Alumnae Council Spotlight — Sabrina Beason ’03

Sabrina Beason ’03 embodies the Holy Child values of joy, balance and reverence in her new job with Maternal Mental Health NOW, a non-profit project based in Los Angeles—but paramount of these, she says, is balance. As their Policy Director, Sabrina is responsible for, in her words, “building relationships with elected officials on the local, regional and statewide level in order to move policy around maternal mental health forward.” Sabrina also produces print literature designed to keep community stakeholders educated about current practices and developments in the field of the mental health care of expectant and postpartum mothers. But Sabrina is no stranger to such an interdisciplinary life. Indeed, this inclination has followed her since her own days as a student at 500 Bellefontaine Street.
Where has your path led you since Mayfield?
After I graduated from Mayfield I went to Smith College in Northampton, MA. While I was there I studied African American Studies and Chemistry, with the intention of going to pharmacy school after I graduated. I started my junior year doing an exchange with a historically Black university in New Orleans, Xavier University. Unfortunately, that was the year Hurricane Katrina hit the city and I was forced to do my junior year at Smith.

I graduated from Smith in 2007 and moved to New Orleans for three years. While I was there, I learned two things-- 1: everything about food, wine and the power of live music and 2: pharmacy is not for me. I left the Big Easy and came back to sunny California to take up philanthropy. I was in that field from 2011 to 2017. During that time I earned a Master's degree in Public Policy and now I am working in the Public Health/Public Policy sector.

How do you incorporate your Mayfield education into your life today?
I have the opportunity to work with the county and other non-profit organizations to improve healthcare for mothers and families. As a Mayfield alumna, I naturally carry certain virtues with me into all aspect of my life. I have deep faith in God’s love and plan. If I didn't, I would not have the foundation necessary to do the work that I do. I believe that God wants the best for all of us and that He has given me the tools to make that happen in a particular way.

As a black woman with an atypical collection of experiences and hobbies, I have to celebrate the uniqueness and dignity of others. It is such a treat for me to meet and learn about different people and cultures; to live how they live and attempt to see the world through their eyes. I have a steadfast tolerance and acceptance for differences, as long as that difference is still based in kindness.
With my education at Mayfield and Smith, both institutions created for the empowerment and education of girls and young women, has given me a very clear and precise lens. I thoroughly believe in justice and equity for all. I am deeply involved in my local community and county and their balance and wellbeing. I feel a strong sense of responsibility for doing the most I can for the people around me, so I find significant satisfaction from the work I do.

In my new role, I get to share my intellect with a group of women who help me flesh out ideas and challenge me in a whole new way. It is such a delight to be able to share my knowledge in a way that is affecting change and real solutions. As a part of a small team, I am able to approach my work with a new level of integrity and lead with confidence. It is so empowering to gather up all the information I have learned over the past decade and put it to good use.

Balance is one of the most challenging things about being an adult and independent woman. In order to have a healthy work-life balance, it is paramount to take care of your mind, body and soul. I have found self-care in the gym, in a balanced diet, in friends and in my work. I find time for replenishing myself using various approaches ranging from sleep to Netflix to international travel. In all of this, I find the joy to live my life to the fullest. On some days that does means sitting around at home with my dog and watching TV. Other days it means face-to-face interaction with people who do not have the same amount of love for me as I have for them. And most days it is the day-to-day grind of checking off the items on my to-do list, one at a time. It is making sure I show up to meetings and I am present and participating. And all the time, it is being a listener, a lover of life and a full happy woman.

What hobbies or service projects do you participate in today?
In addition to working on maternal mental health policies, I teach Pilates. Pilates is, arguably, one of the best whole body exercises. It is beneficial for all ages, regardless of gender. It prevents injuries and helps improve core strength and posture. This practice has introduced me to some amazing people and it has given me another avenue for improving health in a tangible and physical way.
While I was at Mayfield I played volleyball, water polo and I swam. Physical conditioning and sports have always been a core part of my life. It is great to find a practice that is so rich and challenging that can share in a group setting.

In addition to Pilates I am a part of the Mayfield Senior School Alumnae Council as the Co-Chair of the Philanthropy Commission. In this space, I get to support the fundraising efforts that the committee leads. It is great to come back to the campus and be reminded of all the memories. It is even better to be able to support of the school in a meaningful way.

How does your job echo our Holy Child motto of "Actions Not Words"?
My job is about the slow collection of a lot of small actions. But I have to say it is about words as well. I write policy, the words that structure the world around us and our daily experiences. In my case, the combination of words and actions create advancement that is valuable for all.

What is the most challenging part of your work?
Easily the most challenging part of my work is the slow build and the maintenance of success. It takes a significant amount of time and energy to work with elected officials to create a policy that everyone can agree upon. Getting it passed is yet another battle that takes strategy and time. After the hopeful passage of a measure there is the maintenance needed to ensure that no one out there is trying to undo all of the work you have done. It is a long-term effort that requires pacing and patience.

What is the most rewarding?
In the game of policy, there are winners and there are losers. It is wildly rewarding to win, because when my team wins and I win, it is a win for the mothers and families of LA County. That’s huge.
What is your fondest memory of your years at Mayfield Senior School? Being a pioneer of the Mayfield water polo team is one of my fondest memories. The team was established my sophomore year and it is a memory I always come back to. We lost every single game we played that first season and it was totally amazing. We were all bruised and easily the most fit girls on campus. We were a team in the truest sense of the word. It was new and exciting and super challenging. The only thing was is better than that is seeing how far the girls have come and realizing I helped lay the groundwork for that.

What advice do you have for your fellow young Mayfield alumnae as they get started in their careers?
You are cut from a very fine and fabulous cloth. You are now a part of a history of academic excellence and overall greatness. You should always remember where you come from when times get hard you have a brilliant network to reach out to if you need just about anything. Use it.

Anything else you think we should know about you?
Mayfield is an extremely precious place. It is easy to let it all pass you by without really taking note of what you are a part of. It is so easy to harp on the tough days, so take a moment to note the days that are simple and joyful. Save those up for yourself, for a rainy day. Trust me there are more of those than the not-so-good ones. It does require a bit of self-awareness but it will help you blossom into a grounded and beautiful woman.

Sabrina was interviewed by Julie Sánchez ’11, Co-Chair of the Alumnae Council Communications Commission.
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Established in 1931, Mayfield Senior School in Pasadena, CA is a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school for young women grades 9-12. Noted for its rigorous academic program, which includes 28 Advanced Placement and Honors courses, Mayfield’s curriculum is underscored by a philosophy of educating the “whole child,” which also encourages commitment to and excellence in the arts, athletics, community service and spiritual growth. The nurturing environment at Mayfield Senior School allows each student to flourish in an atmosphere of personal attention.