2023 Leadership Awards

A double major in Sociology and Women and Gender Studies, Maanasi Shyno '23 combines thoughtful leadership with a magnetic passion for the common good, cultivating an engaged and ``horizontal`` form of social impact that follows her through all actions and activities. Within the Center for Social Impact, she is the Student Director of SEAD (Strengthening Educational Access with Dartmouth), a college access program supporting first-generation and low-income high school scholars across the Upper Valley. Maanasi brings to this leadership role both practical skills in curriculum design as well as more nuanced talents such as how to have honest-yet-gentle conversations around difficult and important topics that both the SEAD Scholars and her peers are navigating on a regular basis. Where most students begin with themselves in decision-making, Maanasi Shyno is a student who looks outward first, assessing inequities in her community and then addressing them with all her care and capabilities. She has held roles as the Editor, General Manager and Community Development Manager at SpareRib, an Intersectional Feminist Zine that explicitly welcomes students from all different backgrounds, identities, and experiences to create a dialogue about the progression of women's issues and all avenues of feminist identity. Consistently committed to advancing social justice issues across multiple domains, Maanasi was one of the founding members of DAASP (Dartmouth's Asian American Studies Program) whose organizing effort to recognize Asian American studies as a field of study on Dartmouth's campus was recognized by The New York Times in January of 2022 for her ability to create waves of meaningful change impacting the quality of life on campus for students of all identities, marginalized and otherwise. More recently during the summer of 2022, Maanasi was an intern at SAFE-HUB in Philadelphia committed to creating a safe space for young people to access high-quality afterschool sports programs that focus on the development of the whole child. Insightful, organizing, generous, creative, and fiercely compassionate, Maanasi is a true emerging leader who uses social impact as her compass.

Makayla is a pre-veterinary major and a gardener at heart. Makayla worked all last summer at Colby-Sawyer's Main Street Garden and also at Nalla Farm in Wilmot once a week where she helped a woman farmer establish a new farm. Among her duties were writing a weekly newsletter that was distributed to recipients of the Tray-it-Forward program and to update the Facebook page for the Victory Garden Revival initiative. Makayla is also the president of Colby-Sawyer's Sustainability Core Club and is the reason the club stayed alive through COVID-19. She's a dedicated worker and wonderful student whose personal dedication to service and the community has had a lasting effect on those around her.

Reece is a student, an athlete, and dedicated volunteer through the Peer Counseling Program. Through her leadership, she embodies what it is to be a committed member of the student body within all of her identities. Reece was a driving force on the development of the Peer to Peer Counseling Program. Reece worked as a leader to create programs and trainings that were educational and attractive to students, which led to well-attended programming ranging from orientation of new students, sexual positivity programs, social media campaigns, weekly wellness initiatives and presentations to multiple athletic teams to name a few. Reece also accompanied the Counseling Office staff to a local high school to represent Franklin Pierce University in a presentation to graduating high school seniors, which focused on wellness practices in the transition to college. Independently, Reece has taken initiative to create preventative programming focused on the anticipation and treatment of the psychological barriers that student-athletes encounter within the spectrum of their identities. This was outside of the realm of assigned duties within the counseling internship. Reece does this work because she wants to be the difference that is needed. Reece exemplifies what it is to provide a service to a community and does so authentically and without judgment. Reece is on to great things as she moves into graduate school to become a sports psychologist next year.

Timothy Warroka has made outstanding contributions to the Great Bay Community College community since he became a student in August 2021. He immediately immersed himself into student life at the College becoming involved with the International Club and further developed his leadership skills by joining the Student Government Association (current Treasurer), attending the Leadership Development Weekend and completing the Emerging Leader program as well as starting the student Badminton Club (President). Through his involvement in student clubs and organizations, Timothy has established himself as a credible resource for his peers. As a result of Timothy’s strong leadership and the high regard his peers have for him, he was asked to serve as the student representative on the President’s Cabinet where he effectively advocates for his peers and is the conduit of change. He is known for his positive attitude, thorough preparation for club meetings and activities, and ability to engage in meaningful conversation with his peers, instructors, as well as members of the College’s Senior Leadership Team. Timothy’s service via his leadership and strong engagement in the Great Bay community helps shape the culture into one that is collaborative, productive, and helps students experience a strong sense of belonging, which ultimately impacts their persistence and completion of their academic programs.

Erika is an outstanding student who has successfully balanced her academic responsibilities with working at the Registrar's Office. Despite her demanding schedule, she has consistently maintained academic excellence. Furthermore, Erika has demonstrated her commitment to helping others by participating in charity events such as a photo exhibition organized by FAROS, an NGO that provides humanitarian care and individual support to unaccompanied children and refugee youth, and Hellenic American University. Not only did she attend the event to support unaccompanied minors, but she also actively promoted it to people outside the university, inspiring them to join the exhibition and volunteer their services to FAROS. Erika's willingness to help others and make a positive impact on the lives of less privileged individuals is a testament to her compassion and kindness.

