Inside Careers in Education

Elizabeth Pons-Rubalcava | Assistant Director USC

Earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from UC Riverside, where she was a Peer Mentor and first realized her passion for helping students succeed. In 2017 she went on to earn a Master of Education in Student Affairs from UCLA. Prior to becoming an Assistant Director at USC, Elizabeth was an Academic Advisor at Cal State LA, an intern at the LGBT Campus Resource Center at UCLA, and a Program Assistant at the Academic Resource Center at UC Riverside. Elizabeth is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment for students and empowering them to achieve their personal and academic goals. In her free time, she loves to read, go camping with her dogs, and spend time with family and friends.

Will Segar | Elementary Division Head

Will Segar is in his tenth year as an Elementary Division Head for a preschool through 8th grade school in Los Angeles. He has also worked as an independent and public school classroom teacher, a director of signature programs, and an educational therapist. Will earned a B.A. in Psychology from Bates College in 2000, and an M.A. in Educational Psychology from California State University, Northridge. His training includes a Certificate in Teaching for Understanding from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education (HGSE), and participation in HGSE’s Think Tank on Global Education. Will’s service work includes his role as a board member of the Culver City Education Foundation, an advisor for Wham-O Toys Empowering Girls and Village Tree Preschool, and a volunteer for the Michael D. Eisner Teaching, Learning, & Counseling Consortium.

Mosa Mahlanza | Elementary Head Teacher

Joined the Turning Point community as an Elementary Head Teacher in August, 2020. She earned her BA in Sociology with a minor in Education from UC Irvine in 2004. She also earned her MA in teaching from Johns Hopkins University in 2009. Ms. Mahlanza taught elementary grades for six years in Baltimore, Maryland, while working on her master’s degree. After completing her master’s degree, Ms. Mahlanza moved to the Bay Area and taught elementary grades for seven years. She recently moved back to Southern California, where she was born and raised.

Ms. Mahlanza was inspired to pursue teaching based on experiences with her own 5th-grade teacher, who built strong connections with her students and created a learning environment that was engaging and fun. Ms. Mahlanza is passionate about empowering students to be successful, well-rounded individuals who reach their fullest potential.