GPS Degree: Leadership

Jennifer Van

Master of Arts in Leadership

Hometown

Woodland, CA

My Greatest Supporters

"My Ohana"! Family, both blood and not - they're the people in my life who want want me in theirs; the ones who accept me for who I am, the ones who would do anything to see me smile and who love me no matter what.

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

In-person Executive Weekends and all the laughs, tears, and growth we cultivated on our learning journey with my amazing cohort GLD 43!

My Next Chapter

Embracing the art of guiding others to develop trusting, congruent, and engaged teams; By practicing deep listening and being mindful of the pillars of emotional intelligence that are interwoven into a leader's way of thinking, behaving, and communicating, leaders support, challenge, and motivate their team to develop and grow.

Favorite Quote

"We desperately need more leaders who are committed to courageous, wholehearted leadership and who are self-aware enough to lead from their hearts, rather than unevolved leaders who lead from hurt and fear."

— Brene Brown

Elle T. Washburn

Master of Arts in Leadership

Dina Breitstein

Master of Arts in Leadership

Joycelynn Gage

Master of Arts in Leadership

Hometown

Oakland, CA

My Greatest Supporters

My greatest supporters are my husband and three daughters. They know my heart and know what this degree means to me. Without them and their continuous love and support I don't think I would be on this path and having the confidence to go after my dreams.

Favorite Saint Mary's Memory

My favorite memory of Saint Mary's is the first day that I stepped foot on campus, which happened to be my first day of graduate school. Tears of happiness ran down my face as I couldn't believe that I finally made the decision to continue my education. It was a dream come true.

My Next Chapter

The next chapter for me is to not only dream big, but live big in life and every day that I am here on earth. My passion and desire is to help other people see their full protentional and be it! I plan to find a career that will give me the space to share my gifts with the world and to contribute to making it a better place.

Favorite Quote

"Waiting for someone to tell you your value will have you waiting for a lifetime. Be the one to know your value and share it with the world" - Joy Gage

Medha Nevasekar

Master of Arts in Leadership

Hometown

Fremont, CA

Favorite Quote

“We never know how our small activities will affect others through the invisible fabric of our connectedness. In this exquisitely connected world, it’s never a question of ‘critical mass.’ It’s always about critical connections.”

— Grace Lee Boggs

Zeid Salim Abuaita

Master of Arts in Leadership

Melissa Fay Lok-Lee

Master of Arts in Leadership

Hometown

Castro Valley, CA

My Greatest Supporters

My husband, my kids, my extended family, the professors of KSOE and of course Cohort 42's MA Leadership group.

Cherri Y. Wright-Taylor

Master of Arts in Leadership

Cindy Elizabeth Alvarenga

Master of Arts in Leadership

Hometown

Sacramento

My Greatest Supporters

Thank you to my family including the entire Alvarenga family for their constant support and love. Thank you to my colleagues and best friends, Brandy Fleming and Joann Pyon for always encouraging me and giving me confidence. Lastly, and most importantly, thank you to my incredible husband- Fernando for being the most wonderful partner that has been by my side through this entire Masters Program.

Elizabeth Delaney Eldridge