WKNH has expanded their broadcasting range and is delivering tunes and talk farther than ever before. The station has also broadened which individuals can have radio shows to include staff members and members of the Keene community, doubling the number of radio shows since 2021. As an important function of our campus, WKNH provides a platform for students, staff and the community to share their voice on air, promote local music and engage with the community.

Assistant Professor Matthew Simon, Program Coordinator of Math and Science, is a well-respected leader in our community of educators. By taking the time to get to know his students and the reason why they are members of his classroom community, Matt skillfully facilitates student engagement. He creates a positive learning environment and guides students to think critically. His students are inspired by him and motivated to learn. In his role as Faculty Fellow, Matt has shared his teaching expertise with his colleagues at the college by offering a variety of professional development sessions throughout the academic year on topics related to pedagogy.

By engaging our Manchester Community College Clubs, along with the general student body, in support of local and global community needs, the Student Life Associate team of Sarswati Rai and Arianna Kelly brought service alive on our campus this year. Their monthly programs, which included the My Campus Cupboard Challenge, Domestic Violence Awareness tree, Ukraine relief projects, International Woman's Day, and the Refugee Giving Tree, reflect their servant hearts and commitment to issues of equality. The balance of Sarswati's quiet, thoughtful leadership style, coupled with Arianna's passionate, gregarious style was the perfect match to mobilize their classmates and ultimately impact lives.

Alivia is the past president of the Student Occupational Therapy Association and the Campus Activities Board, and is the Manchester representative to the State of New Hampshire Occupational Therapy Governing Board. As president of SOTA, she coordinated the team participation in the Relay for Life and Making Strides for Breast Cancer Walk, sponsored guest speakers on topics related to care for infants, mental health challenges and bereavement. Under her leadership, SOTA sponsored a demonstration of the newest technology in mobility options to bridge the gap in accessibility for those in wheelchairs, and hosted a group of Rugby athletes to talk about empowering people who are living with disabling conditions to pursue and achieve recreational and whole life health. As president of Campus Activities Board, the group hosted a food drive and a luncheon from which MCPHS donated 127 pounds of food to the NH Food Bank. The group sponsored events to support Families in Transition and made a $300 donation to the Salvation Army Santa Fund and donated over 40 toys to the Salvation Army for the Angel Tree project. The group also offered social events supporting a sense of belonging and balance to fellow students during a challenging academic workload. Alivia has also served as a middle school volleyball coach, and an MCPHS peer mentor, assisting new OT students through the first semester of the MCPHS program.

Constantine (CJ) Mills is a major in Photography with a minor in Psychology. He is a member of the New England College Honor Program as well as a member of the New England Chapter of Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society. He exemplifies leadership, volunteerism, and excellence in the New England College community and beyond. During his tenure at New England College CJ has been an advocate for Youth Mental Health and has dedicated many volunteer hours as a professional photographer for benefit programs such as: City Year, Hope for NH Recovery, Magnify Voices, Harvey's Hope Animal, the Northshore Recovery High School Justin Clancy Benefit Show, and Granite State Youth Mental Health Advocates. He also volunteers with NH Red Cross Blood Drives.

Kasey is a leader on this campus as a member of 3 executive boards on campus. She is the Student Body Vice President, Vice President of the Class of 2023 for student government. She has had a hand in the planning of senior week, ski day, and is the founder of The Roots Project. The Roots Project is a social norming initiative that promotes positive social behavior on campus. Currently, it is being spread to other USNH campuses with the goal of creating a campus atmosphere that students feel they can ``root``. Kasey is also the Vice President of the Student Art Collective, a club that puts on events and workshops for student artists to come together, create, and learn about marketing/selling their artwork at events. Kasey helped plan the Autumn Music and Arts Festival and the Winter art market where students can sell their art. Kasey holds multiple positions in her sorority, most notable being her position on the Philanthropy committee. Kasey was one of the main organizers of the 2 out of the darkness walks that occurred in April and October 2022. The efforts raised over $19,000 for the American Foundation for suicide prevention.

Vinny is a three-year president of the Rivier University Campus Ministry Club. His commitment and passion for inclusive activities that benefit vulnerable populations is inspiring. He collaborates with other student groups and motivates the campus community to join in events and programs that give to others. He has coordinated and participated in the local crop walk for hunger, the Trunk or Treat for Nashua youth, the community shoe drive, and the Easter Egg Activity for underprivileged children. Most notably, he coordinated a Holiday Toy Drive for the Police Athletic League, providing gifts and funding for at risk children.

