Throughout the month, Viewpoint is celebrating Women’s History Month through classroom learning, campus programming, and stories that highlight the women shaping our community. This year’s national theme is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” The theme expands the definition of sustainability beyond the environment to include economic opportunity, community resilience, education, and long-term impact.

This month, we proudly recognize individuals whose work, leadership, and ideas are contributing to a stronger, more sustainable Viewpoint and beyond.

This is Our Viewpoint. Herstory.

Jennifer Garrison Ross
Science Department Co-Chair

As a science teacher and department co-chair, you help guide both curriculum and student learning at Viewpoint. What first sparked your interest in science and environmental education?

I grew up in a small town and always loved being outside. It was the era of free-range parenting, so I spent a lot of time outdoors and learned to value nature. My dad took me fishing and hunting, which taught me a lot about how ecosystems work and what could be sustained. As a result, I went to college as an Environmental Science major and continued with Conservation Biology and Herpetology in grad school. I first worked with students as a graduate school teaching assistant and really fell in love with teaching. Even after 25 years, working with students is something that I never get tired of. It is always different—day to day and year to year.

You also co-chair Viewpoint’s Environmental Sustainability Council. What inspired your commitment to environmental stewardship, and how do you see that work shaping the student experience on campus?

It is incredibly important to me that the next generation understands and values sustainability and feels empowered to make change. There are a lot of issues that can seem overwhelming to people, but our students are working to develop ways to make positive change and empower their peers. There are so many opportunities for change at the most local level—on the Viewpoint campus and, for students, at home. It’s always gratifying to hear that a student convinced their parents to stop buying plastic water bottles or to help a student work on a sustainable landscaping plan for their house.

In addition to your work with ESC, you teach AP Environmental Science and Honors Seminar in Environmental Science. What do you hope students take away from these courses about their role in caring for the planet?

The most important thing is their agency. Just because they are young doesn’t mean that they can’t make a difference. In addition, I want them to understand the science behind the human impacts on the planet so that they can educate people. There is a huge need for better science understanding in the general public, and these students can be a part of that.

This year’s Women’s History Month theme is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” How does that theme resonate with the work you’re doing with students?

One of the things that we talk about in AP Environmental Science (APES) is that the most significant thing that a country can do to become more sustainable is to empower and educate its girls (see this reference). So the more educated our girls are, and the more all students understand the importance of this, the lower our carbon footprint, the greater our GDP, etc. Girls’ and women’s education, including education about the environment, has a significant impact on the environment.

Who are some women—whether scientists, educators, or mentors—who have inspired your journey?

As a woman in science, I have had few role models that I’ve known personally—something I hope is different for my students. However, as a woman in education, I have had some strong women as mentors, one of whom was a former division director and my boss at my last school. She helped me be a better leader, both through her example and with honest and frank conversations along the way. I still have plenty of work to do!

Pam Oseransky
Coordinator of Service Learning

In your role supporting service learning at Viewpoint, you help connect students with opportunities to give back to the broader community. What do you find most meaningful about this work?

One moment that stopped me in my tracks happened just last year. Viewpoint has partnered with My Stuff Bags Foundation for many years, and we send Upper School volunteers to help pack bags at our annual Community Service Day. A student came up to me and shared that, years ago, when her life was being torn apart, she had received one of those bags. She told me how much it meant to her, and that she still has it. I was completely blown away. That story is a reminder of why this work matters and why it is so meaningful. It matters not just to the communities we serve, but to our own students, in ways we may never fully know.

Something else that has been incredibly powerful for me is our connection with the Motion Picture & Television Fund (MPTF). Student volunteers find their service there so meaningful as they connect with residents from the entertainment community who may have cognitive challenges or may simply need someone to talk to. Both of my parents, and our entire family, were supported by their amazing palliative care team, and it is not lost on me that when we talk about supporting our community, that “community” is you and me.

You’ve also worked closely with students through CORE and other service initiatives on campus. What do you hope students take away from these experiences?

My hope is that students leave with a stronger sense of connection to their community, to each other, and to something bigger than themselves. Our work isn’t just about doing good; it’s about developing empathy, humility, and an understanding that our actions ripple outward in ways we might not always see.

In addition to your work in service learning, you’ve coached softball. How has coaching shaped the way you mentor and support students?

Coaching gave me the foundation for everything I do with students today. One thing I’ve carried from coaching is that students and athletes need to feel seen, and that building trust and genuine connection matters more than a hit in a game or having all the answers. I also believe the best thing you can do for students is to help them find their own solutions and to believe they are creative, resourceful, and capable. Finally, allowing them to be accountable builds a kind of confidence that no trophy or banner can ever provide.

This year’s Women’s History Month theme is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” How does that idea resonate with the work you’re doing with students and the community?

That theme really resonates with me. Sustainable change starts with people, and that's exactly what we're trying to build here. What I love most is that our students are already doing this. There are so many brilliant and compassionate young women on this campus. They show up, they care, they ask real questions. My job is just to create a space for them to do what they're already inclined to do. If I can help even a few of them see themselves as someone who can make a difference, someone that really matters to others and to our world, that means everything to me.

