USD School of Leadership and Education Sciences

🌟 A new cohort, a new chapter.

Last Saturday, BiGI welcomed its 4th cohort of rising 6th graders — celebrated by their families, the BiGI team and current students, who were also honored for continuing their journey as they move up to the next grade.

BiGI sees the brilliance in each one of its scholars, giving them the space to explore their interests and achieve their dreams. For dozens of new scholars, Saturday marked the start of a years-long, life-changing journey.

Read the full story to learn more about BiGI and the induction ceremony: https://hubs.la/Q04s_0990

San Diego Foundation

Summer Highlights at CEEN!

This summer, the Center for Embodied Equity and Neurodiversity (CEEN) hosted transformative programs designed to empower educators, students, and community members:

• Pilot Neurodiversity, Equity and Trauma-Informed Approaches (NETA) for Community College Professional Certificate Program (Cohort 2): As CEEN wraps up its second cohort, the team is gearing up for a Final Cohort Celebration, where participants will showcase how they're incorporating Dr. Niki Elliott's Embodied Inquiry 360 Framework into their work.

• Life Path Immersion Program (LPE): In partnership with San Marcos Unified School District, CEEN piloted an immersion experience for neurodiverse high school students and peer counselors — culminating in an inspiring visit to the USD campus! Students will continue engaging with the CEEN team monthly throughout the academic year.

• Heart Centered Connections Book Launch is Here! Dr. Niki Elliott's newly released book teaches best practices to support kids who are misunderstood and marginalized―those who are neurodivergent, have a learning disability, or are trauma survivors. They have extraordinary potential waiting to be unleashed. This profound literary work captures the essence of the work CEEN carries out every day at SOLES.

We're so proud of the CEEN team, our instructional and coaching support staff and everyone who participated this summer!

SOLES on the global stage 🌍

Dean Kimberly White-Smith and Assistant Dean Linda Dews recently represented at the Third CLADEA European Congress, hosted by EM Normandie School of Business in Clichy, Paris, France.

Dean White-Smith took part in the opening plenary, sharing how student engagement can serve as a strategic pillar for reaching and supporting students who are often overlooked.

Assistant Dean Dews presented on co-creating academic knowledge with students, highlighting participatory teaching practices that build engagement, inclusion and belonging in the classroom.

This international engagement builds on SOLES’ partnership with CETYS Universidad and reflects our continued commitment to global collaboration and leadership in education. Proud to see SOLES represented on the world stage! 👏

Congratulations to our alumni named 40 Under 40 finalists!

👉 Swipe to meet them.

✨ Dr. Amanda J. Corona, Director of Corporate Partnerships at UC San Diego’s Rady School of Management

✨ Dr. Novien Yarber, Senior Learning Officer at The Prebys Foundation — |

✨ Rashida Elimu, Director of Programs at

Their work spans education, philanthropy and child advocacy and it’s making San Diego and our communities better every day.

We’re so proud!

📣 Calling all women of color in leadership!

We're thrilled to announce ARISE 2026, coming to San Diego, CA, September 15–18!

Hosted by USD's School of Leadership and Education Sciences (SOLES), ARISE stands for Advancing Resilience and Innovation through Sisterly Empowerment. This 4-day conference is an exclusive opportunity for women leading in business, education, healthcare, and the nonprofit sector.

Here's what's waiting for you:

🎯 Leadership workshops focused on your differentiators, legacy, and team development

🧘 Wellness sessions: yoga, breath work, and mindfulness

🍽️ San Diego's best dining and cultural experiences

🤝 A powerful sisterhood of change-makers from across industries

Spaces are limited! Register now: https://solesresources.sandiego.edu/arise-conference-brochure/

Tag a woman in leadership who needs to be in the room! 👇

Celebrating Visionary Leadership 🌟

We are thrilled to announce that our very own Dean, Kimberly White-Smith, has been honored with the Karen and Tom Mulvaney Spirit of Community Award!

As part of only the second cohort to ever receive this prestigious honor, Dean White-Smith was recognized for embodying "love in action." This award reflects her dedication to fostering justice-centered partnerships and her commitment to the transformative power of community.

In the words of the Mulvaney Center for Community, Awareness and Social Action (CASA): Through initiatives like the BiGI program and her work with the Monarch School Project and the Urban League, she models what it means to lead with both heart and humility.

The Center highlighted her unwavering support and her ability to show up as a true partner for our students and the broader San Diego community.

Please join us in congratulating Dean White-Smith on this historic and well-deserved recognition! 🥂🙌


University of San Diego

PhD in Education: Deadline Extended to June 30

We’ve officially extended the application window for our PhD in Education program.💫

Designed for working professionals, USD SOLES’ online PhD in Education helps educators and leaders strengthen their research, leadership, and policy expertise while continuing to grow in their careers.

If you are ready to influence educational systems, drive meaningful change, and advance your impact, we encourage you to submit your application for the upcoming cohort.

🔗Link to finalize your submission: https://shorturl.at/X2L0m

“It feels like the right next step at the right moment in my career.”

As we prepare for the Fall launch of our inaugural EdD in Catholic Social Thought in Practice, we’ve been inspired by the sense of purpose our incoming doctoral students are bringing with them.

For those joining this first cohort, the journey is about more than the title—it’s about the opportunity to lead at a deeper level and the commitment to making a lasting, systemic impact.

If you are ready to ground your professional practice in this work, we invite you to take that next step with us.

Final Application Deadline: Monday, May 18th.

Begin your doctoral journey today.

Link to apply: https://shorturl.at/f6H94

Franciscan School of Theology