Alumni Spotlight Archives

From the Classroom to the Boardroom, and Back Again

After years in technology and enterprise consulting, Dr. Smrite Goudhaman earned her DBA from GGU to better understand how people adapt to AI in the workplace. Today, she designs AI systems for global organizations and brings those real-world lessons into the classroom as a member of GGU's faculty in India.

Melinda Dunn, 2026 Women’s History Month Profile

A GGU MBA alumna and Chair of the GGU Board of Trustees, Melinda Dunn spent more than two decades as Global CFO and Chief Compliance Officer at Sequoia Capital, overseeing financial and regulatory operations across one of the world's most influential venture capital firms.

Lauren Speeth, 2026 Women’s History Month Profile

Dr. Lauren Speeth — author, filmmaker, and co-founder of the Elfenworks Foundation — has built a career at the intersection of education, philanthropy, and social justice, including a $500,000 grant that established GGU's Elfenworks Center for Employment Justice.

Karen Hawkins, 2026 Women’s History Month Profile

A GGU-trained attorney and former Director of the IRS Office of Professional Responsibility, Karen Lee Hawkins devoted her career to ethics in tax administration, championing pro bono representation for vulnerable taxpayers and earning the ABA Section of Taxation's highest honor.

Elisha Finney, 2026 Women’s History Month Profile

As EVP and CFO of Varian Medical Systems, Elisha Finney helped guide financial strategy behind technologies used in cancer treatment worldwide — then carried that expertise forward as a board director for more than a dozen public companies across healthcare and technology.

From Counsel to Counselor

After 25 years as a corporate counsel, Juliette Hirt traded contracts for connection—earning her MA in Counseling Psychology from GGU and launching a private therapy practice for lawyers. Her journey proves it’s never too late to reinvent yourself—and that some careers will always need the human touch.

Alan Ma, GGU JD 1984 Visits the university

Coming Home to GGU: Alan Ma, JD ’84, Revisits His Law School Roots

Alan Ma, JD ’84, revisits his GGU Law School roots and shares his reflections.

GGU Alum Nada Perrone to Lead Genesys Works Bay Area, Strengthening Longstanding GGU Partnership

GGU alum Nada Perrone takes the helm at Genesys Works Bay Area, expanding opportunities for underserved students. Discover how our 5-year partnership is shaping futures!

GGU Law Professor to Present Groundbreaking Research on Iranian Women’s Rights at Prestigious Conference

Professor Delaram Farzaneh, SJD, will present her human rights research at the 11th Annual Junior Scholars Conference, hosted by the University of Michigan Law School.

A Legacy of Firsts: Trailblazing Women Who Define GGU

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor some of the fearless Golden Gate University alumnae and leaders who continue to inspire future generations.