Welcome to the introduction of the remarkable individuals who make up the 2023—2024
Pepperdine Ambassadors Council. Each member possesses a unique story. To learn more
about their inspiring stories, read their bios.
Isaac Bonilla
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Isaac Bonilla
Isaac Bonilla is a junior from Santa Ana, California. He is a first-generation college
student and a Posse Scholar. He is pursuing his bachelor of science in sports medicine.
After graduation Isaac hopes to become a sports chiropractor for a professional sports
team within the NFL or NBA and establish his own sports clinic. During his time at
Pepperdine Isaac had the opportunity to travel abroad to Fiji to serve on a medical
mission and spent a semester in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Isaac has been working at
Pepperdine's Office of Admission since he was freshman, a job he truly loves, where
he gives tours and interviews prospective students. This year he was promoted to an
intern, working alongside admission counselors and attending college fairs as an admission
representative. Isaac also works at Pepperdine's Sports Medicine Clinic as a student
athletic medicine intern assisting the athletic training staff during clinic hours
and games. Isaac recently joined and became a founding father of the Pi Kappa Alpha
fraternity. Isaac’s time at Pepperdine has allowed him to grow in his faith and grow
as a person. During his free time, Isaac likes to play sports, go to the gym, go fishing,
and spend time with his family. He is excited to share the story that led him to where
he is today and the impact Pepperdine has had on him.
Lauren Brajevich
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Lauren Brajevich
Lauren Brajevich is a junior from Coto de Caza, California. She is currently pursuing
her degree in integrated marketing communications with a minor in religion. After
graduation, Lauren hopes to go into business and follow her dream of becoming an entrepreneur.
At Pepperdine, Lauren is on the executive board of her sorority, Pi Beta Phi, where
she has cultivated her leadership skills and made lasting friendships. She is a member
of the Lambda Pi Eta Honor Society, a small- group leader for surf chapel every week,
and has served as a New Student Orientation leader for the past two years. In her
free time, Lauren loves to be in the ocean, play tennis and pickleball, and be outside
enjoying all the beauty that Malibu has to offer. Her favorite memories from Pepperdine
have been from New Student Orientation when she helps to welcome all the new Waves
into the Pepperdine family. Of all that Pepperdine has given her, Lauren is most grateful
for the lifelong relationships she has developed here and the way that Pepperdine
has helped bring her closer to the Lord. Lauren is eager to serve Pepperdine on the
Pepperdine Ambassadors Council and is honored to be surrounded by such an outstanding
group of students and mentors.
Caleb Cho
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Caleb Cho
Caleb Cho is a junior from San Diego, California, pursuing his undergraduate degree
in economics. With aspirations of building a career in an investment fund, he will
be joining J.P. Morgan in New York as a 2024 summer analyst. He is currently an intern
at One Capital Management, where he works with the Portfolio Management and Wealth
Management teams. Actively involved on campus, Caleb is a member of the Delta Sigma
Pi Business Fraternity, serves as the vice president of Finance for Kasa, and is a
member of the Seaver Student Leadership Committee. His fondest memories at Pepperdine
are from playing intramural soccer. Through his involvement with the Pepperdine Ambassadors
Council, he is keen to make a meaningful impact, representing and serving the community
that has played a crucial role in his college experience.
Steven Cordova
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Steven Cordova
Steven Cordova is a driven junior from Phoenix, Arizona, pursuing a business administration
degree at Pepperdine University. He shines as an active member of various campus organizations,
including International Programs, the Latinx Student Association, First-Wave Program,
Pepperdine Ambassador Council, RISE, and Housing and Residence Life. Steven's favorite
Pepperdine memory is tutoring two 10-year-old boys in the Tuscan Italian countryside,
fostering his unwavering commitment to a life of purpose, service, and leadership.
With long-term career goals in public relations, real estate, and business ownership,
Steven's diverse interests span globe trotting, surfing, hiking, and culinary exploration.
As a first-generation college student, he exemplifies resilience and places immense
value on expanding his network. Steven Cordova's charisma and dedication to having
a remarkable impact make him a captivating and influential member of the Pepperdine
community.
