Creations by LA Mode 2025 winners
Housing Works "Systems Changer" Program Award for SMC
Channel Guice-Thomas (photo by Elena Klepatskaya)
Jayne Kennedy
Ida Muldrow, designer at Disney
Architecture & Interior Architecture Studio 3 Design Review
Jacqueline Cortez
Emily Andrade at Tech Connect
Megumi Smith at "Coco in Concert"
Empowering Success Retreat
Student Warde Mohammed demonstrating skills during the Barber Battle
Student Randy Bonilla working alongside teammates during the Barber Battle
Japanese/Spanish professor Nina Kato and college counselor Yurica Yamaguchi with students
in Shizuoka prefecture Japan
Chop Shop lineup 2025
SMC students at the Louvre
Summer Study Abroad led by professors Heather Bennett and Kristen Mihaylovich
IxD Annual Report
Campus Counsel Robert Myers at Penn State
Storyboard from "ROMY & MICHELE THE MUSICAL"
"ROMY & MICHELE THE MUSICAL" opens Off-Broadway on October 28.
Star Ashley Newbrough and producer Roxanne Captor in Alberta, Canada
Kevin McKeown featured on the Global Band Room
Kevin McKeown conducting at the Royal College of Music in London
Michelle "Shelley" Pearce
Jessica Trachtenberg
- In Spring 2025, Santa Monica College celebrated a milestone: the first graduating class of its widely-recognized Homeless Services Work Certificate Program, the first program of its kind in California’s higher education system. These students
completed a rigorous 12-unit program designed to prepare them for frontline careers
in Los Angeles County’s homelessness response system. Their dedication, compassion,
and commitment to serving others demonstrate the power of education to fuel meaningful,
real-world impact. Learn more at smc.edu/HomelessServiceWork.
In recognition of this work, Santa Monica College received the Tom McGuiness “Systems Changer” Award from Housing Works. This award honors institutions that drive lasting, systems-level change through education, advocacy, and innovation. SMC Superintendent/President Dr. Kathryn E. Jeffery and Board Chair Dr. Nancy Greenstein accepted the award on behalf of the college. Special thanks to the following faculty, staff, and administrators for their leadership in launching and supporting this groundbreaking program: Jason Beardsley, Dr. Patricia Ramos, Dr. Steven Sedky, Dr. Alisa Orduña, Leepi Shimkhada, Celina Alvarez, Aileen Huang, Dana Nasser, Dr. Susan Fila, Tia Dickson, Talesha Payne, Rene Robles, Ashanti Blaize-Hopkins, Ruth Casillas, Lisa Lewenberg, Mario Franco, Jenny Landa, and Jazmin Guzman. Proud to be SMC! - Fashion professor La Tanya Louis is pleased to share that the SMC Fashion Department is sponsoring SMC alum and LA Mode 2023 Winner for Outstanding Collection, Channel Guice-Thomas to produce a look for entertainment and sports broadcasting icon Jayne Kennedy. The look is designed by Ida Muldrow, costume designer for Disney. Channel was the final student designer chosen to accomplish this task. This look
will be worn by Jayne Kennedy on her upcoming book tour for her new memoir entitled
"Plain Jayne" (Andscape/Disney books), to be released on Sept. 2. “The SMC Fashion Department
is so proud to have Channel work on this project and very honored to be a part of
this collaboration,” La Tanya wrote. Channel is currently continuing her studies at
Cal State LA’s Fashion, Fiber and Materials Program.
- SMC Police Department Sgt. Sonya Patterson competed in the World Police & Fire Games in Birmingham, Alabama. She won the bronze medal in singles and silver medal in all events.
- On behalf of the Architecture and Interior Architecture (Arc/IArc) program, Professor Javier Cambron shared the following great news: The 2025 Arc/IArc transfer cohort of 16 students
achieved placements in some of the nation’s most competitive, accredited Architecture
and Interior Architecture programs in the nation—including RISD, Pratt, SCI-Arc, Tulane, Syracuse, University of Michigan, and several others. “These selective universities offer limited transfer spots,
making our students' success especially notable,” Prof. Cambron wrote. “Even more
impressive: through advanced placement and scholarships, this cohort of 16 students
is saving nearly $2 million collectively. This level of academic and financial achievement
is a strong testament to the strength of our student and growth of our program.”
