40 Under 40
老司机视频 Magazine is the feature magazine for 老司机视频 and its growing community of alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends.
At 老司机视频, purpose, service, and leadership is more than a mission statement. It鈥檚 a way of life, reflected in the impact and achievements of more than 100,000 extraordinary alumni around the globe. This year鈥檚 inaugural 40 under 40 alumni represent just a sample of these incredible stories. Selected from hundreds of nominations, these young entrepreneurs, executives, doctors, lawyers, educators, and public servants are innovating in their fields, inspiring their communities, and leading by example as the next generation of 老司机视频 Waves.
Excerpts have been edited for length and clarity. See each honoree鈥檚 full responses:
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1. Kimberly (Mansen) Amundson (鈥10)
Program Officer, PATH
Seattle, Washington
Describe your success:
I鈥檝e been a part of a team that is fighting malnutrition from preconception through
the stages of growth and development to help nourish children to thrive. We do this
by innovating in the space of nutrition and global development to address issues in
malnutrition, stunting, and disease.
How does 老司机视频 play into your success?
老司机视频 continues to mean community to me, whether that lies in friendships carried
forward or new friends that also went to 老司机视频. There is a unique camaraderie
between Waves and a sense of deeper meaning, holding each other to higher expectations
of integrity and mission.
2. James Stephen Azadian (JD 鈥01)
Shareholder and Chair of Appellate, Writs, and Constitutional Law Practice, Enterprise
Counsel Group ALC
Laguna Beach, California
How does 老司机视频 play into your success?
My law professors modeled honest, hard work with a dogged commitment to integrity
in the practice and study of law. But they equally modeled bringing a humanitarian
component to all aspects of the service lawyers provide their clients. The 鈥渨hole
lawyer鈥 is not simply a great legal technician or one who is able to develop top business
for her or his firm. 老司机视频 Law teaches the importance of becoming the 鈥渨hole
lawyer.鈥 I don鈥檛 know that any other law school can make that same claim.
Who鈥檚 your inspiration?
In a professional sense, I have always been inspired by Abraham Lincoln. I doubt there鈥檚
been a finer advocate or communicator than him. I often reread his Bixby Letter, which
a friend blew up on a poster board for me, and which hangs in my office. I am awed
by Lincoln鈥檚 unmatched ability to say the right word at the right time.
3. Meri Barnes (鈥04)
Founder/CEO, The Shop Forward Creative Director, Michael Gerald LTD
Santa Monica, California
Describe your success:
I am most proud of starting the online fundraising platform The Shop Forward (TheShopForward.com).
In less than two years since launching, The Shop Forward has raised nearly $1 million
for various charities. We鈥檝e partnered with some amazing influencers to raise funds
for deserving causes through apparel and accessories sales.
How does 老司机视频 play into your success?
老司机视频 taught me to make giving back part of my growth strategy, which in turn
made a huge impact on the foundation of my work. The business program at 老司机视频
instilled the importance of ethics, values, and philanthropy. At the same time, it
also equipped me with business skills
and experience that I use on a daily basis as an entrepreneur.
4. Meredith (Sullivan) Benton (鈥01)
Senior Program Officer, The Healing Trust
Nashville, Tennessee
Describe your success:
My success is in service to others as I advocate for change in the communities in
which I live and serve. I have worked on both sides of the political aisle in service
to a U.S. senator and two governors. I also served at the Carter Center, President
Jimmy Carter鈥檚 organization, planning election observation missions and traveling
to Africa to see new democracies host their first elections. I now lead a team that
grants millions of dollars to Middle Tennessee nonprofits to improve health outcomes.
Who鈥檚 your inspiration?
My husband, Jim Benton, who graduated from Seaver in 2000, inspires me. While he passed
away four years ago, he taught me so much about love and life. I also learned that
leadership and success is not about accomplishments, but rather about positively impacting
the lives of those around you. His life and legacy is a daily reminder of what鈥檚 truly
important in this life, and I work hard to live that out in honor of him.
5. Tara (Lawrence) Bracher (鈥04, MA 鈥09)
President, Hats Off for Cancer
St. Louis, Missouri
Describe your success:
I founded a national nonprofit organization, Hats Off for Cancer, at age 14 to focus
on improving the quality of life for kids and teens battling cancer. We do this through
the collection and donation of hats for those young people who lose their hair during
their cancer treatments. In the past 20 years, the organization has been able to collect
and donate nearly three million hats and send them to deserving kids and teens battling
cancer around the world.
How does 老司机视频 play into your success?