Cassidy Honeymar
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Cassidy Honeymar
Cassidy Honeymar is a junior from Agoura Hills, California currently pursuing an undergraduate
degree in political science and economics. In her freshman year, she was a delegate
on the Pepperdine Model United Nations team where she now serves on the Executive
Board as the Finance Chair. She has also worked extensively for the Seaver Dean’s
Office and had the opportunity to further serve the abroad student body as the International
Programs Library Ambassador in Florence, Italy during her sophomore year. A highlight
of her time at Pepperdine so far has been studying abroad as a student and as the
daughter of the faculty member in London when she was 13 years old. Pepperdine has
been a part of her academic, personal, and professional journey for many years and
she is overjoyed to be on PAC this year to further serve the Pepperdine community.
Connor Housefield
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Connor Housefield
Connor Housefield is a junior from Westfield, Indiana. He is studying accounting with
a long-term goal of working in tax and as a private financial wealth advisor. Connor
is a teammate on the Club Tennis Team, a project worker at the University Office of
Insurance and Risk, and has been an executive member of DECA (a business case study
competition club). This year Connor has ventured into Pepperdine’s brand new worship
songwriting club, Waves Worship, where he is excited to write and produce music. During
Connor’s sophomore year, he studied abroad in Buenos Aires; from there he was able
to participate in a trip to El Negrito village in Argentina. Connor says that from
his experience in El Negrito he has learned to serve with a new perspective of growing
relationships first. He believes that the opportunity to be a part of the Pepperdine
Ambassadors Council will be a chance to connect with the outside Malibu community
and share key points of his growth and faith at Pepperdine.
Aidan Hulbert
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Aidan Hulbert
Aidan Hulbert is a junior from Gunnison, Colorado. He is currently pursuing a degree
in physics, with the hope of working as an engineer after graduation. He has a strong
passion for traveling, sports and outdoor activities such as skiing, climbing, hiking,
mountain biking, rafting, and fishing, much of which he learned from his dad and brother.
Aidan is involved in a number of groups and organizations across Pepperdine—he has
served as a residential advisor since the fall of his sophomore year, is researching
the aurora borealis' connection to Earth's magnetic activity and solar wind under
Gerard Fasel, and is a member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, along with other
clubs and groups. He also studied abroad in Pepperdine's Lausanne program during the
2022—2023 academic year, where he made some of his favorite Pepperdine memories with
fellow students in the program. Aidan is eager to continue pouring into Pepperdine
through the Pepperdine Ambassadors Council, and is grateful to serve alongside such
a wonderful group of peers and mentors!
Parker Jani
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Parker Jani
Parker Jani is a junior from Kirkland Washington who is currently pursuing a business
administration degree. After graduating Parker hopes to work on exciting new projects
that positively impact people on an individual level either in the entertainment industry
or the nonprofit world. In his time at Pepperdine his favorite and most meaningful
experience has been being studying abroad in Florence, Italy, and being able to grow
throughout his time oversees. In his spare time, he enjoys a multitude of hobbies,
such as listening to music, watching movies, lifting, woodworking, all things sports
related, and spending as much time as possible outdoors. He is very grateful for the
opportunity to serve as a member of the Pepperdine Ambassador Council and is excited
to give back and share the impact that the Pepperdine community has had on him.
Londyn Johnson
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Londyn Johnson
Londyn Johnson is a junior from Arlington, Texas, studying integrated marketing communications
and political science. During her time at Pepperdine, she has been actively involved
in marketing for groups such as Pepperdine’s Consulting Association and the Humanities
and Teacher Education Division Office. Additionally, she served as the Student Government
Association representative for the Buenos Aires International Program and as the spiritual
life advisor for the Washington DC International Program. Londyn cherishes her favorite
Pepperdine memories, especially those from studying abroad in Buenos Aires, where
she took on new adventures and immersed herself in a new culture. Her time in Washington
DC was equally impactful, as she had the opportunity to learn about the functions
of government firsthand. Her long-term career goals include working in communications
for political offices. Additionally, Londyn plans to attend law school after gaining
more work experience. In her free time, she enjoys exploring the Los Angeles area,
horseback riding, participating in church ministries, and attempting to surf with
friends. As a member of the Pepperdine Ambassadors Council, Londyn is excited to spend
time with other key members of the student body and to have the opportunity to share
more of the Pepperdine story with others.
Kira Landis
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Kira Landis
Kira Landis is a junior from Temecula, California, pursuing an English literature
degree with a religion minor. She currently works for Pepperdine Housing and Residence
Life as a spiritual life advisor in first-year housing. Kira has also been a student
employee for the Office of the Dean at the Pepperdine School of Public School of Public
Policy for the past two years. After graduation, she plans on entering a career in
marketing and advertising. She will eventually pursue a master’s degree and doctorate
in either English or theology to achieve her dream of becoming a professor or a pastor.