Lauren Puglielli's passion for community engagement and helping others has been an integral part of her undergraduate experience. In her first year, Lauren participated in community engaged learning as part of her Introduction to Professional Nursing course. She worked with individuals with intellectual and cognitive disabilities through an opportunity at The Moore Center. She enjoyed her experience so much that she continued to work with the organization as a volunteer after the class. This led to her becoming the Community Partnership Coordinator for The Moore Center in her junior year. Lauren's dedication and leadership skills were so strong she quickly became the Coordinator of other additional sites. Now in her senior year, she is the Community Partnership Coordinator for The Moore Center, Hampshire House, Liberty House, and the Manchester VA. In her role, Lauren supports Saint Anselm volunteers in their community engagement and learning at her partnerships. Lauren has always stood out in her commitment to ensuring that we are able to facilitate enriching, supportive programs that connect Saint Anselm College students at her sites. She has collaborated with various community members across programs, including agency staff, program directors, administrators, teachers, and direct care staff. Lauren is a natural mentor and someone who is looked to often to help support and guide her fellow community engagement leaders. This was extremely helpful during the earlier years of the pandemic when our work with most partners had moved online. Lauren worked particularly closely with The Moore Center during that time, one of strongest and most creative partners during online engagement. When most of our engagement transitioned back to in-person, Lauren was able to support both our partners and students as they navigated our new normal. She has also helped to deepen our engagement with her partners and to help rebuild relationships that took a pause, like Hampshire House and the Manchester VA. Lauren's gentle and compassionate leadership style has helped her thrive in her role as a Community Partnership Coordinator. We are often in awe at her commitment and the amount of responsibility she is able to manage while being a fulltime student.

Sarah arrived at Southern New Hampshire University one week early to participate in Take 5- a pre-matriculation program for incoming students who are passionate about service and community engagement. She has continued to demonstrate that passion throughout her time at SNHU. She has served in nearly every leadership role the university has for community engagement- she's been a service-learning coordinator, has planned one-time service projects, has been involved in the Alternative Break program, and served as the primary leader for the Take 5 program that brought her to campus a week early four years ago. When SNHU went fully remote in 2020 and 2021, The Chandler Center staff had to make a quick pivot to virtual service-learning. Sarah played an integral role in the success of this shift. As an Aeronautical Engineering major, she wanted to stay on campus where she had access to labs for her academic work. Throughout the year and a half she was on campus and the rest of the staff was home, Sarah served as an important bridge to our community partners. She accepted deliveries, organized supplies, and delivered items to community partners. Sarah has also used her considerable talents to lead on the SNHU Out of the Darkness Walk for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. She and her team have raised almost $100,000 for suicide prevention efforts during their time at SNHU. Sarah is brilliant, determined, and the most quietly persistent leader. She doesn't do anything for credit- she doesn't need to receive recognition or be at the front of the crowd. She leads with thoughtful commitment and a level of determination that is unparalleled.

Winders is incredibly committed to the betterment of his campus and his home community. He has assisted the Rochester City Clerk's office in at least 6 elections over the years, working late nights, weekends, and 18+ hour election days. He is a member of his City's Trustees of the Trust Fund, determining how the City's grants and scholarships should be invested, grown, and distributed. He is also a member of his Zoning Board of Adjustments, a member of the Historic District Commission, and he has served on the Board of Directors for Rochester Main Street. He volunteers at our local food pantry and is always a visible, eager advocate for his community and its residents. On campus, Winders has established the Student Government for UNH Manchester, giving his peers a voice to improve the learning experience. He is currently serving as Student Body President. Winders is a strong advocate and dedicated leader for his community.

Abby is a Peer Leader in an FYS class, and orientation leader, and a CAB staff member. She always keeps a positive attitude and loves UNHM! She always puts others first and works hard to make UNHM better for the community. She is the true definition of student leadership. Even with her tight schedule, she takes on leadership roles and is a mentor to her peers. She encourages others to get involved, has hosted successful events, and always lends a hand....and she does so with the biggest smile. She also does small things like writes cards when people are having a rough time or are sick and gives small gifts for holidays like candy.

Cheyenne Berube is a true leader amongst her peers at White Mountains Community College. Cheyenne is currently secretary / treasurer of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and co-president of the WMCC Student Senate. She has been instrumental in organizing fundraisers and events supporting the local community and her fellow students. A diligent student, Cheyenne is a dual major studying Accounting and Business Administration who always seems willing to get involved and lend a hand. Her positive attitude and involvement in campus activities have been appreciated by the campus community.