2023 Recipients
2023 Award Recipients
Congratulations to this year's winners of the Leadership Awards! Click each student photo below to read their full bio.
![A photo of Ijeoma Idika-Chima](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Idika-Chima.jpg?itok=NbSut92-)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
Participatory communication is the key to my ability to connect with Bobcats from diverse backgrounds as well as the people of Athens.
![A photo of Hannah Louck](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Louck%20%281%29.jpg?itok=XpwSVub-)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
From a young age, I realized that sometimes it just takes one person to strive for something to be better. It is my ability to dream big and my drive to achieve new heights that make me a good leader.
![A photo of Demi Ward](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Ward%20%281%29.jpg?itok=8tPduhTM)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
Not only do I know what it feels like to be a leader, but I also know what it feels like not to be a leader. As a first year, I was really shy and nervous about getting active in the community, and now I am involved in many major leadership roles.
![A photo of Sheyenne Grainger](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Grainger%20%281%29.jpg?itok=PmBdqxVO)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
The importance of transparency and respectful communication is something I try to both display and stress to others in every multicultural space I encounter.
![A photo of Aanya Datta](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Ward%20%281%29_0.jpg?itok=M0cBWOj-)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
In all my efforts to be an extraordinary leader, I work to uphold the principles of inclusivity.
![A photo of Yosri Slama](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Slama%20Headshot.jpg?itok=dX7tBV32)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
I seek opportunities to lead and make a difference, drawing on my unique perspective and ability to connect with others.
![A photo of Kasylvi Acuna](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Acuna%20%281%29.jpg?itok=3DuLwBaz)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
I believe that by creating a safe space for the Latinx community, we are cultivating self-confidence and reassurance.
![A photo of Esmeralda Miranda](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Miranda.jpg?itok=znfQB3fv)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
To be selfless to others makes a huge difference, and it has helped me to realize that kindness and a helping hand go a long way.
![A photo of Maribel Antunez-Uriostegui](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Antunez-Uriostegui%20%281%29.jpg?itok=aX_guAjN)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
I always aim to do anything I can to support the individuals around me, whether that means being someone’s personal cheerleader to being the go-to person when things go wrong.
![A photo of Maire-Rose Conlan](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Colan.jpg?itok=H9j-Z1bV)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
My main passion within higher education is the implementation of new policies for organizations to create safer and more inclusive spaces for students of all backgrounds and statuses.
![A photo of Nathan Graves](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Graves%281%29.jpg?itok=MZI3Varl)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
My leadership experience has been centered on finding roles and communities that share my passion for serving others and building community.
![A photo of Emily Zeiler](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Zeiler%20%281%29.jpg?itok=KCCua6hS)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
During my time at OHIO, I have been a positive force to help enact change and to mentor others.
![A photo of Lynden Caldwell](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Caldwell.jpg?itok=BIU-6dJ2)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
I have connected people, provided resources, and offered opportunities for others who have felt voiceless to share their own experiences and come together to make a difference.
![A photo of Alyssa Daniella Cruz](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Cruz.jpg?itok=DNHU_L9q)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
As a minority, I always look for an opportunity to break a glass ceiling and be the best I can be.
![A photo of Jamie Miller](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Miller%281%29.jpg?itok=OwyylzKe)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
I work to give back to the beautiful community that gave me hope for a brighter future.
![A photo of Cydney Granger](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Granger%281%29.jpg?itok=0hVLBW0K)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
I want marginalized populations to feel empowered and included in all campus spaces.
![A photo of Desmond Owusu](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Desmond.jpg?itok=Brh3jvjo)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
I have made it one of my missions to help shape the OHIO community into a place where people from different cultures can come and thrive.
![A photo of Nana Oduro](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Oduro%20%281%29.jpg?itok=YWfvr9pi)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
I always aim to empower the students I lead by encouraging them to take advantage of the many opportunities in college.
![A photo of Christian Roberts](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Roberts%281%29.jpg?itok=y_clRgRa)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
I have volunteered for many events to help the Athens community—for both the general public and our military and veteran community.
