Empowering University of West Los Angeles Graduates, Mentors, and Community Leaders.

It is a man’s world. Never have five words been less accurate.

Evidence of the significant impact of women on business and society can be found in the example of seven highly accomplished professional women … all UWLA graduates. Here, we celebrate Latasha Wells Amerson, Jade Chen, Yakema Decatur, Odulia Juarez, Suzy Marjanian, Sharon Ransom, and Yasmine Tabatabai, each of whom made their mark on their respective professions. These women and mentors credit higher education with helping in their career advancement and the ability to elevate their respective family's economic status.

Let’s meet these seven outstanding women and hear their encouraging words on mentorship:

Yakema Decatur has been a loyal civil servant for the City of Inglewood for the last 21 years. When she recognized that her lack of a college degree was holding her back from advancement, she enrolled in UWLA, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree, graduating summa cum laude. Armed with greater confidence, she has created and run The City of Inglewood’s signature rent control program. She proudly serves Inglewood residents as Deputy to the City Manager/Housing Protection Director. Yakema has made it her mission to help others reach their potential. “Women face many obstacles in the workplace,” she explained. “Having someone who can provide guidance on navigating those waters not only aids in their professional advancement but also has the potential to catapult them into a position to guide the next woman in need of support.”

Odulia Juarez is the Chief of Case Management for Children's Services at South Central Los Angeles Regional Center (SCLARC), a partner organization with UWLA and a faithful community servant. While initially working as a Service Coordinator Trainee, Odulia decided to return to UWLA for her Master’s degree, which she recognized would be crucial for career advancement. “I was excited to return to the classroom after sixteen years,” Odulia stated. “I believe my advanced degree has given me the tools to become a great leader and to help others. Education has given me the strength and confidence to keep going and aim higher,” she said.

Yasmine Tabatabai grew up always wanting to help those in need, which led her to enroll in UWLA law school, later earning a Juris Doctor cum laude in 2017. After passing the Bar at 25, she immediately opened her own law office, affording her a chance to help those less fortunate. In addition to providing free consultations and taking on pro-bono clients, she is passionate about helping women. “When we women support each other, we, in turn, foster positive role models – showing younger generations of girls and women that it is possible: you can achieve anything and everything on your own,” she concluded.

Sharon Ransom grew up in south central Los Angeles, raised by a single parent, and attended LAUSD public schools. She became a single parent at age 21 and put herself through school at night while working as a sheriff’s dispatcher. Never one to shy away from a challenge, she continued her education, attending law school and graduating Cum Laude with her J.D. in 2003. After more than 17 years in the Sheriff's office, she spent the next 17 years as a Deputy District Attorney assigned to various units. She is currently with the Mental Health/Psychiatric Unit and proudly advocates for women. “Having reached my goals while being a single parent and battling breast cancer, I believe it is imperative for me to mentor young women who may think it is impossible to overcome hurdles to achieve their potential and success,” she stated. “Mentorship is one of my callings and a duty.”

Latasha Wells Amerson began her law enforcement career with the Los Angeles Airport Police in 1992. She is also an accomplished attorney practicing in the area of Estate Planning, an Adjunct Professor at California State University Dominguez Hills, a nonprofit founder, and an author. Latasha is currently the Assistant Chief of Operations, holding the largest command post among airport police. Despite the rigors of her job, she still finds time to help mentor other women. “When women mentor women, it fosters professional development, advocacy, and supported navigation through advancement opportunities, all of which better our collective workspaces and increase our career satisfaction," she said. 

Jade Chen completed her JD in 2016 and currently works as an attorney at TCW Global Legal Group, where she is the primary personal injury attorney and also practices immigration and family law. In addition, she is an entrepreneur, having created the bar-prep class, “Crack the Bar.” Jade prides herself on helping law students prepare for the bar exam. “My program provides emotional and mental support,” she added. “I am there to remind my students each step of the way that they are worthy and smart and possess the skills to crack the bar exam.”

Suzy S. Marjanian has twin passions: teaching and practicing law. She splits her time as a UWLA Adjunct Professor of Law and works as a divorce attorney and partner at the prestigious Koletsky, Mancini, Feldman & Morrow firm in Los Angeles. “It takes a strong woman to believe in herself,” stated Suzy. “It takes an even stronger woman to believe in others. The most powerful lesson I teach women is not how hard you must work but how deeply you must believe in yourself. The difference between mentoring and teaching women is the former requires the passion to believe in them when they have not learned to believe in themselves yet.” These exceptional women - and thousands of others like them - are University of West Los Angeles graduates and shining examples of UWLA excellence. A highly diverse, community-based university, UWLA provides opportunities for women and other often-underserved populations by creating pathways and highly supported access to higher education