethnicity 86.25% First Generation
First Generation Students
Asian
Black/African American
Chicanx/Latinx
White/Southeast Asian/North African
Total Race/Ethnicity
Two or more
Decline to state
Not First Generation
Unknown/Unavailable
Student Experience
Maria Fernanda Calva Sanchez
Maria Fernanda Calva Sanchez’s journey through UC Irvine is one that intertwines an unyielding passion for advocacy with the empowering scaffold of the SAGE Scholars Program. As a member of the Class of 2024 from the School of Social Sciences, majoring in political science with a minor in Chicano/Latino studies, Calva Sanchez’s academic pursuits and professional ambitions have been primarily dedicated to serving vulnerable and marginalized communities, particularly focusing on immigrant and undocumented populations within Southern California.
Transitioning from a prospective business major — spurred by her childhood experience in her family’s small ice cream business — to embracing political science and Chicano/Latino studies, Calva Sanchez’s path has been anything but conventional. The climate after the 2016 Presidential Election served as a critical juncture, shaping her intellectual and professional trajectory towards understanding and combating systemic injustices faced by her community.
Calva Sanchez’s experiences at UCI, particularly her involvement with SAGE Scholars, have been transformative. Despite the challenges of online learning and navigating campus life as a firstgeneration college student, SAGE provided Calva Sanchez with a comprehensive support system. It equipped her with necessary professional development tools and introduced her to a community of mentors and peers who shared and supported her aspirations. This support was instrumental in her securing a pivotal internship with Ayuda in Washington, D.C., through the University of California Washington Center (UCDC) program, where she served as an advocacy intern for low-income immigrants.
Working with Human Options as a legal advocate administrative intern further solidified Calva Sanchez’s resolve to pursue law school, with the aim of advocating for immigrant and Latino communities’ basic needs. Her time with Human Options and SAGE has not only broadened her perspective but also deepened her commitment to serving marginalized populations.
Calva Sanchez reflects on her journey with gratitude, especially towards her family and mentors within the SAGE program. With the knowledge, experience and community support she received at UCI, Calva Sanchez is now poised to embark on her next adventure in law school, continuing her advocacy for those who remain at the margins of society. Her story is a testament to the profound impact of SAGE Scholars in empowering students like her to pursue their passions and make a tangible difference in the world. ■
Student Experience
Miriam Pineda-Gonzalez
Miriam Pineda-Gonzalez is a testament to the profound impact of immersive academic and extracurricular experiences coupled with the unwavering support of SAGE Scholars. As Class of 2024 graduate double majoring in international studies and environmental science and policy, Pineda-Gonzalez’s academic journey is distinguished by her passion for energy policy and an innate propensity to seize every opportunity to explore her interests further.
One of the pivotal moments in her undergraduate career was her study abroad in Washington, D.C., where she delved into policy and environmental research. This experience was enhanced by a summer in Greece learning about urbanism and sustainability, an opportunity made possible through the encouragement and support of her family and mentors. In every step, Pineda-Gonzalez acknowledges the critical role her support network has played in enabling her to pursue her dream career in energy policy.
Within SAGE Scholars, Pineda-Gonzalez flourished, benefiting significantly from the curriculum’s wide range of leadership and career development workshops. From presenting elevator pitches to engaging in salary negotiation workshops, her involvement in SAGE equipped her with essential professional skills. The informational interviews assignment proved pivotal as she navigated the application process for graduate programs, eventually leading her to set up interviews with program directors of master’s programs.
Serving as a SAGE ambassador further exemplified PinedaGonzalez’s leadership, focusing on creating inclusive and supportive environments for fellow scholars. Her role facilitated meaningful community engagement and networking, fostering relationships that would endure beyond their college years.
Pineda-Gonzalez’s choice to pursue a Master of Science in Environment and International Affairs at Georgetown University is a direct reflection of the clarity and ambition SAGE nurtured in her. As she prepares to blend her passions on an international stage, Pineda-Gonzalez’s story underscores the transformative potential of dedicated mentorship and peer support within academic pursuits. Through SAGE, she not only honed her professional capabilities but also charted a definitive path toward her future, emboldened by the wisdom and encouragement of those who guided her along the way. ■
CHAMPIONS SPOTLIGHT:
Human Options
A long-standing SAGE Scholars internship partner, Human Options is a domestic violence agency dedicated to supporting survivors and educating the community for over 40 years. It offers a vast range of services, such as residential programs, community-based support, and prevention education. Human Options’ Chief Operations Officer Sara Behmerwohld, who has been instrumental in bolstering the organization’s collaboration with the SAGE program, underscores the SAGE Scholars’ tangible impact within their operations.
