Commencement Weekend in Anaheim

Mariana Atencio
Journalist, Author, & Speaker

From her earliest days, Mariana Atencio was drawn to people and stories. Combining them into a career in journalism was a natural fit. It was there Mariana honed an essential skill for her work – the ability to build trust and connection on purpose. That work gave Mariana a window to study human nature and organizations that led her to become an expert on trust.

The journey there wasn’t so simple. It began when she was mugged on a mountain trail in her native Caracas, Venezuela. As she knelt with a gun pressed to her forehead, she realized Caracas was a deteriorating place and she decided to pursue journalism in America.

Mariana knew America from spending summers there with her younger sister. Years later she spoke on the TEDx stage about those trips and the feeling of being an outsider struggling to adjust to a new country. That TEDx talk, “What Makes You Special,” catapulted Mariana onto the global stage and has been viewed more than 25 million times. It established her as a global authority on the power of authenticity as a trust multiplier.

A scholarship to Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism School paved the way for Mariana’s 15-year career. She went on to become a hard-working news anchor for Univision and a national correspondent for NBC News, also filing for ABC. Her reporting has been honored with a Peabody Award, a Gracie Award, and three national Emmy nominations.

Linzie Starr
Director, Enterprise IT Project Management Office - Rady Children’s Health

Linzie Starr III is a seasoned information technology leader with nearly 20 years of experience driving innovation, leading organizational change, and delivering enterprise solutions that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.

As Director of the Enterprise IT Project Management Office at Rady Children’s Health, Linzie leads a unified PMO spanning the San Diego and Orange County regions. Reporting to the Chief Information and Digital Officer, he oversees an organization of roughly 70 project managers, business analysts, and managers, and a $40 million annual operating budget, delivering the technology initiatives that help Rady care for children and families across Southern California.

Throughout his career, Linzie has held key leadership roles at the County of Los Angeles, University of California and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, and Southern California Edison combining strategic vision with a human-centered approach to innovation and organizational improvement.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Linzie is an avid distance runner who has completed more than 100 half marathons and 50 marathons, including three Boston Marathons, raising more than $25,000 for charitable causes. He also enjoys traveling, visiting Disney destinations, and spending time with family and friends. 

A theee-time WGU graduate, Linzie earned his Bachelor of Science in Information Technology in 2022, his MBA in Information Technology Management in 2023, and his Master of Science in Management & Leadership in 2025. He was recognized as a WGU Distinguished Graduate in 2024.

Ramendeep Sandu
MBA - Healthcare Management

Ramandeep Kaur Sandhu is a proud WGU graduate, wife, mother of two young daughters, and first-generation college graduate whose journey is rooted in perseverance and the courage to keep moving forward. Originally from India, Ramandeep came to the United States with dreams of creating a better future for herself and her family. She has built her career in healthcare while continuing to pursue her education, ultimately earning her MBA in Healthcare Management from Western Governors University and completing the program in just six months.

For Ramandeep, graduation represents much more than earning a degree. It represents starting over, taking chances before feeling completely ready, and showing her daughters what perseverance looks like. She hopes her story encourages others—especially parents, immigrants, and anyone beginning again—to believe that where you start does not determine how far you can go.

Alyce Rowe
B.S. Health and Human Services

Philadelphia born Alyce Rowe, who has resided in North Georgia for many years, has had an education journey that has been anything but traditional. After earning her associate degree in 2006, Alyce put school on hold to focus on raising her family and navigating some significant changes in her life. Years later, she decided to return to school to accomplish something for herself and prove that it was never too late to finish what had been started. 

Alyce recently earned her bachelor's degree in health and human services, an accomplishment that represents years of persistence, sacrifice, and determination. Her family has always been at the heart of her journey. Alyce is part of a blended family of 9 children and is now a proud grandmother of 2, and their encouragement and support has made this accomplishment even more meaningful.

Alyce is a Hospitality Manager in healthcare, where she oversees both Environmental Services and Dietary operations. She loves working with people, building relationships, developing teams, and finding ways to make a difference in the lives of those around her. Outside of work and school, Alyce enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the North Georgia mountains, relaxing at the lake, traveling, trying new places, enjoying wineries, cookouts, game nights, and simply making memories with the people she loves. Returning to school taught her that life may take you on unexpected paths, but it is never too late to pursue something meaningful for yourself.

German Gomez
Master of Business Administration

German Gomez began his Environmental Services (EVS) career in San Diego in 2001 and has spent more than 25 years leading large-scale, multi-site hospital operations. German holds the industry's highest credentials, including the Registered Executive Housekeeper (REH) and Certified Healthcare Environmental Services Professional (CHESP) designations. 

For over 11 years, he has been an integral leader at Adventist Health, currently driving operational success as Executive Director over the EVS and Linen/Laundry departments for 27 acute care hospitals and regional clinics across California, Washington, Oregon, and Hawaii. 

Among all his accomplishments, German is most proud of his service to his country. As a U.S. Army veteran, he served 10 years as an Infantryman (1991–2001), earning the National Defense Service Medal, two Army Commendation Medals, Three Army Achievement Medals, and the prestigious Expert Infantry Badge. 

Academically driven, he holds an Associate of Arts degree, a Bachelor of Science degree, and an MBA from Western Governors University.  

Outside of his professional endeavors, he lives near Long Beach, California, where he is an avid golfer and family man.

