TESTIMONIALS

Hear from our alumnae and partners as they share their inspiring stories and experiences.
Learn more on how our programs have empowered multicultural women to become exceptional leaders and individuals.

ALUMNAE SHARE THEIR TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEYS

ALUMNAE SHARE THEIR TRANSFORMATIONAL JOURNEYS

Experience the remarkable transformation of our Multicultural Women Executive Leadership Program and Multicultural Entrepreneur Program participants, showcased by their leadership journey videos. With invaluable tools and insights gained from our dynamic curriculum, they embrace authentic leadership, skillfully blending bold innovation with unwavering commitment to values and purpose. They feel confident to make decisive and intentional decisions that drive impactful change, all while fostering a collaborative and empathetic environment across multicultural environments.

As they become adaptive, influential, and solution-oriented individuals, they fearlessly overcome challenges, catalyzing both organizational and personal growth. Witness how they are redefining the boundaries of leadership excellence.

Dr. Carolina Castillo

Exec. Director of Development
USC Civic Engagement & Economic Partnerships

Dr. Sophie Zhuang

Director
MUFG Union Bank

Dr. Zilma Santiago Pabón

Academic Dean
University of San Sebastián, Puerto Rico

Lisa Moving, MS

Vice President, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
Turner Construction Company

Candace Raphael-De Jonge, LLM

Vice President, Compliance Operations
MUFG Union Bank- Canada

Blanca Cortez Vasquez, CTP

Vice President, Community Manager
JP Morgan Chase & Co

Nichole Abraham-Wilson

Vice President, Audit Relationship Manager
MUFG Union Bank

Liliana Andriani

Founder
Angel Jewelers

Juresha Alemayehu

Project Manager
Turner Construction Company

Connie Sparks

CEO
Wadeco Business Center, LLC

ALUMNAE SHARE THEIR POST-PROGRAM SUCCESS

ALUMNAE SHARE THEIR POST-PROGRAM SUCCESS

Featuring videos from our Annual Scholarship & Awards Gala, watch as our executive and entrepreneur graduates share about their professional and personal advancements post-program.

Our executive women discuss that with their newly acquired knowledge from the program, they take on greater responsibilities and assume influential roles within their respective careers. All the while, our entrepreneurial women share the exponential growth and success of their own companies, reaching unprecedented heights.

These inspiring examples illustrate the profound impact and transformative outcomes enabled by our program. With their acquired expertise, strategic thinking, and leadership skills, our alumnae confidently navigate their industries, achieving remarkable success, and leaving an indelible mark through their innovative contributions.

Dr. Veronica Estrada

Academic Faculty/ Professor,
Pacific Oak College

Dr. Michelle Taylor

Director
Institute of Engineering, USC Viterbi

Dr. Lida Jennings

Executive Director
Teach For America Los Angeles

Erica Moore-Burton, Esq.

President
Roundhill Legal Search, Inc.

Mildred Segura, Esq.

Partner
Reed Smith, LLP

Rosemary Bernal-Gomez, MBA

Data Scientist
Southern California Edison

Ivett Garcia

Head of Global Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
NVIDIA

Nora Guerra

Affordable Lending Manager
Freddie Mac

OUR PARTNERS SHARE THEIR COMMITMENTS

OUR PARTNERS SHARE THEIR COMMITMENTS

Our esteemed partners serve as strong advocates for the growth and success of our program fellows, embodying a deep commitment to our mission. Their dedication has propelled our fellows to exceptional achievements, as they actively champion their participation in the program. Our partners recognize the urgent need to cultivate a diverse range of multicultural women leaders, acknowledging the persistent underrepresentation of women, particularly women of color, in leadership roles. Through their compelling testimonies, our partners showcase the importance of our mission and how our alumnae shatter barriers and achieved extraordinary milestones with our program’s support.

With the unwavering support of our partners, multicultural women in business, nonprofits, and government can continue to thrive, becoming better humans and inspiring leaders who shape a more equitable and inclusive world for humanity.

