Since graduating from La Sierra University as an independent major in 2004, Kristel Tonstad’s impacts in corporate social accountability and human rights principles have been far reaching. She earned a Master of Arts in public policy from Harvard University in 2007, and has worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Norway on policies on corporate social responsibility and human rights. She served as a diplomat in Egypt from 2014 to 2016, and in 2017 earned a law degree from the University of Oslo. She also served UNICEF Haiti as a legal advocate and policy adviser for the Norwegian Refugee Council, and between 2018-19 served the Norwegian government as Head of Secretariat of the Ethics Information Committee which presented a draft law, the Transparency Act, on transparency in supply chains and human rights due diligence. Kristel is currently policy director at the Norwegian OECD National Contact Point for Responsible Business Conduct.

The motivational force implicit throughout Jon Ciccarelli’s guiding philosophy is that life-changing spiritual leadership occurs through a deeply intimate relationship with God. During 35 years of ministry, he has strived to live out his desire to walk closely with Jesus. Pastor Ciccarelli earned a B.A. in theology in 1988 from Loma Linda University’s La Sierra campus and an M.A. in pastoral studies from Azusa Pacific University in 2004. He has held multiple pastoral leadership posts including 10 years as senior pastor of the Calimesa Seventh-day Adventist Church. He is currently the ministerial director for the Southeastern California Conference (SECC) and directs The Journey, a thrice-annual retreat for SECC pastors which aims to help them grow in their relationship with God. He teaches in LLU’s School of Religion and co-directs Sacred Hearts Ministry mentoring married couples along with his wife, Marriage and Family Therapist Lisa Ciccarelli. His certifications, credentials and awards include LLU’s 2019 Spiritual Leadership/Service Award.

Throughout 27 years in K-12 education, Patricio Vargas has worked to build brighter futures for Inland Empire students through systems development, leadership empowerment, relationship building, shared decision making, and communication. Capping an upward trajectory from posts in various school districts, in 2022 Dr. Vargas was appointed superintendent of the Morongo Unified School District. He oversees 19 schools, over 8,600 students and more than 980 employees and has taken numerous steps to bolster the learning environment, including investments to increase elementary learning, high school graduation rates and career preparedness, fiscal solvency and projection measures, customized literacy plan development, and implementation of an expanded school day. Dr. Vargas is also an adjunct professor in the School of Education’s doctoral program. From La Sierra University he earned a B.A. in anthropology and sociology and an M.A. in administration and leadership. He holds a Ph.D. in philosophy and institutional leadership and policy studies from UC Riverside.

Roger Rustad, Jr.’s application of extensive technological expertise and business acumen in commercial and mission-driven ventures embody the values represented in the Zapara School of Business’ tagline ‘create value, make a difference.’ Roger graduated from La Sierra University with a business degree and is completing an executive MBA from Quantic School of Business and Technology. For the past several years he has held the position of systems engineer with Fortinet, a California-based global cybersecurity firm where he builds end-to-end security solutions. In his spare time he serves as a volunteer with the Footprint Project which provides clean energy disaster response such as mobile solar and battery storage. He also volunteers with the Information Technology Disaster Resource Center in San Jose. Previously Roger held engineering positions with various technology firms including NetApp, Interna and Aruba Networks. His longtime interests encompass disaster response, emergency communications, ham radio operation, digital equity, and projects that “do well by doing good.”

For Manuel “Manny” Arteaga, ministerial purpose is about building strong relationships with God, family, church, and community, and carrying Christ-centered messages across generational and cultural lines. Currently serving as lead pastor of the Kalēo Adventist Church in Glendale, Pastor Arteaga is also pursuing a Doctorate of Ministry in urban ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary. He earned a Master in Theological Studies degree from La Sierra’s H.M.S. Richards Divinity School in 2015 preceded by a B.A. in business administration in 2007. Over the past 15 years he has served as associate youth pastor for the Central Spanish SDA Church in Los Angeles where he led a weekly youth chapel service which operates as its own congregation, and in 2011 formed the Resurrection Church in West Covina which eventually merged with another to form Kalēo Adventist. This year he began serving with Jesus 101 Media where he produces Gospel-centered social media content and occasionally co-hosts television and radio programming.

Collaboration, leadership, mentorship and service – Amy Cornwall’s 22-year education career is defined by values such as these which have helped forge her success as a teacher and administrator. She serves as junior high principal at Loma Linda Academy (LLA) where she works with other administrators developing a vision for the 1400-student campus, and leads development and implementation of the junior high campus vision. A three-time graduate of La Sierra University, Amy is working toward a fourth La Sierra diploma in the School of Education’s Ph.D. in Instructional Leadership program. She received a B.A. in liberal studies in 2001, and an M.A. and an EdS in administration and leadership respectively in 2007 and 2019. Her career began at Loma Linda Academy where she taught grades 3, 4, and 5 and served as LLA’s elementary vice principal. She also directed the Southeastern California Conference’s instructional coaching program and taught for her alma mater.

Zapara School of Business 2017 accounting graduate Amanda Kukich is passionate about people, leadership development, and continuously increasing in knowledge and experience, key qualities that drive success. In a short time, she has achieved much due to her pursuit of these attributes, leading to her selection five years ago as program director for finance acute care services for AdventHealth Central Florida Division, South Region Orlando. In this role she supports the company’s regional chief financial officer in achieving organizational strategies through such tasks as analyzing and communicating financial operating results to provide guidance to regional and facility leaders. She has impacted and drive performance through such initiatives as partnering on a re-design the regional agency request process to attain labor goals. Prior to her current position, Amanda served for more than two years as a finance and accounting resident at AdventHealth. In 2020 she earned an MBA from Rollins College.