What Matters to Me and Why Alumni Series - Sasha Strauss '99

The “What Matters to Me and Why” Alumni Series is back on Tuesday, May 16, featuring Sasha Strauss ’99. This informal, conversational dinner series explores how student experiences have profoundly impacted career paths and life journeys of some of UCI’s many distinguished alumni.

“What Matters to Me and Why” encourages reflection about values, beliefs and motivations in the lives of those who shape our university. The series explores personal journeys – choices made, difficulties encountered, commitments formed and joys revealed – with the hope that these stories will help us to understand diverse pathways in life, work and leadership. Such understandings are crucial for fortifying tolerance, strengthening bonds, and supporting the virtues that make UCI a great institution.

About Sasha Strauss '99

Sasha Strauss is the managing director at Innovation Protocol, a brand strategy consulting firm he founded in 2006. Strauss currently leads a team of 25 in LA, SF, and NYC, and their clients include organizations like Google, Disney, Amgen, ADP, the Roman Catholic Church and the Jewish Federation and Homeboy Industries.

Strauss has served as graduate school faculty for 11 years, teaching brand strategy at USC’s Marshall School of Business, UCLA’s Anderson School of Management, and at UCI’s Paul Merage School of Business concurrently.

Strauss has given keynote speeches alongside notable speakers such as Magic Johnson, Tony Hsieh, Frank Gehry, Biz Stone and Simon Sinek.

In addition to earning his bachelor’s degree in political science from UCI, Strauss also holds a master’s degree in strategic corporate communication management from USC, and an executive management certificate from UCLA’s Anderson School of Management.

We are pleased to offer this series in collaboration with the Student Alumni Association, a registered campus organization that enhances the student experience at UCI by connecting students to one another, alumni and the university.

[TylerHoff]

Thank you. Another GEM! And being from O.C. this is so awesome to learn more about Sasha's history! I was already massively inspired and empowered by his message and other videos!