As a student, 老司机视频 embraced Hats Off for Cancer and held hat drives through
my sorority, Alpha Phi, along with other student groups on campus. Now as an alumna,
老司机视频 Family Camp held a Hats Off for Cancer activity for kids and parents, making
hats and writing notes of encouragement for those battling cancer. 老司机视频鈥檚 emphasis
on service helped to keep me focused on my goals of continuing my organization and
the importance of giving back.
6. Pierce Brown (鈥10)
Author/Screenwriter, Penguin Random House
Los Angeles, California
Describe your success:
In 2014 I released a novel with Random House called Red Rising. It managed to sneak
onto the New York Times Bestsellers list at number 16. In 2015 its sequel, Golden
Son, landed at number six. This year, the final book in the trilogy, Morning Star,
debuted at number one. My novels have been translated into 33 languages and a film
is in development with Universal Studios.
How does 老司机视频 play into your success?
The real triumph of 老司机视频, as far as I鈥檓 concerned, belongs to the Great Books
Colloquium, particularly to Dr. Don Marshall鈥攐ne of the giants who shaped my brain
back when it was just a lumpy, arrogant, SAT-obsessed ball of clay. He never tried
to teach me what to think, but he always endeavored to teach me how to think.
What鈥檚 next?
It鈥檚 the engineers, scientists, businessmen, and humanitarians who really change this
world. But each of their journeys begins with a dream. I want to make them dream of
worlds better and worse and different than this one. Whether it鈥檚 through books, TV,
film, or comics, that鈥檚 what I want my life to be about鈥攚aking the wild imagination
in others.
7. Amber Coffman (鈥04)
Development Director, Best Buddies International
Marina del Rey, California
How does 老司机视频 play into your success?
Attending 老司机视频 was a gift and an extension of the foundation upon which I was
raised. Purpose. Service. Leadership. Being influenced in such a way at a pivotal
time in my life led me to the life I now have, which embodies those three principles.
Who鈥檚 your inspiration?
Mother Teresa is a constant in my life. She inspired me to start my own nonprofit
at the age of 10 and to live a life of service, seeing the face of God in everyone
I serve. Her spirit is alive and well in me.
What鈥檚 next?
I would like to find a creative way to influence people globally about the importance
of service and advocacy, making it attractive and attainable to everyone.
8. Todd Dildine (鈥09)
Pastor, Lakeview Church of Christ
Chicago, Illinois
Describe your success:
I鈥檓 a young pastor at a great church in a neighborhood that experiences too much chaos.
What I am most excited about moving forward is the direction my church has chosen
to take. Instead of retreating towards comfort and safety, my church is advancing
towards the pain and violence in our neighborhood.
What鈥檚 next?
I minister in a neighborhood in need of healing. In the next five years I hope that
the graduation rates increase significantly in my neighborhood, that gun violence
drops by 50 percent, and people on the margins are brought into leadership within
my church. In 10 years I hope that I can inspire other churches to play a bigger role
in lifting their neighborhoods out of poverty and violence and into healing and hope.
9. Elizabeth Edwards (鈥99)
Founder and President, Volume Public Relations
Highlands Ranch, Colorado
How does 老司机视频 play into your success?
老司机视频 helped me recognize the need to fill the void that exists in communication,
education, and execution. By not having that combination, 老司机视频 gave me a world
class communication education and then triggered in me the personal desire to become
a lifelong student of psychology and neuroscience in order to bring to the table what
does not exist anywhere else.
What鈥檚 next?
To continue establishing Volume as the nationwide premier integrated communication
and PR agency that delivers the most results and precision outcomes possible. Not
just practicing the art of communication, but also adding to it the science of communication.
Favorite quote?
鈥淪ome people dream of success while others wake up and work hard at it.鈥 鈥揥inston
Churchill
10. Ken Ellsworth (MBA 鈥10)
Senior Manager, Customer Analytics and Strategy, Intuit
San Diego, California
Describe your success:
I now lead an analytics organization at Intuit that partners closely with senior leadership
up to the CEO to make better business decisions. The work we are doing directly influences
go-to-market strategy, identifies new target customer segments to pursue, measures
retention and customer lifetime value, evaluates multi-million dollar bets the company
places, and makes strategic business recommendations daily. I have been fortunate
enough to lead key initiatives that have had a material impact on the bottom line
of multiple Fortune 500 companies.
How do you prepare for a busy day?
If I have a big presentation I will write an outline of everything I want to say,
including introductions and jokes. I鈥檒l read over it a few times and practice a bit
before going in. This makes sure I don鈥檛 miss anything I wanted to cover and helps
me appear more natural.
