Elevating Voices in Leadership

Dr. Monica Ellis-Blied, Professor at Pepperdine University, Author, and Founder of The Faces of Health based in Claremont, California, speaks on her experience and expertise in the world of clinical psychology, emphasizing neuropsychological assessments of twice exceptional and late-diagnosis neurodivergent individuals

Explore Dr. Blied's resources and works here:

Private Practice - http://www.drblied.com

Faces of Health - https://facesofhealth.net

Faces of Health Online Learning Resources - https://learn.facesofhealth.net

Evaluations for ADHD & Adult Autism - http://www.drblied.com/adhd

Shelbi Chandler, a PhD Candidate within the Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology (GSEP), joins the panel today to discuss her personal experiences and research around aspects such as leadership, equity, and trust within complex systems.

On this episode, guest speakers Edward J. van Luinen and Trisha Cerrone discuss their experiences and research in the pursuit of efficient strategies and techniques to better navigate organizational leadership and synergy within team-based project management across industries.

This week the panel welcomes Amber and Abdullah, two doctoral students, who discuss knowledge management.

In this episode of Elevating Voices of Leadership, we’re honored to welcome Nicole Kramer—a powerhouse in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry with nearly two decades of experience driving innovation, building inclusive teams, and shaping the future of workplace leadership.

Nicole has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the industry—Deans, Coca-Cola, and Kellanova (formerly Kellogg’s)—leading cross-functional teams and overseeing the launch and retirement of over 100 products annually at a major Coca-Cola bottling operation. Her expertise isn’t just in what gets to market—but in how people grow, evolve, and thrive within complex organizational ecosystems.

In this conversation, Nicole dives into:

• How to lead with empathy while delivering bold innovation and creating positive workplace dynamics

• The future of inclusive team dynamics and product development

• Lessons from managing change in fast-paced corporate environments

Tune in for a conversation on workplace dynamics and leadership impact.

On this episode of Elevating Voices of Leadership, we're excited to feature Dr. Christopher Hoang, a thought leader in educational technology and an advocate for equity who’s shaping the future of learning—both in and out of the classroom.

Dr. Hoang holds a Doctorate in Learning Technology from Pepperdine University and serves as Assistant Director of Technology Innovation & Outreach at the Los Angeles County Office of Education. In this role, he leads district-wide tech initiatives, chairs the LACOE AI Taskforce, secures funding, and champions AI planning to support equitable access across 80 school districts.

An adjunct professor at Pepperdine, he equips future educators with essential tools in instructional technology, remote learning design, and inclusive education practices. As a recognized keynote speaker and finalist for the AI Educator of the Year Awards, his influence extends to national summits on AI ethics and cybersecurity in education

On this episode of Elevating Voices of Leadership, we’re honored to host Gigi Williamson as our Student of the Month—a distinguished consultant, published researcher, and international communications expert with a unique lens on civil discourse, executive function, and transformative learning.

Gigi’s academic and professional path charts the future of thoughtful leadership:

• 🎓 Foundations in Language & Strategy: BA in French Linguistics (Wellesley), MBA from Dartmouth—bringing a rich interplay of human expression and business acumen.

• 🧠 Researcher & Designer: Currently in her 4th year of a PhD program at Pepperdine (GSEP), with coursework completed in Spring 2024 (4.0 GPA). A recipient of Pepperdine grants in both 2024 and 2025, she’s preparing for her dissertation defense in 2025, rooted in communication science, special education pedagogy, and remote learning technologies.

With two decades of executive-level experience in startups spanning London, Prague, New York, and the Bay Area, Gigi knows how to scale ideas and teams across borders—whether in-person or virtually.

On this episode of Elevating Voices of Leadership, we welcome Dawn Marie‑Luna, a bilingual licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, professor, and visionary guide whose work blends culturally responsive care with deep emotional healing. Based in Long Beach, California—and licensed in both CA and Texas—Dawn brings over a decade of clinical experience with children, families, and first responders to the forefront of transformative mental health and leadership.

A proud Latina and fierce advocate for healing justice, Dawn created the ALBA Method—a heart-centered framework rooted in Attachment, Love, Breath, and Action. She draws from liberation psychology, trauma-informed practices, and mindfulness-based approaches to help clients not just survive—but reclaim joy, voice, and wholeness.

Dr. Maher Abdelwahab is a seasoned entrepreneur, educator, and global leader with over 25 years of expertise in leadership, tourism management, and business development. With a proven track record of founding and leading successful tourism enterprises across Norway, the USA, and Egypt, he has brought thousands of travelers on culturally enriching experiences, fostering global connections through travel and education.

Holding a PhD in Global Leadership from Pepperdine University, along with master's degrees in Business Administration and Tourism Management, and bachelor's degrees in Business Administration and Touristic Guidance, Dr. Abdelwahab blends academic excellence with hands-on industry experience. As a multilingual professional fluent in English, Arabic, and Norwegian, with conversational proficiency in French, he is adept at cross-cultural communication and strategic planning, making him a sought-after voice in sustainable tourism and leadership.

A passionate advocate for cultural heritage tourism and sustainable travel, Dr. Abdelwahab is actively involved in global industry organizations such as the International Air Transportation Association (IATA), Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA), and the Norwegian Tourism Board. He also shares his expertise as a guest lecturer and public speaker at academic institutions and professional forums, covering topics such as leadership, tourism, and business culture.

With a deep commitment to mentoring and developing future leaders, Dr. Abdelwahab excels in instructional design, curriculum development, and digital learning, ensuring an engaging educational experience for students and professionals alike. In this podcast, he brings his wealth of knowledge and insights to the forefront, inspiring listeners with thought-provoking discussions on leadership, tourism, and the power of global connectivity.

As a psychotherapist, psychology professor, and expert in sport psychology, Dr. Conn's work has centered on the psychological well-being of athletes and at-risk youth. Throughout my career, he has developed and implemented innovative sports psychology programs, including those for MLB’s Urban Youth Academy and the Drew League, focusing on mental resilience, performance enhancement, and identity development. Dr. Conn's research has also explored the psychological impact of sports injuries, neurodegenerative disorders, and ADHD interventions, providing critical insights into the long-term effects of athletics on mental health.Join us as we discuss and highlight Dr. Conn's latest publication in the Journal of Performance Psychology, Interventions for At-Risk Adolescents: Self-Esteem and Empowerment as Predictors of Increased Work Effort. He will discuss key findings on how self-esteem and empowerment are critical factors in improving motivation and effort among at-risk adolescents.