- Senior Career Services Advisor Joan Kang shared a student brag! Jacqueline Cortez earned her associate degree in 2024 at SMC before transferring to Cal State LA, where she’s on track to complete her BS in Nursing by 2027. While completing her
nursing prerequisites at SMC, she also completed the college’s noncredit Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program and volunteered at Good Samaritan Hospital, where she now works as a CNA. Currently serving as her 2027 BSN Cohort Class Advocate,
Jacqueline was recently selected as an NP3 Scholar in UCLA’s Nursing Professoriate Program, focused on academic research and leadership in nursing education. Way to go, Jacqueline!
And in another noteworthy student brag, Joan shared that student Emily Andrade, who is preparing to transfer to CSUN, delivered her first professional STEM poster presentation at the TechConnect World Innovation Conference in late spring. Emily showcased her team Skyfall Space’s award-winning research on a system designed to capture orbital debris—a concept that had won her and her team first place and $10,000 in seed funding for through the L'SPACE NASA Proposal Writing and Evaluation Experience (NPWEE) Academy. Emily’s being able to attend TechConnect, as well as participate in a hands-on cleanroom experience this summer where she helped fabricate silicon wafers and conduct stress testing, was both made possible through funding provided by the Advanced Technology Technician Training Program (AT3) and the Micro Nano Technology Education Center (MNT-EC). - Director of SMC’s Percussion Ensemble Megumi Smith rocked the stage at the Marina del Rey Summer Concert Series! She performed the percussion section in Disney-Pixar’s Coco in Concert: Live to Film, under the baton of the amazing Steven Allen Fox. “And guess what? It turned out to be one of the most packed concerts in the series' history!” Megumi wrote. “Huge thanks to everyone who showed up and turned the night into pure magic. We loved sharing the music with you!”
- Associate Dean of Student Instructional Support Wendi DeMorst organized a retreat for the Instructional Support team, and she shared that “The ‘Empowering Success Retreat’ was a resounding success.” Designed to inspire, develop, and unite staff, the retreat delivered powerful workshops, an inspiring keynote, and meaningful collaboration. Wendi noted that attendees praised the practical tools, inclusive focus, and recognition of their vital roles, “leaving them valued, energized, and ready to support student success with renewed purpose.”
- SMC’s Barbering Program, launched in Fall 2024, is already making waves in the industry—and on campus! This new program prepares
students with hands-on skills that lead directly to employment opportunities, including
careers in barbershops, salons, and entrepreneurship. Students can also earn an Associate of Science (AS) degree in Barbering, opening doors to a dynamic and creative profession.
On August 12, 2025, the department hosted its first Barber Battle in the SMC Student Salon. The high-energy event, organized by Department Chair Samantha Manuel and Barbering Faculty Jacqueline Monge, showcased the incredible talent of SMC’s barbering students, competing in categories including Braiding Styles & Taper, Color Cut & Design, Tag Team, and Fastest Fade. Student Warde Mohammed won in the Braiding Styles & Taper and Best Beard categories. Randy Bonilla dominated the competition, winning in the following categories: Color Cut & Design, Tag Team Winner, and The G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) award. The Barber Battle was more than just a competition—it was a celebration of artistry, community, and the bright future of SMC barbering students. Learn more, spread the word, and enroll in SMC’s Barbering Program!
- Japanese/Spanish Professor Nina Kato and Counselor Yurica Yamaguchi traveled with 11 students for a short homestay program in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan, sponsored by the San Fernando Valley Japanese Language Institute. During their stay, the students visited a local high school in Shizuoka and experienced Japanese culture firsthand by staying with host families. They also visited the Tokyo University of Foreign Studies and learned about the study abroad program.
- Dr. Kenji Jones—a dedicated psychological therapist in the Black Collegians/Adelante program, where she supports students in their mental health journey, and author of two books—has recently released a new mental health workbook, “Don’t Call Me Strong Today.” This workbook focuses on helping navigate anxiety, prioritizing self-care, and fostering personal growth by providing tools for healing and emotional well-being. It is available on Amazon!
