Candidate for
Governing Board Member; South Pasadena Unified School District

I have a deep appreciation for our schools in South Pasadena. I began my career in education in 1999 as a Mathematics teacher at SPHS. This is where I was mentored by dedicated educators, supported by committed parents and inspired by amazing students.

As I have made South Pasadena my home, I have continued to invest in the education of our students, whether it is through my support of the Dual Language Immersion Program or my work in organizing a citywide career fair for our youth last year which was co-sponsored by South Pasadena Unified School District, the City of South Pasadena and Vecinos de South Pasadena.

I have also served our community through my volunteer work on executive boards of local non-profits including WISPPA and Vecinos de South Pasadena. I am grateful to have the support of many South Pasadena leaders including South Pasadena Mayor Robert Joe, South Pasadena Mayor Pro Tem Diana Mahmud, South Pasadena Councilmember Marina Khubesrian and South Pasadena Councilmember Richard Schneider. I was also recently endorsed by our Congresswoman Judy Chu. Click here to see a more complete list of my South Pasadena endorsements.

In addition to a Ph.D. in Education (UCLA), I bring to the table sixteen years of experience as a teacher, field supervisor (Teacher Education Program at UCLA), educational researcher and professor. I taught Mathematics at LMU for four years and am currently a professor at Occidental College, my alma mater.Congresswoman Judy Chu Endorses Dr. Suzie Abajian

Last year, I was appointed by PCC Trustee Linda Wah to the screening committee for the Pasadena Community College Superintendent President and I was part of the team that helped in the selection of the new PCC superintendent president. My connections and work in higher educational institutions such as UCLA, LMU, Occidental College and PCC will be invaluable assets in partnering with these institutions to provide more resources and opportunities for our students.

Additionally I am the owner of two successful small businesses. My business and mathematics background have prepared me to take on the challenge of addressing fiscal issues in our district.

I believe in providing a well-rounded education for our students that includes a challenging academic and STEM curriculum as well as arts, theater, music, athletics and other programs to help students develop academically, creatively, socially and emotionally. I am committed to consensus building, fiscal responsibility, environmental sustainability and community engagement.

For these reasons I ask for your vote.