Major: Psychology Minors: Sociology and Social Work
Why I joined ELP/NSLS: I joined NSLS and ELP at Marist, to surround myself with some of the best leaders and be able to engage with these individuals. I knew college would stretch my ideas and perspectives, and when NSLS and ELP were presented to me, I knew I needed to be involved with. If I truly wanted to grow as a leader, I knew I needed this to achieve my life goals. The Emerging Leaders Program is a program that has challenged my thinking and has guided me to be the leader I am today.
How ELP/NSLS has helped you: ELP and NSLS have opened the doors to many different opportunities and allowed me to meet many inspiring people! The people I have been able to connect with are people that I look up to, and have the ability to learn from them! Some of the most genuine people who also just want to become better leaders! This program has allowed my mind and ideas to be stretched father than I could have imagined! I always wanted to be a better leader, and being involved with ELP and NSLS was the first and most important step! I have learned many life lessons that I hold close to my heart!
How ELP/NSLS has helped you: ELP and NSLS have opened the doors to many opportunities and allowed me to meet many inspiring people. The people I have been able to connect with are people that I look up to, and have the ability to learn from them. Some of the most genuine people who also want to become better leaders! This program has stretched my mind and ideas further than I could have imagined! I always wanted to be a better leader, and being involved with ELP and NSLS was the first and most important step! I have learned many life lessons that I hold close to my heart!
Additional on/off campus leadership and involvement: On campus, I am a resident assistant for the 3rd year, where I have worked with residents in Upper West Cedar, Sheahan Hall, and now finishing my experience in McCormick Hall! I will also be working in the Counseling Center as an Undergraduate Intern, where I will be able to engage with the Marist Community. For the past two summers, I was able to be an intern at Dr. Roseanns in Ridgefield, Connecticut, where this summer I was able to work as a Neurofeedback Technician for kids and young adults.
Why Marist students should get involved with ELP/NSLS: ELP and NSLS, have a special place in my heart; the people I am surrounded by are some of the most supportive and kindhearted individuals. The professors I have been able to be in the presence of and listen to their perspectives on leadership is something I will never forget. I constantly tell prospective students to join NSLS or ELP, if they attend Marist because it is a gift that shouldn't be overlooked, and it opens many doors for the future.
Fun fact: I love coffee!
Sandra Matute, '25 SNT Chair
Major: Biology with a minor in Psychology
Why I joined ELP/NSLS: I joined the Emerging Leaders Program because I felt that meeting and listening to leaders talk about their passions and experiences would allow me to enhance my communication skills, connect with more people, and overall grow on a personal as well as a professional level. Seeking for guidance in this program has helped me develop skills to prepare me for any important role I may take in the future.
How ELP/NSLS has helped you? In being part of ELP, I have learned about, attained, and applied various skills presented at the workshops to my role as a student, teammate, leader, and person overall. ELP welcomed me into Marist, helping me adapt and grow my previously acquired leadership skills. This program has also become a safe place for me; a place where I am surrounded by students who are ambitious, resilient, and who unite to support one another. I've enhanced my leadership skills in becoming more open minded to different perspectives, reliable to those around me, spreading positivity through the lessons revealed and learned at workshops, as well as develop connections with those in my community. Because of the motivated students and encouraging staff within this program, I have gotten one step ahead as an individual in visualizing and accomplishing my personal, as well as educational goals.
Additional on/off campus leadership and involvement: As a freshman at Marist College living on campus, I played a big role in both, my community at home and our community at Marist. When I go home on the weekends I participate in events held by my church, Saint Francis of Assisi. I attend youth group meetings and participate in food drives, donations, as well as prepare and deliver goods for those in poverty to several locations. Off campus I am also an associate at a retail store where I assist customers in any purchase, return, or questions they may have. On campus, I dedicate two hours of every week to help out the community by tutoring children at Warring Elementary School and attend all the Department of Spiritual Life and Service (formerly Campus Ministry) meetings. I also am part of Psychology Club, Women's Spirit, Habitat for Humanity, and a member of Marist's Professional Pre-Health Co-Ed Fraternity, Delta. Epsilon Mu.
Why Marist students should get involved with ELP/NSLS: Marist students should get involved with the ELP/ NSLS because through the great scope of workshops and opportunities this program provides for students, we are able to learn about leading others in a kind, positive, and impactful way. All students have the potential to be a positive impact to the community which can be achieved through the ELP/NSLS by their guidance in helping us develop better character skills. Moreover, by being surrounded with students who have similar goals in taking leadership to help the community, students will build a support system to help one another throughout this journey.
Fun fact: I am very passionate about fitness!
Stacey Abbeo, '25 General Board Member
Major: Psychology with a Paralegal Certificate
Why I joined ELP/NSLS: I joined ELP because I believed it would develop my leadership skills, my leadership potential, and expand my knowledge on what great leadership is. Thankfully, I was right.