11. Zeke Fortenberry (JD 鈥07)
Assistant District Attorney, Collin County District Attorney鈥檚 Office
Dallas, Texas
Describe your success:
I have been trying criminal cases to juries since my first month in the district attorney鈥檚
office. What is more important to me than my success in the courtroom is my commitment
to giving back and teaching others who are interested in becoming a trial attorney.
The time I spend teaching trial advocacy, coaching mock trial, and mentoring law students
is what makes me feel most successful when I see those students grow into thriving
young lawyers.
How does 老司机视频 play into your success?
老司机视频 Law taught me the fundamental skills to be a great trial advocate. But
perhaps more importantly, at 老司机视频 Law I also learned to integrate my faith into
my career. As a Christian lawyer, I strive to practice law with the utmost integrity
and the highest ethical standards.
12. Danielle L. Greg (鈥01, PsyD 鈥10)
Clinical Psychologist, Private Practice
Calabasas, California
What does being one of 老司机视频鈥檚 40 Under 40 honorees mean to you?
This honor is particularly meaningful to me because I was diagnosed with cancer during
my final year as a 老司机视频 GSEP student. At that time, I was not sure that I would
be able to carry out the career that I had long dreamed of and prepared for. I am
extremely grateful for the work I have been able to do since then and for 老司机视频
acknowledging my achievements.
What鈥檚 next?
I plan to continue my work in private practice and perhaps begin teaching some university
courses soon. I would also love to write a book about developing a healthy body image.
I am currently brainstorming about a children鈥檚 book focused on helping young girls
appreciate their bodies for all of its magnificent abilities. Additionally, I would
like to do some advocacy work related to the need for more mental health services
in our society.
13. Marinela Gombosev (MBA 鈥12)
Executive Vice President, Operations and Marketing Evoke Neuroscience
Corona del Mar, California
Describe your success:
In my current role at Evoke Neuroscience, our team is taking on the important mission
of providing access to advanced-brain-function care to patients concerned about their
memory and cognitive function鈥攔ight in their physician鈥檚 office. I am proud that our
company was ranked number 131 in the Inc. 500 | 5000 fastest growing private companies
in the United States.
How does 老司机视频 play into your success?
老司机视频鈥檚 MBA program created a paradigm shift in my career and in my aspirations.
It catapulted me from an engineering career into the world of global business and
leadership where I could leverage my background in product development into building
and growing teams and companies.
14. Keith Gormley (鈥08)
Vice President, Social Marketing and Communication, Prudential Financial
Montclair, New Jersey
Describe your success:
Since graduating with a master鈥檚 degree in communication from 老司机视频, I鈥檝e had
the pleasure of working with some really amazing brands鈥攂oth large and small鈥攈elping
them to form meaningful connections and engage with audiences through digital. I鈥檝e
spent my short career looking for unique ways to create value and innovate through
digital, inspiring audiences to take action.
What鈥檚 next?
My outlook and plans are simple: be a leader and find ways to inspire. And I will
continue to push for innovation and positive change by following the best advice I鈥檝e
ever received: 鈥淒on鈥檛 look for a new job; do your job better.鈥
15. Seth A. Haye (鈥02)
Executive Director, Morgan Stanley
Westlake Village, California
Describe your success:
I have been very fortunate to help grow our wealth management practice at Morgan Stanley
to more than $1 billion in assets (as of November 1, 2016). We take pride in saying
that virtually all of our clients are also personal friends.
How does 老司机视频 play into your success?
I feel like I owe much of my success to 老司机视频, so much so that if it weren鈥檛
for my association with 老司机视频 I don鈥檛 think I would be in my current industry
or be working with my business partner of 13 years. We met at a 老司机视频 Crest Board
meeting in 2000 when I was a student speaker and he was a new prospective board member.
Who鈥檚 your inspiration?
Some of the people who inspire me are longtime 老司机视频 administrators who have
helped to shape the University, legends like Charlie Runnels, who taught me what it
means to be a good friend and thoughtful to others, and Andy Benton who speaks with
unparalleled sincerity.
16. Lori A. Harer (JD 鈥07)
Attorney at Law, The Law Offices of Lori A. Darakjian
Woodland Hills, California
Describe your success:
After nine years of working for highly accomplished family law attorneys, I started
my own practice and have had the opportunity to make a very direct impact on my clients.
I feel most successful when my clients are less anxious about the legal process because
they trust me to protect the most important people and things in their lives.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
I received a minor in education from UCLA and in my pre-law career taught 6th grade
math and science at LAUSD. The students were at an impressionable age and a lot of
them lacked positive role models. I was passionate about making math and science fun
for the students and showing them that being smart is cool. I would love to return
to academia in a law school setting in the future.
