On March 8, 2021, I served as a Judge with the inaugural program-wide Pepperdine Law Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution Mediation Competition. The competition encouraged students to apply their knowledge and skills to challenges posed by clients, through a unique role-play simulation created by practitioners. Judges evaluated the participating students based on their ability to combine advocacy and problem-solving methodology to mediate effectively through negotiation, learning about other client’s interests, and choosing best alternatives. We rated the students and offered

On September 27, 2020, I participated in a Women at Work event hosted by my wonderful colleague, Ginna Christensen. Ginna founded Women at Work, an inspirational community of women who learn from and support one another on their journeys to fulfilling their greatest potential. Ginna and I shared our thoughts, experience, and insights for ways to get through, grow, and support one another during this challenging time of uncertainty and upheaval. LISTEN TO THE PODCAST (#4)

On September 22, 2020, I  presented on the topic of communication coaching and mediation to a group of professional mediators in the Los Angeles area. This interactive presentation  covered topics such as: What exactly is communication coaching? How is it similar and how is it different than mediation? Are there coaching skills and tools mediators can use to enrich their mediation practice? What are some opportunities for communication coaches and mediators to work together?present

On August 5, 2020, I led a 3 hour training on implicit bias for the Massachusetts chapter of the Financial Planning Association (FPA). Honestly looking at ourselves and how we, often unwittingly, perpetuate systemic racism in America, is an essential first step toward changing ourselves, our professions, our communities, and society.  Following a 1 hour interactive power point presentation, participants spent over an hour exploring the following questions in small group breakout sessions: 1) what are the 2 most meaningful