Campus Life Celebrates Student Leadership
Multiple student leaders, including Sukul, displaying certificates
PHOTO CREDIT: MILDRED PEREZ
By Iffath Liaquat On April 30 in Lehman College’s Student Life Building, Campus Life & Student Affairs hosted a celebration bedazzled with balloons and fancy decor to recognize the hard work student leaders dedicated throughout the spring semester.Campus Life staff announced the award winners, such as "Club of the Semester" and "Most Engaging Club," and went from table to table, allowing guests to shout out their club's name. They also awarded certificates to students who completed one or more of the leadership programs during the spring semester and called up student leaders graduating this semester to bestow them with honor cords to wear to graduation. Professional photographers were available to snap headshots for students’ LinkedIn profiles.Yasiris Bonilla, the president of a new club, BoxingKaraoke, received multiple awards for it, including “Best New Club” and “Club Leader of the Semester.” Bonilla noted, “I started this club for my passion for singing and boxing, and I’m grateful for the recognition.” The vice president of the club, Omadai Sukul, was also a participant in the Introduction to Leadership, a mentor at Urban Male Leadership Program, and a volunteer
coordinator.“I was then introduced to the Urban Male Leadership Program by a friend,” Sukul said. “I looked around and found strong, dedicated students who are driven to become someone in life. These are mentors and mentees who know that there are no limits to their potential.” She expresses indebtedness for all that UMLP and leadership programs had done for her. “David Charcape [told us that] ‘Leadership is the ability to inspire, influence, and guide others towards achieving a common goal or vision.’ He educated us [on] how to always appreciate others for their excellence and celebrate victories by showing that I care.”
Owoaje posing with student leaders
Oluwabusayomi Owoaje, an upper sophomore majoring in biology who participated in the Leadership for All in Fall 2024, has since joined the Student Government Association as a senator for the 2024-25 academic year and is a Crisis Text Line volunteer counselor. Owoaje is also the secretary of a new club, Voice of Impact, a place for peers to exercise their right of speech and spread awareness of current issues. “Knowing me, a year ago, I would have never [seen] myself in these positions. [Taking the Leadership for All program] was really eye-opening because I never truly saw myself as a leader, or rather, I never knew I was capable of being one. [It improved my] knowledge of the qualities of a leader and my desire to make a change.”
Dr. Narain holding a certificate next to Suzette Ramsundar
Dr. Shantusha Narain, MD, a participant in many leadership programs since 2012, said joining them helped her skyrocket her career in medicine, making her a strong candidate for medical school. “At first, I was skeptical because I had so many responsibilities under my belt,” she said. “I became convinced when I found out that the sessions were available at a time when I didn’t have classes... and that they were going to provide the textbooks and materials... That was one of the best decisions I made... I started doing community service projects and giving back to the community... I began to realize that my voice matters.” Dr. Narain advises students that “leadership doesn’t end when you finish your degree; it keeps going and makes you stand out no matter what career choice you have in mind.” Emily Willen, who is pursuing a master’s in Health Education and Promotion, participated in multiple leadership programs before becoming the Leadership Coordinator. She said her academic and social journey has improved since she joined these programs, which broke her way into many leadership positions on campus. “It raised my confidence and self-esteem... I went from being too scared to order food at a cash register at a restaurant, to giving a TEDxCUNY talk.” For students wanting to take on leadership roles, Willen advised,
“My advice is to expose yourself to different opportunities. Every experience counts and can build towards someone
developing and harnessing leadership skills... I always try to connect students to opportunities in which they’re passionate, and it gives me joy to see them get these opportunities so that they can thrive outside of the college.”