- SMC Film Program Professor Simone Bartesaghi has won the Grand Jury Award for Best Impact Script at World Culture Film Festival 2025, for his feature film screenplay MERCH, a powerful story about human trafficking.
- Fashion professor Lorrie Ivas shared that the La Mode 2025 Fashion Show showcased 25 student capsule collections on June 20 and honored premiere celebrity red carpet designer and co-founder of the Black Design Collective, Kevan Hall, with this year’s Style and Substance Award. Jeff Abrams, founder of LA’s Rails clothing line, sponsor of LA Mode and yearly fashion scholarships, was also honored
for his continued support of the Fashion Program. Industry judges included designers
Henry Duarte, TJ Walker, Uriel Saenz, costume designers Brenda Cooper, alum Sylvester Angel Cetina, as well as vintage experts Esther Ginsberg of Golyester and alum Kevin Fernando of Haute Chasseur, Eddy Moya of Park Pleating, and brand strategist Trish Concannon.
Evening wear designer Jackdie Guerra won Most Creative as well as in the Technical Achievement categories plus the Kevan Hall Evening Wear Award of Excellence. Most Marketable Achievement went to menswear designer Lee Smith; the Sustainability Achievement went to Lauren Ashbury, and Joey Becerra’s capsule won the Industry Highlight Honor. Designer Ty Alexandria was voted the overall Outstanding Collection.
- The Fashion Department has been doing good in the world, too! Sustainability was proudly showcased on the runway with the “Transformed Treasures” of Salvation Army’s donated denim jeans, originally destined for landfills but reimagined into stylish creations by Laura Schumann, Elaine Justine, Heloise Pradeilles, Marilyn Martinez Chilin, Erica Jimenez, Allison Arjarun, and Lindsey Perek. [Credit/captions for photos seen in slideshow: LA Mode runway photos by Photography student Nagisa Tanaka. Designers, L-R: Jackdie Guerra, Lauren Ashbury, Lee Smith, Ty Alexandria.Transformed Treasures photo/video stills by alum Nikkia Sippes. Designers L to R: Laura Schumann, Elaine Justine, Heloise Pradeilles, Marilyn Martinez Chilin, Erica Jimenez, Allison Arjarun, and Lindsey Perek].
- Professors Heather Bennett (history) and Kristen Mihaylovich (art history) recently wrapped up the college’s summer study abroad trip in Paris, France! This trip was organized by the SMC International Education Center and the Global Citizenship Committee. Twenty-four SMC students traveled to the City of Light to explore themes of revolution, counterrevolution, imperialism, and contemporary immigration, all while getting close-up views and in-depth understandings of Western and global art history. “The last night in Paris was full of marveling at how much we saw and did and sorrow that it was over. Suffice it to say that these SMC students had the time of their lives!” Prof. Bennett wrote. (We’re sure they did).
- English/Emeritus professor Carol V. Davis will be the 2026 judge of a First Book Prize in Poetry for Wheelbarrow Press, an imprint of Michigan State University Press. She also will be doing a poetry workshop for the Theodore Roethke House in Saginaw, Michigan, and giving poetry readings there and at Michigan State University.
- Interaction Design (IxD) professor Luke Johnson is proud to share the IxD program’s annual report, which was created by students, thus “providing essential professional experience.” “Annual Reports are essential tools for reflection, accountability, and storytelling—capturing a year’s progress, impact, and vision,” Luke wrote. “For the IxD program, the 2025 report showcases key accomplishments, promotes the school's only bachelor’s degree, and strengthens the program’s (and SMC’s) public presence.” View the report: ixd.smc.edu/annual-reports/annual-report-2025 (Design credit: Dani Torgusen, Antonio Renoj, Alison Parrales; Highlight Reel: Antonio Renoj; Web Development: Alison Parrales).
- SMC Law Pathway program lead and professor Vicenta Arrizon is proud to share that the college’s Law Pathway Program was featured in the latest newsletter by California LAW Pathways. A few program highlights include the following: a 300% increase in student applications – the program served its largest cohort yet with 96 students; 77% of participants are from historically underrepresented groups; and 100% graduation rate maintained thanks to a targeted equity-centered support. Again, Proud to be SMC!
