School of Public Policy Ambassadors
The School of Public Policy ambassadors are current first- and second-year students who are eager to share their insights and experiences with prospective students. We invite you to connect with them to learn more about what it is like to study public policy at Pepperdine School of Public Policy and become a #FutureWavemaker!
Mery Bagdyan
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HometownGlendale, CA Undergraduate College or UniversityCalifornia State University, Northridge Undergraduate DegreePolitical Science |
What are your current policy areas of interest(s)?
International Relations and State and Local Policy
What would you like to do with your MPP degree and/or what career goals do you have when you graduate with your MPP?
All my life I was sure I was going to be a lawyer. That changed when I took a public administration class and had the privilege of learning about how the government works and the policies that run our country and the world. I knew I wanted to be involved in the decision-making process and leave a large positive impact in my community. I am passionate about the Middle East and I desire to work with organizations who conduct research or work with humanitarian organizations to make a difference in people’s lives. I am also passionate about public engagement and would love to inspire young people to become more involved in government.
Internship Experience
I had the amazing privilege to work at PERK Group. It is a nonprofit organization founded by four California moms who care deeply and passionately about not only their own children, but also the children of California. I got to see firsthand how the government and legislation in California work and the hard work and processes that go into making an impact and helping make changes in your local government.
Fun Fact
A fun fact about me is that I have figure skated, swam on a local team, and played piano and violin growing up. I also love to read so ask me what I’m reading when you see me!
Contact Information
Logan Lee
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HometownNacogdoches, TX Undergraduate College or UniversityBaylor University Undergraduate DegreeBA in Political Science; Minor in Corporate Communication and Legal Reasoning |
What are your current policy areas of interest(s)?
International humanitarian policy specifically focused on work centering around anti-human trafficking and combating violence against women and children, addressing global religious freedom violations, and international food and agriculture development.
What would you like to do with your MPP degree and/or what career goals do you have when you graduate with your MPP?
C.S. Lewis once said, "I do not believe one can settle how much we ought to give. I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare."
As I look toward my future, I have always felt deeply called to work in the international mission field, where my faith continues to be the primary driving force behind my passion for policy. I am particularly focused on combating human trafficking, promoting religious freedom, and advancing agricultural development and food access in vulnerable communities.
When deciding on graduate school, I spent significant time reflecting on my calling and how the specialized skills gained through a master’s in public policy could equip me to best serve others. No matter what specific role I take on, my goal is to serve selflessly, giving more of myself than I can spare, to bring about meaningful change for those in need. My focus extends particularly to regions like Eastern Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, where the need for justice and development is urgent and transformative.
Internship Experience
Most of my professional experience has been based in Washington, DC, at the heart of our nation's capital. During my undergraduate years, I had the privilege of spending two semesters in DC. In my first summer there, I served as a policy research intern with the Religious Freedom Institute's Middle Eastern Policy team. This experience opened my eyes to advocating for human rights abroad, particularly religious freedom and combatting religious violence against women and children in the Middle East and Northern Africa. I also had the honor of working on Capitol Hill with the United States House of Representatives, specifically with the House Republican Conference under Chairwoman Elise Stefanik. This role deepened my interest in domestic policy, particularly in addressing injustices such as hunger, poverty, and human trafficking.
Fun Fact
I love to read and write, and my newest topic of interest is military history—specifically the American Revolution! Last summer, I even managed to turn a road trip with friends into a tour of a few historical battle sites!
Contact Information
McCall Zeutzius
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HometownPasadena, CA Undergraduate College or UniversityAzusa Pacific University Undergraduate DegreeBachelor of Arts in Political Science; Minor in Honors Humanities |
What are your current policy areas of interest(s)?
- State and Local Policy: Education policy, addressing homelessness in the state of California, counteracting human trafficking, local government; dispute resolution: mediation and arbitration
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During my undergraduate career, I discovered that I would like to pursue a career at the state or local level in California. I am currently interested in a variety of policy fields. Ensuring that the next generation of American leaders understand their freedoms as well as United States history is deeply important to me. Throughout my life, I have frequently volunteered with homeless shelters and organizations dedicated to serving those in need. Addressing homelessness and poverty, specifically in Los Angeles, requires urgent attention and policy solutions. In 2023, I was touched by Alejandro Gómez Monteverde’s Sound of Freedom, a movie that focuses on child trafficking and bringing awareness to all human trafficking. Serving others and protecting human rights profoundly guides my policy interests and future career goals. Additionally, I am interested in the field of dispute resolution because collaboration and compromise is essential to produce successful policy solutions.
What would you like to do with your MPP degree and/or what career goals do you have when you graduate with your MPP?
I believe an MPP is one of the most inclusive and encompassing degrees across all fields. While studying political science in my undergraduate career, I knew I was interested in both government and law. After discovering Pepperdine’s qualitative and quantitative approach to the MPP degree, I understood that an MPP would best prepare me to enter any policy field and seamlessly work alongside others with different policy focuses. Upon graduation, I hope to work in Los Angeles County or Orange County. Since I have varying policy interests, I am open to numerous career paths and opportunities that come my way.
Internship Experience
I worked at a local congressional campaign in Pasadena, CA in the Summer of 2022. Additionally, I became a collegiate network member of the American Enterprise Institute and attended their Fall 2023 summit held in Washington, DC as well as their Spring 2024 summit held in Gainesville, FL. I hope to complete a local internship during the Summer of 2025 as I will be pursuing the State and Local specialization.
Fun Fact
I started playing tennis when I was five years old and played lots of competitive tennis as I got older. I also love going for long walks, runs, heading to the beach, and anything music-related. :)
Contact Information
mccall.zeutzius@pepperdine.edu
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