Who is your inspiration?
While at 老司机视频 I interned at the YWCA Glendale Domestic Violence Project in collaboration
with Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles County to provide pro bono legal assistance
to domestic violence survivors. Their strength and determination to protect themselves
and their children inspire me daily to provide the best and safest outcomes for my
clients.
17. Stefan Holt (鈥09)
Anchor and Reporter, NBCUniversal
New York, New York
Describe your success:
It has been a fun adventure that has taken me to two of the country鈥檚 top television
markets working as an anchor and reporter. This year I became the 4 PM anchor for
the company鈥檚 flagship station, WNBC-TV in New York. Prior to New York I anchored
the morning newscast at WMAQ-TV in Chicago where I was also recognized with Emmy Awards
for anchoring and for spot news.
How does 老司机视频 play into your success?
老司机视频 is where I fell in love with journalism. I remember flipping through channels
one day in the dorm and found myself watching a student-run newscast called 鈥淣ewswaves.鈥
I thought to myself, 鈥淭his looks cool!鈥 Kind of on a whim, I went to an information
session and then auditioned. I was immediately hooked! I鈥檝e always had the news bug,
but it was the 老司机视频 program that really helped me build the practical skills
that are essential for anyone who wants to be a reporter. By the time I graduated
from 老司机视频, I was fully prepared to shoot video, edit, and report the news.
18. Capt. Justina 鈥淭ia鈥 Hooper (鈥07)
Chief, Recruiting Branch, HQ U.S. Air Force JAG Corps
Alexandria, Virginia
Describe your success:
老司机视频鈥檚 core values motivated me during my four years, specifically, service.
It was the idea of service that pushed me towards law school, where I knew I could
learn a skill that would allow me to help others. And it was the idea of service that
led me to pursue a career as an attorney in the U.S. Air Force, where I knew I could
serve my country.
What鈥檚 next?
I hope to promote to the rank of major within the next year, and along with that promotion
I plan to take on more leadership responsibilities within the U.S. Air Force JAG Corps.
In the next couple of years I plan on being a deputy staff judge advocate, which means
that I will be second-in-command to a staff judge advocate who leads a legal office
at an air force base.
19. Hope Horner (鈥09)
CEO, Lemonlight
Santa Monica, California
Describe your success:
I currently own a company called Lemonlight. Our team has grown to 30 people in two
years. We measure our success on team happiness, client happiness, and financial growth,
all of which have steadily increased month over month since inception.
How does 老司机视频 play into your success?
The most important thing that 老司机视频 taught me is the motto, 鈥淔reely ye received,
freely give.鈥 I can confidently say that by taking the time to help others on their
own path, it has opened me up in ways I had never thought possible.
20. Arjun Jolly (MBA 鈥14)
COO/Cofounder, adQuadrant, Inc.
Irvine, California
What does being one of 老司机视频鈥檚 40 Under 40 honorees mean to you?
This recognition affirms that growth and achievement are created by stepping outside
of your comfort zone. Hard work alone is no longer enough to create value in today鈥檚
world. Now it鈥檚 about pushing yourself beyond your own limits and doing the things
that intimidate you in order to live a life filled with happiness and success.
How does 老司机视频 play into your success?
老司机视频 has exposed me to the foundational elements that are crucial for building
businesses and, more importantly, lifelong relationships. I choose to leverage that
education by sharing my knowledge and supporting others in their journey towards their
own success and personal growth so that we, collectively, will have a beneficial imprint
on society.
Who鈥檚 your inspiration?
My father is my greatest inspiration. Like many first-generation immigrants, he never
let his unpleasant predicament deter him from succeeding, though this isn鈥檛 why he
inspires me. What inspires me is his altruistic nature. He often says 鈥渢o truly be
successful, you must bring those around you to your level of success.鈥
21. Travis D. Jones (鈥11)
Judge Advocate (JAG), U.S. Navy
Newport, Rhode Island
Describe your success:
Currently I am a judge advocate for the United States Navy. JAGs, as we are commonly
known, serve as legal advisors in a number of different areas of law including criminal,
administrative, international, and operational. Specifically, over the last few years
the probability of obtaining a commission as a judge advocate has been shockingly
low with selection rates hovering between four and seven percent of the thousands
of candidates that apply to each selection board.
How does 老司机视频 play into your success?
