Alumni Spotlights

Jamal Lloyd Johnson is a television and film actor, entrepreneur, and former collegiate athlete whose career reflects the power of resilience, reinvention, and following a calling—even when the path is not linear. He earned his B.A. in Communication from UC Santa Barbara, where he played basketball after originally envisioning himself as a two-sport collegiate athlete in basketball and football. When he arrived at UCSB, however, the university had already discontinued its football program, offering him an early lesson in adapting when the path ahead changes unexpectedly. After graduating, Jamal earned a master’s degree in sports management from the University of San Francisco and went on to build a multifaceted career spanning entrepreneurship, health and wellness, and sales. His work included developing programs for professional athletes and helping generate millions of dollars in revenue across health-and-wellness and other high-ticket industries. Across each chapter, he continued developing the communication, leadership, empathy, and understanding of human behavior that would ultimately serve him as an actor. Although acting and storytelling had long been part of his life, Jamal eventually decided he could no longer leave that ambition for “one day.” He studied acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York and television writing at UCLA Extension before committing himself fully to building a career in entertainment. That commitment has led to roles in productions for Marvel and Disney, CBS, Paramount+, BET+, and Netflix. His credits include The Punisher: One Last Kill, Tyler Perry’s Ruthless, Law & Order: Organized Crime, and Dexter: Original Sin. Through each opportunity, Jamal brings together the discipline he learned through athletics, the initiative required by entrepreneurship, and the insight into people that began with his Communication studies at UCSB. His journey is a reminder that the experiences that appear unrelated can ultimately prepare someone for the same larger purpose—and that it is never too late to pursue something you feel deeply called to do.

Gayle Windom is an educator and leader whose career has been dedicated to supporting students and strengthening urban education systems. After earning her B.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara with majors in Speech and Hearing and African American Studies, she went on to receive her master’s degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology, launching her career in public education. She later earned her doctorate in educational leadership, further deepening her focus on equitable and culturally responsive practices. Gayle spent decades working across public schools, serving in roles ranging from speech pathologist, teacher, principal and district and charter school leader. Her work centered on supporting diverse student populations, including those in urban communities and students with varying learning needs. Known for her adaptability and hands-on leadership, she brought a wide range of experiences into each role, helping to guide both students and educators. Now retired from full-time work, Gayle continues to consult and remains engaged in education while also pursuing her passion for travel. Through her global experiences, she reflects on educational systems and cultural connections around the world. Grounded in a lifelong commitment to mentorship and service, Gayle continues to inspire others to navigate challenges, set goals, and lead with purpose.

Maximilian “Max” Ibel (Ph.D. ’00, Computer Science) is a seasoned technology executive, venture capitalist, and dedicated UC Santa Barbara leader. After earning his doctorate from UCSB, Max joined Google during its early years, and spent 17 years there, including as a Senior Engineering Director leading critical initiatives in web search infrastructure, web crawling, and identity management, resulting in over 10 co-authored patents. He later transitioned into venture capital as a Partner at Amino Capital from 2017 to 2023, where he backed high-growth, data-driven startups in cybersecurity, healthcare, and advanced systems. Today, Max remains deeply committed to advancing his alma mater’s mission, contributing his strategic expertise as a UCSB Foundation Trustee and a member of the Robert Mehrabian College of Engineering Dean’s Cabinet.

Joel Katz’s work centers on using sport to strengthen communities and expand access to recreational spaces. He earned his B.A. in Geography with a minor in Sport Management from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where his involvement in Rec Sports and club soccer shaped his leadership and community-focused mindset. After graduation, Joel spent a decade working in the NBA, gaining experience in the community engagement side of professional sports. Today, he serves as Vice President of Community Impact for San Diego FC and sits on the board of the San Diego Parks Foundation, where he focuses on expanding access to youth sports, safe play spaces, and community programming that brings people together through sport.

Mitch Braff is a filmmaker, entrepreneur and founder of LiquidView, a company creating immersive digital windows designed to bring the calming effects of nature into interior spaces. At the University of California, Santa Barbara, he customized his education through the Liberal Studies program with concentrations in Film Studies, History and English, combining his interests in documentary filmmaking, historical research and storytelling. While at UCSB, he produced an award-winning 16mm documentary about Jazz in the Classroom, an arts education program in East Oakland featuring musicians including Wynton Marsalis and Pete Escovedo. The film earned multiple honors and allowed him to compete alongside graduate students from top film schools, helping establish the confidence and creative foundation that shaped his career in filmmaking and visual storytelling. After graduation, he built a career producing documentaries, marketing films and creative media projects before founding LiquidView. Inspired by the lack of natural views in urban spaces, he developed the idea for digital windows that display ultra-high-resolution, real-time landscapes designed to feel indistinguishable from real windows. Drawing on his filmmaking background, he uses cinema-grade cameras, immersive sound design and advanced post-production techniques to create realistic experiences that have since been recognized for their potential wellness benefits. Today, LiquidView installations can be found in hospitals, healthcare facilities and commercial spaces across the country, including partnerships with organizations such as Mayo Clinic and Sutter Health. Through his work, he continues to combine storytelling, technology and design to create environments that promote calm, connection and well-being.

Bianca Fernandez is a New York–based creative strategist and brand builder, currently serving as Head of Brand Engagement at Personal Day, a skincare brand founded by Lili Reinhart. As the brand’s second hire, she helped build Personal Day from the ground up and now leads brand strategy and marketing, scaling its presence across direct-to-consumer, TikTok Shop and nationwide retail at Ulta Beauty. She began her career at TikTok, partnering with leading global brands to shape their content and platform strategies, before going on to lead social media at Tarte Cosmetics. Bianca is a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree in Marketing & Advertising, a TEDx speaker and the winner of NBC’s On Brand with Jimmy Fallon, where she competed as a creative strategist developing campaigns for major national brands. A 2019 graduate of the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she studied History of Public Policy and Law, Bianca brings a perspective grounded in cultural insight, audience behavior and the evolving role of media in shaping how we connect, create and consume.