Human Options and the SAGE Scholars program have a symbiotic relationship, providing interns with exceptional professional skills and the nonprofit with critical support. The partnership has bolstered Human Options’ capacities and vividly demonstrated the immense potential of nurturing top-tier talent within the nonprofit sector.
“Some of the most stellar employees that we’ve had at Human Options have come out of [the SAGE] program, and it’s part of the reason why I’m such a big proponent of the program,” Behmerwohld says.
Behmerwohld’s first encounter with SAGE interns was in the organization’s therapeutic-based children’s
“Some of the most stellar employees that we’ve had at Human Options have come out of [the SAGE] program…”
program at their emergency shelter. Impressed by their caliber, she initiated a conversation with the supervisor overseeing the program. This initial interaction paved the way for the partnership to expand into other areas, including the legal advocacy program, demonstrating the organic growth and success of the collaboration.
The distinctive qualities of the SAGE Scholars are manifold. Behmerwohld lauds their elevated level of self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and initiative. These interns often possess a unique blend of personal motivation and professional determination, making them invaluable assets to Human Options. The interns have consistently demonstrated exceptional capability, from managing intake processes, which involve sensitive and complex conversations with clients, to contributing to the children’s program that supports traumatized kids.
The partnership between Human Options and the SAGE Scholars program is a testament to the powerful synergy between academic institutions and community organizations. As Behmerwohld points out, “It has made a dramatic change in our program capacity,” a change that continues to ripple through the community, building a stronger, more resilient future for all. ■
Human Options’ Chief Operations Officer Sara Behmerwohld
Nihon Kohden Digital Health Solutions
Harsh Dharwad, President and CEO of Nihon Kohden Digital Health Solutions
Harsh Dharwad, President and CEO of Nihon Kohden Digital Health Solutions (NKDHS) and AMP3D, has been an ardent advocate for the SAGE Scholars program at UCI. Over the years, Dharwad has seen first-hand the transformative power of internships and the invaluable contributions that SAGE Scholars bring to both NKDHS and the broader community.
Reflecting on the journey with SAGE Scholars, Dharwad shares, “When I first started at Nihon Kohden, we didn’t have an internship program. I recommended that we start one because I believe internships are essential for both students and companies.” He emphasizes that interns bring fresh energy and ideas, keeping the organization in touch with the latest generational perspectives.
“SAGE Scholars bring invaluable contributions to our team. They are motivated, talented, and contribute significantly to our mission of improving patient and clinician lives. It’s a partnership that I’m incredibly proud of and one that I hope continues for many years to come,” Dharwad says.
Dharwad adds that Nihon Kohden, a healthcare company with a commitment to helping people, finds its mission well-aligned with the goals of the
“SAGE Scholars bring invaluable contributions to our team. They are motivated, talented, and contribute significantly to our mission of improving patient and clinician lives.”
SAGE Scholars program. This mutually beneficial relationship is underscored by tangible outcomes. “We’ve hired many interns over the years, some of whom have transitioned to full-time roles,” he notes.
Dharwad highlights that SAGE Scholars are given real work, not just menial tasks. “They perform like any other employee, gaining an actual taste of what work in the healthcare technology field is like. “This hands-on approach nurtures interns and provides valuable mentorship, aligning with Nihon Kohden’s long-term goals of developing talent and fostering leadership.
The relationship with SAGE Scholars extends beyond internships. Dharwad speaks fondly of collaborative events like volunteer days and leadership workshops that provide students with essential life skills. “These events teach students about leadership, career management, and finances. I wish more schools would offer such life skills training, as it’s invaluable for every student’s success.”
Through this collaboration, both entities reaffirm their commitment to investing in the future, not just in promising talent, but in the very essence of healthcare innovation and leadership. ■
ALUMNI TESTIMONY
Q&A with Kevin Mendez ’20
A SAGE Scholars alumnus and firstgeneration college graduate, Kevin Mendez ’20 is a testament to the impact of the SAGE Scholars Program. In this Q&A, he shares about his SAGE Scholars experience and the lessons he keeps with him in his career.
Q: How did your involvement in SAGE Scholars prepare you for your experience at Parker?
