Meet the Council Members

PAC 2025 group photo

Welcome to the introduction of the remarkable individuals who make up the 2025—2026 Pepperdine Ambassadors Council. Each member possesses a unique story. To learn more about their inspiring stories, read their bios.

**Ariana Ahumada-Stevens**
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Ariana Ahumada-Stevens

Ariana Ahumada-Stevens is a junior from Ventura County, California, pursuing a degree in Sports Medicine. At Pepperdine, she is involved in the Pre-Dental Society, Pre-Medical Society, several cultural organizations and the Well, where she finds fellowship and worship to be an integral part of her college experience. As a sophomore, Ariana studied abroad in Florence, Italy and attended the Pepperdine Chateau Family Camp for a second year in a row. Her love for the Pepperdine community continues to grow each year. Ariana discovered her passion for serving others through global outreach, first as a dental volunteer in Belize and later through founding The Malibu Medical and Dental Brigade Chapter, which she hopes to expand into "Pepperdine's Medical Brigade Chapter" this year. After graduation, Ariana plans to attend dental school and specialize in maxillofacial surgery. She is honored to serve on Pepperdine Ambassadors Council and looks forward to cultivating connections and leading with purpose.

**Casey Bechert**
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Casey Bechert

Casey Bechert is a senior from Scottsdale, Arizona pursuing a degree in Integrated Marketing Communications. After her time at Pepperdine, she hopes to pursue a career in marketing or sales. At Pepperdine, Casey has served in the Office of Admissions and has been deeply integrated into spiritual life on campus through her involvement in various ministries including the Well and the Spiritual Leadership Cohort. She has also had time to grow professionally through an internship at OMG23, Disney’s specialized ad agency. In her free time, Casey enjoys the Malibu sunshine, time with her friends, baking, and growing in her marketing knowledge. Casey feels extremely honored to have the opportunity to serve the University that has served her so well through PAC.

**Josephine Billings**
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Josephine Billings

Josephine Billings is a junior from Lansing, Michigan who has embraced every opportunity at Pepperdine. Her journey has taken her abroad to Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she studied while serving as a Resident Advisor. She also spent her first summer in Washington, D.C., interning at the Ethiopian Community Development Center and participating in the ChangeMaker Leadership Lab, a program dedicated to developing global leaders. One of her favorite Pepperdine memories is meeting her best friend by exchanging notes taped to their dorm windows—an experience that inspired her to become a New Student Orientation Leader. Josephine currently serves as the New Member Educator for Delta Gamma sorority and, as a former elite figure skater, hopes to combine her passion for athletics with her leadership experience to pursue a career as a sports agent. Above all, she strives to meet incredible people each day and form meaningful, lasting connections with everyone she encounters. With a deep love for building community, Josephine is excited to continue welcoming others through her service on PAC.

**Sidney Brown**
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Sidney Brown

Sidney Brown is a senior from Bakersfield, California pursuing a degree in Psychology and Hispanic Studies. She plans to attend graduate school, studying to become a researcher and eventually, professor. She currently serves as a research assistant to Dr. Jennifer Harriger. During her time at Pepperdine, Sidney has found community in a variety of places, such as her sorority, Delta Delta Delta, where she served as the Director of Ceremonies and Rituals, and the University Church of Christ. Sidney’s favorite Pepperdine experience has been serving on the Housing and Residence Life team as a Spiritual Life Advisor, and currently, a Residential Advisor in first-year halls. She loves being a mentor and support for first years, helping them find their place at Pepperdine. Sidney also participated in the Buenos Aires Upper Division Spanish Program, and enjoyed seeing a new part of the world and being immersed in its culture and language. In her free time, Sidney enjoys attending campus events and activities, discovering new music and TV shows, and crafting. Sidney treasures the amazing experiences and relationships Pepperdine has provided her, and is excited to contribute to Pepperdine and pay it forward as an ambassador.

