I wanted to share the fact that my Capstone Project from the Masters of Science in Strategic Leadership has become my new career. I did it on a non-profit operating out of Liberia, West Africa called Surf Resource Network. (Uses surfing as a positive things for kids to focus on after their unfortunate history of civil war and child soldiers). Professor Sherri Petro was of great help during this process whether she remembers or not! I was incredibly sick during my final presentation and barely had a voice.  Sherri was great in being flexible with my busy work schedule and finding a time when I was well enough to present.

The clothing company Lands’ End did a feature on my work out in Liberia, West Africa.  California Miramar University is mentioned in the article as to where I did my Master’s Program.

Below is the spread from Lands End or you can click here for Lands Ends feature.

Please check out the non-profit Surf Resource Network.  Below there is video trailer about Surf Resource Network. I highly recommend taking the 2 minutes to watch it…
I am actually headed back out there in a week to continue my work there. We are trying to develop a model of sustainable tourism there. It’s been a challenge convincing people that is safe to go there now and that they are a welcoming nation. Doing it right from the start, versus trying to change the system once it’s already broken by including the locals at the ground level.

During my Masters of Science in Strategic Leadership at California Miramar University I did a paper on their president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf (first female president in Africa and nobel peace prize winner) not knowing by the end of the program Liberia would become a passion for me. I truly believe that my coursework at California Miramar University helped bring me to take this path. I am currently working as Director of Development for Surf Resource Network and as a Senior PR Account Manager for UnitedHealth Group. I also sit on the Board of Directors for Just in Time for Foster Youth.

Cheers to a brighter future for Liberia!

All the best,
Jessica Preese

Photo credits: Sean Brody & Alphanso Appleton (local Liberians!)

 

 

PS. I also sit on the Board of Directors for San Diego based non-profit, Just in Time for Foster Youth. Watch this short video and  please check us out here: http://jitfosteryouth.org/breakthecycle/