Joshua Forkner
M.Ed. Education Technology and Instructional Design

Joshua Forkner is a learning leader, educator, and coach dedicated to creating spaces where people feel seen, supported, and empowered to grow. Earning his Master of Education in Instructional Design, Joshua brings an intentional balance of human connection, creativity, and thoughtful design to every learning environment he shapes. In his current role as an Educational Design Strategist at EdAssist, he designs workforce education pathways that help adult learners expand their opportunities and thrive. His path has also woven through grassroots community development in East Africa, nonprofit leadership, and directing organizational training. As a certified coach and resiliency instructor, he believes whole-heartedly that education at its best is not just about sharing information; it is about fostering belonging, building resilience, and helping others discover what they are truly capable of.

For Joshua, this degree represents more than an academic milestone; it is a commitment to using education as a bridge to empower others in their own journeys. His greatest joy and motivation come from his wife and daughter who offered endless encouragement and joy every step of the way.

Feda Odeh
M.S. Curriculum and Instruction

Feda Odeh is a Palestinian Muslim American educator from Illinois who found her purpose in a path she did not originally plan. After exploring different career possibilities, she stepped into education and quickly realized she was exactly where she was meant to be. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Roosevelt University and has now earned her master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University. As the first person in her family to earn a master’s degree, this milestone holds a special significance and reflects not only her own perseverance, but also the love and encouragement of her family who supported her throughout the journey. Balancing graduate school with full-time teaching and her work as a freelance Chicago makeup artist was not always easy, but each part of her life continued to inspire and shape the person and educator she has become. 

Now in her sixth year of elementary education, Feda has taught across multiple schools and grade levels, with her commitment to students always at the heart of her work. She takes the greatest pride in watching them grow, both academically and personally. Her hope is that every child leaves her classroom feeling capable, valued, and inspired to believe in themselves. Above all, she strives to create a space where students can be themselves, develop a love for learning, and recognize the opportunities education can create.

Gabriel Murillo
M.S. Management and Leadership

Gabriel Roberto Murillo is a WGU graduate who recently earned his Master of Science in Management and Leadership. His educational journey started after dropping out of high school. After spending 20 years working as a garbage truck driver to provide for his family, Gabriel earned his GED and went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine at Presque Isle, graduating summa cum laude. He later became a substitute teacher, an author, and a poet of Brown Barrio Blood: Rants of a Chicano Mind, fulfilling his sixth-grade dream of becoming a writer. His journey from high school dropout to master’s graduate reflects his belief that your past does not have to dictate your future. 

A proud Chicano and lifelong member of the Inland Empire community, Gabriel is passionate about education, family, service, and creating opportunities for future generations. He has served his community through youth ministry, mentoring, speaking engagements, volunteer work, and nonprofit leadership. Gabriel credits his Christian faith, his wife, Jennifer, and their three children for believing in him and encouraging him throughout his journey.

Meylin Villa
B.S. Accounting

Meylin Villa is celebrating her graduation from Western Governors University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Earning her degree while balancing a busy household and serving her community is a testament to her dedication, resilience, and heart for others.  

Based in Lincoln, Nebraska, Meylin is a devoted wife to Jorge and a proud mother to her two kids. Alongside her academic achievements, she remains deeply committed to community ministry and youth mentorship. 

Meylin would like to extend a special thank you to her parents, Luis and Iris Carrasquillo, who have always inspired her to be the best version of herself and without whom this milestone would not be possible. Armed with her financial expertise and a grateful heart, she is ready to step into this next chapter and continue building a stronger community.

Katelynn Simmonds
B.A. Special Education and Elementary Education

Katelynn was raised on a cattle ranch in Wyoming where she learned the value of hard work and dedication. After high school, she completed an associate’s degree in music at a community college. After that, Katelynn moved to Utah to further pursue a music degree but she put her education on hold to stay home and raise her three children. When her youngest child started elementary school, she decided it was time to go back and finish her education - the same time she began working as a special education paraprofessional.  

Today, she is graduating with a bachelor's of science in elementary education and special education. Katelynn is passionate about educating our youngest generation. She is currently teaching elementary music education at two schools in Northern Utah and loves sharing her love of music with her students. In her free time Katelynn loved spending time with her husband, Erick, and their three children and decorating cakes for family and friends.

Patricia LeBlanc
M.S. Nursing - Education

Southern California resident Patricia Angelica LeBlanc began her nursing journey in 2003, taking one class at a time and working towards her goal. The journey to where Patricia is today was not always easy, but every challenge, sacrifice, and accomplishment helped shape the nurse, educator, and person she is today. Singing has also always been a significant part of her life since she was 5 years old, beginning with mariachi music and eventually growing into a classic rock singer. Music has remained constant throughout every stage of Patricia’s life and has always been the way she expresses herself. 

“I am incredibly proud of this moment because not only do I get to walk across the stage to celebrate earning my master’s degree, but I also have the honor of opening the ceremony. This performance represents so much more than singing the National Anthem; it is a full-circle moment that brings together two of the biggest parts of who I am: my love of nursing and education, and my lifelong love of music. There is something incredibly special about completing my educational journey the same way it began. This moment honors the closing on this chapter of my life and the perseverance that brought that young high school singer to become the master’s degree holder, nurse educator, and performer I am today.”