Over the last few years we have observed young people around the country demonstrating their leadership by demanding responses to racial injustice, police brutality, immigrant rights, trans rights, environmental issues, and other matters of import to the future of this nation and beyond. They have created intersectional trans-generational coalitions to advance the cause of justice as they work to dismantle unfreedom. These young leaders are tech savvy with a highly proficient ability to use social media to elevate their voices and bring attention to that which is fundamental for the perpetuity of a just and democratic society.  These young people are in the streets and in our classrooms bringing fresh perspectives to our lives and work. Their efforts help to move our work as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion professionals from the margins to the short lists of our institutions’ agendas. It is for this reason and many more that TADOHE will recognize their efforts and honor their work through the TADOHE Emerging Leaders Spotlight Awards. 

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To help us in this endeavor, we are asking you to nominate students and community leaders from your campuses who have been involved in activism, organizing, and community engagement for the TADOHE Emerging Leaders Spotlight Awards via a nomination link. Nominations will open in the late Spring semester. Please note self-nominations will also be accepted.

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The individuals who are selected as recipients of the TADOHE Emerging Leaders Spotlight Awards will be recognized at our Spring Summit/Chapter Meeting. Award recipients will receive a plaque and a complimentary annual TADOHE membership.

 

For questions, comments, and concerns, please contact Shawntal Brown, Vice President of Student Development, at tadohe.studentdevelopment@gmail.com.

 

 

TADOHE Emerging Leaders Spotlight Awards Criteria

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The “TADOHE Emerging Leaders Spotlight Award” recognizes college students and college-going community leaders who are engaged on their campuses and in Texas communities in activism, organizing, and community-based reform efforts focusing on such issues of racial justice, policing, immigrant rights, LGBTQIA+ rights, environmental issues, disability rights, etc.  The individuals selected for this award have demonstrated either traditional or non-traditional leadership through their commitment to justice.

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• Ancestor’s Wildest Dreams

  • The “Ancestor’s Wildest Dreams” award recognizes a student leader who is thriving in
    their authenticity and bringing joy to their organization or community. This individual
    balances life, chosen family, mental health, and academics by loving those around them.
    This individual inspires their peers to live life to the fullest because they are their
    ancestor’s wildest dreams.

    • Recipients: 2021 Awardee - Dionte McClendon, Huston-Tillotson University,
      2022 Awardee Kristoff Crayton, University of Texas at Austin

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• Emerging Leader of the Year

  • The “Emerging Leader of the Year” award recognizes a student leader who most noticeably demonstrates initiative, motivation, and potential for continued leadership within their community or organization.

    • ​Recipients: 2021 Awardee – Catherine Schlichting, University of Texas at
      Austin, 2022 Awardee, Empress-Akira Sullivan, University of Houston Clear
      Lake

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• Most Involved Leader

  • The “Most Involved Leader” award recognizes a student leader who publicly shows involvement in college events aimed at justice, equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. This individual inspires other students to become better leaders so that their campus and/or community is a more inclusive environment.

    • ​Recipients: 2021 Awardee – Farhana Hossain, University of Texas at Austin,
      2022 Awardee – Jennifer Blanks, Texas A&M University

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• Exceptional Student Leader

  • The “Exceptional Student Leader award” recognizes a student who has had a positive influence on the student body and made an exceptional contribution to the community. This individual goes above and beyond to reach new students, program events, and make their campus more inclusive.

    • ​Recipients: 2021 Awardee – Grace Akinyemi, University of Texas at Austin,
      2022 Awardee – J. Scates, University of Houston Clear-Lake

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• Unsung leader

  • The “Unsung Leader” award recognizes a student leader who isn’t always recognized for
    their amazing contribution to their organization or community. This individual is
    humble, works hard behind the scenes, and inspires individuals to become better
    leaders so that their campus and/or community is a more inclusive environment.

    • ​Recipients: 2021 Awardee – Emi Ruiz, University of Houston-Victoria, 2022
      Awardee – Daniela Wong, Texas A&M University