President’s Award for Excellence in Leadership

Each year, the LCU Fund invites partner schools to nominate a scholar in her final year of studies who has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills in her home and / or school community. Prior recipients of the President’s Award for Excellence in Leadership are now serving on the front lines of health care, inspiring future generations as educators, providing comfort and guidance as religious leaders, working towards community change as non-profit leaders and creating art that reflects the beauty of the world around us.

2023 Award Recipient

Tiara Celestine

Tiara Celestine is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work at Lehman College where she has demonstrated outstanding leadership skills. Her struggles as a student parent raising a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder has deepened her understanding of the unique challenges children of color face, namely limited access to services. Instead of accepting these circumstances, Tiara adjusted her life plans. She dedicated herself to ensuring that her son received the support he was entitled to, all while staying enrolled in school. Other parents and administrators recognized her dedication and success, and she has become a source of inspiration and knowledge in her community. Jaye Jones, Director of Student Support Services Programs at Lehman College writes, “One of Ms. Celestine's most commendable attributes is her ability to take the initiative when faced with difficulties. Her leadership, dedication, and ability to inspire others are exceptional and reflect a strong sense of responsibility to her community.”

Tiara shares, “My life experiences have placed me in situations where I had to advocate for myself, my children, and others. Advocating became so natural to me that I sincerely enjoy helping, supporting, and standing up for what is right. As time passed, I realized what my true calling was to become a social worker. Whenever I am asked by a parent for assistance with early intervention services, I am always willing to help. My goal is to advocate for black and brown families for better early intervention services. As for now, I will continue to advocate for my son and any other child to ensure they have a chance at a fulfilled future.”

2023 Award Nominees

Rosemond Yeboah

Rosemond Yeboah will receive her Master of International Affairs from the Marxe School of Public and International Affairs at Baruch College in December. A native of Ghana, Rosemond has witnessed firsthand the detrimental challenges globalization poses. She writes, “It is salient for Africa to address the regular threats it faces to fast-track its development and also to make life better for its natives. Notwithstanding, the threats of climate change have been alarming, and this has become a focus for my research and educational pursuits.”

During her studies, she has served on the youth constituency of the United Nations, volunteering and interning with New Future Foundations and being a leader in various capacities addressing challenges faced by the youth and championing the course of climate action. She says, “This has given me a wide perspective and understanding of addressing key issues, as well as deploying various negotiation mechanisms which I believe have been instrumental in my development.”

Dr. Ryan, Dean of the Marxe School writes, “Rosemond is exceptional at what she does, a natural leader who has found her place at the intersection of her passion for global issues and her studies in International Affairs.”

Naomi Katz

Naomi Katz leads by example. As a graduate student-artist pursuing a Master of Fine Arts at the New York Academy of Art, she is described as a wonderful Student Mentor. She actively looks for opportunities to be of service to her community on-campus and off. Peter Drake, Provost at the Academy says, “Naomi is a natural teacher, and she proves that every day in her interaction with her peers and the work she does with Alzheimer patients. She manages all of this while being a mother to four children.”

In her artwork, Naomi is deeply connected to her subjects. And even though her depictions are frequently of her family, they feel closer to the family of man. There is a universal empathy that goes beyond love and devotion to her children. Her work emits an almost timeless care for humanity. Naomi writes, “I believe that art can influence and inspire me personally and society in general, promoting more compassionate and empathetic culture.”

Shermin Koh

Shermin Koh recently completed the Columbia Nursing Masters Direct Entry program, during which she distinguished herself as a leader who will make a lasting impact in the field.

Arriving at Columbia Nursing in 2022 as an international student from Singapore, Shermin had already made her mark on two continents through volunteer work and establishing a student organization at her undergraduate institution. She brought that enthusiasm and passion to Columbia, where she co-founded Asian Nursing Students at Columbia (ANSAC), a community for Asian and Pacific Islander (AAPI) nursing students to connect and share experiences and resources. Moreover, she serves as Vice President for Nursing Students for Mental Health, which provides Columbia Nursing students with a safe space to learn about taking care of their own mental well-being as students and about mental health as it relates to nursing and the nurses’ scope of practice. She is also a Rape Counsellor and Peer Helpline Advocate with New York State Department of Health and Columbia University Sexual Violence Response Unit.

Shermin says, “Learning to let go and trust others' processes, fighting the urge to do everything myself, and watching their strengths buffer my shortcomings was a pivotal point in my leadership evolution--and constantly reminding myself of this has served me well ever since.”

Shermin has been accepted into the Columbia Nursing Doctor of Nursing Practice Program.

Ivie Odiase

Ivie Odiase is currently a fourth-year student at the CUNY Medical School. Ivie says that “Throughout my life, I eagerly anticipated the arrival of my OB/GYN rotation. Its extensive range of services, the chance to advocate for women's health, and the ability to make a meaningful impact on my community captivated me from day one.” Witnessing firsthand the impact of societal determinants on maternal and fetal outcomes fueled her passion for advocacy and further solidified her desire to become an OBGYN to vulnerable populations.

Annette Pineda, Director of External Relations at the City College of New York writes, “In April of 2021, Ivie lost her mother, who was a single mother of four children and was the family’s sole provider. As a rising second year medical student, Ivie took on the burden of providing emotional, mental, and financial stability for herself and her siblings. In the face of endless obstacles stemming from this loss, Ivie has managed to persevere, not only for herself, but for her siblings and for the underserved communities she has been serving and intends to continue to serve as a doctor.”

Daniela Bastida

Daniela Bastida recently received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the Mt. Sinai Beth Israel School of Nursing. Daniela has always leaned towards helping others, whether it be aa a lifeguard, firefighter and now, a nurse. While a student, she served on the student council as a senator where she actively advocated for her classmates ideas, questions, and concerns with school administrators. She writes, “My mission was to help enhance the experience of each student so that not only did they feel heard, but they were set up for success.”

Linda Fabrizio, Director of Donor Relations and Communications at the school says, “Daniela is confident, mature and professional in all her interactions at the school. She already possesses enviable skills in data, statistics, and research theory and combined with her compassionate nature, she is well-positioned to become a leader in nursing.”

Ashley Teoh

Ashley Teoh recently received a Master of Social Work from the Columbia School of Social Work where she focused on the complexities of social justice, equity, and the provision of culturally competent mental health services. Ashley writes, “This gave me the knowledge and skills necessary to address the unique challenges faced by communities of color and individuals with immigrant/refugee backgrounds, a journey close to my heart as a daughter of a Chinese immigrant and Cambodian genocide refugee. My professional goal is to serve as a mental health therapist dedicated to addressing the unique needs of underserved communities, particularly communities of color and those with immigrant/refugee backgrounds.”

Christopher Ferraris, Research Program Director at the Columbia School of Social Work writes, “Ashley brought an immense amount of real-world experience to the classroom through her extensive work with Mekong NYC, and two roles through the Columbia community, one at the Asian Pacific Island Desi American (APIDA) Caucus, and the Abolition Caucus. The throughlines in her work at these three organizations centered community organization, advocating for vulnerable and underserved populations, and promoting more equitable and progressive changes within deeply flawed systems.”

President’s Award for Excellence in Leadership

2023 Award Recipient

Tiara Celestine

2023 Award Nominees

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