International Student Ambassador Program
Meet the 2025-2026 Student Ambassadors
Contact the Ambassadors: isap@pepperdine.edu
Jason Alius-Piedade
- Senior, Major: Integrated Marketing Communications
- Favorite Food: Picanha
Hi everyone! My name is Jason Alius-Piedade, and I’m so excited to be one of your International Student Ambassadors this year! I was born in Oxford, England, and grew up in Portugal and Dubai before moving to California to study at Pepperdine. Having lived in different parts of the world, I have developed a deep appreciation for diverse cultures and communities.
Adjusting to a completely new life in a new country can be both exciting and challenging, and I know how important it is to have a welcoming community during that transition. Pepperdine has truly become my home away from home, and I’m passionate about helping others find their place here too.
Outside of classes, I love playing Pickleball, going to the beach, finding a scenic
canyon to drive my car on, eating tasty food, and I’m always eager to meet new people
and share experiences. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you ever have any questions,
need support, or just want someone to grab a coffee with! I can’t wait to meet you
all and be part of your journey at Pepperdine!
Daniel Cardenas
- Senior, Major: International Business
- Clubs/organizations: Sigma Chi Fraternity, IFC
Hey! My name is Senior, and I am a junior majoring in International Business. I am 20 years old, born in Tucson, Arizona, but grew up in Mexico. My family on both sides is from Mexico. I have spent all my college years at Pepperdine. I love sports like soccer, Formula 1, basketball, and horse racing. I have been playing soccer since I was four years old. This summer, I participated in the Florence Program. It was amazing, and we were able to travel all around Europe. I highly recommend participating in one of the abroad programs; it would be a great decision. Before I arrived at Pepperdine, I didn't know anyone else, but thanks to the support of the community, I was able to connect with everyone. This school offers many opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally. I recommend everyone to get involved with the community by joining clubs, Greek life, community service, etc.
I know the beginning is always hard, but please don’t hesitate to ask anyone at Pepperdine
if you have a question. Everyone here is really nice and open to helping you. You
will have my contact information; please reach out if you need anything, and I will
respond as soon as possible. Have a great day, and I hope to meet all of you.
Isabela Fernandez Carrion
- Senior, Major: International Business
- Clubs/Organizations: Sigma Delta Pi, Concert & Chamber Choir, Kappa Kappa Gamma, Women in Business, National Society of Leadership and Success
Hello everyone! My name is Isabela Fernandez Carrion, and I’m super excited to be your International Student Ambassador this year! I’m a senior studying International Business with a minor in Vocal Performance, also pursuing a Certificate in Conflict Management through the Seaver Straus Institute. I was born and raised in Guayaquil, Ecuador, where I attended an American school with a diverse student body.
Growing up in a multicultural family with roots in Portugal, I was exposed to various
cultures from an early age and became familiar with the American academic system.
Studying abroad had always been a dream of mine, and I’m so grateful to now call Pepperdine
my home away from home. During my sophomore year in the summer I studied & interned
in Washington, D.C, where I worked at The Fund for American Studies and gained hands-on
experience on Capitol Hill. It can be both exciting and challenging to adapt to a
new culture, and I know how you feel about being an international student. I’ve been
there myself, so I want to make sure your transition to Pepperdine is as smooth and
enjoyable as possible. If you need help with anything, whether it’s academics, navigating
campus life, or just want to chat, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Sara Khorani
- Junior, Major: Accounting
- Favorite Food: Dolma
- Clubs/organizations: Delta Sigma Pi, Middle Eastern Student Association
Hi everyone! My name is Sara, and I am a junior majoring in Accounting. I was born
and raised in Erbil, Iraq, where I attended an international school. In my free time,
I love going to the beach, taking long walks with friends, and trying new food places
around LA. Growing up, I had the opportunity to travel around the world with my family,
which sparked a deep love for meeting people from different backgrounds and learning
about their stories and cultures. Coming to Pepperdine was a big transition, but it
has truly been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. I know how difficult
it can be to adjust to a new environment, but Pepperdine offers a welcoming community
and so many helpful resources to support you along the way. I’m so excited to serve
as an ambassador and help you navigate your journey. Whether you have questions, need
advice, or just want someone to hang out with, please feel free to reach out! I can’t
wait to meet you all!
Ayla-Elea Olsen Morales
- Sophomore, Major: International Business
Hola hola! My name is Ayla, I was born in Norway but lived most of my life in Guatemala.
I love baking, math, and working out, but my favorite thing to do is traveling. I
enjoy learning about different cultures, and I believe one of the most valuable things
we can gain from each other as international students is our different points of view.
I am the oldest sibling of three, and I am very close to my family. I understand that
leaving your country to study abroad can be difficult, maybe even scary. But as international
students you make Pepperdine a special place! I am so excited to get to know the incoming
students and help you find your place at Pepperdine. Please reach out to me whenever
you want, I am here to help you out :)
Luis Joffily Silva
- Senior, Major: International Business, Minor: Entrepreneurship
- Favorite Food: Brigadeiro
Hello! My name is Luís and I'm a Senior studying International Business and Pursuing
a minor in Entrepreneurship. I was born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, and attended
an international school in Brazil before finally moving abroad to the US. My love
for traveling and meeting new people made me realize that the bond between international
students is something that, when fostered, can lead to a lot of interpersonal growth
and help us become the best version of ourselves possible. Moving to a different country
can be very difficult and overwhelming, especially during college. We're here to make
sure your transition goes as smoothly as possible, and to make sure you have the best
4 years at Pepperdine! I'm looking forward to meeting all of you, and feel free to
reach out if you'd like to hang out!
Soleil Velasco
- Senior, Major: Integrated Marketing Communications
- Favorite Food: Beef Tapa and Truffle Pasta
Hello! My name is Soleil Velasco, and I am honored to serve as one of your International
Student Ambassadors this year. I was born and raised in Manila, Philippines and moved
to Southern California for college. Having experienced the challenges and opportunities
of moving to a new country, I am passionate about supporting international students
as they transition to life here at Pepperdine. Throughout my time here, I have been
actively involved in campus life, leadership roles, and community service, all of
which have helped me build strong connections and develop a true sense of belonging.
I also had the incredible opportunity to study abroad and live in Buenos Aires, Argentina
which deepened my love for global learning and cross-cultural exchange. As an ambassador,
my goal is to help all of you feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to make the
most of their experience. I am excited to meet you all and to help you build your
own home here at Pepperdine!