Official Blog | UCGPC

Naomi Hammonds MPH Student & UCGPC Council Chair, UC Los Angeles

Meet Naomi Hammonds, a dynamic and driven public health advocate serving as the 2025 Council Chair for the University of California Graduate and Professional Council (UCGPC). A proud Las Vegas native and current Master of Public Health student at UCLA, Naomi brings a deep commitment to equity, community health, and student empowerment to her leadership role.

Naomi earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychobiology from UCLA’s Honors College in 2024, with minors in Cognitive Science, Entrepreneurship, and African-American Studies. Her multidisciplinary academic background reflects a passion for both science and social impact. These values guide her graduate studies in Community Health Sciences as she prepares to apply to medical school.

Her leadership journey at UCLA is as inspiring as it is impactful. Naomi previously served as the Undergraduate Students Association Council (USAC) President, where she championed initiatives to enhance student belonging and success, especially for marginalized communities, through efforts rooted in diversity, equity, inclusion, and retention.

Naomi’s influence extended far beyond student government. As one of the rare undergraduate teaching assistants in UCLA’s Life Sciences Department, she worked closely with students and faculty to promote classroom equity through the Learning Assistant Program. Her dedication to public service also led her to serve as a College Corps Fellow, where she supported community-based initiatives with lasting impact.

An accomplished scholar and researcher, Naomi has been recognized as a McNair Research Scholar, Bunche Fellow, and Psychology Departmental Honors Scholar. Her research explores the experiences and sense of belonging of Black undergraduate students in both STEM and non-STEM environments. This work continues to inform her advocacy in higher education and public health.

As UCGPC Council Chair, Naomi is excited to build upon her leadership experience and help shape policies that support the academic, social, and personal wellbeing of graduate and professional students across the UC system.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to continue serving students across California. This year, I’m looking forward to collaborating with my peers to uplift graduate voices and push for meaningful, inclusive change.”
Naomi Hammonds

Connect with Naomi at chair@ucgpc501c3.org and follow along as she leads with vision, compassion, and an unwavering dedication to student advocacy.