Benerd College students in the Leadership for Social Justice graduate program don't just learn about bringing change to their communities, they take action throughout their educational journey. Learn more below about recent LSJ alumni and how the program gave them the tools to initiate social change while getting their degree.
One of many Benerd alums who now work for Pacific, Natalie works as an Evaluator at the University in the Registrar's office. As an agent of social change, her leadership is dedicated to empowering first-generation college students. She strives to amplify their voices, address systemic barriers, and cultivate inclusive environments where all first-generation students can thrive and achieve their aspirations.
One way she has worked to meet these goals within her Master's program was to streamline the graduation application for students by identifying barriers through sample groups and speaking to students and Administration from each department. This project not only impacted the Stockton Registrar's office, but now is implemented by all three Pacific campuses.
Kaelyn is a double Tiger, having received her BA from Pacific in 2022 before returning to complete the Leadership for Social Justice graduate program in 2024. While completing the program, Kaelyn had the opportunity to work with several organizations in her community including the Western Farm Workers Association, Environmental Justice of Stockton, Girls on the Run, and has now accepted a role at Improve Your tomorrow, a Sacramento nonprofit working towards increasing the number of young men of color attending and graduating form colleges and universities. During the program Kaelyn completed research to find solutions for food scarcity and to combat housing segregation.
Another Benerd alum who works on the Pacific campus, Clarence Henderson is the Assistant Director of the Community Involvement Program. While completing his his MA in Leadership: Leading for Social Justice, Clarence worked to develop data-collecting strategies that would lead to a greater understanding of the needs of students from underserved populations. Clarence also worked to research and find solutions to San Joaquin County's homelessness crisis. His work inspired him to form his own nonprofit to provide services to at risk youth and formerly incarcerated individuals.
Silvia (she/they) grew up in the border town of San Diego-Tijuana. As a child of immigrants, they developed a natural pull towards activism. She works for a nonprofit organization that promotes worker education, activism, and leadership in the greater Sacramento area. By receiving their MA in Leadership: Leading for Social Justice she has gained valuable tools and knowledge to uplift and empower marginalized communities.
Courtney is not only a double Tiger, she is also yet another Benerd grad who works here at Pacific. As part of her experience in the Leadership for Social Justice MA program, she brought the skills she was learning to her job in Human Resources, building an extensive paid high school internship program to create pathways to employment for the Stockton community. Courtney has a strong desire to achieve improved community through advocacy, authenticity, education, and supporting all underserved populations.
