The Outstanding Graduates of COE’s Class of 2025
The San Diego State University College of Education is proud to introduce the 10 students who earned the title of Outstanding Graduate from the Class of 2025, as selected by their department, school or program. Follow @sdsucoe on Instagram to view Commencement highlights and more.
Department of Administration, Rehabilitation and Postsecondary Education (Undergraduate)
Zeynab Jasim
Hometown: San Diego
Program: Leadership Studies
Most influential faculty member: Lisa Gates
Jasim’s background as a first-generation immigrant and Iraqi refugee is not just a part of who she is, it’s the driving force behind her passion to uplift others, advocate for equity and create spaces where every person is empowered. She was inspired by Leadership Studies Director Lisa Gates, who she said modeled leadership for Jasim every day.
“When I began taking classes in leadership and later declared the major, I learned that leadership isn’t about being the loudest in the room or having all the answers — it’s about being authentic, empathetic and willing to grow,” Jasim said. “The program taught me that leadership can be quiet yet powerful, and that it starts with self-awareness and the courage to lead from where you are.”
Department of Administration, Rehabilitation and Postsecondary Education (Graduate)
Brasilia Zulema Perez
Hometown: Ventura, California
Program: M.A. in Postsecondary Educational Leadership and Student Affairs
Most influential faculty member: Eric Felix
With her master’s degree complete, Perez aspires to advance students from historically marginalized backgrounds in higher education. She is particularly passionate about leadership development as she believes student leaders shaped in college go on to fight for justice and equity. Perez praised associate professor Eric Felix for being attentive to student needs and actively living out equity-mindedness and action in all aspects.
“Thank you to my mentors and peers who have supported me throughout this journey,” Perez said.
Department of Child and Family Development (Undergraduate)
Katie Lofgren
Hometown: San Diego
Program: Child Development Major
Most influential faculty member: Dan Bacon
Lofgren said her time in the CFD program was rewarding — particularly her experiences at the SDSU Children’s Center and Hearst Elementary, which helped her build confidence as a teacher and form loving connections with students and the staff. She lauds lecturer Dan Bacon as someone she looks up to and hopes to make proud.
“I aspire to be an elementary school teacher, hopefully in San Diego,” Lofgren said. “I have always loved working with children in all capacities, and pairing that with my love for learning made teaching the ideal career choice for me from a young age. My mother is a teacher, so I spent lots of time in her classroom watching my dream play out in front of me. She is a huge inspiration to me.”
Department of Child and Family Development (Graduate)
Nikki Lane
Hometown: Temecula, California
Program: M.S. in Early Childhood and Family Clinical Counseling with LPCC
Most influential faculty member: Teresa Lind
With her program complete, Lane is on a path to becoming a licensed professional clinical counselor. She said her experiences at the Center for Gender Affirming Care at Rady Children’s Hospital and SDSU’s Healthy Early Years (HEY) Clinic were central to her clinical training and strengthened her passion for working with children and their families. Lane is especially thankful to assistant professor Teresa Lind, who she credited with fostering her academic and professional development.
“I’m inspired by the strength and vulnerability families bring to the therapeutic process,” Lane said. “I am so grateful for the opportunity to create meaningful change through early, relationship-based intervention.”
Department of Dual Language and English Learner Education
Dinora Sapien
Hometown: Santa Ana, California
Program: M.A. in Dual Language and English Learner Education
Most influential faculty member: Alberto Esquinca
Sapien said the most rewarding part of her master’s program was the profound sense of community and support. Associate Professor Alberto Esquinca influenced both her academic pursuits and personal development through his unique blend of patience, encouragement and support. Sapien hopes to serve as a dependable resource for her students, while making sure each feels uplifted, included and valued.
“Today, I stand proudly as a testament to overcoming negative preconceived notions about my future,” Sapien said. “Statistics overlooked my unwavering determination and relentless will to succeed — not just for myself but also for my family. It’s this personal determination that has empowered me to shape my own destiny, regardless of the odds.”
Department of Educational Leadership
Stephanie Alvarez
Hometown: Fresno, California
Program: Preliminary Administrative Services Credential
Most influential faculty member: Kimberly Villescaz
Alvarez aspires to be an enthusiastic and courageous secondary school leader who helps develop equity-centered and passionate teachers to empower students. During her time in the SDSU Educational Leadership program, she said her professors provided support that was genuine, practical and realistic. She credited lecturer Kimberly Villescaz, in particular, for creating a safe space that enabled her to develop as a stronger leader.
“I never thought I would be where I am today,” Alvarez said “I encourage everyone to never give up on their dream. I am committed to paying it forward by supporting aspiring leaders who have a vision and passion to make a difference.”
Department of Special Education
Sawyer Post
Hometown: Vista, California
Program: M.A. in Special Education, Extensive Support Needs Concentration
Most influential faculty member: Elizabeth Howerton
After completing her credential and master’s programs, Post says she has been set up for success as an extensive support needs teacher. The master’s program especially provided Post with valuable knowledge and resources she can apply at her school site. Post credited lecturer Elizabeth Howerton as a wonderful mentor she could always go to for advice.
“It’s always been important to me to make a difference in my community,” Post said. “As I continue down my career path, I will expand upon ways to advocate and support all students with disabilities and their families by pursuing a role in district leadership. My goal is to create more social and recreational opportunities for children with disabilities in our community.”
Joint Ph.D. Program in Education with Claremont Graduate University (Rey Monzon Achievement Award)
Monique Escobedo
Hometown: San Diego
Program: SDSU/CGU Joint Doctoral Program (JDP), Ph.D. in Education
Most influential faculty members: Sera Hernández and Aaron Iffland
Escobedo said her JDP experience solidified her identity as a critical researcher and educator who values deep self-reflection. She was positively impacted by DLE chair and associate professor Sera Hernández and lecturer Aaron Iffland. Now equipped to directly challenge oppression, Escobedo said she looks forward to disrupting inequities in education more effectively as director of research of an equity-centered educational non-profit and in instructional and mentorship roles at two universities.
“The doctorate is something we undertake individually,” Escobedo said. “At its completion, however, it is a reflection of the collective love, support, and encouragement we have received from those around us along the way.”
School of Teacher Education (Undergraduate)
Shaye Phung
Hometown: Temecula, California
Program: Liberal Studies, Elementary Education
Most influential faculty member: Elizabeth Buffington
Phung aspires to be a driving force for change in higher education policy with a goal of cultivating a culture of lifelong learning for all students. Phung said lecturer Elizabeth Buffington was a strong advocate who championed her decision to take a new direction in her studies. For the next step in her journey, Phung will pursue a master’s degree at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
“I appreciate the Liberal Studies program’s commitment to developing a broad toolkit of transferable skills,: Phung said. “This approach empowers us to identify and lean into our individual strengths while also providing the necessary grace and support to cultivate our areas for growth.”
Read Shaye's full profile at SDSU NewsCenter.
School of Teacher Education (Graduate)
Sarah Curley
Hometown: Coarsegold, California
Program: MAT in Language Arts
Most influential faculty member: Kelly Johnson
Curley’s late sister, Gretchen, inspired her in countless ways — one of which includes becoming a dedicated teacher. Sarah said her journey through the MAT program has been a transformative experience, shaping both her personal growth and professional development. Along the way, lecturer Kelly Johnson provided consistent guidance and encouragement without which, Curley said, she wouldn’t be the teacher she is today.
“The insights I gained have not only enhanced how I teach, but also reinforced my dedication to fostering a classroom where every student has the opportunity to succeed,” Curley said.
