S.T.A.R.S. Alliance students pose for a photo after being named the Mary B. Coburn Organization of the YearS.T.A.R.S. Alliance wins Mary B. Coburn Organization of the Year at Leadership Awards Night April 7, 2026. (Evan Eisenstark/Student Affairs)

Florida State University students, employees and student organizations were honored for their commitment to student success at Leadership Awards Night on Tuesday, April 7.

The awards, hosted by the Office of Student Organizations and Involvement, are an annual recognition for campus members that epitomize the definition of leadership through achievement, service or organizational involvement.

The evening was accompanied by performances from two student organizations, the Acabelles at FSU and the Belly Dancers at FSU.

 

Attendees at Leadership Awards Night April 7, 2026 represent the theme of the evening: The Unmasked Leader. (Evan Eisenstark/Student Affairs)Tim Kessler-Cleary, director of Student Affairs at FSU Panama City, and Brent Cerney, The Prime Example Student Leader of the Year awardee for the Panama City campus. (Evan Eisenstark/Student Affairs)

The awards and their recipients are:

President’s Award – Christopher Inguanzo
Recognizes an outstanding freshman who demonstrates service to the university and strong leadership potential. Dean of Students Award: The Dean’s Cup – Akansha Kharkwal, Camila Roman and Kailyn Spitzer
Awarded to up to three students who exemplify commitment to the FSU community, strength of character and alignment with the university mission. Bob E. Leach Award – Snailey Dol
Presented to a student known for service-oriented leadership with a commitment to benefiting the lives of others. Sean A. Pittman Award – Mylah Tate
Honors a student for outstanding leadership to the FSU and Tallahassee communities, with significant contributions to support of African American students. R. Harding Award – Anne Kallis
Celebrates a student who demonstrates resilience and determination in achieving educational goals while overcoming adversity. Outstanding Leadership and Service Award – Luci Easterly, Shadae Graham, Damien Huynh, Yasamin Khosh, Alexis Martin, Ronald Mays, Janaicy McAllister, Alyson Mizanin, Shekena Mompremier, Elliette Orr, Tia Reformato-Santoro and Josiah Rivette
Given to students who have made significant contributions to the FSU community through leadership and service. The Prime Example Student Leader of the Year Award – Brent Cerney and Geetanjali Srivastava
Recognizes emerging leaders who embody involvement, innovation and serve as role models for their peers. The Bridge Award – Lynn Pierre-Etienne
Awarded to an outstanding transfer student who has made meaningful contributions to FSU and shows promise as a future leader. The Pursuit Award – Jordan Brown
Honors a graduate student for exemplary leadership within student organizations and commitment to their field of study. Mary B. Coburn Organization of the Year – S.T.A.R.S. Alliance at FSU
Recognizes a registered student organization that significantly impacted the university through leadership, innovation and service. Chauffeur of Change Award – Undergraduate American Medical Women’s Association at FSU
Awarded to an organization that leads impactful change through advocacy, service or mission-driven programming. Purposeful Programming Award – People Power for Florida at FSU
Celebrates an organization that promotes civic engagement and student development through intentional, high-impact programming. Impactful Partnership Award – Kappa Alpha Order at FSU and the Black Student Union at FSU
Acknowledges two or more groups that have worked collaboratively on initiatives that created positive and lasting impact. Faculty and Staff Leadership Award – Danielle DiBatista, Lara Perez-Felkner, Ruby Taylor and Cynthia Wilson
Given to individuals who go beyond the expectations of their role to positively impact students and university life. The Spotlight Award: Advisor of the Year – Ebrahim Randeree
Honors a volunteer employee advisor for their dedication, mentorship and guidance to a student organization. The Achievement Award – Stephen Paris
Awarded to a faculty or staff member with 10+ years of service whose work has had a transformative, lasting impact on student organizations and FSU. IGC Civic Leadership Award – Catalina Grieco, Sophia Vizoso and Tanay Warrier
Recognizes undergraduates who embody the values of civic leadership and addressing challenges through collaboration. Undergraduate Humanitarian of the Year Award – Camille Pepper
Celebrates students who have made a major impact through leadership and service within and beyond the FSU community. Global Citizen Award– Emma Brown and Milina Tuladhar
Honors two students who show leadership in fostering intercultural understanding and a global community at FSU or abroad. University Health Services Award – Nicholas Arnold, Trey Barns, Jacob Cryderman, Zachary Hill, Gil Izquierdo, Kyle Martin, Samantha Mast, Ely Nieves, Nicholas Turoff and Sophia Vizoso
Awarded to a student or group dedicated to promoting health and wellness within the FSU community.

For more information, visit leadershipawards.fsu.edu.

 

The Acabelles at FSU perform at Leadership Awards Night April 7, 2026. (Evan Eisenstark/Student Affairs)Attendees at Leadership Awards Night April 7, 2026 represent the theme of the evening: The Unmasked Leader. (Evan Eisenstark/Student Affairs)