This August we are highlighting Native Bruin Judith Kwanami Mitchell (Quechan), class of 2022.
Judith Kwanami Mitchell is Quechan from the Fort Yuma Reservation in Winterhaven, California. She recently graduated from UCLA with a Bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics with a specialization in computing.
During her time at UCLA, Judy worked for the American Indian Recruitment (AIR) project as the assistant project director and as a site coordinator. She also served as a youth conference coordinator for the American Indian Student Association (AISA), as well as treasurer. In addition to working with AISA, Judith also took on the role of outreach coordinator for the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) UCLA Chapter.
She is finishing her internship with 3M as a software developer, working in the cloud to help the Costa Rica team create an intelligent data processing application. Judy is interested in machine learning as well as network and data science. She is also interested in learning about ethical issues in software development and their social impacts. Ultimately, her goal is to make spaces more safe, equitable, and inclusive through math and computer science.
“I am forever grateful for all of the opportunities that UCLA has given me to develop professionally and personally. I’ve met the most amazing and passionate people here. The Native community at UCLA and in Los Angeles will always hold a special place in my heart!”