10 Within 10 Recognition

College:

College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences

Majors:

Health administration, international health

Current job:

Executive director, Engage the Vision (ETV). ETV encourages and empowers fourth- and fifth-grade boys from inner cities through consistent weekly mentoring. I'm also an adjunct instructor at Florida International University for undergrad health administration and the online MHA program.

Current city:

Los Angeles, CA

What has been your coolest moment since graduation? 

Hearing "Dr. Elefant, we love you!" yelled by 30 fourth- and fifth-grade boys at an Engage the Vision mentoring session melted my heart. THEY inspire me.

What are you proudest of?

While in the DHA program, I was working full time directing outreach programs for military veterans, competing in a body building competition (placing!) and maintaining my high doctoral GPA. Now, I am a self-employed consultant and instructor. I travel the world, see my family and have a professional life wherever the adventure takes me!

What advice would you give new graduates?

Stay connected with your colleagues and professors. Be a mentor to new and current students. Be involved in your network and alumni associations. Find a way to stay connected to the academic community through continuing education at CMU or other universities local to you. During your academic program, go on every single international immersion you possibly can.

What has your work life taught you?

I understand global health and the concept and reality that diseases have no borders. The next outbreak is only a plane ride away, but our new friends and relationships are only a plane ride away as well!

What about CMU helped you succeed?

The relationships I built with the other DHA students and professors tremendously helped me succeed. Their encouragement, their instructing, their mentoring, and their friendships helped me complete my DHA, stay positive and constantly learn from a variety of global perspectives.

What has been your biggest accomplishment since graduation?

I've helped several nonprofit organizations be successful in their financial development (over $1M!). I have helped more than 4,000 homeless veterans receive housing in Southern California. I have helped sustain a mentoring program for young boys in Los Angeles, where over 90 percent don't have a positive male role model.

10 years of 10 within 10 - 2023 update

Current city and state:

Long Beach, CA

Current job title and employer:  

CEO & Founder, The Nonprofit Plug, LLC