UCLA Announces Keynote Speaker for International Institute Commencement
Felicia Marie Knaul, a distinguished professor at UCLA and associate of the chancellor, is set to deliver the keynote address at the upcoming commencement ceremony for the UCLA International Institute on June 14 at 6:30 p.m. in Royce Hall. Her extensive experience in health economics and advocacy makes her an inspiring choice for this important occasion.
Knaul’s impressive career began with her education in international development studies and economics at the University of Toronto. Her early experiences working with street children in Guatemala laid the groundwork for her doctoral research at Harvard, focusing on similar issues in Bogotá, Colombia. This path reflects a biblical principle of serving the least in society—a call to love and uplift those in need.
With a rich background that includes roles as director of the Institute for Advanced Study of the Americas at the University of Miami and senior leadership positions in the governments of Mexico and Colombia, Knaul’s commitment to public health reform is evident. Notably, she contributed to the establishment of Seguro Popular, a national health insurance program in Mexico that has benefited over 50 million people. These efforts resonate with the teachings of Jesus about aiding the marginalized (Matthew 25:40).
In her keynote speech, Knaul is expected to share insights from her extensive research and leadership experiences, which include over 350 academic publications and involvement in global health initiatives. Her current work, such as co-chairing Lancet commissions on cancer and violence against women and children, highlights the essential role of compassion and advocacy in health care—an echo of the biblical mandate to care for the sick and vulnerable (Mark 2:17).
Knaul’s personal journey with breast cancer has fueled her passion for women’s health—ultimately founding the organization Tómatelo a Pecho in 2008 to promote breast cancer awareness and treatment access across Latin America. Her story of resilience and dedication reminds us of the scriptural promise that we can find strength and purpose even in challenging times (Philippians 4:13).
As she reflects on her diverse experiences at UCLA, Knaul emphasizes the importance of collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches to address the root causes of health disparities. This commitment aligns with the biblical principle of community and working together to foster growth, seen in the early church (Acts 2:44-47).
In closing, Knaul’s upcoming address serves not only as a celebration of the graduates but as a powerful reminder of the potential for healing and hope through service and compassion. In a world often divided, her vision for collective action urges us to reflect on how we, too, might embody these values.
Encouraging Takeaway: As we engage with the world around us, let us consider how we can uplift others in our communities. Reflect on this passage from Hebrews 10:24-25, which calls us to spur one another on toward love and good deeds, fostering a spirit of collaboration and compassion that transcends our individual pursuits.
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