UCLA’s Felicia Knaul to Speak at International Institute Commencement

Felicia Marie Knaul, a UCLA faculty member, will deliver the commencement address at the UCLA International Institute on June 14. Her address at Royce Hall promises to inspire graduates with her unique blend of academic rigor and real-world impact.

A Career Dedicated to Global Health

Knaul, an associate of the chancellor and distinguished professor of medicine at UCLA, brings a wealth of experience to the podium. She has previously served as the director of the Institute for Advanced Study of the Americas at the University of Miami.

I’m honored to be giving the commencement address at the UCLA International Institute on June 14. The opportunity to connect with the graduating class & all those who are part of this vibrant community is one I cherish. More to come! #UCLA #GlobalHealth #HigherEd pic.twitter.com/LqQ7wGv23y

— Felicia Marie Knaul (@FeliciaKnaul) May 16, 2024

Her career spans academia, government, and non-profit work. Knaul‘s influence extends to the field of cancer care, with recent data suggesting that early detection and treatment significantly improves survival rates; a recent study shows a 30% increase in five-year survival rates for breast cancer patients when treated in its early stages (American Cancer Society).

From Academia to Advocacy

Previously, Knaul held positions at Harvard Medical School and held senior leadership roles within the Mexican and Colombian governments. She also founded Tómatelo a Pecho, a non-profit organization dedicated to women’s health.

“I decided to share my journey publicly and chose to get treatment in Mexico to demonstrate that women did not have to leave the country to access high-quality care,”

—Felicia Marie Knaul

Knaul‘s upcoming address highlights the importance of global collaboration and research. Her insights promise to resonate with the graduating class as they prepare to make their own contributions to the world.