In this episode of Elevating Voices of Leadership , we’re honored to welcome Nicole Kramer—a powerhouse in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry with nearly two decades of experience driving innovation, building inclusive teams, and shaping the future of workplace leadership. Nicole has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry—Deans, Coca-Cola, and Kellanova (formerly Kellogg’s)—leading cross-functional teams and overseeing the launch and retirement of over 100 products a...
Jun 25, 2025•48 min
On this episode of Elevating Voices of Leadership , we're excited to feature Dr. Christopher Hoang, a thought leader in educational technology and an advocate for equity who’s shaping the future of learning—both in and out of the classroom. Dr. Hoang holds a Doctorate in Learning Technology from Pepperdine University and serves as Assistant Director of Technology Innovation & Outreach at the Los Angeles County Office of Education. In this role, he leads district-wide tech initiatives, chairs...
Jun 25, 2025•56 min
On this episode of Elevating Voices of Leadership , we’re honored to host Gigi Williamson as our Student of the Month—a distinguished consultant, published researcher, and international communications expert with a unique lens on civil discourse, executive function, and transformative learning. Gigi’s academic and professional path charts the future of thoughtful leadership: 🎓 Foundations in Language & Strategy : BA in French Linguistics (Wellesley), MBA from Dartmouth—bringing a rich inter...
Jun 25, 2025•54 min
On this episode of Elevating Voices of Leadership , we welcome Dawn Marie‑Luna, a bilingual licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, professor, and visionary guide whose work blends culturally responsive care with deep emotional healing. Based in Long Beach, California—and licensed in both CA and Texas—Dawn brings over a decade of clinical experience with children, families, and first responders to the forefront of transformative mental health and leadership. A proud Latina and fierce advocate fo...
Jun 25, 2025•47 min
Dr. Maher Abdelwahab is a seasoned entrepreneur, educator, and global leader with over 25 years of expertise in leadership, tourism management, and business development. With a proven track record of founding and leading successful tourism enterprises across Norway, the USA, and Egypt, he has brought thousands of travelers on culturally enriching experiences, fostering global connections through travel and education. Holding a PhD in Global Leadership from Pepperdine University, along with maste...
Mar 04, 2025•44 min
As a psychotherapist, psychology professor, and expert in sport psychology, Dr. Conn's work has centered on the psychological well-being of athletes and at-risk youth. Throughout my career, he has developed and implemented innovative sports psychology programs, including those for MLB’s Urban Youth Academy and the Drew League, focusing on mental resilience, performance enhancement, and identity development. Dr. Conn's research has also explored the psychological impact of sports injuries, neurod...
Mar 04, 2025•55 min
Join us as we host our next student of the month, Erika Barnes-Ford, who is one of our doctoral students at Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology. A little bit about her: Erika Barnes Ford is a Political Strategist based in Roswell, Georgia. Her firm, The Candidates Coach, a subsidiary of Southern Solutions, LLC - which provides project management, business consulting, and political strategy - is a full-service campaign management and consulting agency focused on cand...
Mar 04, 2025•43 min
Please join us as we interview our student of the month for December 2024, our PhD candidate, Tracey Heggins-Jackson. Tracey is attending Pepperdine University GSEP and is in the Global Leadership and Change program. She is currently a candidate, working on her Women Leaders ints dissertation, the Creative Arts. Tracey is an independent creative artist, dedicated scholar, and advocate for gender equity in the arts. She is a proud mother and wife, drawing strength and inspiration from her family ...
Jan 08, 2025•48 min
Join us as Dr. Lina Safa and Dr. Maria Brahme speak to Ileana Muniz, who is a dedicated higher education professional. She speaks about her research on mothers pursuing higher education and the sense of belonging they feel while attending as students in various universities. Ileana holds a Master of Science in Leadership in Higher Education from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Chicano Latino Studies from California State University, Long Beach. With a robust backgr...
Jan 08, 2025•43 min
Join Dr. Lina Safa and GSEP student Peyton Corrigan as they speak on educators and career transition. The skills of K-12 educators need to be more understood, as exposure to teachers through personal academic experiences gives people a false perception of what the job entails. With low pay, lack of opportunity to grow professionally, and increased pressure and criticism for student testing performance, many educators want to leave the classroom and start a new career. Peyton's research describes...
Nov 12, 2024•38 min
Join us and our guest, GSEP student Nicole Kramer as she discusses workplace dynamics, the impact leaders have on work environments, and what we need to do to remain competitive while being prepared for the vulnerability and uncertainty of the new workforce entering. With 19 years of experience in the CPG industry, Nicole has collaborated with major companies like Deans, Coca-Cola, and Kellanova (formerly the Kellogg's Company). She has led successful teams and played a crucial role in driving i...
Nov 12, 2024•46 min
This episode features our student, Anna Margaryan, as she examines the challenges faced by school districts as they contend with the demand to provide equitable educational opportunities for a growing number of students with Emotional and Behavioral Disorders (EBD). Her research seeks to understand remedies by proposing a comprehensive school-within-a-school model that embeds academic, social-emotional, and behavioral supports. Join us on this episode to learn more about this fascinating researc...
