Pepperdine Caruso Law Hosts Second Annual Belonging Awards

Pepperdine Caruso Law hosted its second annual Belonging Awards on February 24. The dinner and ceremony at the Light House on Pepperdine’s Malibu campus was attended by 130 members of our community in celebration of the diversity of Caruso Law's alumni, students, faculty, and staff. The event was also live streamed. Members of the Caruso Law community shared their inspiring stories and how they are taking action to make diversity and belonging a priority in their studies, workplace, and life. Among the award recipients, Caruso Law honored several alumni who have made a significant impact on diversity and belonging in the legal community.

Associate Dean of Student Life, Diversity, and Belonging Chalak Richards offered the introductory comments to the awards, which were followed by remarks from Pepperdine University President Jim Gash and a benediction by Dean Paul Caron. Keynote remarks were given by Connie Chung Joe, chief executive officer of Asian Americans Advancing Justice - Los Angeles.

The 2022 Belonging Awards were then presented to the following recipients:

• Alumnus Award: Judge Beverly Bourne (JD '91), Superior Court of California Judge, Pasadena Court.
• Young Alumnus Award: Nathaly Medina (JD '19), Supervising Attorney, Eviction Defense Network.
• Larry D. Kimmons Racial and Social Justice Award: Elizabeth Eubanks (‘05, JD '08), Partner, Rios Eubanks LLP.
• Faculty Award: Tanya Cooper, Associate Clinical Professor of Law.
• Student Organization Award: National Latinx Law Students Association.
• Student Award: Shayna Elian, Pepperdine Caruso Law second-year student. 

We offer special thanks for the evening to sponsors Pirnia Law Group, MDC Catering, White & Case, Gibbs Giden, the Civil and Human Rights Department of the City of Los Angeles, the family of Sebert Williams, Zna Portlock Houston (‘84, JD ‘87), Munger Tulles & Olson LLP, Above the Bar Legal Recruiting, Alan and Sarah Nissel, Sidley Austin, Patricia Park (JD ‘12), and Rios Eubanks LLP.

The Caruso Law community is proud to be rich in racial, cultural, political, and spiritual diversity, which has formed a strong culture of connection among alumni, students, faculty, and staff. Led by faith-based values, Caruso Law believes that each person's voice and convictions enhance the community, and is committed to being a place where all belong. We invite those who are interested to partner with us in enhancing belonging in the legal profession at Caruso School of Law Diversity and Belonging.

Visit our web page to watch the 2022 Belonging Awards.