**Nyah Fernandez**
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Nyah Fernandez

Nyah Fernandez is a senior from Los Angeles, California, pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Communication with a minor in Public Health. With aspirations of entering the medical field as a physician assistant, Nyah has embraced a diverse range of experiences during her time at Pepperdine. In her sophomore year, Nyah had the incredible opportunity to spend a semester in Argentina, where she immersed herself in a new culture, met fascinating people, and experienced a different way of life. Following this enriching experience, she ventured to London to intern at a prominent fashion PR firm. Her time in London was both enlightening and transformative, boosting her confidence and allowing her to adapt to a new work environment and city within just two months. These international experiences have only fueled Nyah’s desire to explore the world after graduation. On campus, she is actively involved in the Student Programming Board, Pepperdine Fashion Association Club, and Posse. She hopes to infuse Pepperdine’s campus with smiles, laughter, and joy through her personality, while fostering friendships and creating memorable experiences. When Nyah isn't busy on campus, you'll likely find her enjoying the beach, dancing to her favorite tunes, or spending quality time with family and friends.

**Nick Fieldhouse**
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Nick Fieldhouse

Nick Fieldhouse is a junior from Santa Ynez, California, pursuing a degree in Finance. He currently works in the International Programs office as the Program Ambassador for Buenos Aires, Argentina, where he enjoys helping students discover the opportunities and experiences of studying abroad. Nick is a proud member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, where he has built strong friendships and found meaningful community on campus. This past summer, Nick worked as a Real Estate Development intern, contributing to innovative and affordable housing projects that provide opportunities for low-income households across California. Looking ahead, he plans to focus on real estate as he continues to listen to where God is calling him. In his free time, Nick enjoys surfing, camping, playing volleyball, and traveling. Nick values Pepperdine as a community where faith, purpose, and opportunity intersect, and he is excited to represent the University and live out its mission.

**Jillian George**
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Jillian George

Jillian George, a junior from Frisco, Texas, is majoring in International Studies with a focus on Global Politics and Religion. She is passionate about exploring new cultures and deepening her understanding of religion—interests she has pursued while studying abroad in Japan, Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Washington, D.C. Drawing on the lessons gained through her international experiences, Jillian is excited to pursue a career in international affairs by advocating for international religious freedom. Jillian’s commitment to uplifting others is reflected in her involvement with Girls Inc. of Metropolitan Dallas and the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards. She uses her voice to inspire change and empower others, sharing her journey as a featured TEDx speaker. Jillian is a proud Pepperdine Global Fellow, Great Books scholar, and member of Kappa Alpha Theta and Phi Alpha Delta. She currently serves as First-Year Residential Advisor in Fifield. Jillian values community, meaningful relationships, and is excited by the chance to share in Pepperdine's spirit of purpose on Pepperdine's Ambassadors Council.

**Jayden Hanson**
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Jayden Hanson

Jayden Hanson is a senior from Wenatchee, Washington pursuing a dual degree in International Business and Finance. While at Pepperdine, He has been a part of Delta Sigma Pi, a Professional Business Fraternity, and Veritas Club, as well as serving as the Chair for the American Enterprise Institute. Jayden brings a global perspective as he had the opportunity to live abroad for a year to work with an international nonprofit, allowing him to reach rural communities in India and Indonesia. He holds Pepperdine’s mission of service and leadership close through his involvement with Pepperdine’s community service club, as well as serving on the board for Pepperdine’s Consulting Association. In his free time, Jayden enjoys hiking and swimming in the great outdoors with his friends, as well as connecting with his faith community through a Bible study he leads. In the future, he hopes to be able to work in strategy consulting focused at the Federal Government and eventually work in a Federal Agency. He is ecstatic to be a part of Pepperdine's Ambassadors Council, and to share Pepperdine’s mission and vision with both the Pepperdine community and the many friends of the University worldwide.

**Nicole Hartung**
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Nicole Hartung

Nicole Hartung is a senior from Santa Clarita, California, majoring in Sports Administration with a minor in Marketing. She served as a member of Pepperdine’s Cross Country and Track team for three years, in which she enjoyed competing and traveling with her teammates. She had the opportunity to study abroad in Switzerland and London during her sophomore and junior year. Nicole hopes to pursue a career in athlete representation and media relations, with aspirations of working for the NBA or the Olympics. In London, she studied the globalization of many sports, marketing strategies, fan engagement, and media impact with Mr. Ned Colletti, in which the program visited multiple Premier and National stadiums while interviewing executives. Currently, Nicole contributes to Pepperdine Athletics Graphic and Video Digital content department, in which she helps with editing and organizing the department’s media and game day operations. Nicole is incredibly excited for the opportunity to represent the student body, while fostering relationships with the faculty and surrounding community while serving on PAC 35.

