Slugs at Sundown
Unwind with us!
Join us for Slugs at Sundown, an evening meet-up series connecting UC Santa Cruz alumni in Silicon Valley for networking, learning, and inspiration. Held at the UC Santa Cruz Silicon Valley Campus, it’s a chance to reconnect, explore ideas, and grow your personal and professional networks in a relaxed setting.
Each event spotlights a unique theme, showcasing diverse interests and industries within the alumni community. Whether expanding connections or engaging in meaningful conversations, all alumni are welcome.
Upcoming Slugs at Sundown 2025
Save the dates! All events will held at the UC Santa Cruz Silicon Valley Campus from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Themes and speakers will be added as announced.
Thursday, May 29
The Future of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Silicon Valley
Thursday, August 7
Thursday, November 13
May 2025
Slugs at Sundown Alumni Meet-Up
The Future of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Silicon Valley
As the federal landscape shifts, many companies and municipalities are re-evaluating their DEI staffing, policies, and long-term commitments. What does this mean for employees and leaders dedicated to fostering inclusive workplaces?
Join fellow UC Santa Cruz alumni for a casual evening of networking, connection, and discussion. Speakers will share insights on how organizations are navigating the evolving DEI climate from both public and private sector lenses.
Thursday, May 29, 2025
5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
UC Santa Cruz Silicon Valley Campus
3175 Bowers Avenue, Santa Clara
Mia Hernandez
(Porter, Community Studies B.A., `18)
Mia is a Senior Executive Analyst in City of San José’s Office of Racial and Social Equity, where she partners with departments to embed racial equity into policies and programs, ensuring historically marginalized communities remain central to decision-making. She is a passionate equity advocate with over a decade of experience in community organizing, public policy, and social change, focusing on racial equity and effective policy development.
Her journey began at De Anza College’s Leadership and Social Change program, where she championed educational equity and organized with migrant workers and communities of color. At UC Santa Cruz, she contributed to housing justice through the No Place Like Home research project and a field study at Sacred Heart Community Service, where she launched Tenants Know Your Rights clinics.
Mia has since held roles at Project Sentinel Fair Housing and the City of Oakland, working across sectors to advance housing justice, civil rights, and racial equity. Outside her policy work, she is a storyteller and poet who amplifies the voices of queer communities and people of color, grounded in the belief that narrative and community resilience are vital in uncertain times.
Je A’nna McCardie
(UCSC Silicon Valley Extension, HR Management Certification, `96)
Je A’nna is the Director of Hiring Engagement Strategy and Programs at Google, where she leads a global team focused on building inclusive hiring systems, processes, and capabilities across all hiring stakeholders.
Since joining Google in 2009, she has led efforts across the US, EMEA, and APAC to reimagine hiring strategies and foster belonging throughout the hiring process. As the former Global Head of Staffing DEI for GBO, Marketing, and G&A, she created initiatives such as Culture Add, Inclusive Hiring Steps, and Strategic Talent Engagement, which now form the foundation of Google’s hiring system. She previously served as a Staffing Leader for Global Sales Staffing.
Before Google, Je A’nna held DEI, staffing, and HR leadership roles in tech, biotech, and nonprofits—including Associate Director of DEI at Genentech, where she advanced Equity in Multicultural Healthcare. Her career began as a teen counselor at the Boys and Girls Club, sparking a lifelong commitment to coaching, sponsorship, and creating access. Known for her creative and empathic leadership, Je A’nna brings others along on the journey toward impactful, inclusive change.
Connect, Share, Network.
Slugs at Sundown offers a vibrant space for alumni to connect, gain inspiration, and celebrate shared experiences within the UC Santa Cruz community.
All alumni are encouraged to attend. Here’s what to expect at a Slugs at Sundown meet-up:
5:30–6 p.m. | Registration & light refreshments
6–7 p.m. | Welcome and introduction, speakers, Q&A – followed by networking
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Slugs at Sundown?
Slugs at Sundown is held at the Bowers Room in the UC Santa Cruz Silicon Valley Campus, located at 3175 Bowers Avenue, Santa Clara, CA, 95054.
What is the suggested dress code?
Feel free to come as you are! We expect many attendees to head to the event straight from the office, so we encourage you to wear whatever feels natural for you.
What is parking like?
Parking at the UC Santa Cruz Silicon Valley Campus is both ample and complimentary.
What refreshments will be served?
Light refreshments of coffee, tea, and appetizers will be provided, with vegan and gluten-free options available.
Is there a cost for Slugs at Sundown?
There is no fee to attend, but we do request advance registration.
What else should I know about Slugs at Sundown?
Our event is a celebration of diversity, bringing together individuals from all walks of life. It is designed for anyone who values inclusivity, open-mindedness, and a sense of community. No matter your background, ethnicity, gender, or beliefs, you are welcome to join us in fostering connections, understanding, and shared experiences.
Have additional questions or want to get more involved? Feel free to contact Tracy Murray, Corporate Development & Alumni Career Programs Manager, at tlmurray@ucsc.edu.
Past Events
Slug Women of Silicon Valley
March 2024
Unlocking Latinx Leadership
May 2024
Celebrating Queer Voices
November 2024
Entrepreneurship
Feb 2025