Two CSF alums are honored with PSBJ’s 2024 ‘40 Under 40’ award
College Success Foundation congratulates two of our CSF alums, Elizabeth Mendoza and Andy Song-Schierberl, who received the Puget Sound Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” award for 2024. We are so proud of their accomplishments and heartily celebrate this well-deserved acknowledgment of their career successes. On Thursday, April 25, this year’s honorees were celebrated with a reception and awards ceremony at the Alaska Airlines Care Retreat Space in Seattle.
Honoring a lawyer, brand owner and mentor
CSF alum Elizabeth Mendoza has had a colorful and multifaceted career since receiving her bachelor’s degree in history from Dartmouth College and her J.D. from Columbia Law School. A partner at Perkins Coie, she focuses on AI and machine learning technology and the emerging legal issues they present. She also co-leads the firm’s Immersive Technology industry group, counseling companies and entrepreneurs on technology, security and privacy issues. In addition to her legal career, she co-owns Mocel Mezcal, a women-owned, artisanal small-batch mezcal brand. She recognizes the importance of mentorship in her own life and career, and she extends a hand to the next generation by mentoring other Hispanic and Latino professionals, law students, and first-generation college students.
Who has been the biggest support as you’ve navigated your career?
“In every phase of my career, I have been fortunate to count on many mentors and sponsors. My husband, sister, and mother continue to provide a steady source of inspiration, guidance, and safe haven where I can test ideas.”
What’s the best class you’ve ever taken (and why)?
“At Dartmouth, I took an early African American literature class by a beloved professor… He held all his students to a high standard (tough grader) but invested as much time in each student as they were willing to invest in themselves.”–Excerpts from the Puget Sound Business Journal’s interview with Elizabeth. Read the full PSBJ interview here.
Celebrating a champion for mental health
Andy Song-Schierberl is committed to making a difference, especially among marginalized and underserved communities. He’s a board-certified behavior analyst and mental health counselor, and he serves as Chief Operating Officer of Kids and Family Counseling, a mental health services organization he established. He has also served as a member of the Governor’s Committee on Disability Issues and Employment, and he received the Pierce County Champions for Children award in 2020.
As a CSF alum, Andy knows firsthand the impact access to education can have on someone’s life, especially those with disabilities and people in underserved communities. Andy received his bachelor’s degree from Seattle University, his master’s degree in developmental psychology from Azusa Pacific University, and his Ph.D. in special education and school counseling. He’s committed to making sure those who come after him have the same opportunities. In addition to his work in mental health, he’s a professor at Tacoma Community College and a member of the Kent School District board of directors.
What’s the biggest strength you bring to the office, and where did it come from?
“Hard work, innovation, and dedication I learned from my mom. Growing up with a single mother, I saw the amount of energy, hurt, sadness, and pride that she carried with her. That resulted in my learning and valuing independence, confidence and a mindset that says don’t give up. Those memories remind me who I’m fighting for – our marginalized, forgotten and underserved communities.”
What do you consider your biggest career accomplishment so far?
“Growing and establishing a company that is making a difference in our society, particularly my research and work on international mental and behavioral health. My hope is to create a bridge between cultures and to diversify the way our communities are receiving and supporting one another’s mental well-being.”–Excerpts from the Puget Sound Business Journal’s interview with Andy. Read the full PSBJ interview here.
About the ‘40 Under 40’ award
This is the 26th year of the PSBJ’s 40 Under 40 program. Honorees represent industries as diverse as finance, software, biotech, health care, nonprofits, and the arts. They aren’t just high achievers; they’re advocates, mentors, and allies, and they’re focused on extending a hand to the next generation of professionals as well.
A panel of judges—many of whom were former 40 Under 40 honorees themselves—selected this year’s recipients from more than 170 applicants. They looked at candidates’ professional achievements as well as their demonstrated commitment to giving back to their communities. Read more about the program and see all the honorees on the PSBJ website.