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About
Our Purpose
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Support our students in becoming leaders who aim to create educational equity for the communities they serve
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We achieve this through a collaborative approach that incorporates the diverse needs and perspectives of our stakeholders
Our Value
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We hold student success as our guiding value
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Master's Program Office
Our Office Staff
Shafiqa Ahmadi
Faculty Chair
WPH 304D | (213)-821-2259
sahmadi@usc.edu
Shafiqa Ahmadi is an Associate Professor of Clinical Education at the Rossier School of Education and the Co-Director for the Center for Education, Identity, and Social Justice. She is an expert on diversity and legal protection of underrepresented students, including female Muslims, bias and hate crimes, and sexual assault survivors. Prior to joining the Rossier faculty, she taught at the Gould School of Law and was a Visiting Researcher at the Center for Urban Education, at Rossier. She has also served as a Research Associate at the Research Institute at Rossier where she assisted with grant proposals and worked on a grant awarded by the Department of Education (DOE) designed to prevent and reduce on-campus sexual assault. Most recently she worked for the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission, where she investigated alleged violations of civil rights and discrimination in areas such as employment, housing, and access to state and state funded services.
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Ahmadi received her Doctor of Jurisprudence from Indiana University School of Law, at Bloomington, Indiana. She graduated with Dean’s Honors. While in law school and graduate school she focused on Employment Law, Corporate International Law, Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures, and Islamic law (Shari ‘a). She is fluent in five languages. She is a native speaker of Persian (Dari & Farsi) and her second language is English. She also speaks Hindi and Urdu.
She has presented extensively and conducted research on diversity and the legal protection of underrepresented students.
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Jamie Remmers
Director
WPH 304C | (213)-821-3406
remmers@rossier.usc.edu
Hello everyone! My name is Jamie Remmers and I serve as the Director at the Rossier Master’s Program Office. I am originally from Long Island, New York, and in late 2021 moved to Southern California after nine years living in NYC and working at New York University. I earned my BS from Lasell University in Boston where I was a college athlete and played goalkeeper for the women’s soccer team. After a work abroad experience in Australia, I found an interest for cross-cultural education and went on to earn an MA in International Education from NYU. I worked at NYU as an academic advisor for several years, as well as serving in Assistant Director roles supporting both international and graduate student populations. I eventually earned my EdD in Leadership and Innovation from NYU. My dissertation, “Making it Count: An Inclusive Approach to Collecting LGBTQ+ Student Data in Higher Education,” focuses on the opportunity and need for higher education institutions to collect sexual identity data to better serve their LGBTQ+ students.
Being a first-generation and queer student has made me keenly aware of how paramount social identities are in the academic space and therefore I am a strong advocate for creating spaces where students can be their authentic selves. Outside of academics, I am excited to be a new “Californian” and check out all of the National Parks in the state and explore my new home. I am a huge fan of Game of Thrones (but let’s not talk about the last season!), live music, US Women’s Soccer, and all things food. I am proud to be part of this community and encourage you to reach out to me and say hello!
Hi all! I am Meredith Benton, Assistant Director of the Master’s Program Office. I am a CA native (minus some time in GA and MA) and have been in Long Beach for most of my life. I have a BA in Liberal Studies and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from Cal State Los Angeles and a Master’s in Teaching from Alliant International University. After teaching for a few years, I moved on to higher education where I was in an advising role at Alliant and USC for a combined 10 years before taking the Assistant Director position in July 2022.
In my spare time, I love watching hockey (Go Kings Go!), trying out new recipes, and listening to Harry Styles (I’m obsessed!). I truly enjoy working with students and getting to know them, so please don’t hesitate to reach out or stop by and say hello!
Meredith Benton
Assistant Director
WPH 304B | (213)-740-5436
bentonme@rossier.usc.edu
Danelle Go
Academic and Career Specialist (PASA and EC)
WPH 304F | (213)-821-3343
dcgo@rossier.usc.edu
Hello y'all! My name is Danelle Go (she/her/hers) and I am the Academic & Career Specialist on the MPO team, specifically advising the Postsecondary Administration and Student Affairs (PASA) and Educational Counseling (EC) Masters programs. I am a proud PASA alum myself (Fight on!) and so grateful for the opportunity to continue supporting and serving the Rossier community that I care so deeply about.
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I am a proud daughter of Filipino-Chinese immigrants, a first-gen student and professional, and was born and raised in the Bay Area! For undergrad, I went to UC Santa Cruz (go Banana Slugs!) and studied Psychology with a minor in Education. My journey to working within higher education has been a roller coaster but has always been centered in holistically supporting, empowering, and uplifting my students. Outside of higher ed, I've worked in K-12, Special Education, community-based non-profits, and within behavioral therapy. I am a matcha and boba connoisseur, a major foodie (will travel just for food), a cat mama of 2, a hiking/nature lover, and an aspiring podcaster and DJ. Catch me at your local farmers or flea markets every weekend or walking down every single aisle at Trader Joe's, Hmart, or Target as a way to destress on the weekdays.