![A photo of Daisha Hogan](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Hogan%20%281%29.jpg?itok=r9DAmGbm)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
Although I am in leadership roles, I am also a student and am continuously learning. Being open to new ideas from an organization or team is one of the most successful things I can do as a leader.
![A photo of Gianna Petrella](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Petrella%281%29_0.jpg?itok=gYZcmBWp)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
I started a learn-to-swim program in Athens for children and adults with multiple disabilities, and I plan to continue my extensive work in community service and leadership at Ohio University.
![A photo of Reaija Grice](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Grice%20%281%29.jpg?itok=MIskWOjJ)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
I have a passion for student-centered experiences, uplifting marginalized communities,
and providing equitable experiences for all.
![A photo of Kristen Cox](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Cox%281%29.jpg?itok=jtey5PDk)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
I take pride in the work I put out, the relationships I make, and the ability to positively impact those I work with.
![A photo of Marguerite Augier](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Augier%281%29.jpg?itok=6fxckpFO)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
I have been able to create an environment that encourages creativity and innovation while promoting a sense of community and belonging.
![A photo of Luvina Cooley](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Cooley%281%29.jpg?itok=p6Y9zeAO)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
Listening to others has made me approachable and is the most effective way to create both immediate and long-lasting change.
![A photo of Megan Handle](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Handle%281%29.jpg?itok=-41SI2ZD)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
There is never a time when I am not working to advance solutions to the issues women face on campus or talking to my peers about where they want to see change and progress.
![A photo of Shauna Torrington](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Torrington.jpg?itok=fILhugnR)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
I always try to improve whatever environment I am in and to speak up for myself and the people that will walk the path after me.
![A photo of Nicole Adams](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Adams1_1.jpg?itok=Mmo6YoPN)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
I have impacted the OHIO community by bringing true acceptance and optimism, and
not backing down when those ideals are challenged.
![A photo of Alexis Thomas](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Thomas1.jpg?itok=BuN5ennt)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
I am a voice for the inexperienced but also an advocate to help them understand that there's a leader in everyone.
![A photo of Jonah Heintzleman](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Heintzleman1.jpg?itok=Y7bbuaaJ)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
I have been called to work in Student Affairs to repair as much of the harm done to the queer and trans community as I can.
![A photo of Roshni Ashiq](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Roshni.jpg?itok=rsmlIPKw)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
I believe a leader is not always one with a big name; one can be a true leader like me who silently creates an everlasting impact in the lives of people we meet across our journeys.
![A photo of Jalen Tolbert](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Tolbert-1.jpg?itok=Qvqdlkl4)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
Being a leader is not only about having titles, and it is for that reason that I pride myself on being someone who leads in all tasks.
![A photo of Maya Meade](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Meade1.jpg?itok=u9J8LOai)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
The issues that I focus on the most are accessibility and racial diversity through education and awareness.
![A photo of Mia Walsh](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Walsh.jpg?itok=pnfQqNm5)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
My purpose is to be as kind as possible to as many people as possible. This mission has me leading with kindness in all that I say and do.
![A photo of Iman Ikram](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/CSCA%20Iman%202.jpg?itok=up6pWqWt)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
My service has amplified my knowledge of foundational concepts such as diversity, inclusion, and healthcare disparities.
![A photo of Ryan Evans](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Evans_0.jpg?itok=RHfGUPdx)
What is your approach to leadership at OHIO?
I engage in leadership across many domains and I seek out opportunities to hone my leadership abilities in a variety of settings and populations, both in practice and in professional development.
![A group photo of Ebony Minds](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/eb1.jpg?itok=zShChh4n)
![A placeholder photo of Rufus](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Rufus_3.jpg?itok=QJqopzNf)
![A group photo of the F-Word Performers](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/F-Word%20Performers.jpg?itok=vy3c9h5i)
![A group photo of Lavender Menace](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/LM.jpg?itok=qXM9zPFa)
![A placeholder photo of Rufus](/sites/default/files/styles/anchored_spotlights_294x294_/public/2024-05/Rufus_3_0.jpg?itok=-XunZVEm)