Award Categories and Winners

Recognized a leader whose work demonstrated a strong commitment to educational equity and expanding college opportunity. 

Award Recipient:
Dr. Mery Diaz, Professor, NYC College of Technology

Honored organizations and individuals that created impactful pathways to higher education for underserved and underrepresented students.

Award Recipients:

• Ricardo Brens, Director of Postsecondary Education, High School for Law/Public Service
• CUNY College and Career Advising Fellows
• Monroe University
• Shavon Munchez-Jackson, College Connections Initiative Senior Advisor, SUNY Brooklyn Educational Opportunity Center
• Yonkers Partners in Education

Recognized schools that implemented innovative and effective strategies to increase college and financial aid application completion.

Award Recipients:

• Melissa Ferguson, High School Postsecondary Counselor, Brentwood UFSD
• Marissa Kropp, School Counselor, Belmont Preparatory High School

Recognized professionals who demonstrated exceptional dedication in helping students and families successfully navigate the financial aid process.

Award Recipients:

• Akil Bello, Director of College Advising and FAFSA Completion Initiative, SUNY
• Norma Feriz-Gordon, College and Career Success Coach, Office of Student Pathways at NYC Public Schools
• Maria Gordineer, College Advisor, Peekskill City School District
• Stacy Rankin, Supervisor, Say Yes Buffalo

Recognized leaders and organizations that have made significant contributions to increasing FAFSA awareness, completion, and student access to financial aid across New York State.

Award Recipients:

• Dr. Anael Alston, Assistant Commissioner, Office of Access, Equity, and Community Engagement Services, NYS Education Department
• Deb Alverson, Vice President of Middle School Counselors, NYS School Counselor Association
• Jessica Arkin, Postsecondary School Counselor, NYC Public Schools
• Priscilla Armsby, Assistant Director, Rensselaer PolyTech Institute
• Kyle Belokopitsky, Executive Director, NYS Parent Teacher Association
• Katie Cooney Lesko, Vice President for Enrollment Management, Russell Sage College
• Carmen Diaz-Malvido, CEO, Aspira
• Evalyn Gleason, Senior Program Manager, TeachNY
• Shaun Hoff, Associate Director, SUNY New Paltz
• Sandy Jimenez, Postsecondary Pathways Resource Manager, New Visions
• Lucy R. McIntyre, Deputy Director and Compliance Officer, CUNY
• Kim Nauer, Director, UnderstandingFAFSA.org
• Luca O. Rallis, President, SUNY Student Assembly
• Dan Robinson, Director, Pace University
• James Rodriguez, Coordinator, United Federation of Teachers
• Gene Rogers, Counselor, Molloy University
• Erica Rose, Vice President of Strategy for Advising Partnerships, UAspire
• Brian Smith, Director of Student Financial Services, SUNY Cobleskill