Community Highlights
Nominations
Selected from a diverse group of GSEP professionals who were nominated by their friends, family, and peers, discover how these Waves approach the meaning of diversity and the role they play in redefining how it will have an impact on generations to come. To nominate a GSEP member for this community highlight, please visit this form.
Machion Garrison
Marketing Director and CCIT at Arise Recovery & Behavioral Health I GSEP Student
What would you like to share with our GSEP community regarding an upcoming cultural heritage celebration?
- November 19 is International Men’s Day
Why does this celebration or event mean so much to you?
"We are all products of a parenting style. Present or absent, functional or dysfunctional, loving or abusive, firmly traditional or loosely attended to, we need love and that love is demonstrated through discipline, wisdom, and consistent examples. My challenges helped me understand how important the role of a male figure is in every individual's life. "
Web link(s) that you would like to share.
Karin Moore
She/Her - GSEP PhD Student 
What would you like to share with our GSEP community regarding an upcoming cultural heritage celebration?
- April 24th is Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day
Why does this celebration or event mean so much to you?
"It is the day we pause and reflect on the first Genocide of the 20th century, where 1.5 Million Armenians were murdered at the hands of the Ottoman empire, starting in 1915. It is the event that made the United Nations create word "genocide" and Hitler referred to it as he created the playbook before initiating the Holocaust. We should never forget what humans are capable of doing so that we may not repeat history. "
Web link(s) that you would like to share.
Karmanjeet Singh
Suicide Counselor at Didi Hirsch I GSEP Student 
What would you like to share with our GSEP community regarding an upcoming cultural heritage celebration?
- Guru Nanak Gurpurab (Sikh Founder Birth Anniversary)
Why does this celebration or event mean so much to you?
"Guru Nanak Gurpurab is important to me as it is a celebration and mark of respect to Guru Nanak Dev Ji (Sikhism 1st Guru) birth anniversary. Guru Nanak Devi Ji is the founder of Sikhism (5th largest religion in the world; a monotheistic religion) who traveled across Asia teaching people the message of Ik Onkar (One God), who dwells in every one of his creations and constitutes the eternal truth. Guru Nanak highly verbalized and advocated for equality between men and women. He emphasized three basic principles which were meditating on the name of God (praying), earning a living by honest means and sharing/caring with one another as one should not sleep hungry (langar). Sikhism rejects the caste/class system and highlights service to humanity."
Web link(s) that you would like to share.
Ashinee Reynolds
She/Her - Founder of Read & Feed Belize I AMFT at Wilshire Valley Therapy Center I Pepperdine
Alumni 
What would you like to share with our GSEP community regarding an upcoming cultural heritage celebration?
- Garifuna Settlement Day
Why does this celebration or event mean so much to you?
"Read and Feed Belize shares the importance of health, wellness, and quality education, and the Garifuna people have had a significant influence and impact on our precious Belize. Sharing the history of the Garifuna people is important because “ Garifuna Settlement Day is celebrated each year on November 19th. This is one of the most important holidays in Belize. It celebrates the arrival of the Garifuna people onto the shores of Belize on November 19th, 1802. This holiday is celebrated for the entire week throughout Belize but especially in Dangriga, where the first Garifuna people landed (Island Expeditions).” One of our volunteers is Garifuna, and she has taught us so much regarding the history of the Garifuna people. During the month of December children who are a part of Read & Feed Belize will take part in learning more about the Garifuna culture through story, music, and food. The children are such an inspiration and I’ve told the kids that I graduated from Pepperdine and so can they. There is a lot of talent from our village and the kids benefit from exposure, so I love sharing Pepperdine and ways that we can serve, learn, and grow together."
Web link(s) that you would like to share.
Tyana Tavakol
She/Her - Airport Marina Counseling Service I MFT Trainee I GSEP Student
What would you like to share with our GSEP community regarding an upcoming cultural heritage celebration?
- March 20 marks the start of Persian New Year (Nowruz, which translates to "New Day"), the first day of Spring.
Why does this celebration or event mean so much to you?
"This is a time every year that I feel such love and pride for my culture. You see celebrations all throughout Los Angeles for weeks, with signs in the streets and festivals, families gathering in the parks for picnics, and amazing food in every Iranian household. It's something that unites Iranians in the city and reminds us all of the beauty and joy in our culture."
