Hamed Al Balushi

Hamed AL Balushi, Bachelor of Science, is an international student from Oman. Hamed double-majored in Supply Chain and Logistics Management and Management and Leadership at The School of Business.

From a young age, Hamed dreamed of studying in the United States. His father, an inspiration, taught him leadership and perseverance. He worked hard in high school to get into a scholarship program to study abroad. Getting his acceptance letter from PSU was one of the happiest moments of his life, starting an exciting adventure.

At Portland State University, Hamed took every leadership opportunity. As an orientation Leader, he welcomed new students and helped them find the necessary resources. As men's soccer club president, he enjoyed building a strong, supportive community through sports. As media officer for the Omani Students Association, he connected with his peers and shared his rich culture with the campus community. His jobs at the Campus Recreation Center as a student building supervisor and member services assistant further developed his leadership and organizational skills, allowing him to contribute to a positive environment for all students.

After working hard, he was accepted into PSU's MBA program, completing his academic journey. Hamed is grateful for his family's support and PSU's opportunities for his success. He looks forward to making a difference in business and continuing his lifelong learning with joy and determination.
 

Adriana Yanira Garcia

Adriana Yanira Garcia is an inspiring first-generation student and a devoted mother of four wonderful children. She considers herself fortunate to be married to her best friend, Emmanuel. As a proud Mexican-Salvadoran, her heritage is a cornerstone of her identity and achievements. Garcia is among the first to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Chicanx Latinx Studies and Social Sciences from Portland
State University.

Garcia's academic journey has been a remarkable 20-year odyssey. As a non-traditional student, a transfer student, an honor student, and a student parent with her oldest in college, she has navigated numerous
challenges to achieve her goals. Her resilience and determination reflect her unwavering commitment to her family, education, and community.

As a proud Chicana, Garcia is passionate about advocating for other students of color as they pursue their academic aspirations. She is dedicated to bridging the gap between first-generation students and their
families, ensuring they have the support to navigate higher education successfully. Garcia's mission is to break generational cycles and establish healthy foundations for her children and future generations.

With almost 20 years of experience working with Latinx communities, Garcia's passion for advocacy, interpreting, and community outreach is evident. She is committed to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities in spaces not traditionally designed for their success. Garcia hopes her story will inspire others to persevere through systems of oppression and hardships to achieve their goals.

Garcia looks forward to continuing her studies at Portland State University, pursuing a master's degree, and working closely with student success and support initiatives. Her commitment to education and advocacy promises to impact her community for years to come.

Sheryl Livermore

Sheryl Livermore is honored to graduate today with a Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management. Born and raised in Astoria, Oregon, Sheryl was deeply influenced by her Ukrainian mother, who instilled cultural traditions through food, language, and family values. A proud Oregonian and first-generation college graduate, Sheryl earned her bachelor’s degree from Oregon State University in the early 80s.
With over 40 years of accomplishments in supply chain leadership, project management, and retail operations, Sheryl has held significant roles, including Vice President of Merchandising at Fred Meyer, The Kroger Company, Wellpartner (CVS) Pharmacy, and Made In Oregon. It was at Fred Meyer that Sheryl met her husband, and they have been happily married for 23 years. Additionally, she spent 14 years as an entrepreneur, managing and operating several Wetzel’s Pretzels shops while raising a family. Her most recent role was senior program manager for a diagnostic biotesting company.

Sheryl's family includes her supportive husband, Mike, their daughter, Katie, a junior at Oregon State University, and their sons, K.C. and Dane, who live in Dallas, Texas. Immediately following graduation, Sheryl joyfully travels to Texas to welcome her first grandchild, Elora.

Sheryl enjoys golf, swimming, cooking, travel, and reading outside of work and school. With a passion for academia, her future goal is to secure a position as a university adjunct instructor in a business school where she can share her knowledge and experience with ambitious college students.

Sheryl is grateful to her exceptional colleagues and instructors in The School of Business for all the support and fellowship they have provided throughout her journey. She lives by Babe Ruth's words: “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.”

Bahia Overton

Bahia Overton holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in social work, and a Ph.D. in Social Work and Social Research, focusing on the experiences of African American female adolescents in foster care.

Bahia currently serves as the Executive Director of the Black Parent Initiative. This community-based non-profit organization aims to improve the lives of Portland’s African, African American and African American multi-ethnic children by focusing on optimal health and mental health, cultural identity development, and parent education to ensure parents and caregivers have the resources to help their children thrive. 

As the Director of Equity and Partnerships at the Chalkboard Project, she worked with teacher leaders, district staff and superintendents across Oregon to center equity in educational and instructional leadership practices. Bahia is an Executive Consultant for Joy DeGruy Publications, assisting Dr. DeGruy in researching historical trauma and co-developing new models and methods for culturally responsive service delivery. Dr. Overton has also assisted with training and development for government agencies in creating and sustaining equitable policies and practices.

Bahia is the Board President of the Center for Black Excellence, the Board Chair of Organic Oneness, the Board Secretary of 4Fathers, a board member of NEWB, Inc., and an active member of the Bahài’ Faith, which espouses the oneness of the human family.