A pioneer of pipeline programs designed to increase diversity in the health professions Charles J. Alexander, Ph.D., currently serves as the Associate Vice Provost for Student Diversity and Director of the Academic Advancement Program at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). In addition to his role as Associate Vice Provost, he is an Adjunct Associate Professor in the School of Dentistry’s Division of Population and Public Health. He has also been a faculty member and lecturer at a number of universities and colleges, a presenter at national and international conferences, and holds several accolades for his transformative work. 

Dr. Alexander received his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Sociology from the State University of New York (SUNY), College at Cortland; a Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in Sociology from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and a Doctorate (Ph.D.) in the Sociological Foundations of Education from Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is also an alumnus and studied at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio.

Dr. Charles Alexander

The Nourishing Award

As a college student, Reverend Janet Cromwell’s involvement in campus ministry provided a foundation for putting her personal faith into action. Rev. Cromwell's passion for campus ministry led her to serving students as a Student Christian Movement organizer in PA and Wesley Foundation Director at the University of Oregon. She served on national committees for Exploration In Ministry, Student Forum, United Methodists in Campus Ministry, and as a GBHEM Consultant. In 2011, Janet was appointed to West LA UMC alongside her husband Rev. Gary Oba. This new position opened the door to reconnecting with Deaconess Jeanne Roe Smith and joining the WFSUCLA Board of Directors for several terms. Janet and Gary retired in 2022 to Pilgrim Place in Claremont, where they continue their advocacy for peace, justice, and inclusion.

Rev. Janet Cromwell was raised in suburban Cleveland, graduating from Oberlin College and Pacific School of Religion.

Reverend Janet Cromwell

The Flourishing Award

As a UCLA undergraduate, Seidi Valencia found a second home at the 580 Café, a campus ministry that offered both community and stability during a time marked by financial and housing insecurity. While juggling two jobs and her studies, Seidi became deeply involved in justice-centered ministries, including Meals with Hope at Kardia UMC, where she served and shared meals with unhoused neighbors, and the children’s ministries at Westwood and West LA UMC. With guidance from Deaconess Jeanne Roe Smith, Seidi shared her story and led worship as a liturgist in congregations across Los Angeles, including Ocean Park, Echo Park, Westwood, Kardia, and West LA UMC.

After graduating from UCLA in 2015, Seidi served as a summer and yearlong intern with the Urban Ministry program and as a resident advisor at Orchard House at USC. Her long-standing commitment to 580 Café has continued through roles as alumni representative, board secretary, Chair, interim Vice Chair, and member of the fundraising committee. Since first stepping into the 580 Café in 2011, Seidi has dedicated herself to its mission of peace, justice, inclusion, and student empowerment.

Seidi Valencia

The Cherishing Award