About

Associate Vice Chancellor and Distinguished Professor, University of California Santa Barbara

Kum-Kum Bhavnani is an internationally acclaimed film-maker and scholar, known for her multilayered approach to documenting inequalities and building a more just, livable planet. Her research, teaching, and filmmaking investigate the intersections of equity/diversity, international development/global alternatives, with interdisciplinary cultural studies. From 2018 to 2020 she served as Chair and Vice Chair of the University of California Systemwide Senate (2018-2020). 

Kum-Kum’s leadership at the University of California has included collaborating with communities of artists, scholars, community activists and residents, NGOs and policy makers.  Her goal is to inspire social change and bring about the social justice urgently needed for present and future generations.

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