George Young
He/Him - Entertainment Industry Professional I Singer/Writer/Author I GSEP Student
What would you like to share with our GSEP community regarding an upcoming cultural heritage celebration?
- Black History Month - I’m the author of two books, a Children’s book and a 31 day devotional.
- For 13 years and counting, I’ve produced the gospel programming for the largest African American music festival, Essence Fest. It featured artists such as Mary Mary, Kirk Franklin, Charlie Wilson, and Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child.
- I was a cast member of OWN Network’s “Chad Loves Michelle”, alongside Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child.
- I am the playwright of the musical, “TWO” formerly known as “Two Sides To Every Christmas Story”, the first musical/play where Jesus and Santa meet!
- I currently sing background for Beyonce, I have performed with artists such as Alicia Keys, New Kids On The Block, Camilla Cabello, and more.
- I am now pursuing a masters in Clinical Psychology. I want to make an impact in the entertainment industry through therapy and health initiatives that help creatives write, sing, and create from an authentic place which in turn touches lives.
Why does this celebration or event mean so much to you?
"It’s a time set aside to celebrate the unique, impactful contributions of my culture. It gives a spotlight to some of the greatest accomplishments and advances that this country has experienced. "
Web link(s) that you would like to share.
- Playwright brings Jesus and Santa together in holiday production
- Titles By George Potts Young
- ESSENCE Fest 2017 Gospel Tribute Honoring Cissy Houston
Angela Marshall
She/Her - IHSS I Caretaker I GSEP Student
What would you like to share with our GSEP community regarding an upcoming cultural heritage celebration?
- Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
Why does this celebration or event mean so much to you?
"I chose to speak life into my child and pour my attention into him wholeheartedly because I believe that my son’s “greatness” is my responsibility and his preparation for greatness starts at home because as his Mom, I am his 1st teacher. At now 5 years old, regardless of Autism Spectrum Disorder & Epilepsy, I am not letting that discourage me or using his diagnosis as an escape-goat to not to do my job as a parent but to put my all into him to produce “Greatness”. I’m doing my best; reading and researching and doing whatever it takes to become knowledgeable about how to groom him now despite any limitations.
There are certain things that happen in life that create growth and awareness within you. One of those things is the changing of your surroundings and environment as you once knew it. Pre-pandemic there were certain aspects of our lives that I knew for certain. I knew for certain that my son Khristian needed early childhood intervention. I knew for certain that my son needed Speech Therapy and ABA. I knew for certain that he needed early childhood education mainly so that he can learn social interaction skills with other children. I knew for certain there were things in Khristian’s life that I, as his mother, wouldn’t be able to do for him. Which is why I try, work, and advocate so hard to incorporate these therapies and interventions into his life, to help him in ways that I can’t or just don’t know how to at such a young, fragile yet critical age of when it comes to growth and development. As a parent, that’s a harsh reality to face and if you never have, I hope you never do especially if you have “a fixer” go-getter attitude where you always want to fix it and find a solution to help especially when it comes to your child however when you realize you’ve done all you can and your child is still suffering, all you need is support to stop yourself from spiraling into panic mode.
The reality of the statement, “THIS is what your child needs to succeed”... I’m fighting and advocating daily so that he is afforded an equal opportunity to receive the education that he not only “needs” but that he deserves no matter how challenging it may be... At the same time doing my best to instill values and morals and a strong foundation in God so that he understands that no matter what challenges he may face throughout life’s journey he knows where his strength comes from which my belief system has been my saving grace through the stigmas and ridicule that I have learned to overcome. With that being said, my son is my driving force for pursuing my Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy. I truly want to advocate for children and youth of our future, especially those of which are under-served and come from less fortunate socio-economic backgrounds in which they may not be afforded the same educational opportunities and/ or come from dysfunctional family dynamics that are poverty-stricken which unfortunately tend to lessen their chances of overcoming adversity and becoming successful despite their uncontrollable circumstances."
Dr. Chad Lewis
(He/Him) - Nominated by Khadija Ba I GSEP Student
What would your nominee like to share with our GSEP community regarding an upcoming cultural heritage celebration?
"Women's history month, black history month. I'm not sure what he would share specifically, but he went above and beyond to make sure everyone in his class felt comfortable in any position they were in their life. I am a black single mother, and often felt embarrassed at how apparent it was. He worked extremely hard to teach me that no matter what my circumstances were I was valued in class and my contributions were just as important as anyone else. I also witnessed him being a strong ally for the LGBT community and he was very welcoming and vocal our entire semester about it. He is a special person and works really hard to show us exactly what inclusivity means."