Mendez: The invaluable workshops and leadership development seminars provided a deep dive into various professional development topics and challenged us to put them into practice amongst our colleagues. In doing so, we were prepared with a concise and impactful elevator speech to utilize when networking or introducing ourselves in an interview. We were also provided amazing techniques and best practices within the full recruitment cycle, including resume workshops, mock interviews, community partnerships to provide us with professional attire, and even how to negotiate offers. Financial literacy workshops were also key in understanding the importance of budgeting, credit scores for significant purchases, and planning to be financially successful.
As an alum of the SAGE Scholars program, how do you continue to stay connected?
In my current role, I support our earlyin-career programs and internally advocate for the continuance of the SAGE Scholars Internship Program. I am grateful to be on the other side of the table and interview SAGErs for year-long internships with our Aerospace Group in Irvine. I enjoy giving back to my SAGE community by connecting with current SAGErs,
speaking as a SAGE alumnus, and advocating for the program whenever feasible. I also greatly value the financial support SAGE provided me as first-generation, low-income student and am now an advocate to gifting back to SAGE through UCI’s Giving Day.
What advice would you offer to current SAGE Scholars or students aspiring to follow in your footsteps?
Resiliency, agility, integrity and gratitude. Be comfortable in the uncomfortable and embody a continuous improvement mentality by setting stretch goals for yourself –you will find that you were prepared and capable of achieving success. Being agile and adaptable will set you apart from others and create a growth environment for yourself, be a sponge! Always be grateful, there are many great individuals who will support you in your journey so make time to acknowledge their time/support and always find opportunities to give back. Finally, take time to self-reflect and relax — “you can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Is there anything else you would like to share?
The SAGE Scholars Program itself has positively evolved over the years and this program grows stronger through the support of community partners, UCI alumni, and anyone seeking to make an impact in the life of a student — get involved! ■
Bright Future for SAGE Scholars
From Fortune 500 companies to impactful national nonprofits, graduates of the SAGE Scholars Program have gone on to work at prestigious companies all over the world. These are some of the organizations where our graduates have accepted positions this year:
All-time organizations include:
• Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences
• AbbVie
• Apple
• Bank of America
• Beckman Coulter
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire
• Boeing
• BroadCom
• Cisco
• Deloitte
• Edwards Lifesciences
• EY
• Ford
• Girls Inc. of OrangeCounty
• Hitachi
• Hoag
• Human Options
• Intel
• JPMorgan Chase & Co.
• Kaiser Permanente
• KellerWilliams
• KPMG
• Merrill
• NBCUniversal
• Nihon Kohden
• Nihon Kohden Digital Health Solutions
• Northrop Grumman
• Pacific Life
• Parker Aerospace
• P&G
• PwC
• Qualcomm
• Raytheon Technologies
• Riot Games
• Ronald McDonald House Charities
• Skyworks
• Southern California Edison
• Target
• TGR Foundation
• Thales
• Toyota
• UBS
• UCI Health
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• Verizon
• Wells Fargo
• Western Digital
• Yahoo!
“The SAGE Scholars Program has been a wonderful opportunity for me to develop into the professional I am today by providing me with the skills and expertise to enhance my abilities and confidence. With the support of the program, I was able to secure an internship in Talent Acquisition for OCTA. I am grateful for the opportunity to step into the world of Human Resources. Working with the Talent Acquisition team allowed me to gain a sense of what high-volume recruiting consists of and to see through first-hand accounts what types of decisions HR teams must make during onboarding processes while following all surrounding legal aspects. Through my experience for the past year with OCTA I have personally absorbed tangible experience in recruiting, which I believe will be applicable to any future career opportunities and in my upcoming Master’s Program at CSUSB.”
— Hector Aguilar, SAGE Scholar
Sponsors
Thank you to the many sponsors of the SAGE Scholars Program over the years. Your contributions help in providing programming, resources, and inspiration to the future leaders of Orange County.
To the generous SAGE sponsors, donors, and outstanding community partners, thank you for your continued support of the SAGE Scholars Program. I learned many essential skills and insights which elevated my professional presence. Some key skills I developed at SAGE were mastering my elevator pitch, networking, learning how to evaluate job offers and negotiate salary, and how to search for career opportunities. As I continue my career as a UX Designer, I will always give back to SAGE and inspire future generations to join such an amazing program. Thank you!
— Rafael Carrillo Muñoz, SAGE Scholar
