Pepperdine Graziadio Alumna Barbie Dangond (MBA ‘14) Finds Healing Through Travel in U.S. News & World Report

In a personal essay for U.S. News & World Report, Pepperdine Graziadio alumna Barbie Dangond (MBA, ‘14) shares her remarkable journey of healing through solo travel. Her story, titled "Eat, Pray, Leave: What Solo Travel Taught Me About Healing," offers a candid look at how stepping outside her comfort zone helped her rebuild her life after profound personal challenges.

Dangond recounts her first transformative trip to Bogotá, Colombia, following the sudden death of her boyfriend in 2004. At just 24, she faced overwhelming grief but found solace and resilience in the vibrant yet unfamiliar culture of South America. Over the years, she turned to travel again during life’s pivotal moments.

Her experiences inspired a unique approach to personal growth: embracing the simplicity of travel with just a backpack and an open heart. This philosophy became the foundation of Lift Life Travel, a company she co-founded to empower women to heal and grow through transformative travel experiences. The company encourages women to embrace the unknown, fostering community and self-discovery through backpacking adventures around the globe.

To read Dangond’s full story, visit U.S. News & World Report.