Julius Robinson

Managing Director of Corporate Social Responsibility to the Americas
MUFG Union Bank
Corporate Sponsor

Okeatta Brown

Head of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
MUFG Union Bank
Corporate Sponsor

Debra Langford

Associate Dean of Diversity
USC Marshall School of Business

Chappale Burton

Author & Motivational Speaker
Monday Smiles
Spouse of Graduate, Erica Moore-Burton

Making a Lasting Impact: The Ripple Effect of Scholarship Giving

Read these powerful testimonials of our alumnae who have received scholarships from the Multicultural Women Executive Leadership Foundation and its’ partners. These exceptional alumnae share firsthand accounts of how being recipients of the Foundation’s scholarships enabled them to join our program and achieve their career and personal goals. Beyond the immediate benefits, these scholarships have a profound and lasting impact on their business, organization, and community alike. This contributes to a ‘ripple effect’ that extends far beyond what we can measure. Contact us below if you are interested in supporting the scholarship provided by the Foundation and investing in the future of multicultural women leaders.

Shiressa (Reese) Johnson, CISA

VP, Program Manager & Philanthropic Partnerships, MUFG
2018 Multicultural Women Executive Leadership Graduate

“I was fortunate to be a recipient of a scholarship from the Multicultural Women Executive Leadership Foundation to participate in the inaugural 2018 Multicultural Women Executive Leadership Program. The experience transformed my leadership and has been the single most significant blessing in my career. The opportunity to discover my true north, while surrounded by powerful women who graciously nudged, guided, and lifted me up until I found my wings was priceless. The program equipped me with insight to navigate my blind spots and the space to recenter around my values and to boldly pursue my goals.”

Erica Moore-Burton, Esq

President, Roundhill Legal Search, Inc.
Entrepreneur Graduate
2019 Multicultural Entrepreneur Program Graduate

“Dr. Davidds, as well as the scholarship that I received to be a fellow of the Multicultural Entrepreneur Program, impacted my life in ways I never expected. This program helped me create systems and structures for my business, to a point where my company is now at 10 employees and on its way to be a 10-million-dollar business. Simultaneously, it helped me do the deep work of uncovering my values, unpacking, and recrafting my past and future, to be the person and leader I aspire to be. Thanks to this program and scholarship, I am now standing on a solid foundation as a leader with unwavering roots.”

Dr. Zilma Santiago Pabón, PhD

Academic Dean, EDP University San Sebastián
2022 Multicultural Women Executive Leadership Program

“Participating in this leadership program via a scholarship was a true blessing and an opportunity of a lifetime. The curriculum, activities, and homework were expertly designed to help me grow both personally and professionally. I am now a different person, with a clearer understanding of my strengths and areas for improvement, my values and passions, and my leadership purpose. I now have tangible goals in place to help me continue growing as an authentic leader and leading from a compassionate and empathic place. The change in me is palpable, and those around me can see the positive impact this program has had on my life and leadership.”

Traci Oshiro, MA

Executive Producer, Condé Nast
2022 Multicultural Women Executive Leadership Program

“I knew I would gain valuable resources, skills, and knowledge from being a fellow of the Multicultural Women Executive Leadership Program. However, I never expected it to touch my core and help me evolve as a human being the way that it did. As a scholarship recipient, I am walking away from the program feeling stronger, more confident, and self-assured. The program pushed me beyond my comfort zone and opened my eyes to endless possibilities for my personal and professional growth. With the mindfulness, grace, and humility that I learned through the program, I am now able to take control of my life and find balance in all aspects of it. I am forever grateful for this incredible opportunity.”

Dr. Carolina Castillo, EdD

Executive Director of Development, USC Civic Engagement and Economic Partnerships
2022 Multicultural Women Executive Leadership Program

“This program was truly transformative. It gave me the tools and insights I needed to become a more compassionate and understanding leader, both for myself and for others. Before the program, I was getting in my own way of my growth. But through the program’s dynamic and multi-faceted curriculum, I was able to gain a newfound sense of self, confidence, and empathy. This shift in mindset has not only made me a more relatable and influential leader, but it has also allowed me to own my space and use my power in a more gracious and effective way. I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the scholarship that allowed me to experience this program.”

