Benerd College students in the Leadership for Social Justice graduate program don't just learn about bringing change to their communities, they take action throughout their educational Ï㽶´«Ã½. Learn more below about recent LSJ alumni and how the program gave them the tools to initiate social change while getting their degree.
Nia’s work has addressed the lack of access to mental health support in low-income communities, focusing on Stockton, CA. She created and shared brochures listing free or low-cost resources—like hotlines, drop-in counseling, and support groups—and distributed them at schools, churches, shelters, and community centers. She also started an Instagram campaign to raise awareness and make the guide easy to find online. Nia Presa is a Human Resources Analyst II at Pacific, and is passionate about creating supportive environments where people feel seen, valued, and cared for.
As a resident of Utah, Dolly became concerned about anti-DEI legislation being passed (prior to recent nation-wide cuts to DEI). She developed an action research project dedicated to gathering data to better understand thoughts and feelings around Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs/initiatives in Utah and discover possibilities to combat misinformation by educating Utah citizens on DEI and its importance. Dolly works for national nonprofit Playworks, where she is the Compliance & Systems Manager for AmeriCorps grants that allow individuals to serve communities and ensure each kid has access to safe, healthy, meaningful play.
As a higher education professional passionate about international education, Ashwina became interested in the effect that U.S. Academics has on international students at the collegiate level and the unique struggles they face as they acclimate to a new living situation and academic environment. Her experience advising international students and encouraging students to study abroad gave her a unique vantage point for her research. Currently she recruits students for Samuel Merritt University helping them pursue their desire for a career in the healthcare industry.
Chantelle is currently serving within the Office of Health Equity in the California Department of Public Health, where she is tasked with implementing an Equity framework throughout the department through policies and programming. Inspired by her time in the LSJ program, Chantelle is currently designing the LOCUS Lab (short for Leadership in Organizational Change Uplifting Social Justice). In its founding stages, the LOCUS Lab is intended as a collaborative, human-centered space for learning, healing, and creativity. The LOCUS Lab will serve as a vibrant hub for connection, collaboration and co-creating for current students, prospective scholars, and alumni of the program.
One of many Benerd alums who now work for Pacific, Natalie works as an Evaluator at the University in the Registrar's office. As an agent of social change, her leadership is dedicated to empowering first-generation college students. She strives to amplify their voices, address systemic barriers, and cultivate inclusive environments where all first-generation students can thrive and achieve their aspirations.
One way she has worked to meet these goals within her Master's program was to streamline the graduation application for students by identifying barriers through sample groups and speaking to students and Administration from each department. This project not only impacted the Stockton Registrar's office, but now is implemented by all three Pacific campuses.
Kaelyn is a double Tiger, having received her BA from Pacific in 2022 before returning to complete the Leadership for Social Justice graduate program in 2024. While completing the program, Kaelyn had the opportunity to work with several organizations in her community including the Western Farm Workers Association, Environmental Justice of Stockton, Girls on the Run, and has now accepted a role at Improve Your tomorrow, a Sacramento nonprofit working towards increasing the number of young men of color attending and graduating form colleges and universities. During the program Kaelyn completed research to find solutions for food scarcity and to combat housing segregation.
Another Benerd alum who works on the Pacific campus, Clarence Henderson is the Assistant Director of the Community Involvement Program. While completing his his MA in Leadership: Leading for Social Justice, Clarence worked to develop data-collecting strategies that would lead to a greater understanding of the needs of students from underserved populations. Clarence also worked to research and find solutions to San Joaquin County's homelessness crisis. His work inspired him to form his own nonprofit to provide services to at risk youth and formerly incarcerated individuals.
Silvia (she/they) grew up in the border town of San Diego-Tijuana. As a child of immigrants, they developed a natural pull towards activism. She works for a nonprofit organization that promotes worker education, activism, and leadership in the greater Sacramento area. By receiving their MA in Leadership: Leading for Social Justice she has gained valuable tools and knowledge to uplift and empower marginalized communities.
Courtney is not only a double Tiger, she is also yet another Benerd grad who works here at Pacific. As part of her experience in the Leadership for Social Justice MA program, she brought the skills she was learning to her job in Human Resources, building an extensive paid high school internship program to create pathways to employment for the Stockton community. Courtney has a strong desire to achieve improved community through advocacy, authenticity, education, and supporting all underserved populations.