Who are some women—mentors, coaches, or role models—who have inspired your journey?

There are so many women who have inspired me. As a softball coach, Sue Enquist (the Hall of Fame coach from UCLA) was someone I held in the highest regard. We even brought our Viewpoint teams to compete on the Bruins’ field just for the chance to be around her. She was as down-to-earth and generous as she was accomplished, and that meant everything to me. Billie Jean King has always been a hero, not just for what she did on the court, but for what she fought for. Brandi Carlile has carried me through difficult times with her music and the way she lives authentically, empathetically, always lifting others up. My favorite quote of hers is, “You can dance in a hurricane, but only if you’re standing in the eye.” Dolly Parton is someone I deeply admire for her incredible philanthropic heart. She gives quietly, generously, and without needing attention. She reminds us that you can use your platform to do a whole lot of good in the world. And closer to home, my co-coaches for so many years, Kelly Toovey and Diane Garza, taught me that the most important lessons of all are to put people first, hold the line with care, and never forget to laugh at yourself. I am grateful for all of them.

Evelyn Perez
Human Resources Generalist

This year marks your 10-year anniversary at Viewpoint. Looking back, how has your role evolved and what has kept you inspired in your work here?

Looking back over the past ten years, I’ve had the opportunity to work and connect with many members of the Viewpoint community. HR plays an important role in helping employees feel supported, whether it’s during onboarding, navigating questions, or celebrating milestones. What keeps me inspired is the people and the shared commitment to creating a positive environment for both our colleagues and our students.

As a Human Resources professional, you help support the people who make up our community. What does it mean to you to help create a workplace where employees feel supported and valued?

To me, creating a workplace where employees feel supported and valued means making sure people know they have someone they can turn to. Whether it’s helping someone navigate a question, welcoming a new employee during onboarding, or simply being available to listen, those moments help build trust.

This year’s Women’s History Month theme is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” How do you see your work contributing to a strong and lasting school community?

In HR, much of our work happens behind the scenes, but it plays an important role in supporting a strong and lasting school community. By helping create thoughtful hiring practices, welcoming new employees, and ensuring faculty and staff feel supported, we help build an environment where people can do their best work. When employees feel valued and connected, it strengthens the entire community and helps sustain the mission of the school.

Who are some women—either mentors, colleagues, or personal role models—who have inspired you along your journey?

I’ve been fortunate to work with and learn from many incredible women throughout my career. They’ve shown me the importance of supporting others, listening, and leading with empathy—qualities I try to bring into my own work every day. I’m especially grateful for the women I work alongside today, my current colleagues, Heather Kruse and Stephanie Cruz, who bring dedication, compassion, and collaboration to our community. Being surrounded by such thoughtful and supportive professionals continues to inspire me in my work.

Luna Kuhn ’26
Student 

What sparked your interest in environmental science, and what led you to take Honors Seminar in Environmental Science?

I’ve always been passionate about understanding how aspects of the world work ever since I was in middle school. However, as I grew older, the concerning environmental issues, most often human-caused, captured my attention even more. I not only wanted to learn more about these problems, but also possible solutions.

After my year of AP Environmental Science, I still had more questions and wanted to continue challenging myself academically. I also loved being taught by Ms. Garrison Ross. Many articles and labs later, I’m currently writing an academic paper about urbanization’s complex effects on bee populations.

Outside of class, are there any projects, activities, or topics related to environmental science or sustainability that you’re especially passionate about?

First, there’s a habit that I’m dedicated to, which is not using AI. Not only do I do this for personal reasons, but also because of the severe damage AI has done to global water supplies and communities.

Another project I’ve been working on is in my local community. I’ve been helping my neighbors compost and teaching them the benefits of composting their food waste. It’s such a simple act that many people can, and should, do.

Additionally, I try to learn as much as I can, whether that’s reading news articles, going to museums, or attending workshops about environmental issues. In fact, this past week I went to a bumblebee pollinator workshop at the Huntington Gardens. I try to take advantage of any new learning experience.

This year’s Women’s History Month theme is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.” How do you see young people playing a role in creating a more sustainable future?

How could young people not have a role in creating a better future? Frankly, it has to be up to us. I think what’s so special and inspiring is that younger people are capable of being open to new ideas. In my opinion, being open is the first step to new breakthroughs.

I think another important aspect of young people is our ability to hold others accountable. This allows businesses, organizations, and individuals to understand what is not sustainable and shift to more environmentally responsible habits.

Are there any women—scientists, environmental leaders, teachers, or mentors—who have inspired your interest in science or sustainability?

I think it’s important to recognize the environmental leaders in our local community. Ms. Garrison Ross has had a great influence on me by inspiring me to pursue new knowledge, become more detailed in my writing, and making learning both hilarious and worthwhile.

I’m also inspired by climate activists such as Greta Thunberg for her fearless voice on climate change and other global issues. Additionally, Pattie Gonia, a drag queen environmentalist, inspires me through the large audience she has built on social media and her advocacy for equal access to public green spaces for people of color and the queer and trans community.