newsletter_2025 - Flipbook - Page 25
The following alumni were recognized
by the Sacramento Business Journal for
leadership in their respective fields:
Joshua Wood ‘05 (Government)
Sheri Peifer ‘01 (Gerontology)
Carrie Johnson ‘09 (Psychology)
Ryan Todd ‘09 (Environmental
Studies) was a guest on Sac State’s
Beyond J podcast, sharing his journey
from Environmental Studies student to
campus director of Sustainability and
Energy.
Erica Costa ‘19 (Public Policy &
Administration), longtime legislative
staffer and former Capital Fellow, has
been named Director of the Senate
Fellowship Program at the Center for
California Studies.
Ward Stewart ‘03 (Government) has
been named to The Greater Vallejo
Recreation District Board of Directors.
Maria Contreras ‘05 (Liberal Studies)
was featured in the Daily Democrat
as teacher of the week for her work in
education.
Damon Wright ‘97 (Psychology) was
named superintendent by the SCUSD
Board of Trustees.
Antinique Piggee ‘24 (Family Studies &
Human Development) was featured on
Inside CDCR for her post-incarceration
success.
Valencia Khan Government Relations.
Khan is a season lobbyist, attorney, and
government relations specialist who has
worked at the firm for the last five years
as a senior legislative advocate.
Hornet-Owned Business Highlights
Gena Castro Rodriguez ‘93 (Psychology)
has been appointed to the Board of State
and Community Corrections.
ABC Berries & Sweets LLC
Alumni: Amber Allen ‘19 (Social
Sciences)
Position: Owner
Blake Johnson ‘15 (Government) was
recognized in the Sacramento Business
Journal’s 2025 40 under 40 list.
KNB Sport Performance LLC
Alumni: Kayla Bryson ‘20 (Psychology)
Position: Owner/Founder
Three of our students were recognized
in The OBSERVER’s 30 under 30: A New
Generation of Black Excellence:
Kamiya Turner ‘23 (Family Studies and
Human Development)
Khalil Ferguson ‘19 (Government/
International Relations)
George Harris ‘23 (Government)
John Valencia, founder of lobbying firm
Valencia Government Relations Inc.,
announced the promotion of Alex Khan
‘10 (Government) to principal and
the rebranding of the lobbying firm to
*Alumni info retrieved from the
Alumni Association
Sacramento State/Bibiana Ortiz
Development Corner
With 4,946 students in the College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies, our
community is vibrant, determined, and academically strong—the average GPA in SSIS
is above a 3.0. Yet half of our students are Pell Grant eligible, demonstrating exceptional
financial need, and more than half identify as underrepresented minorities. Many of our
students balance long commutes, multiple jobs, and family responsibilities in order to
pursue their degrees. Their dedication is extraordinary, and with your support, we can
ensure they have the resources necessary to thrive.
Supporting one of our many scholarship funds is one powerful way to lift up the next
generation of SSIS alumni, but there are many other meaningful ways to make a difference.
You can join the Dean’s Circle, providing unrestricted support that fuels innovation in
the classroom; let us know if you have included the College of SSIS in your estate plans;
or reconnect with campus by joining the Sacramento State Alumni Association. Your
engagement—whether through giving, mentorship, or involvement—helps strengthen the
path to graduation for every student in our college. Thank you for supporting their success
and shaping the future of SSIS.
Email Rebekah Rabiroff at r.rabiroff@csus.edu to learn more or use the QR code to connect.
Scan to contact Rebekah
Page 25
College of SSIS Newsletter
