Shelene Bryan Discusses Risk and Reward at GSEP Dean's Distinguished Lecture Series

Shelene Bryan, former Hollywood producer, philanthropist, and author, will discuss "Ridiculous Risk. Epic Reward." Thursday, Sept. 10, at 7 PM at the West Los Angeles Graduate Campus (Room 203). This presentation is part of the Margaret J. Weber Distinguished Lecture Series at the Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP).

Bryan's career as a successful Hollywood producer took a dramatic shift when a houseguest saw pictures on the refrigerator door of the two African children Shelene's family sponsors. The guest asked, "How do you know those kids are real?" Bryan could not shake the question, and so despite her attachment to safety and comfort, and lack of desire to leave the U.S., she was soon on a plane to Africa.

She met those two children, and before leaving she made a promise to them that she would do all she could to help them. Out of that experience, and her relentless passion to care for children and families in need, Bryan launched Skip1.org, a charity that brings food and clean water to impoverished children and families around the world.

The idea behind Skip1.org is simple; by skipping one small luxury, and donating that money instead, undernourished people can be given food and water. 100% of all public donations go to the acquisition and distribution of food and water projects worldwide.

Bryan is also the author of Love, Skip, Jump: Start Living the Adventure of Yes, in which she encourages readers to say yes to uncomfortable journeys and rich adventures. Becoming uncomfortable can be a start to new innovations, she believes, and each of us are just one yes away from changing everything. Copies of Love, Skip, Jump will be available for purchase and signing at the event.

Emeritus Dean Margaret J. Weber established the first-ever Dean's Distinguished Lecture Series at GSEP in 2010. To honor her leadership and legacy, GSEP continues this event series in her name. The Margaret J. Weber Distinguished Lecture Series brings leading agents of change to GSEP to discuss the challenges and opportunities in servant-leadership in communities across the world. The lecture series helps support the GSEP mission of educating students to inspire lasting change in their communities and to lead lives of purpose, service, and leadership.

For more information, and to register, visit the GSEP website.