Pepperdine GSEP Social Entrepreneurship and Change (SEC) Program Showcases Student Ventures at Social Enterprise Collective 2026
The Pepperdine GSEP Social Entrepreneurship and Change Program and the Social Impact Firm co-hosted the Social Enterprise Collective 2026, a one-day gathering in Los Angeles that brought together leaders from nonprofit organizations, business, government, and media to discuss current challenges and opportunities in social impact.
Held on April 10, the event brought together more than 300 registered participants within an intentionally designed environment that fostered meaningful, high-impact conversations and direct engagement across sectors.
Students from Pepperdine’s MA in Social Entrepreneurship and Change (SEC) program participated as part of the program’s required in-person experiential learning model. As a bi-coastal program integrating academic rigor with real-world application, SEC leverages experiences such as the Social Enterprise Collective to connect students with practitioners, advisors, and leaders actively shaping the impact economy.
Speakers included Tim Cadogan, CEO of GoFundMe; Kathryn Barger, Los Angeles County Supervisor; and Jennifer Lynch of Paramount Pictures. Discussions throughout the day focused on how organizations are working across sectors to address issues such as mental health, access to resources, and long-term community support.
A central part of the event was the SEC Fast Pitch competition. Three finalists, selected from a broader regional session, presented their ventures on stage to a panel of judges and a live audience.
First place was awarded to Heard! by Blake Tallents, a platform designed to support mental health and retention among hospitality workers. Second place went to ALAS by Bethany Guerrero, a digital platform supporting survivors of relationship violence. Third place was awarded to Grace’s by Grace Stiberth, a teahouse and community space centered on connection and wellbeing.
Winners received cash awards to support the continued development and scaling of their ventures.
The competition was judged by James Cummings of London & Partners; Jess Weiner, CEO of Talk to Jess; Christine Maggin, Chair of the Social Entrepreneurship and Change Advisory Board; Rob Best, CEO of Best Leadership; and Joe Mendrala, Global Impact at TikTok.
“The event created a strong platform for Pepperdine,” said Stephen Kirnon. “The Fast Pitch was meaningfully embedded within a high-caliber experience alongside top cross-sector leaders, which elevated the program’s visibility and reinforced its presence in the impact space. We received overwhelmingly positive feedback from attendees, many of whom expressed interest in continued engagement, creating strong recruitment opportunities among individuals newly introduced to Pepperdine and the SEC program.”
The Social Enterprise Collective remains a signature component of the SEC program experience, providing students with a platform to present their ventures, receive real-time feedback, and build relationships that extend well beyond the classroom.