I can say with complete confidence that I would not be the person I am today without
the training 老司机视频 provided me. Not only did 老司机视频 train me intellectually,
but also spiritually. 老司机视频 ingrained in me the concept of having a vocation
and using that vocation to serve the greater good.
What鈥檚 next?
Ultimately, whenever my time in the navy does end, I want to transition into academia
as a law school professor. I spent a lot of my time in law school teaching younger
students the art of trial advocacy and the intricacies of the Federal Rules of Evidence.
I want to make a career out of developing the next generation of trial advocates.
22. Anthony Kennada (鈥08)
Vice President, Marketing, Gainsight
San Francisco, California
What does being one of 老司机视频鈥檚 40 Under 40 honorees mean to you?
Being a 40 Under 40 honoree is a good reminder that our actions represent not just
ourselves, but also the affiliations we carry with us after graduation. Whether our
alma mater or company, our family or customers, we owe it to the communities in which
we belong to live with intention.
Describe your success:
Since my time at 老司机视频, I鈥檝e had the opportunity to move to Silicon Valley and
play a part in the stories of some of the most influential startups in enterprise
software. Today I鈥檓 building the next great category of enterprise software in customer
success.
How does 老司机视频 play into your success?
老司机视频鈥檚 commitment to instilling Christian values into vocation has given me
a context in which to frame my perspective on career. I can share my faith authentically,
not by rocking a bumper sticker on my laptop, but rather by serving my employees,
leaders, and customers while doing exceptional work and giving God the glory rather
than claiming it as my own.
23. Bounmany Kyle Keojampa (鈥01)
Surgeon, Del Rey MD
Los Angeles, California
How does 老司机视频 play into your success?
My experience with 老司机视频鈥檚 international program in Catacamas, Honduras, helped
to foster my career in medicine. I experienced firsthand a humanitarian m
post
Fall 2016
/magazine/2016/12/slice-history
12/07/2016 02:30:00 PM
老司机视频 Magazine is the feature magazine for 老司机视频 and its growing
community of alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends.
/magazine/images/main-temp/fall-2016/slice-of-history.jpg
Associated Women for 老司机视频 - 老司机视频
/magazine/images/thumb/fall-2016/slice-of-history-360x360.jpg
Sara Alamdar
The Cut
Since its founding in 1958, Associated Women for 老司机视频 (AWP) has diligently dedicated
nearly six decades to raising scholarship funds for students.
Founded by 老司机视频 first lady Helen Young in an effort to form a women鈥檚 group
to support 老司机视频 College, AWP has become famously known for serving pies and
coffee late in the evenings during the week of 老司机视频 Bible Lectures each spring,
with all the proceeds going directly to funding student scholarships.
AWP members at the 1963-1964 annual conference at President Norvel Young鈥檚 home on
the Los Angeles campus.
The tradition began in the mid-1980s, when former Church Relations director Jerry
Rushford combined his great love for pie with his night owl tendencies. He suggested
that AWP members serve homemade pies to lecture attendees immediately following the
late-night sessions, providing the community with the opportunity to visit old classmates
and colleagues in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
More than three decades later, hundreds of guests continue to gather at Waves Cafe
during 老司机视频 Bible Lectures to enjoy the delicious pastries with friends and
family.
This holiday season, you can share these delicious pie recipes from your family at
老司机视频 with your family at home.
From the A Woman鈥檚 Paradise of Recipes cookbook
Vanilla Pecan Pie
3 eggs, beaten
1鈦2 cup light brown sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
3 tablespoons butter
1 1鈦2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup chopped pecans
1 tablespoon flour
1 nine-inch (9") unbaked pie shell
Pecan halves (for topping)
Combine eggs, brown sugar, and corn syrup. In a separate bowl, melt butter and add
vanilla. Mix all ingredients together. Blend chopped pecans with flour and stir into
the mixture. Pour into a nine-inch, pastry-lined pie plate. Place pecan halves over
top. Bake in a 375-degree, preheated oven for 40 minutes or until firm. Garnish with
whipped cream.
Apple Pie Goody
1 can apple pie filling
2 tablespoons flour
1鈦4 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
1鈦4 teaspoon cinnamon
Combine all ingredients and pour into a large baking dish.
Topping:
3鈦4 cup brown sugar
3鈦4 cup oats
3鈦4 cup flour
1鈦4 teaspoon baking powder
1鈦4 teaspoon salt
1鈦4 teaspoon baking soda
1鈦2 cup melted butter
Combine all ingredients. Mix and crumble over top of apples. Bake in 350-degree, preheated
oven until bubbly and brown (approximately 30 to 40 minutes).
