Alumni Spotlights

Justin Tipping is a film and television director whose work blends emotional honesty with bold, genre-bending storytelling. He earned his B.A. in Film & Media Studies at UC Santa Barbara, where a mix of film theory, Italian cinema, and cultural analysis courses sparked his passion for understanding how media shapes society. That foundation guided him into a career defined by thoughtful, character-driven stories. After graduating, Justin worked his way into the industry from the ground up: freelancing in videography, taking any set job he could find, and eventually earning his M.F.A. in directing from the American Film Institute. His graduate work earned a Student Academy Award and launched him into professional directing across television and film. Justin’s projects often draw from personal experience, exploring themes of identity, grief, masculinity, and ambition. His recent feature HIM reflects his interest in the psychological cost of greatness and the emotional complexity behind high-pressure environments. He continues to develop new work in both television and feature film and remains connected to UCSB as an alum whose creative foundation began on campus.

Katya Armistead is the Co–Executive Director of Programs at Leading From Within, a Santa Barbara–based nonprofit dedicated to developing and supporting local leaders across sectors. She earned her B.A. in Sociology and Ed.D. from UC Santa Barbara, where her fascination with people and group dynamics sparked a lifelong commitment to community engagement and education. After graduating, she built a 35–year career at UCSB, serving in roles including Director of the Visitor Center, Dean of Student Life, and Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs. Throughout her tenure, she championed student leadership, civic engagement, and inclusive campus culture. A former Katherine Harvey Fellow, Katya now helps others discover their leadership potential through mentorship and service. She continues to stay connected to UCSB as an alum and elected county school board trustee, modeling her belief that authentic leadership begins with service to others.

Justin Fogarty is the co-founder of Talk A Mile, a program that fosters dialogue between young people and law enforcement to build understanding and community. He earned his B.A. in Geography and Environmental Studies from UC Santa Barbara, where his passion for the environment and diverse perspectives shaped his approach to leadership and civic engagement. Inspired by the 2020 protests, Justin and his family launched Talk A Mile to elevate youth voices and create meaningful conversations around public safety. Since its launch, the program has engaged hundreds of participants and multiple cities, aiming to deepen and widen its impact.

Of all the Hollywood clichés, perhaps the oldest is “What I really want to do is direct.” You hear it from actors, writers, cinematographers, even interns in the mailroom. Andy Jurgensen ’04 is a notable exception. The 43-year-old UC Santa Barbara alum finds deep satisfaction in a different role, one he finds intellectually stimulating and creatively fulfilling: film editor.

Shavonne Wieder '03 works at Universal Pictures Home Entertainment, where she oversees marketing strategies and audience engagement for major film releases. She earned her B.A. in Film Studies from UC Santa Barbara, where her passion for storytelling and understanding diverse perspectives shaped her approach to creativity and collaboration. After graduating, she began her career in the mail room at DreamWorks, eventually working at Paramount and Universal, gaining a deep understanding of how studios operate and the intersection of the creative and business sides of film. A proud member of the UCSB Alumni Board of Directors, she uses her professional expertise to support the Alumni Association’s mission and share insights with future students. She emphasizes the importance of being your own advocate, turning “no” into a “yes,” and building meaningful professional and personal networks.

Felix graduated from UC Santa Barbara in 2009 with a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering and a certificate from the Technology Management Program in Entrepreneurship. Originally from Germany, he earned his Diploma in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology from RWTH Aachen University before moving to Santa Barbara for graduate school. Following his time at UCSB, Felix began his career at Transphorm Inc., a UCSB-based semiconductor startup spun out from the university. He later joined McKinsey & Company, where he spent several years advising private equity firms and Fortune 500 companies on acquisitions, mergers, operations, and corporate strategy. Felix is currently a Partner at Actionist Consulting in Los Angeles, where he leads the firm’s Institutional Investors practice and co-leads its investment banking subsidiary, working with C-suite executives and investment leaders to solve complex strategic challenges. Felix lives in Simi Valley, California, and remains committed to fostering a strong and connected Gaucho alumni community.