When building connections with others, I truly value authenticity, honesty, empathy, compassion, equity, advocacy, and cultural humility. I always have an open door and love narrative sharing so please always free to stop by and let's chat! Always remember that you belong here, and you matter.
Victoria Nielsen
Student Services Advisor
(School Counselling)
WPH 304F | (213)-821-3402
nielsenv@rossier.usc.edu
Hi everyone! My name is Victoria Nielsen (she/her(s)/ella). Born and raised in Ventura County, I've had the opportunity to experience life in various locations, including the Bay Area and Chicago. After graduating high school, I attended California Lutheran University as a first-generation scholar, earning a degree in Sociology and Criminal Justice. Before venturing into higher education, I worked in the Social Work field as a supervisor in a group home for children with behavioral and mental health challenges.
In 2014, I decided to forge a new path and moved back to Ventura County from Chicago. I started my journey in Student Affairs at Ventura County Community College District, from a student to a classified staff member. Working in higher education had proven to be the perfect fit for me, seamlessly blending my passion for social work, commitment to social justice, and dedication to helping those in need. And so, I returned to school and earned a Master's in Counseling and College Student Personnel, at California Lutheran University.
Beyond my professional endeavors, I find joy in spending quality time with my partner and my cat.
Robin Thimbriel
Student Services Advisor
(EMP, LDT, MFT)
WPH 304E | (213)-740-4253
Hello Trojan Fam! My name is Robin Thimbriel (she/her/hers) I support a diverse portfolio of programs comprised of Enrollment Management and Policy (EMP), Learning Design and Technology (LDT), and Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT).
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Leveraging my experience as a first-gen/transfer student has shaped how I navigate my role as a Student Affairs practitioner. One of my goals is to become a support system and generate sustainable environments for all of our Trojans to thrive. To have the opportunity to work in higher education is a privilege; I plan to be mindful of my holistic consumption, work environment, and the communities that I serve.
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I am a proud first-gen Belizean American who was raised in South Central Los Angeles, a UC Davis Aggie (bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Political Science with a minor in African American Studies), and a Loyola Marymount University Lion (Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration). In the rare moments I am not working, you can find me plotting my adventure to try a new food spot around town (always open to recommendations!). I enjoy spending time with my familia, friends, and pups. Beyond rooting for our Trojans, I am also a Laker, Dodger, and Rams fan! Fight On!
I look forward to hearing all of your personal stories and how I can support you throughout your programs.
Our Student Workers
Serena Weil
MPO Student Worker
Undergraduate Junior
Hello everyone! My name is Serena Weil and I'm a student worker at MPO.
Born in Philadelphia and raised in New York City, coming to USC has allowed me to find myself as a fashion designer pursuing my B.A. in Art. When class is not in session, you can find me traveling the world, making music, or going surfing with friends.
Destiny Rosado
MPO Student Worker
1st Year Graduate Student
Hey y'all! My name is Destiny Rosado. I was born and raised in Upland, CA in the Inland Empire. I graduated from California Lutheran University with my B.A. in Psychology and Ethnic and Race Studies in May 2023. I am currently a full-time PASA student here at USC.
During undergrad, I found my passion for Student Affairs through working as a Resident Assistant and a Student Intern for Student Support Services. Being a first generation college graduate, I am passionate about educational equity and hope to make a more inclusive space within higher education for underrepresented students.
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Outside of school and work, I love watching TV, trying new foods, going to concerts, and hanging out with friends and family. I also love spending time with my dog, Izzy!
Gia Guerra
MPO Student Worker
Undergraduate Junior
Hi everyone! My name is Gia Guerra. I live just outside of LA in the city of Huntington Beach, CA!
I am currently pursuing my B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Dynamics of Early Childhood. I am passionate about helping other people and hope to one day become a Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT). I am currently part of USC's oldest philanthropic organization, Troy Camp, where I get to work with children from LAUSD on a weekly basis!
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Outside of school, I love to hang out with friends and explore the LA area. I also enjoy a fun day at the beach, going to concerts, and volunteering for mental health nonprofits.
Dani Eustaquio
MPO Student Worker
Undergraduate Senior
Hi everyone! My name is Dani Eustaquio and I'm one of the student workers at MPO.
I'm a senior Business Administration major from Illinois, and I plan to pursue marketing within the healthcare industry after graduation. I'm especially interested in digital and social media marketing, as I can use my more creative skills to help promote organizations I work on!
Outside of school and work, I'm usually rehearsing for gigs with my a cappella group, the SoCal VoCals, hanging out with my friends, or making jewelry for my small business, SageRoseCo!