In her free time, Kira loves to spend time with her loved ones, go to the beach, read,
and do anything active. She is eager to get to know her fellow members in the Pepperdine
Ambassadors Council, meet new people, and serve the Pepperdine community.
Brandon Olsen
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Brandon Olson
Brandon Olson is from Temple City, California. He serves as the current president
of the Pepperdine Veterans and Military-Connected Students Club, as a resident advisor
with Pepperdine Housing and Residence Life, and as an active Pepperdine Ambassador.
One of his favorite Pepperdine memories entails witnessing Mekha Rousseau enter the
ocean in wonderment for the first time in his life. His interests include spending
quality time with loved ones, eating at restaurants, reading fiction, and hiking.
He feels most excited about sharing his story on how Pepperdine University energized
his faith in Jesus Christ.
Logan Pluckhan
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Logan Pluckhan
Logan Pluckhan is a junior from Gilroy, California who is pursuing his undergraduate
degree in business administration. Logan’s passions include anything to do with the
outdoors, whether that be surfing, backpacking, camping, cliff jumping, or skiing.
As far as involvement on campus goes, Logan is the designated videographer and photographer
for the Pepperdine Club Surf Team as well as a small-group leader for Vintage Malibu
Church. He is also helping to start the newest fraternity on the Pepperdine campus
where he hopes to leave a foundation for a lasting positive legacy. Logan’s experience
so far has been greatly shaped by the faculty and friends that have poured into him
during his time at Pepperdine. In addition, his time spent studying abroad in Switzerland
through International Programs expanded his worldview and understanding of different
cultures and religious practices. Logan is ecstatic for the opportunity to be serving
as a leader on the Pepperdine Ambassadors Council cultivating lasting relationships
while serving others.
Alina Sanchez
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Alina Sanchez
Alina Sanchez is a senior from West Covina, California, pursuing her undergraduate
degree in accounting. During her time at Pepperdine, Alina had the opportunity to
study abroad in London, become a devoted member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority, and
invest much of her time in Pepperdine’s accounting department. In her free time, Alina
loves to attend local musicals or plays and visit Universal Studios (of which she
is an annual pass holder). Her love of musicals stemmed from her study abroad experience,
where she first got to experience theater in the West End in London. Looking forward,
Alina hopes to gain audit experience and, in the future, make significant financial
decisions for an organization whose mission she is passionate about. Overall, Alina
loves her Pepperdine family and is excited to give back to the community by serving
on he Pepperdine Ambassadors Council, showing others why this community is so special.
Mirna Sophoclis
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Mirna Sophoclis
Mirna Sophoclis is a junior from Rancho Cucamonga, California, pursuing her undergraduate
degree in sports medicine. After graduating, Mirna plans on attending medical school
with the intention of a pediatrician. Throughout her time at Pepperdine, Mirna had
the opportunity to study abroad, participate in undergraduate research, and serve
in Housing and Residence Life as a resident advisor. She was also involved in Beta
Psi Omega fraternity and was an active member of the Pre-Medicine Club. Mirna been
a medical scribe at Providence Orthopedics and City of Hope Oncology since her first
year. The highlight of her Pepperdine experience to date, was spending a semester
in London, United Kingdom, where she immersed herself in the British culture as well
as traveled around Europe. Mirna's appreciation for diverse cultures is deeply rooted,
as she was originally born in Cairo, Egypt, and is bilingual in Arabic and English.
In her free time, Mirna loves working out, watching Criminal Minds , and going to the beach. Mirna is passionate about Pepperdine and overjoyed to be
serving her dream school as a member of the Pepperdine Ambassadors Council. She has
been deeply impacted by the diverse and exceptional people she has met at Pepperdine
and she can't wait to share her love of Pepperdine with the surrounding community.
