On the evening of Thursday, April 17th, Risa Commons came alive with applause, celebration, and community as students, faculty, and staff gathered for the annual Excellence in Leadership Awards. The ceremony honored some of the most passionate, driven, and inspiring student leaders at WashU — individuals and groups who have gone above and beyond to shape life on campus and create lasting impact.
From quiet changemakers to bold advocates, the evening recognized a wide range of contributions including organizing unforgettable cultural events, pushing for systemic change, and strengthening student communities.
Rising Leaders & Innovative Visionaries
The night began with the Sharon Stahl Rising Leader Award, celebrating emerging leaders who’ve already made significant marks on their communities. Congratulations to Daylin Kennedy and Sarah Monreal-Aviles, whose dedication and leadership promise an even brighter future.
The Innovation Award went to Black Anthology, whose bold and creative programming continues to set a new standard for cultural excellence and student-led storytelling on campus.
Compassion and Community Connection
Two students received the Ripple Award — Ella Scott and Andrew De las Alas — for their ability to spark positive change that radiates across communities. Jasmine Najari was honored with the Helen Davis Humanitarian Award for her unwavering commitment to justice, dignity, and human welfare.
The Community Impact Award went to Pi Sigma Alpha, whose work in civic engagement and political education has made a tangible difference both on and off campus.
Uplifting Peers & Creating Purposeful Programming
The Unsung Hero Award recognized behind-the-scenes champions Beni Bisimwa and Hannah Jon — students who uplift others without seeking the spotlight.
The Program with a Purpose Award was given to WashU Hospice and Palliative Care Club, a student group that has brought compassion, education, and awareness to the often-stigmatized topic of end-of-life care through volunteerism and advocacy.
Excellence in Student Employment & Advising
Two exceptional student employees — Amaya Daniels and Amatya Agarwal — were celebrated with the inaugural Outstanding Student Employee Award for their professionalism, reliability, and impact in their roles.
Dean Diallo received the Advisor of the Year Award, recognizing her tireless support of student success and her ability to empower and guide student leaders.
Events That Moved the Campus
In a rare but fitting tie, both Black Anthology and Carnaval took home the Event of the Year Award — a tribute to the creativity, culture, and collaboration each brings to the WashU experience.
The night featured a moving student speech by Chantal Ogbeifun, who shared how her involvement in the Bauer Leaders Academy reshaped her perspective on leadership, purpose, and the future. Her reflections offered a powerful reminder of the transformative power of student leadership development.
The ceremony featured a special performance from WashU’s a cappella group Reverb, who delivered a moving rendition of “The Bones,” by Maren Morris, reminding attendees of the strength found in community and resilience.
Honoring Lifelong Leaders
The prestigious Farwell Student Leader of the Year Award was presented to AnnLauren Djoko, whose legacy of leadership, inclusion, and impact will resonate far beyond her time at WashU.
The Outstanding Student Group Award went to the Association of Black Students, recognizing their commitment to community, advocacy, and excellence in student programming.
The W. Alfred Hayes Award, recognizing dedication to equity, service, and leadership, was awarded to four outstanding students: Isabella Barrientos, Bryn Muller, Ritika Tejwani, and Jasmine Sells.
The event also recognized four students who earned their Leadership Development Badge, a distinction awarded through Bauer Leaders Academy’s leadership training and reflection pathway: Kaityln Sallee, Fred Ware, Isabel Hoppmann, and Lee Attar.
A special thank you was given to this year’s Student Advisory Board, whose vision and dedication helped shape impactful leadership programming throughout the year:
Aja Topps-Harjo, Estephanie Salazar-Estrada, Fred Ware, Michio Kamimura, Ben Cook, Joe Hess, Bralin Duckett, Rishika Jeyaprakash, Brodhi Ramirez, Safiya Alexander, and Brandon Sikes.
Finally, the evening concluded by honoring three outstanding seniors — Amelia Letson, Victoria Wright, and Nichole Jackson — with the Shepley Outstanding Senior Award, a recognition of their exemplary contributions to the WashU community over their undergraduate careers.
The Excellence in Leadership Awards weren’t just a ceremony — they were a heartfelt celebration of the power of student vision, courage, and collaboration. Each honoree demonstrated that leadership is not just about titles, but about compassion, action, and the ripple effect of doing the right thing — again and again.
Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!
