Mathew Rahban grew up hiking the hills of Pacific Palisades, exploring the natural beauty that surrounded his West Los Angeles home.
A Beverly Hills Native and Beverly Hills High School graduate, Rahban stayed close to his roots, attending UCLA and earning a degree in psychology.
Throughout his life, basketball was a constant — be it playing pickup games or studying the sport’s deeper lessons.
His passion for the game led him to enroll in an honors course at UCLA: The Psychology of John Wooden, taught by Transformative Coaching and Leadership (TCL) professor Karen Givvin. The class, rich in leadership insights, resonated deeply with Rahban. One guest speaker, TCL Senior Fellow Valorie Kondos Field, introduced him to the School of Education and Information Studies’ Master of Education program. Inspired, Rahban enrolled—and found himself immersed in a transformative educational experience.
While earning his master’s degree, Rahban coached two recreational basketball teams at the Westwood Recreation Center, applying the servant leadership principles he was learning in real-time.
Now a 2024 graduate, Rahban channels those same skills into a different kind of coaching — serving as a crisis counselor for victims of the recent Los Angeles fires.
The same hills he once hiked are now scorched. And the same courts he once coached athletes on in Westwood now serve as temporary shelters for displaced families.
Working alongside the UCLA Disaster Recovery Center and other local organizations, Rahban provides emotional support to fire victims while also connecting them with essential resources such as FEMA, the American Red Cross and temporary housing.
“We meet people where they are and help however we can,” Rahban explains. “Everything depends on their situation.”
His work centers on fostering resilience in those he serves.
“It’s rare to have an event where so many people need help all at once,” he says. To date, 29 deaths have been linked to the Malibu and Altadena fires, with more than 18,000 structures destroyed.
“It’s overwhelming for everyone,” Rahban continues. “So many have experienced a traumatic loss, and they’re coming to you in a very vulnerable state. It’s a heavy responsibility.”
Drawing from his past experience working with special needs children, Rahban sees strong parallels between his crisis counseling and the principles of transformative coaching and leadership.
“First, people need that emotional connection,” he says. “They need to feel understood and know they’re not alone.”
Some individuals seek crisis counselors like Rahban for emotional support, while others require practical assistance, such as food, clothing, or shelter. His approach is simple, yet profound: “I start by being fully present for the people I serve.”
Rahban often reflects on the wisdom of John Wooden, who once said, ‘It is amazing how much can be accomplished if no one cares who gets the credit.’ This philosophy underscores his work, reminding him that true leadership is about service and impact.
For those looking to support fire recovery efforts, Rahban encourages reaching out to the UCLA Disaster Recovery Center or the UCLA Volunteer Center.
Looking ahead, Rahban envisions launching a coaching business focused on overall well-being — helping individuals and organizations enhance productivity, strengthen relationships, and cultivate resilience.
His journey, shaped by basketball, education and service, has come full circle — proving that leadership isn’t just about strategy. It’s about showing up, listening and making a difference when it matters most.
Learn more about UCLA’s Transformative Coaching and Leadership Master of Education program.
Support TCL’s mission to contribute to the creation of a more just, equitable and humane society through enlightened and socially conscious coaching and leadership.