Manijeh Badiee’s journey into psychology wasn’t linear. Born in Iran and raised in an immigrant family, she initially pursued medicine, then computer science, before realizing her true passion — connecting with people on a deeper level. Now a professor of psychology at Cal State San Bernardino, she specializes in counseling psychology with a focus on social justice and diversity. Her commitment to these values is evident not only in her research but also in her mentorship of students who aspire to make an impact in their communities.

Her influence extends far beyond the classroom. As a professor, therapist and mentor, Badiee fosters critical consciousness, helping her students see how their personal experiences connect to broader societal issues. She reminds them that mental health is shaped not just by biology but also by larger social forces, like racism and sexism.

“The students here are so inspiring and the reason that I do what I do,” she said.

Badiee creates a welcoming and inclusive environment where students feel seen, heard and supported. She encourages them to challenge societal norms, question systemic barriers, and develop confidence in their abilities as future counselors and change-makers. Whether through research opportunities, one-on-one mentorship, or classroom discussions, she empowers students to trust their voices and recognize the power of their lived experiences.

“I want my students to know that their experiences matter and that they are capable of driving meaningful change,” Badiee said. “So many of them doubt their own potential, and I remind them that their perspectives and identities bring something unique to this field. We need more diverse voices in psychology, and I want them to believe they belong here.”

Devon Herrington’s path to law enforcement was anything but traditional. A mother at 17, she initially had no intention of pursuing a career in policing. However, life’s challenges led her to a position as a secretary at the Banning Police Department, where she worked closely with detectives and officers. It was there that she saw firsthand the impact of law enforcement — not just in bringing criminals to justice, but in protecting the most vulnerable. Her experiences witnessing cases involving crimes against children ignited a passion for justice that ultimately propelled her to the police academy and into uniform. As a woman in a male-dominated profession, Herrington, now a sergeant in the University Police Department (UPD), understands the unique challenges female officers face. She once believed she had to measure up to her male counterparts by matching their strength and toughness. However, with guidance from a mentor, she learned the power of embracing her own leadership style — one that values

“Being a woman leader means showing up every day and understanding that everything you have to say is just as valuable as everyone else,” she said.

“As one who has been privileged to work alongside Sergeant Herrington, I have seen her truly make the difference here in our organization and on campus handling these sensitive investigations and with members of our community dealing with these challenges,” he said.

Herrington’s dedication to mentoring the next generation of officers and student employees at CSUSB is one of the most rewarding aspects of her role. Having overseen the university’s Community Service Officer (CSO) program for several years, she has played a key role in shaping students’ early experiences in law enforcement. Through structured training, discipline and real-world exposure, she has helped students develop confidence and professionalism, regardless of their long-term career goals. Some who had never initially considered a future in policing later decided to pursue it, influenced by their experiences in the CSO program and the leadership Herrington provided along the way.

“I genuinely have an investment in these students’ lives,” she said. “I want to help them as much as possible.”