Why does this celebration or event much to your nominee?
"He approaches diversity by being anti-racist. I feel like lately, most people say they are without knowing what it means. Chad is someone who has thought long and hard about how he can truly be anti-racist and how to represent that within himself. He is a strong leader in application of community and guidance. I think anyone who has taken his class has had a life-changing and shaping experience. For me, he has redefined what it means to be a genuinely wholesome and good person. He aims to build confidence in his students and he does it so covertly that you do not realize it until the class is over. You then realize that the entire time he was assessing what each of his students needed more of, and giving them the extra help necessary to build them up."
Nawal Rashid
Aqlama Language Services I Project Manager I Pepperdine Student
What would you like to share with our GSEP community regarding an upcoming cultural heritage celebration?
- Ramadan
Why does this celebration or event mean so much to you?
"Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, charity, prayer, reflection and community. It is one of the most important months for Muslims. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset everyday during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar every year. For Muslims, the act of fasting redirects the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the soul by freeing it from harmful impurities. Muslims believe that Ramadan teaches them to practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate, thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity. Many may think fasting for Muslims means no food soley but liquids like water are also not allowed from dawn to sunset. Muslims wake up before dawn to hydrate and have a meal before their day starts.
Fun fact- Muslims break their fast with an odd number of dates (1, 3, 5, etc). Dates are naturally high in sugar and have the right types of carbohydrates to rejuvenate a person's energy levels after a long day of fasting. It also helps the body's blood glucose levels quickly return to normal."
Summer Woods
She/Her - Pepperdine University GSEP & Topp Consulting, LLC - Graduate Assistant & Behavior Therapist
What would you like to share with our GSEP community regarding an upcoming cultural heritage celebration?
- Black Music Month & Juneteenth
Why does this celebration or event mean so much to you?
"Black Music Month & Juneteenth being in the same month is a great starter to the Summer time. I grew up in a proud Black household and knowing and celebrating these occasions is something I made sure to carry with me and educate those around me. My grandmother was my biggest role model in educating others about Black culture as every year she would have her work office have a celebration/lunch in honor of Juneteenth. Growing up I would be so surprised by the people even within my own community that did not know about Juneteenth let alone knowing June was also Black Music Month. And so every opportunity I got to inform someone I did. In undergrad I wrote a speech about these two celebrations and even then it was my professor and classmates first time hearing about it. As I now have a family my tradition is to cook a big soul food dinner on Juneteenth and just enjoy good food and each other because as Black people we have come a long way to be able to be together as a family and experience enjoyment. During the start of the Summer I think it is a great time to reflect on Blacks contributions to music and what music means to the Summer. It is great to move forward and be in a time where Juneteenth is recognized as a national holiday because it brings awareness on a greater scale to know this Black history, this American history. During this month not only do I shine because it is the start of my season, but it reminds me of how proud I am to be Black, how far we have come and how far we still have to go. So, this month support Black businesses, listen to a new Black music artist, or as Rihanna said "pull up" to the next event and become an ally."
Brian Thomas
He/Him - Nominated by student Michelle Letendre
What would you like to share with our GSEP community regarding an upcoming cultural heritage celebration?
- Black History
Why does this celebration or event mean so much to you?
"Black History helps to understand Black heritage."
Web link(s) that you would like to share.
Hovsep Sarafyan
He/Him/His - Brentwood School I Teacher/Faculty Member I Pepperdine Alumni
What would you like to share with our GSEP community regarding an upcoming cultural heritage celebration?
- World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development - Celebration of Culture and Multilingualism
Why does this celebration or event mean so much to you?
"For adding more colors to the crayon box and helping an individual, like myself feel, be more proud of their culture and celebrate the elements in which make up who they are. In short, helping me be an educator, a student, and forever learner towards the many forms of education. Realizing how amazing we can all be and essential is to build connections with others.
Additionally, partnering with families at my current school that I work at in extending the Crayon Club, where family members and students can present about their culture to our entire community during our Flag Ceremonies. Specifically, I was honored to advocate and partner with the only Armenian family present at my school and had the privilege in presenting and helping create the presentation (a surreal moment as a new teacher within a new community, an Armenian, and every other regard)."
Web link(s) that you would like to share.