Dr. Veronica Estrada, EdD

Academic Faculty/ Professor, Pacific Oak College
2020 Multicultural Women Executive Leadership Program Graduate

“This program gave me life. It taught me to be a better human and a better leader by starting with an honest assessment of myself and my purpose. The program’s supportive and inclusive environment allowed me to connect with like-minded women and share experiences, while Dr. Davidds, USC and guest faculty, and our advisors provided invaluable guidance and insights. Without the scholarship that was provided to me to be a fellow in this program, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I have since been able to showcase my excellence and make an impact on a statewide, national, and global level.”

Xitlalt Herrera

President & CEO, X Level, Inc.
2022 Multicultural Women Executive Leadership Program

“I am thankful for being gifted the opportunity to be the recipient of the program’s partial scholarship. This program was nothing short of transformative, as it made me fully understand that true leadership starts from within. It has given me the tools to tap into my own inner strength and confidence to lead by example and show that hard work and dedication can go hand in hand with kindness, humility, and generosity. This has allowed me to create a safe space for my team to show up authentically, so they feel safe knowing we are all working together towards a shared vision. Therefore, I walked away with a deep understanding that leadership isn’t just about achieving results, it’s about doing so in a way that lifts others up and makes the world a better place. As a result, not only have I grown as a human and business leader, but my business has flourished too.”

Gjenaii Givhan, MBA

CEO, NkKai Management Group, Inc.
2022 Multicultural Entrepreneur Program

“Thank you to the Multicultural Entrepreneur Program and the significant scholarship I received, which provided me with a newfound sense of clarity. I previously faced difficulties in various aspects of my business and mistakenly believed the issues to be external. However, the program opened my eyes to the fact that they were internal. This set me off on a journey I never knew I needed, but it soon gave me everything I was missing: clarity. It gave me clarity on my purpose, vision, relationships, and the support I required. I am thankful to have been able to be a part of this program, that is more than just a business program. It’s also a supportive community, a bond between entrepreneurs facing similar situations, and a source of motivation.”

Rosie Arias

Founder/ Creative Director, Whimsical Charm
2022 Multicultural Entrepreneur Program

“I am so grateful to have received a scholarship to participate in the Multicultural Entrepreneur Program. At the beginning, I joined with the goal of growing my business. What I didn’t realize was how much personal growth I would also experience. Through the program, I learned about leadership effectiveness and the importance of building strong relationships with my team. I put these lessons into practice and have seen an incredible transformation not only in my business, but also in my team’s productivity and morale. The knowledge and support I received has been invaluable and I am constantly amazed at the progress I have made. I am thrilled to see the ongoing growth and success both in my business and personally. I cannot thank the program enough for everything it has given me.”

Shiressa (Reese) Johnson, CISA

VP, Program Manager & Philanthropic Partnerships, MUFG
2018 Multicultural Women Executive Leadership Graduate

“I was fortunate to be a recipient of a scholarship from the Multicultural Women Executive Leadership Foundation to participate in the inaugural 2018 Multicultural Women Executive Leadership Program. The experience transformed my leadership and has been the single most significant blessing in my career. The opportunity to discover my true north, while surrounded by powerful women who graciously nudged, guided, and lifted me up until I found my wings was priceless. The program equipped me with insight to navigate my blind spots and the space to recenter around my values and to boldly pursue my goals.”

Erica Moore-Burton, Esq

President, Roundhill Legal Search, Inc.
Entrepreneur Graduate
2019 Multicultural Entrepreneur Program Graduate

“Dr. Davidds, as well as the scholarship that I received to be a fellow of the Multicultural Entrepreneur Program, impacted my life in ways I never expected. This program helped me create systems and structures for my business, to a point where my company is now at 10 employees and on its way to be a 10-million-dollar business. Simultaneously, it helped me do the deep work of uncovering my values, unpacking, and recrafting my past and future, to be the person and leader I aspire to be. Thanks to this program and scholarship, I am now standing on a solid foundation as a leader with unwavering roots.”

Dr. Zilma Santiago Pabón, PhD

Academic Dean, EDP University San Sebastián
2022 Multicultural Women Executive Leadership Program

“Participating in this leadership program via a scholarship was a true blessing and an opportunity of a lifetime. The curriculum, activities, and homework were expertly designed to help me grow both personally and professionally. I am now a different person, with a clearer understanding of my strengths and areas for improvement, my values and passions, and my leadership purpose. I now have tangible goals in place to help me continue growing as an authentic leader and leading from a compassionate and empathic place. The change in me is palpable, and those around me can see the positive impact this program has had on my life and leadership.”