Avery Vasquez
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Avery Vasquez
Avery Vasquez is a junior from Nashville, Tennessee. She is currently pursuing her
undergraduate degree in biology on the pre-veterinary track. Avery plans on attending
veterinary school with the hope of becoming a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation veterinarian
overseas. Avery had the opportunity to study abroad for the full academic year in
Heidelberg, Germany. She is a member of the Delta Gamma sorority and a company member
of Dance in Flight on campus. In her free time, Avery loves to engage in anything
creative, such as painting, drawing, writing poetry, and journeling. She also is deeply
passionate about travel and nature, as she finds fulfillment in exploring all the
uniquely beautiful places the world has to offer and soaking in all of the amazing
experiences every corner of life has to offer. As Pepperdine has always been her dream
school, she is overjoyed to have the opportunity to serve as a member of the Pepperdine
Ambassadors Council and continue to foster more wonderful relationships in this community.
Avery’s love for Pepperdine runs deep and she can’t wait to show her passion for as
well as give back to the community that she feels has given her so much.
RJ Wicks
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RJ Wicks
RJ Wicks is a four year Posse Scholar from Carson, California. He is currently pursuing
a bachelor of arts in political science and concurrently obtaining a multi-subject
teaching credential in addition to a conflict management certificate from he Caruso
School of Law. RJ is deeply engaged in campus life, having held key roles in the Black
Student Association (BSA), Student Government Association, and Housing Residential
Life, while also contributing significantly to the Pepperdine community through his
work in the Enrollment Management Department, International Programs Office, and President’s
Office. One of RJ's proudest achievements has been spearheading initiatives to enhance
diversity and inclusion on campus. He initiated the annual Black Prospective Student
Event, fostering connections between current BSA members and prospective Black students.
In the student government, RJ successfully championed two resolutions: establishing
a multicultural center on campus and advocating for a cultural exchange program between
Pepperdine and an HBCU. RJ's most cherished experiences at Pepperdine revolve around
his participation in study abroad programs. Having never left the country prior to
attending Pepperdine, he has since visited 12 countries and engaged in four abroad
programs, including destinations like Washington, DC, London, Fiji, and Japan.
Jonah Wong
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Jonah Wong
Jonah Wong is a Junior Fresno, California, studying philosophy and non-profit management.
While at Pepperdine, Jonah has served as a spiritual life advisor, served as the residential
advisor in the Heidelberg program, and worked at the Student Success Center as a tutor.
He has participated in the Philosophy Club, Alpha Omega campus ministries, Veritas
Club, and Pepperdine Running Club, and he has served on the board of the Japanese
Student Association, and is looking to found a chapter of Nikkei Student Union on
campus. Jonah spent his sophomore year in Heidelberg Germany, where he had the opportunity
to serve underprivileged elementary and middle school students, and enjoyed being
immersed in an unfamiliar environment, which proved to be fertile ground for growth.
In his free time, Jonah is dedicated to finding out who he was created to be. He believes
that this is found through suffering. He is passionate about finding ways to enter
atmospheres of discomfort in an attempt to realize his potential. Jonah is ecstatic
to be serving on Pepperdine Ambassadors Council, seeking to connect Pepperdine with
the broader community and hoping to gain insights on the way students can optimally
live in community.
Naomi Yoder
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Naomi Yoder
Naomi Yoder is a senior from Sumter, South Carolina, seeking a degree in International
studies with an emphasis in global politics with minors in both religion and nonprofit
management. Whether studying abroad in Lausanne, Switzerland, serving as a residential
advisor to first-year women, welcoming new students as both a New Student Orientation
leader and coordinator, or leading her sorority, Delta Gamma, as chapter president,
Naomi has loved every opportunity to become more connected to Pepperdine and all that
it offers its students. In each year that she has been at Pepperdine, Naomi has loved
the place that truly has become home to her in Malibu. After graduating this May,
Naomi hopes to pursue a master’s degree in international development or peace and
conflict studies. It is the people at Pepperdine that have made it so special for
Naomi, and she looks for any chance that she has to serve the people of Pepperdine
that have given her so much.
PAC Advisors
Karissa Baucom
Serving as the Assistant Director of Advancement Operations and Employment, Karissa
is passionate about developing the PAC students as leaders and building genuine relationship
with them. "Getting to work with our PAC students is the highlight of my week! They
are truly incredible leaders and it is a joy to play a small role in helping them
grow in their professional and personal development."
Hung Le (’87, MA ’03)
Serving as the Senior Vice Chancellor for Alumni Affairs, Hung is passionate about
equipping the PAC students to tell the Pepperdine story to alumni, parents, and the
world. "In order to be effective servants of alumni, we have to first be effective
servants of our students. And there is also no better way to serve our families than
to serve their children, our students, first."