Nov 05, 2024•50 min
Join us on this special episode hosted by Dr. Lina Safa and Dr. Maria Brahme where a panel of former GSEP students who have achieved their doctorates discuss their journeys of becoming mothers or being mothers while working on their doctoral degrees. If you're pursuing your doctorate while having a baby or taking care of your children, you will definitely want to listen to this episode.
Aug 08, 2024•1 hr 42 min
Join us in this episode as our co-host, Dr. Lina Safa speaks to guest, Pepperdine GSEP student Peyton Corrigan on her study on transferable teachers, and mid-career changes occurring in the K-12 space. The skills of K-12 educators need to be more understood, as exposure to teachers through personal academic experiences gives people a false perception of what the job entails. With low pay, lack of opportunity to grow professionally, and increased pressure and criticism for student testing perform...
Jul 31, 2024•37 min
Join us on this episode as we talk to doctoral student Destiny Okonkwo about academic creative spaces. This insightful conversation brings a new perspective on creativity and whether or not spaces to be creative are brought into play within academia. You can read Destiny's bio to get to know more about her. Destiny k. Okonkwo is a Portfolio Project Manager , Digital Content Creator, and Doctoral Student, specializing in purpose driven operations, compartmentalized organizational management and c...
Jul 03, 2024•47 min
Many women scholars with disabilities, like Dr. Toby Baker, have exemplified the roles of leader, scholar, and teacher. As a woman with a learning disability and ADHD, her research reflects on the actionable steps she has taken to be successful as an academic researcher and scholar. Using relevant data based on her 2021 case study, Dr. Baker shows why post-secondary students with disabilities (SWDs) drop out of college settings and offers solutions for the academic success of SWDs. Additionally,...
Jul 02, 2024•42 min
Join us in this pivotal episode as we talk with our colleague, Dr. Sharletta Green about the upcoming election, what Project 2025 is and how the elections will impact us in ways which we may not be aware of. Please note that all opinions are solely of those on the panel and in no way does this reflect the opinions, beliefs and values of Pepperdine University or the Graduate School of Education and Psychology.
Jul 02, 2024•1 hr 1 min
Join us in this episode as we speak to our doctoral candidates, Jennifer Banegas and Lizeth Sandoval understanding how DEIB initiatives impact Hispanic graduate students' retention rates. They discuss the significance of furthering this research and create a dialogue on this topic, which will contribute to supporting students and offer a more rounded approach to graduate student retention.
Jul 02, 2024•56 min
Join us in this episode as we speak to our doctoral candidate, Stephanie Viggiano on Autism, ADHD and creating safe spaces for people who deal with these issues. She speaks on her experience speaking on her research in this area at the HICE conference back in January 2023. Please tune in and listen to this episode.
May 10, 2024•45 min
In this episode, Dr. Gabby, and the co-hosts talk with Jessica Arriaza, our doctoral student in the Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology program, about her experince in the Hawaii International Conference. This was her first time presenting at a conference and it was a pleasure for us to hear her speak about her experience and recommendations for those who want to be in a conference in the future.
May 04, 2024•43 min
Join us as we talk to our guest, Dr. Cecil Johnson (he will be as this podcast is being published now) about his 501 C(3) and his research on inclusion based on his current dissertation.
May 03, 2024•57 min
Our doctoral student, Ana Ruiz, was interviewed during this episode to learn more about her nonprofit VIDA Mobile Clinic. We are excited to have her on the show and for her to speak to us about her journey that brought her to Pepperdine and in opening this clinic. To email Ana, please send her an email to ana.ruiz@pepperdine.edu.
Apr 13, 2024•55 min
The Panel welcomes on Dr. Sundra Ryce to discuss a new certificate she is facilitating with Pepperdine, a Certificate in Leadership Innovation and Executive Wellbeing.
Mar 22, 2023•48 min
The Panel welcomes Dr. Nicole Jones onto the podcast to discuss her journey in life and social work, and how she plans to move forward.
Mar 21, 2023•53 min
The Panel welcomes on Dr. Heather Backstrom to discuss her book, Collaborative Confidence, and her career as an Executive Coach, speaker, and facilitator.
Feb 18, 2023•58 min
This week the panel welcomes on Cynthia Trejo and Melissa O'Brien to discuss their respective and combined experiences as they strive to empower and support women in various positions of power across their careers.
Feb 01, 2023•57 min
Ryan Dusik, once known primarily for his role in the band Maroon 5, is welcomed on to discuss how he transitioned to psychology and the challenges that have presented themselves along the way.
Jan 25, 2023•59 min
Dr. Kelly Sullenberger is welcomed onto the podcast to discuss how she has advocated for higher education to be more accessible to all members of society.
Jan 24, 2023•53 min
Dr. Ed Eng, Mayor of La Mirada, speaks about his upbringing and subsequant position in the California Political System. Dr. Eng's book: The Accidental Mayor https://www.amazon.com/Accidental-Mayor-Collection-Stories-Chinatown/dp/1957255110
Jan 18, 2023•57 min
The panel welcomes on Tatiana Santiago to discuss getting middle and high school students ready for higher education, and what that might look like and entail that most don't consider.
Nov 27, 2022•53 min