- Campus Counsel Robert Myers visited the historic Penn State campus in May to participate in graduation and be awarded a Master of Science in Spatial Data Science.
- Associate Business professor Stephen Soucy is co-lead producer on ROMY & MICHELE THE MUSICAL. The production, which Soucy has developed for eight years with his producing partner Barry Kemp, has been given an Off-Broadway theater (499-seats) from the Shubert Organization, Stage 42. ROMY & MICHELE THE MUSICAL is on a fast track to open for previews on Oct. 14, with opening night slated for Oct. 28. Stephen predicts ROMY AND MICHELE will be a draw: “the film's cult status, its uplifting story of outsiders centered on female friendship, and its message to be proud of who you are, and embrace everything that makes you, you, will resonate”. The show was announced in early July, and immediately saw coverage across many outlets; including Good Morning America. There's a sequel to the original film, Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, set up at Fox, to be released summer 2026, and Lisa Kudrow and Mira Sorvino have signed on as producers for the musical.
- Film & TV Studies professor Roxanne Captor produced the film “Dickens of a Christmas.” It has been selected to screen in both the Newport Beach Film Festival as well as the Calgary International Film Festival in Fall 2025.
- Kevin McKeown, conductor of the SMC Wind Ensemble, was featured on an international podcast The Global Band Room after a successful musical performance in April at the Royal College of Music (London) with musicians from Santa Monica High School and special guest artist Julian Bliss.
- Shelley Pearce, LMFT—adjunct faculty and counselor in SMC’s Center for Students with Disabilities—was appointed to the board of the Santa Monica Rotary International. This fall, she will serve as the coordinator for SMC’s Rotaract Club, which empowers students through service, leadership, and global citizenship. “Please consider referring students who are passionate about making a difference,” she wrote. Shelley looks forward to supporting their growth through meaningful community and international engagement opportunities.
- Spanish professor Alejandro Lee was invited to participate in the keynote panel “Advancing Student Achievement through Bilingualism and Biculturalism,” with Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez, Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents
(ALAS); Dr. Pedro Rivera, President of Thaddeus Stevens College (Lancaster, Pennsylvania); and Linda Egnatz, Executive Director, Global Seal of Biliteracy at the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP) Annual Conference, Panama City, Panama on June 28.
And alongside Hugo Díaz-Rodil (American River College and Sierra College), Sarah Harmon (Cañada College), and Cristina Moon (Chabot College), Alejandro was invited to share their “Spanish OER Success Stories: The Tarea Libre and Entrada Libre Series,” at LibreFest Summer 2025 on July 7.
- Counselor Jessica Trachtenberg shares that she is joining the SMC Scholars team this Fall 2025 to teach the Scholars section of Counseling 12 - Exploring Careers and College Majors. The Scholars Program supports first-generation and diverse students through small class sizes, individualized support, and an emphasis on preparation for university-level work. Jessica is “committed to creating an inclusive space where Scholars students can explore their identities, reflect on their lived experiences, and make meaningful connections to their future career paths.”
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SMC in Focus Volume XI, Issue 4
Caregiver to Changemaker
Santa Monica College enabled David Duncan to get back on track, channeling his compassion into public policy and community impact—and earning a transfer to Stanford. Read Article
Reading “College Chemistry” in Tehran
As she packs her bags for Palo Alto, Ghazal Azhdari still can’t get over how many SMC people went out on a limb to help a newly arrived immigrant succeed beyond her wildest dreams. Read Article
A Lens-Based Celebration of Latinidad
A timely, major exhibition “Concrete Hope”, curated by Erika Hirugami, is coming to SMC’s Barrett Art Gallery, shining a spotlight on 38 Latine/x photographers and artists. Read Article
The Singing Congressman
From Broadway musicals to campaign hustings, Brayden Handwerger’s search for the spotlight changed dramatically over his three years at SMC. Read Article
Bragging Rights
An SMC Fashion alum to produce a look for Jayne Kennedy. A first-ever Barber Battle at SMC. Studying abroad in Paris. A “Systems Changer” Award for the college. Read Article
Startup Scholar
Youthful entrepreneur Magnus Melbourne found a launching pad to the Ivy League at Santa Monica College. Read Article