**Henry Hicks**
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Henry Hicks

Henry Hicks is a junior from Atlanta, Georgia, pursuing a degree in Finance. While at Pepperdine, he competes as a Wave for both the men's track and cross country teams and serves as a Spiritual Life Advisor in freshman housing. Henry is also involved on campus in one of Pepperdine's business fraternities, Delta Sigma Pi, and currently works as a student associate for the Pepperdine Endowment. Henry took advantage of Pepperdine's amazing summer international programs and spent his freshman summer abroad in Heidelberg, Germany. After graduation, Henry plans to pursue a career in investment banking and will be starting his career next summer, interning with J.P. Morgan's Corporate Banking team. In his free time, you can find Henry catching waves, cycling down PCH, or exploring the restaurants L.A. has to offer. Above all, Henry loves to share his story of how Pepperdine has impacted his faith journey with Christ and continues to grow and give back to the community that he has fallen in love with.

**Libby Hill**
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Libby Hill

Libby Hill is a senior from Dallas, Texas pursuing a degree in English Writing & Rhetoric with a Certificate of Conflict Management. At Pepperdine, she serves as Head Tutor for Pepperdine’s Writing Center, as well as Copy Editor for Pepperdine Graphic Media. Libby is involved in leadership for her sorority, Pi Beta Phi, and has served as a New Student Orientation Leader for the last three years. She greatly enjoyed studying abroad in Heidelberg, Germany during the spring of her sophomore year. After graduation, she is hoping to attend law school. In her free time, you can find her reading a new book, searching for the best ice cream, or spending time at the beach. Libby has experienced immense growth as a person and in her faith at Pepperdine, and will shout the University’s praises from the mountaintops forever. She is elated to be a member of the Pepperdine Ambassadors Council, to share her deep love for Pepperdine - which she believes is the most wonderful & transformational place on earth.

**Leah Marquell**
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Leah Marquell

Leah Marquell is a senior from Fort Wayne, Indiana. She is a Regents Scholar pursuing a degree in Economics, as well as a Certificate in Conflict Management, and has completed the Great Books Colloquium. Leah chose to attend Pepperdine because of the University's commitment to the Christian faith, academic excellence, and leadership. She has a passion for serving her peers, which she has done by serving as a Spiritual Life Advisor in freshman housing and by volunteering as a New Student Orientation Leader to help new students find their home at Pepperdine. She practices hospitality as a Student Employee in the Pepperdine Office of Advancement, and has dedicated time to helping others pursue academic excellence as an Economics Tutor at the Student Success Center. Leah's fondest memories at Pepperdine come from her study abroad experience where she had the opportunity to spend her sophomore year studying in Switzerland at the Chateau D'Hauteville. She deeply values the connections that she has made at Pepperdine with professors and peers who push her towards intellectual and personal growth. During her senior year she is looking forward to playing intramural basketball, growing alongside her sisters in her sorority, Pi Beta Phi, and mentoring new students as they navigate college life.

**Spencer Mueller**
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Spencer Mueller

Spencer Mueller is a senior from Fresno, California pursuing a degree in Finance. He competed and served as Captain for the University's Track and Cross Country teams for three years, and highly values the memories and experiences he has created while traveling with his teammates to represent the University at competitions all over the country. Spencer is proud to be a part of the Alpha Tau Omega brotherhood fraternity on campus, where he has made some of his closest and lifelong friends whom he shares invaluable memories with. He serves as the Vice President for the organization, in which he finds great purpose, as he is part of a philanthropy program partnership to raise money for the Sudreau Global Justice Institute. After graduation, Spencer will be returning full-time as a Private Banking Analyst at J.P. Morgan in Los Angeles, where he interned this summer. Spencer finds all things outdoors worth pursuing. Anything from golf and pickleball to surfing, hiking, cycling, and swimming is on the table, and Spencer finds meaningful community through these activities. He enjoys time with the Lord, a beautiful sunset, and meaningful conversation with those he is close with, but he also looks forward to meeting new people and hearing what they are passionate about. Spencer finds Pepperdine to be the ideal place for someone to prepare themselves to make the world a better place, which is why he is thrilled to serve as a member of PAC and represent the University, spreading the Pepperdine message and mission as far and wide as possible.