Traci Oshiro, MA

Executive Producer, Condé Nast
2022 Multicultural Women Executive Leadership Program

“I knew I would gain valuable resources, skills, and knowledge from being a fellow of the Multicultural Women Executive Leadership Program. However, I never expected it to touch my core and help me evolve as a human being the way that it did. As a scholarship recipient, I am walking away from the program feeling stronger, more confident, and self-assured. The program pushed me beyond my comfort zone and opened my eyes to endless possibilities for my personal and professional growth. With the mindfulness, grace, and humility that I learned through the program, I am now able to take control of my life and find balance in all aspects of it. I am forever grateful for this incredible opportunity.”

Dr. Carolina Castillo, EdD

Executive Director of Development, USC Civic Engagement and Economic Partnerships
2022 Multicultural Women Executive Leadership Program

“This program was truly transformative. It gave me the tools and insights I needed to become a more compassionate and understanding leader, both for myself and for others. Before the program, I was getting in my own way of my growth. But through the program’s dynamic and multi-faceted curriculum, I was able to gain a newfound sense of self, confidence, and empathy. This shift in mindset has not only made me a more relatable and influential leader, but it has also allowed me to own my space and use my power in a more gracious and effective way. I cannot express enough how grateful I am for the scholarship that allowed me to experience this program.”

Dr. Veronica Estrada, EdD

Academic Faculty/ Professor, Pacific Oak College
2020 Multicultural Women Executive Leadership Program Graduate

“This program gave me life. It taught me to be a better human and a better leader by starting with an honest assessment of myself and my purpose. The program’s supportive and inclusive environment allowed me to connect with like-minded women and share experiences, while Dr. Davidds, USC and guest faculty, and our advisors provided invaluable guidance and insights. Without the scholarship that was provided to me to be a fellow in this program, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I have since been able to showcase my excellence and make an impact on a statewide, national, and global level.”

Xitlalt Herrera

President & CEO, X Level, Inc.
2022 Multicultural Women Executive Leadership Program

“I am thankful for being gifted the opportunity to be the recipient of the program’s partial scholarship. This program was nothing short of transformative, as it made me fully understand that true leadership starts from within. It has given me the tools to tap into my own inner strength and confidence to lead by example and show that hard work and dedication can go hand in hand with kindness, humility, and generosity. This has allowed me to create a safe space for my team to show up authentically, so they feel safe knowing we are all working together towards a shared vision. Therefore, I walked away with a deep understanding that leadership isn’t just about achieving results, it’s about doing so in a way that lifts others up and makes the world a better place. As a result, not only have I grown as a human and business leader, but my business has flourished too.”

Gjenaii Givhan, MBA

CEO, NkKai Management Group, Inc.
2022 Multicultural Entrepreneur Program

“Thank you to the Multicultural Entrepreneur Program and the significant scholarship I received, which provided me with a newfound sense of clarity. I previously faced difficulties in various aspects of my business and mistakenly believed the issues to be external. However, the program opened my eyes to the fact that they were internal. This set me off on a journey I never knew I needed, but it soon gave me everything I was missing: clarity. It gave me clarity on my purpose, vision, relationships, and the support I required. I am thankful to have been able to be a part of this program, that is more than just a business program. It’s also a supportive community, a bond between entrepreneurs facing similar situations, and a source of motivation.”

Rosie Arias

Founder/ Creative Director, Whimsical Charm
2022 Multicultural Entrepreneur Program

“I am so grateful to have received a scholarship to participate in the Multicultural Entrepreneur Program. At the beginning, I joined with the goal of growing my business. What I didn’t realize was how much personal growth I would also experience. Through the program, I learned about leadership effectiveness and the importance of building strong relationships with my team. I put these lessons into practice and have seen an incredible transformation not only in my business, but also in my team’s productivity and morale. The knowledge and support I received has been invaluable and I am constantly amazed at the progress I have made. I am thrilled to see the ongoing growth and success both in my business and personally. I cannot thank the program enough for everything it has given me.”

Contact Us for More Information