Amy Towner

What does being an honoree of the Outstanding Alumni in Healthcare campaign mean to you?

It means that I am simply reflecting the amazing people around me. I am fortunate to have co-founded a public benefit corporation nonprofit that leverages public/private investment to enhance and augment the public safety net health care system. County employees and leadership, my board of directors, community, Larraine Segil Exceptional Women Awardees, and my Pepperdine family that surround me in this venture. I feel that great leaders simply reflect those around them, so this honor is reflective of those around me and their mission-centered servant leadership.

Describe your road to success.

My road has been winding in more ways than one riddled with challenges and obstacles. I was born with an entrepreneurial strategic mind coupled with being a connector and a maven. I have sought mentors all along my journey and continually pay it forward by mentoring, sponsoring, and elevating those around me. I have been fortunate in my business ventures, able to raise my children, and then my local philanthropic volunteering created my latest vocation.

Who has Pepperdine played a role in your success?

Education is a gift that can never be taken away from you. Pepperdine education is delivered by accomplished businessmen/women professors who foster building purpose-driven leaders. My education has provided me with a board of directors for life; a network of Pepperdine brothers and sisters in education who support, nurture and cultivate positive growth in the world, and support me unequivocally.

Describe a lesson you've learned from a challenging time in your career or life.

The 2017 Thomas Fire left me homeless with just the belongings I had with me all while working full time and going to Pepperdine to attain my MBA. My family, work family, board members, community, and Pepperdine family rallied around me. It was one of the most vulnerable times in my life. Life will bring challenging times, how we navigate them is up to us. As a servant-hearted person, I enjoy giving. Never in my wildest dreams did I realize how deep my relationships would grow. During this time, I had to humbly receive. It was through this act of receiving and graciously accepting help at such a dark time that I found my relationships with others truly deepened. Once strong again, I was able to pay it forward to others.

How do you prepare for a busy day?

Proactively prepare day(s) prior. Wake up and physically smile after opening my eyes, thank God for the new day and humbly ask him to guide me in His will not mine. Daily devotion. Pack healthy food. Dress for success. Proactive preparation gives you names with spelling and pronunciation correct, directions, full tank of gas if needed. Never be late.

What's next for you?

Continue to serve my community and the world around me. Continue to mentor the next generation and pay it forward. Continue to live a healthy life, filled with quality of life, meaningful relationships, and longevity. Be of service to others in their business ventures to help elevate the business landscape and world strategically.

What is your mantra or favorite quote?

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference." - Serenity Prayer

This mantra assisted me in navigating change efficiently and effectively, and humbly and respectfully assess whatever situation so I can navigate it well. for the current timing.