**Ruth Oppong**
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Ruth Oppong

Ruth Oppong is a senior from Los Angeles, California, majoring in Business Administration with a minor in Entrepreneurship. A Regents Scholar, she has been recognized for her academic excellence and leadership at Pepperdine. With roots in both El Salvador and Ghana, Ruth embraces the best of both worlds—cultures that inspire her creativity, resilience, and love for community. On campus, she is involved in the Fashion Club, where she supports community outreach and models for shoots, and the Engagement Center, where she builds connections with alumni. She also studied abroad in Florence, Italy, an experience that deepened her passion for culture and global perspectives. Passionate about blending business and creativity, she aspires to pursue a career in fashion design and consulting. Ruth is excited to serve on PAC as a way to give back to Pepperdine while bringing her unique perspective to uplift her peers.

**Kai Pruismann**
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Kai Pruismann

Kai Pruismann is a senior from Colleyville, Texas, majoring in Finance. At Pepperdine, he worked in the Office of the Chancellor, as a Spiritual Life Advisor for the London International Program, played on the Club Rugby team his freshman year, and currently leads a small group with Koinonia Campus Mission. During his sophomore year, Kai studied abroad in London, where he deepened relationships with faculty and peers and fulfilled a long-standing family tradition of living in England. Professionally, he spent two summers at Haynes Boone, an international law firm in Dallas, developing a passion for data automation and AI. This past summer, Kai interned with 7-Eleven in Dallas, applying automation and financial modeling to support vendor negotiations and data-driven pricing initiatives. After graduation, he plans to pursue a JD/MBA and build a career at the intersection of corporate law and finance in London. Outside the classroom, you'll find him weightlifting, supporting the Chicago Cubs and Red Bull Racing, or at a country concert. Kai is honored to serve on the Pepperdine Ambassadors Council and is excited to represent Pepperdine’s mission, connect alumni with current Waves, and continue to spread the Pepperdine mission.

**Maren Rasmussen**
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Maren Rasmussen

Maren Rasmussen is a senior from Des Moines, Iowa, pursuing a degree in Political Science with a minor in History. She is a member of the Political Science Honors Thesis Program, and Phi Alpha Theta. While at Pepperdine, Maren has studied abroad in Uganda, London, and Washington, D.C. While in D.C., she worked on Congress as well as with Cornerstone Government Affairs, where she focused on environmental policy on the Agriculture team. Both gave her the opportunity to strengthen her passion for public service and policy. Following graduation, Maren hopes to return to Washington, D.C. to continue working in government and policy. On campus, Maren serves as a Trip Leader for Pepperdine Outdoor Recreation, where she enjoys leading students into nature and fostering intentional community. She is also the Director of Academic Excellence for her sorority, Tri Delta. Outside the classroom, Maren can often be found outdoors, flying airplanes, or exploring museums. Some of her fondest Pepperdine memories include her study abroad experiences, outdoor adventures, and the relationships she has built with professors and peers who challenge her to grow. In her senior year, she looks forward to investing in the Pepperdine community and leading more outdoor trips.

Caroline Rooney, PAC — **Caroline Rooney**
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Caroline Rooney

Caroline Rooney is a senior from Fort Worth, Texas. She is a Regents Scholar studying Economics and Applied Mathematics in preparation for a career that will ideally leverage her passion for people and problem-solving. At Pepperdine, Caroline has enjoyed working in the Office of Admission as a tour guide. Caroline is a proud member of Pi Beta Phi sorority, where she embraces opportunities to build lifelong friendships and develop as a leader through her current role as Chapter President. During her sophomore year in London, England, Caroline served as Media Coordinator and Student Government Representative for her program while also having fun learning Arabic, taking Equestrian lessons in Hyde Park, and visiting local museums with classmates. More recently, Caroline has interned with Pepperdine’s Office of Advancement, welcomed new Waves as a New Student Orientation leader, and spent her summer working in the International Programs office. Some of Caroline’s favorite Pepperdine memories were created while traveling to Uganda with the Sudreau Global Justice Institute the summer following her first year. Caroline loves to explore new places, gather with friends, and worship at The Well. She is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to devote her talents to broadening Pepperdine’s impact as a member of the Ambassadors Council.

