Meet the Team

Staff Co-Chair

Toshiko Ching graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Microbiology. She joined UCLA Health in 2011 and began her career here in the Gross Room at Santa Monica UCLA.  Currently, she works as a Clinical Supervisor for Anatomic Pathology’s Referral Lab Services team. In late 2022, she was recruited to the Staff Co-Chair position for the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Inclusive Excellence Committee where she works with her other Co-Chairs to advocate for the use of IE principles to guide all of our department’s work. She takes special interest in participating in and helping to promote pathway programs into medicine and careers in healthcare for all, and in ways to incorporate IE principles into all levels of patient care. She also serves a lifetime appointment as a parent to son William and daughter Carly, for whom all IE work is done. 

Trainee Co-Chair

Dr. Cody Forsyth obtained his medical degree from Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine where he was involved in efforts to provide inclusive patient care and foster a safe academic space via his school’s Rainbow Health Coalition. He completed the Post-Junior Fellowship at UCLA during the 2022-2023 academic year where he gained a passion for pathology and is happy to be back for his Anatomic Pathology/Clinical Pathology residency training. He hopes to bring his passion for academic excellence and inclusivity to his role as an Inclusive Excellence trainee co-chair and is excited to work in support of inclusive excellence initiatives at UCLA. 

Faculty Vice-Chair 

Dr. Laklouk is an Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department with expertise in Genitourinary and Head and Neck Pathology, and a member of the Tumor Immunology & Immunotherapy Research Program. Her dedication to fostering inclusive excellence is reflected in her national appointment as the IE Advisor to the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology (USCAP) Foundation Committee, a prestigious three-year term that began in April 2024. Dr. Laklouk is excited to leverage her leadership experiences to strengthen our department’s commitment to inclusive excellence and continue building on the important work of her predecessors.

Faculty Vice-Chair 

Dr. Rebecca A. Sosa is an Assistant Professor and Vice Chair, Inclusive Excellence in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and Assistant Director of the UCLA Immunogenetics Center (UIC), where she provides services to the solid organ and stem cell transplant communities through diagnostic testing and interpretation. Dr. Sosa has a passion for patient-oriented research and personalized medicine, particularly those involving health disparities. Her current research efforts are focused on investigating the immune mechanisms underlying transplantation tolerance, injury and outcomes.

Program Manager

Maria, recently joined our team as a Program Manager for Quality Improvement, Laboratory Stewardship, and Inclusive Excellence. She is a first-generation Double Bruin, having earned both her undergraduate and Master’s degrees from UCLA – a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology with a minor in Education and Math, and a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration. Additionally, she holds a PMP (Project Management Professional) certification. Maria brings a wealth of experience from her previous departments, where she played a pivotal role in IE efforts. Her most recent accomplishment was leading an Affinity group project at the UCSF’s Dean’s Office, which has significantly contributed to shaping a more inclusive academic environment. She shares our passion for IE and is eager to contribute to work that improves employees sense of belonging within our department.

Program Manager

Monique is a first-generation student and professional who joined our team in June 2022 as the inaugural Program Manager for Quality Improvement, Laboratory Stewardship, and Inclusive Excellence. Monique obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from UCR and her Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from UCLA. She is passionate about identifying and reducing barriers to high quality health care for all and has spent her career identifying the root causes of challenges to implement innovative and sustainable changes benefitting patients, faculty, trainees, and staff. In her free time, Monique loves to volunteer, serving as a leader for UCLA affinity groups and initiatives such as InspirASIAN, Asian American Pacific Islander Alliance, and Restorative Justice in Academic Medicine, and a peer mentor for the Staff Enrichment Program and Professional Development Program.