DEIJB in the Workplace

From an early age, Rafael developed a strong sense of self-belief, instilled by his loving mother who, despite facing financial challenges, made sure her child was filled with ambition and hope. This early encouragement ignited Rafael's aspiration to pursue his talents professionally and achieve success against all odds.

Rafael earned a bachelor’s degree in Telecommunications Engineering in 2008. This achievement marked a significant milestone in his life, showcasing his relentless pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement.

Rafael's thirst for knowledge and personal growth did not stop there. He moved to the United States in 2013 to pursue his dreams. Last year, he proudly completed his master’s degree in Information Technology, further expanding his expertise in the ever-evolving world of technology. This academic accomplishment not only exemplified Rafael's dedication but also highlighted his commitment to staying at the forefront of his field.

Currently, Rafael holds the position of Director of IT and Services at The Riviera Ridge School in Santa Barbara. In this role, he serves the community by leveraging his expertise to enhance educational experiences and technological infrastructure for students and staff alike. Rafael has become an invaluable asset to the institution, leading by example and inspiring others to reach their full potential.

Throughout his remarkable journey, Rafael has never forgotten his roots, remaining humble and grounded. His life story stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, a testament to what can be achieved through determination and unwavering self-confidence.

Brittney is Senior Director of Information Technology focused on optimizing the user experience. She uses her  experience in PMP, ITIL, Agile, Market Research, Management, Continuous Improvement, and Business Process Management to reduce silos and increase productivity in technology organizations.  Brittney is an Adjunct Professor for the School of Management in Information Technology at California Lutheran University.

I'm the Chief Financial Officer, Artic cold of cold storage warehouse companies that focus on the storage, cooling, freezing of fruits, vegetables, and proteins.  I grew up in Oxnard and come from immigrant parents who both worked picking fruits and vegetables in the San Joaquin Valley and Oxnard plains.  Both my parents grew up in agriculture so being around farms and growing operations is something I have experienced my entire life.  I also am an Adjunct Professor in the SOM teaching International Finance at California Lutheran University.  I really enjoy teaching because it allows me to connect the real-world experiences I encounter in my professional career to the classroom.  I love the outdoors and all sports that keep me outdoors.

Karen D. King is a senior director of Regulatory Affairs Opus Regulatory. With  over 20 years’ experience in the Pharmaceutical Industry. Her expertise in developing novel medicines for life-interrupting illnesses led her to a career in consulting. She currently consults pharmaceutical companies in developing their regulatory strategy for drug approvals in oncology and rare diseases. She is dedicated to putting patients first and keeps that as part of her core values for saving lives. She started her career as a bench scientist in New York City, which ultimately led to working for various companies including Amgen, AbbVie, Baxalta, and Shire. Karen’s work at AbbVie led to the companies first Leukemia drug approval.

While working full-time at Amgen Karen obtained her MBA from the School of Management at California Lutheran University in one year. She is recognized as a strong leader and has been awarded the Top 100 Leaders Under 50 from Diversity MBA. Karen has recently obtained a master of science in Jurisprudence (MSJ) in Pharmaceutical & Medical Device Law and Compliance from Seton Hall University Law School.

Dr. John Garcia brings a unique blend of industry and academic experience to his role as assistant professor of finance and analytics at California Lutheran University. With over 21 years in the corporate world at Toyota and Ernst & Young, he knows how to apply financial modeling, statistical analysis, and AI to solve real-world business problems.

Now, as an assistant professor of finance and analytics, John is dedicated to sharing that hard-won knowledge with the next generation. Since joining CLU in 2021, he has enlightened graduate and undergraduate students by bringing industry perspectives into the classroom and applying his research on behavioral finance, machine learning, and FinTech to provide students with cutting-edge, real-world examples.

Growing up between California and Mexico as the son of immigrant parents, John was the first in his family to graduate high school and college. That drive to learn propelled him to earn four degrees: a BS from Cal Poly, an MBA from Notre Dame, an MS from Northwestern, and a doctorate in business administration from Creighton. He is also a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Analytics Professional.

When he's not imparting financial and analytics wisdom, you can find John outdoors jogging, hiking, and camping with his wife and three kids. After two decades of climbing the corporate ladder, he's learned to treasure those simple moments.

For Further Information: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johngarcia4/ 

Cindy currently serves on the Work Development Task Force for the CA Department of Developmental Services (DDS), on the Advisory Council for The Tarjan Center at UCLA, and on the Public Safety Racial Equity Advisory Group of Ventura County.

She was recently selected as a grant recipient and invited to join a start-up accelerator supported by START.Coop and the AARP Foundation. She is actively advancing her social business that aims to employ people with disabilities and offer them ownership opportunities.

Prior to becoming a disability justice advocate, Cindy worked in brand management at Disney Consumer Products, ActiVision and Munchin Inc.  She earned a BA from UC Riverside, an MBA from Thunderbird, and continued her education through the Exec Ed program at Stanford Business School.

For Further Information: Cindy's LinkedIn

Jacob Lesner-Buxton is the Systems Change Coordinator at the Independent Living Resource Center. During his time at ILRC he has specialized in advocacy around accessible events, youth transition, and voter education.

He has over 20 years experience in volunteering/working with nonprofit and government settings focused on disability advocacy. He has also been a producer on KPFA’s Pushing Limits, one of the only radio shows about disability rights in the U.S.A Jacob has written for many online publications including The Mighty, and has been part of disability cultural exchanges to Russia and Japan. Jacob loves to do yoga and go dancing in his spare time.

For Further Information: Jacob's LinkedIn

Matt is a social entrepreneur with the mission to build a more whole and just way of living in this beautiful world. Matt enjoys helping businesses become strategic about their social impact and how to be fully alive in our workplace. With his coaching practices he leads individuals and teams through creative, meditative, and experiential practices to experience freedom, fulfillment, and abundance. Embracing change is how Matt helps individuals step into their destiny of wholeness in the work space and personal life. He wants each person to experience the power of being fully alive, fully present and fully appreciated for who they are.
His practices with restorative justice inform the way he approaches all of his work seeing the assets, strengths, and goodness in all situations and people. his skills in trauma healing, restorative practices, alternatives to violence, nonviolent communication, leadership development, and change management

Matt’s application of his master’s degree in community development have allowed him to be a sought after leader in his community in social causes like racial reconciliation, equitable housing solutions, homelessness, and immigration advocacy.
have given him the acclaimed Change Maker Matt title within his community.

Matt is an author and speaker, consultant and podcast host, and an all-around bridge builder.

For Further Information: Matthew's LinkedIn

Kyle McIntosh has over twenty-three years of experience working in Corporate Finance and Accounting across a broad range of industries.  Kyle joined California Lutheran University (“CLU”) following 11 years with Thousand Oaks-based biotech Amgen.  For his final three years at Amgen, Kyle served as the Head of Finance for Amgen’s Operations function.  In this global role, he was responsible for planning and controlling over $3 billion of annual operating expenses as well as approximately $700 million per year in capital expenditures.  Kyle also spent over three years working in Europe while with Amgen.  This time in Europe included serving two years as the Finance Director for Amgen’s UK/Ireland commercial operation.  He also led teams in Global Business Services and Accounting during his tenure with Amgen. 

In November 2020, Kyle completed a six-year term on the board of the Dayle McIntosh Center, a not-for-profit independent living center which supports people with disabilities.  He remains a member of the Center’s finance committee.  Kyle has been a board member the Newbury Park Track Club since 2020, and he has served as the Director of Volunteering during the 2021

For Further Information: Kyle's LinkedIn