**Zayd Salahieh**
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Zayd Salahieh

Zayd Salahieh is a Junior from West Covina, California, pursuing a degree in Integrated Marketing Communications with a minor in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. With a strong interest in strategic communication and organizational leadership, Zayd has made an impact through a diverse range of campus and professional experiences. In 2024, he studied abroad in Florence, Italy, where he immersed himself in Italian language, history, and marketing while traveling throughout Europe. On campus, Zayd is the Senior Vice President of Delta Sigma Pi, Pepperdine’s professional business fraternity, where he plays a key role in member development, professional growth, and fostering chapter community. He also served as Sophomore Class President in Student Government, where he spearheaded initiatives that reduced reported student loneliness and created large-scale events for thousands of students. In addition, he contributes his leadership as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for the Pepperdine Consulting Association, where he drives growth, engagement, and problem-solving for members. Beyond leadership, he is a Stewardship Specialist in Pepperdine’s Advancement Office, crafting donor communications and managing projects to strengthen the University’s alumni and development efforts. In his free time, Zayd enjoys running, Dodger games, collecting vinyl records, traveling, and eating at the best restaurants in town. With aspirations to merge his passion for communication, psychology, and strategy, he hopes to continue fostering meaningful connections and making a lasting impact in every community he is a part of.

**Jenna Schemm**
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Jenna Schemm

Jenna Schemm is a senior from Seattle, Washington, double majoring in Finance and International Business. At Pepperdine, she has enjoyed working in the Office of Advancement and serving as a Mathematics Teaching Assistant. Jenna is a proud member of her sorority, Pi Beta Phi, where she currently serves as Director of Member Finances. She has also welcomed new students to campus as a New Student Orientation Leader, contributed to community building through the Student Alumni Organization, and previously served as Director of Events for the Women in Business Club. During her sophomore year, Jenna studied abroad in London, England, where she had an incredible experience exploring the city, learning its rich history, and connecting with classmates. The following summer, she continued her studies in Washington, D.C., further broadening her perspective. More recently, Jenna completed a financial services internship with Charles Schwab, where she strengthened her professional skills and developed a passion for client advising. After graduation, Jenna will pursue a career as a financial consultant and later earn her PhD with the goal of becoming a business professor. In her free time, she loves spending time outdoors and enjoying Malibu’s scenic beauty, whether running, walking, grabbing coffee with friends, or reading a good book at the beach. Jenna is honored to serve on the Ambassador's Council and is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a community that has profoundly shaped her and gifted her so much.

**Kristina Urfalyan**
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Kristina Urfalyan

Kristina Urfalyan is a senior from Las Vegas, Nevada, pursuing a degree in Finance. During her time at Pepperdine, Kristina has become highly involved in professional development through a variety of on-campus jobs, programs, and clubs. Kristina has contributed to Pepperdine’s Engagement Center, worked closely with athletics through academic tutoring, and further expanded her experience as a career services intern with Pepperdine’s School of Public Policy. One of Kristina’s favorite memories at Pepperdine was during her freshman year New Student Orientation week, which she describes as the best week of her life. Looking ahead, Kristina has plans to pursue law school after graduation, with the goal of combining her love for finance and passion for the law to build a career in corporate and transactional law. She hopes to leverage her academic studies, professional experiences, and Pepperdine connections to make an impact in the intersection of business and law. Outside of academics and professional work, Kristina enjoys cooking, baking, playing pickleball with friends, and taking walks on Alumni Park. Kristina also takes great pride in her Armenian heritage, which has shaped her identity and inspires her to honor her culture through community involvement advocacy. Kristina is honored to serve on the Pepperdine's Ambassadors Council and is most excited about serving as a true voice for the student body. She looks forward to not only representing herself, but carrying the collective stories and pride of the Pepperdine community.

PAC Advisors

Pepperdine Seal

Dylan Miller

Dylan is a double Pepperdine alumna (Seaver 2009, GSEP 2015) and served on PAC during her junior and senior years at Seaver College. Dylan brings a wealth of insight, knowledge and understanding of PAC. Her wisdom, intellect, and kindness, which have blessed us all, will be so critical in her work with our student leaders.

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."