November 2022 Lifelong Learning Women's Forum

In its first in-person gathering since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP) Lifelong Learning Women's Forum assembled at the home of its benefactor Kathy Danhakl to explore the effects of integrating music and mental processing on learning.

Pepperdine GSEP alumna Dr. De Vida Gill, joined by musicians Symone Bell and Josh Wright, Jr., led attendees through a reflection of their thoughts and emotions and demonstrated through live music its ability to enhance outlooks and harness potential.

Participants examined how music activates the left and right brain simultaneously. This dual hemisphere activation can boost our mood, maximize mental processing, and support positive behavior. It can move us through stagnation and hurt and give us the energy to accomplish our purpose.

Dr. Gill, an educator, licensed clinical social worker, and transformational coach, guided attendees through an interactive session reflecting on thoughts and emotions and demonstrated music's ability to enhance outlooks, understanding, and harness potential. 

In the words of L.R. Knost, "music speaks the language of the soul, penetrating into the past and resonating into the future, unearthing pain and tenderness and sorrow and joy, reminding us of our infinite fragility and extraordinary strength, reigniting our dreams and passions once again to remind us of who we are meant to be." The attendees of the November Lifelong Learning session were able to examine their part and plan for their future, all while enjoying live music and insightful commentary.

Founded in 2014, the Lifelong Learning Women's Forum is a private-invitation event, which exists to assist women in staying current on events and establishing sound, logical, and innovative positions related to issues that shape our world. 

You can learn more and view presentations from the Lifelong Learning Women's Forum (LLWF) here. 

For more information please contact Vanessa Jahn at vanessa.jahn@pepperdine.edu.