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.
2025 Award Recipient
Dr. Lucresse Tato
Lucresse exemplifies the values of academic excellence, leadership, and service to community. As a fourth-year medical student in the CUNY School of Medicine, she has balanced rigorous academic responsibilities with meaningful engagement in service and leadership, consistently advancing the mission of our institution.
Her leadership record is distinguished and wide-ranging. She served as President of the Sisters of Sophie Club, supporting Black female medical students, and contributed to student governance through the Sophie Davis Biograph, the International Club, and the Curriculum Committee. She has also represented the school as a mentor and panelist at regional and national forums, including the NERA Medical School Symposium and the New York Coalition of 100 Black Women Role Model Program.
Lucresse’s dedication to equity in healthcare is reflected in her research and advocacy. She has pursued projects focused on women’s health, maternal and child health, and health disparities, while also engaging in advocacy through organizations such as Young Invincibles to expand access to basic needs support for New York City youth. Her trajectory is firmly grounded in her commitment to primary care and to serving underserved communities.
Respected by faculty, peers, and community partners, Lucresse is recognized for her dependability, communication skills, and ability to lead with both vision and compassion. She embodies the purpose of the LCU Fund in supporting women whose education and leadership will have lasting impact.
On a personal note, Lucresse is a gem of a person. She is incredible generous with her time, knowledge, empathy, recourses and she has a genuine passion to serve all for the betterment of society.
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