FEBRUARY 2022
This month, we’re sharing new and inspiring stories of our members as they use their leadership skills in real-world situations to accomplish their goals and improve their communities.
Our mission at the NSLS is Building Leaders Who Make a Better World. Nationwide, our members participate in social events, volunteer for charities, and take part in a wide range of community service initiatives. Upon graduation, members apply the interpersonal skills they've acquired to start businesses, pursue promotions, and continue applying what they’ve learned at the NSLS.
Student Earns $20,000 Scholarship for Work with Veterans
For the past seven years, Daniel Finney of Winthrop University has dedicated countless hours of volunteer work to help veterans. At first, helping veterans was just something his mother encouraged him to do but soon, it became a passion. For his dedication, Daniel was the top recipient of the Disabled American Veterans' (DAV) scholarship program.
He is studying exercise science and hopes to become a physician's assistant as he continues his lifelong passion of helping veterans. He’s a leader on campus who encourages his peers to do the same, making sure the next generation understands the sacrifices vets have made for the country.
He serves as one of three mentors for the Department of Veterans Affairs' national Student Leadership Council and volunteers with the VA Geek Squad; a telehealth group that provides an outlet to assist veterans virtually.
Read the full story from DAV >>
First-Generation Student Shines as Leader on Campus
Erik Vargas, University of Redlands, became one of the first traditional students to work toward a certificate while also pursuing an undergraduate degree.
The recipient of the Steven D. and Jane R. Carmichael Endowed Scholarship is earning a degree in business with coursework focused in economics, global business, and finance. But the creative aspects of marketing enticed Erik to compound his already thick workload by pursuing a marketing certificate from the University of Redlands School of Continuing Studies.
As a first-generation student and son of a small business owner, he enjoys utilizing what he's learned in real-world situations. He’s demonstrated leadership skills beyond business as well. Erik leads prospective students on campus tours as an admissions Bulldogs Ambassador and is a member of the Maroon and Grey Student Ambassadors, which strives to develop relationships with the University and community.
Read the full story from the University of Redlands >>
NSLS Member Lands Healthcare Job Before Graduation
Brielle Tolli, University of Hartford, has accepted a role with CVS Health through a Learning Project before completing her studies. The ambitious student has made quite the impression in her university's 3+1 Accelerated Business Program, where she’ll obtain her undergraduate degree in marketing and an MBA with a focus in healthcare in just four years.
She participated in the CVS Health case competition, in which students had to develop a solution that assessed the needs associated with providing healthcare programs to minority- and women-owned businesses in underserved communities. Brielle and her partner created a unique solution, leading to their winning concept of a CVS Heart of Hope Van.
After completing her project, she was offered a 2021 summer internship in the CVS general management corporate internship program, which led to a full-time job offer. She’s excited to bring all she’s learned to CVS, which will allow her to work three eighteen-month rotations in different areas of the business.
Read the full story from the University of Hartford >>
Politically Ambitious Student Makes His Mark on Campus
Michael Mack, Piedmont University, has become a leader on campus and an advocate for diversity and inclusion.
As President of the Student Government Association (SGA), he uses his voice and platform to enact positive change. He works closely with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Council, attending meetings to further the mission of equity and inclusion. He and his fellow SGA executives created a council committee to help recognize and embrace differences, celebrating individuality as a positive force on campus.
He’s also on the cycling team, is studying political science, and plans on attending law school. His ultimate goal is to become a U.S. Air Force Judge Advocate General (JAG) Corps attorney, practicing criminal and international law. This would put his leadership skills to great use while also honoring his grandfather and great-grandfather, who both served in the Air Force.
Read the full story from Piedmont University >>
Former NSLS Intern Takes Leadership Skills Beyond the Classroom
Kelsey Bingham, Utah Valley University, started her leadership journey by bringing the NSLS to her school as an intern. She was able to find a Chapter Advisor and fill the Executive Board before even taking classes. In her first semester, she had 300 students join. The chapter currently has over 1,000 members.
Her leadership experience extended to the UVU Chinese Club, where she became a club ambassador and was able to meet many international students. She took on these leadership roles while studying communications, which she fell in love with for its focus on developing empathy and connecting with others.
Magleby Construction noticed her leadership abilities and hired Kelsey as an executive assistant and project manager. She plans on continuing her education by receiving an MBA and eventually becoming a management consultant.
Read the full story at the Daily Herald >>
Other NSLS Members Receiving Recognition IN FEBRuary:
Peterson Francois, Walden University, received the 2022 Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP) for decades of work as a professor and businessman. Full Story >>
Shirlene C. Olson, Indiana University Northwest, was named to the nationally-recognized Indiana Republican Diversity Leadership Series, a leadership training program in Indiana helping to increase engagement and minority representation in the Republican Party. Full Story >>
John Ramirez, University of Phoenix, has been appointed to serve on the Executive Committee of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as Vice Chair of Internal Activities. Full Story >>
Terence M. Dorn, PhD and retired Army Colonel from the Northcentral University chapter published his new book, Quotes: The Famous and Not So Famous, a collection of wisdom that spans centuries of human history. Full Story >>
Shane Mendez, St. Cloud University, a Patrol Sergeant of the Crookston Police Department, has been selected as a new board member for the Crookston Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Full Story >>
Haley Bunting, McNeese State University, has joined the Broussard Group as a staff accountant, passing the CPA Exam within a year from graduating magna cum laude with a double major in accounting and finance. Full Story >>
Dr. Clarence Riggins, U.S. Army veteran and University of Phoenix chapter member, has published, Seen or Unseen: What Is Your Choice?, a thought-provoking commentary on race and prejudice in America from the civil rights era to now. Full Story >>
Carolina Celedón, Dickinson College, has been highlighted by her school for her success conducting student-faculty research, organizing workshops for students and alumni of color, and earning a range of scholarships and awards. Full Story >>
