Outstanding Global Student Leadership Award recognizes students for global leadership skills
Contact: Nicol Tinsley
VCU Global Education Office
(804) 828-6463
nctinsley@vcu.edu
Richmond, VA (May 11, 2026) — The Global Education Office has awarded two students the inaugural Outstanding Global Student Leadership Award, recognizing them for demonstrating exceptional leadership and sustained involvement in global education, global learning and global initiatives while attending Virginia Commonwealth University. The award was presented to Andrea Escobar Gonzalez and Naeem Ahmad, both May 2026 graduates, during the Global Initiatives Achievement Celebration held in April.
The award was given based on each student’s experience in global leadership engagement, with a consideration for their active participation in global engagement activities such as study abroad, Global Buddies, intercultural community engagement, Phi Beta Delta International Honor Society, the Peace Corps Prep Certificate Program or VCU Globe. Other key criteria for the award included a development of leadership skills demonstrated through their global experiences which could include initiative taking, responsibility, problem solving, coaching, delegation, emotional intelligence, or executive functioning.
Evidence of the awardees’ impact on VCU students and the campus, or the local, international community was taken into consideration as criteria for selection.
Kelly Richard, assistant director of global learning, explained the importance for this award, saying, “We are excited to award students who have an impact on furthering GEO’s mission, as they continue to make contributions to VCU’s global impact and visibility through partnerships, collaborations and community involvement.”
Gonzalez, who has earned a bachelor’s degree in international studies from the College of Humanities and Sciences, served as an advising assistant in the English Language Program for three years, establishing herself as an indispensable mentor and a compassionate advocate for the international student body. Her involvement with students to provide personal support when needed, being a vital role in the office operations in regards to training new staff and coordinating engagement events for students made her an essential part of the ELP.
Gonzalez has utilized her expertise to serve the Spanish-speaking community as a translator and interpreter. Her work has included revising international recruitment documents for the Global Education Office and representing VCU through the Multilingual Ambassador Program. Her dedication extends well beyond campus; through her volunteerism at the Sacred Heart Center and the Henrico County Welcome Center for Newcomers, she facilitated vital connections between local families and university resources, ensuring that prospective students and immigrant families are able to navigate complex institutional systems with ease.
“I am deeply grateful to have received this award,” she said. “It represents years of hard work throughout my academic career, internship experiences, and my time studying abroad in Sevilla, Spain. These experiences have helped shape both my personal growth and my understanding of the world and the importance of global connection. I'm sincerely thankful to everyone who has supported and encouraged me along the way, and I am honored to receive this recognition.”
Ahmad, a graduate who has earned a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemstry also from the College of Humanities and Science, has distinguished himself as a dynamic global leader at VCU by bridging the gap between academic learning and international humanitarian action. As a secondary advisor and a driving force behind the university’s Humanity First chapter, Ahmad has been instrumental in cultivating a new generation of globally-minded healthcare professionals. His leadership was most notably demonstrated when he pivoted a cancelled program into a successful "Gift of Sight" mission to Guatemala, where he mentored VCU students as they provided essential medical and dental care to over 1,600 underserved patients. By facilitating these high-impact, cross-cultural experiences, Ahmad not only addressed critical global healthcare disparities but also empowered his peers to view themselves as global citizens. His commitment to mentorship and culturally responsive care continuously inspired the VCU community to pursue service-oriented leadership that extends far beyond national borders.
“This award means a lot to me because it reflects what my time at VCU has really been about,” said Ahmad. “Coming in as a first-generation student, I didn’t always have things figured out. There were moments where I felt unsure of myself and the direction I was taking, and what made the difference was the people who took the time to guide me.”
“One thing VCU taught me is that you don’t have to wait for opportunities. If they’re not there, you can create them. Being able to mentor students as they went on to serve patients in Guatemala was one of the most meaningful parts of my experience. It wasn’t about being there myself; it was about helping others step into that role and realize what they’re capable of.”
“These experiences shaped my goal to lead with humility and empathy, and to never lose sight of the people behind the care I provide,” he continued. “This award isn’t just about me. It represents the mentors who supported me, the students I’ve worked with, and everything I’ve learned throughout my time at VCU. Even when the path is uncertain, what matters is what you choose to make out of every experience you’re given.”
Both awardees are outstanding examples of students committed to global learning and service to others. The Global Education Office looks forward to the impact they will make as they utilize these beneficial skills.