Additional on/off campus leadership and involvement: Just to highlight two, I am the treasurer for the African Students' Association of Marist where I manage the club's budget and plan events that support the mission of the club with the help of my fellow board members. I am also the current Distant Student Representative of SGA and I advocate for the needs of all distant students.
Why Marist students should get involved with ELP/NSLS: From my experience, being a member of ELP and the NSLS in my freshman year really equipped me with some strategies and lessons which are necessary to be a good leader and a good teammate. I feel like once resources as such are made available, they are to the benefit of everyone and everyone should be encouraged to join and learn.
Fun fact(s): I was born in the US but lived in Ghana till I was eighteen.
Kailey Levinson, '25 Social Media/Publicity Chair
Major: Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and a minor in Music
Why I joined ELP/NSLS: I joined the ELP/NSLS in order to strengthen my leadership and interpersonal communication skills while being surrounded by like-minded students aiming for the similar goals as myself. Successful leadership is an attribute that I sincerely value, and have valued for as long as I remember. Through the workshops, webcasts, and SNTs, I feel empowered to positively lead others, and take action in my community.
Additional on/off campus leadership and involvement: Some of my additional on campus involvements include Beta Gamma Sigma, North Road Communications, and Beta Alpha Psi. I am also involved with Marist College Singers, Chamber Choir, and The Enharmonics (A cappella group).
Why Marist students should get involved with ELP/NSLS: Marist students should get involved with the ELP/NSLS not only to be inspired as a leader, but to be inspired as a person. Members get to witness outstanding and credible individuals who are selected to present valuable lessons and important topics during workshops and webcasts. Being involved in such a prestigious program also allows you to build connections with other student leaders and provides opportunities to network with faculty and staff.
Fun Fact: I had the incredible opportunity of studying abroad this past Summer in Florence, Italy!
Why I joined ELP/NSLS: I joined ELP because I believed that it would help develop my leadership skill, and bring out the leader in me. Also, it allowed me to not only be involved with Marist but also to explore new aspect of what it means to be part of the Marist community and what it offers. I also knew that by joining ELP/NSLS it would allow me to gain valuable knowledge from the speakers invited and to continue my philosophy of why not? and why not me?
Additional on/off campus leadership and involvement: On campus, I am involved with the Marist Department of Spiritual Life and Serivices, where I am a leader for the ARISE group. As a part of this group, we hold bible studies and various activities. As for off campus, at my church as a teacher and I also volunteer my time at my previous elementary school in the Bronx.
Why Marist students should get involved with ELP/NSLS: Marist students should get involved with ELP/NSLS because it is a great opportunity to get involved on campus but to also get valuable information from speakers and how you can impact your community. As a sophomore coming into the program, I gained a lot of knowledge and how I can be a leader and take such role can allow me to impact my community and the people around me. What can be learned from this program can benefit you and journey here at Marist.
Fun Fact: I love a good joke!
Nolan Borders, '27 General Board Member
Major: Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing
Why I joined ELP/NSLS:
I joined ELP and NSLS because of the opportunity to grow as a leader. With exposure to teachers, community leaders, and many other guest speakers, I can enhance my skill set.
Additional on/off campus leadership and involvement:
Aside from ELP and NSLS, I am Vice President of the Students, Alumni Tomorrow Club. I am also a member of the American Marketing Association, Consulting Club, Business Club, and Red Ink Club.
Why Marist students should get involved with ELP/NSLS: Marist students should get involved with the ELP/NSLS because it is a great opportunity to build your skills, learn about qualities that great leaders possess, and constantly educate yourself by asking questions. Also, hearing from other students or experienced professionals through workshops is something everyone can benefit from.
Fun Fact: I love to travel! My favorite place I’ve visited so far is France.
Renata Meiram, '27 Vice President
Major: Communications with a concentration in Public Relations and Advertising and a minor in Graphic Design
Why I joined ELP/NSLS: I joined NSLS and ELP to enhance my leadership skills and learn how to lead in a way that values everyone’s input. I wanted to surround myself with driven individuals and gain new perspectives, all while creating a supportive environment where everyone can succeed. But most importantly, I wanted to join a program where I could create lasting and memorable experiences.
Additional on/off campus leadership and involvement: My campus involvement includes Students Today Alumni Tomorrow, where I serve as the Media Chair. I'm also a member of the Marist College Orchestra, Red Ink, and Red Fox Films. I actively participate in many events hosted by Marist SPC, and in my free time, I enjoy staying active with fun workouts like yoga and pilates.
Why Marist students should get involved with ELP/NSLS: Marist students should consider joining ELP/NSLS for its diverse and enriching workshops and events, which not only encourage leadership skills but also personal growth. Through this program, students can gain valuable lessons such as effective communication, management, and other essential real-world skills from remarkable individuals. During my first year in NSLS/ELP, I’ve learned that this program thrives as a community-driven environment, where collaboration and inclusivity is at the heart of everything.
