Pepperdine News and Events

Organizational Leadership Alumna Awarded Waves of Service Award

Dr. Mari Lansford, alumna of the doctor of education in organizational leadership (EDOL) program at the Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP), is one of three recipients of the Orange County Waves of Service (WOS) Scholarship. Nominated by Dr. June Schmieder-Ramirez, EDOL program chair, Lansford was selected by a committee of members associated with the GSEP Board of Visitors, faculty, and staff for her leadership and commitment to service over the past 15 years. Her award was announced at the Orange County Waves “Freely Give for the Holidays” event.

Lansford’s current volunteer positions include loan review team leader for Kiva, in which she manages a team of editors to evaluate loan applications from small business owners in developing countries, and as a volunteer editor for Kiva, in which she edits micro-finance loan applications from small business owners seeking capital to improve their professional prospects and their abilities to provide for their families. In addition, she is also on the service committee for the MOMS Club of Monrovia, for which she develops and implements various service and fundraising projects for community organizations including Foothills Pregnancy Resource Center (serving single unwed mothers in the San Gabriel Valley) and City of Hope Hospital Pediatric Unit. In addition, Lansford has also made contributions to various causes such as special education, animal rights, health and safety, and parenting workshops.