MARCH 2023
Spring is here and this month, our members sprung headfirst into their leadership skills to make some major and unique headlines.
Our mission at the NSLS is to Build Leaders Who Make a Better World. Our members participate in volunteer events, and take part in a wide range of community service initiatives. Upon graduation, they apply the interpersonal skills they've acquired to start businesses, pursue promotions, and more.
Recent Graduate Named Ambassador for State Dairy Industry
Arianna Aman, a recent graduate of University at Albany, State University of New York, was recently named the 2023-24 NY Dairy Ambassador at a special ceremony held in Syracuse on February 21.
Her duties will include being a spokesperson and advocate for dairy farmers in New York. She’ll also engage in public speaking and consumer education events to help promote the industry. In return, she’ll be awarded a $1,200 scholarship and an internship with the American Dairy Association NE.
Arianna and her family have long been involved in the New York dairy industry, as her family operates a dairy farm on 1,350 acres in Candor, New York. She previously served as Tioga County Dairy Princess from 2019 to 2020.
Read the full story at Ithaca.com >>
Experienced Law Enforcement Officer Recognized for Community Contributions
Dr. Darwin L. Jones, member of the NSLS National Online Chapter and Captain with the Caddo Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana, was honored by KSLA News 12 during Black History Month for his 31 years of community service and leadership.
He received his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration from Wiley College, a master’s in administration of justice and security from the University of Phoenix, and a doctorate in criminal justice from Saint Leo University.
The tenth of 13 siblings, Darwin is also a Marine veteran and commander of Caddo Parish’s special response team. He’s an adjunct professor at Wiley College as well as an instructor at the Caddo Sheriff’s Training Academy.
Read the full story at KSLA >>
Florida Graduate Named Miss Florida Citrus
Casana Fink, a recent graduate of the University of Florida (UF), was crowned the new 2023 Miss Florida Citrus in a ceremony in Winter Haven, where she performed a lyrical dance as her talent. Casana and the first runner-up will compete in the Miss Florida Pageant in Lakeland between June 21 and 25 and the winner will compete in the Miss America pageant.
Casana earned her bachelor’s degree in telecommunications. She also studied at the Conde Nast College in London, receiving a certification in fashion. As her social impact initiative, she selected Give to Live – Donate Life, an organization that seeks to educate and advocate for organ and tissue donations.
Read the full story at Citrus Industry Magazine >>
Counselor Recognized for Community Service and Professional Achievements
Oswaldo O. Escalante was included in Marquis’ Who's Who for his community service and educational accomplishments, as well as over ten years of experience in the counseling profession. He now serves as a student services specialist and behaviorist for the Lynwood Unified School District.
He completed a three-year training course on substance abuse in 2006, then went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Phoenix in 2015. He’s previously been honored as “Counselor of the Month” and “Counselor of the Year” while working in prior positions with the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence.
Oswaldo’s future plans include earning his master’s in marriage and family therapy.
Read the full story at 24/7 Press Release >>
Cybersecurity Expert Named to Company’s Board
Dr. Vivian Lyon was named to the advisory board created by and for Tego Cyber Inc., a cybersecurity company. The board’s mandate is to guide and advise Tego Cyber executives on maximizing value and positioning its products and services.
She has 25 years of experience in cyber strategy, risk management, and IT/IS audit and compliance services. She’s the current CIO and CISO for Plaza Dynamics.
Vivian received her master’s degrees in accountancy and business administration from the University of London, as well as a master’s in information technology and a doctorate in information technology from Walden University. She’s also received a number of cybersecurity and project management certifications.
Read the full story at Yahoo! Finance >>
Other NSLS Members Receiving Recognition IN MARCH:
Adora Mullendore, who plans to receive her bachelor’s degree in social work from the University of Central Missouri (UCM) this spring, was featured and recognized by UCM in its Student Spotlight. Full Story >>
Devin Merritt was recognized by Appalachian State Athletics as a graduate assistant with the App State football team during Black History Month. Full Story >>
Benjamin Wilson was nominated for the Non-traditional Student of the Year award at Lake Land College. Full Story >>
Ethan Stein, St. Mary's University, was interviewed and profiled by the student newspaper The Rattler on the meaning of leadership. Full Story >>
Jordan Fader, graduate student and hockey player at University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, was named the recipient of the 2023 Max Sparger Men’s Ice Hockey Scholar-Athlete Award by the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. Full Story >>
Rainbow Farr, a senior studying early childhood education at The City College of New York, was one of three CCNY recipients of the Women’s Forum Education Fund Award. Full Story >>
Dr. Vassiki Sanogo, National University, was recognized by Marquis Who's Who for his professional accomplishments as a health economist and data scientist. Full Story >>
Dylan Roseman, Aims Community College, was profiled by the Greeley Tribune in its “Student Spotlight” feature. Full Story >>
