Outstanding Staff Award
Diana Atoui
Administrative Coordinator, Center for International Affairs and World Cultures
Diana’s exceptional contributions to the Center for International Affairs and World Cultures, the college’s Marketing and Communications group, and several college organizations, including managing events, promoting student fellowships, and supporting scholars, have significantly enriched CSSH’s mission of fostering empathy and global understanding. Her resilience, dedication, and ability to seamlessly fill in for various departments during staff vacancies affirm her worthiness for the annual Outstanding Staff Award.
Brandy Blaise
Senior Human Resources Associate, Dean’s Office
Brandy’s positive attitude, willingness to help others, and commitment to quality make her an invaluable asset to the CSSH staff. Her creative, quick judgment in meeting staff needs and ensuring equitable treatment, along with her hard work and dedication, make her a worthy recipient of the Outstanding Staff Award.
Julie Boudoukara
Program Coordinator, International Affairs
Julie has demonstrated excellence and innovation by supporting multiple units over the last year when short-staffed, showcasing her dedication to the college community. Her hard work and commitment to maintaining a positive and enriching student experience justify her receiving the annual Outstanding Staff Award.
Cayle O’Brien
Lead Staff Interpreter, American Sign Language & Interpreting Education Program
Cayle has been an invaluable support and resource to all American Sign Language and Interpreter Education program faculty and students, fostering an exceptional sense of belonging and inclusivity. Her calm demeanor, problem-solving skills, and dedication to her role make her an outstanding colleague and deserving of the annual Outstanding Staff Award.
Keanna Smigliani
Operations and Program Manager, Ethics Institute
Keanna Smigliani has been an outstanding staff member of the Ethics Institute and a wonderful colleague, always ensuring those around her are supported despite her heavy workload. Her dedication to the Ethics Institute, especially when she was the sole central staff member, and her unwavering support for other staff members and colleagues deserve recognition as an Outstanding Staff member.
Belonging Leadership Award
Isabel Martinez
Associate Professor and Director of Latinx, Latin American and Caribbean Studies
Dr. Martinez has been very successful in her first two years, significantly increasing minor and course enrollments in the Latinx, Latin American and Caribbean Studies program through effective events and student outreach. She has expertly balanced improving her new program while ensuring her staff and students are not overwhelmed, demonstrating exemplary leadership and dedication to fostering a sense of belonging.
Danita Mends
College Events Manager, Dean’s Office
Danita has significantly enhanced CSSH’s organizational culture, engagement, and sense of belonging through her exceptional skills, dedication, and creativity in planning and executing events since joining in December 2023. Her calm demeanor, innovative ideas, ability to handle challenges effectively, and contributions to inclusion and belonging make her an exemplary leader deserving of the Belonging Leadership Award.
College Partner Award
Meghan Elliott
HR Business Partner, Northeastern University Human Resources
Meghan has been an invaluable partner, providing expert guidance, thoughtful insights, and unwavering support across all aspects of HR and employee relations, significantly improving the work environment for CSSH’s staff. Her facilitation of professional development opportunities, coordination of social activities like the campus Kickball Tournament and community walks, and leadership of the CSSH Staff Advisory Council inspired the college to create the College Partner Award and name her the first honoree.
Sustainability Award
Gina Maiellaro
Teaching Professor, World Languages and Cultures Department
Gina has been the driving force behind the CSSH Sustainability Committee since its establishment in March 2024, developing detailed recommendations and recruiting Sustainability Champions to implement sustainable practices throughout CSSH. Her leadership and dedication have significantly advanced the college’s commitment to sustainability, making her the obvious choice to receive the first annual Sustainability Award.
First-Year Impact Award
Hannah Kotler
Administrative Assistant, CSSH Undergraduate Advising
Hannah has made a significant impact on the CSSH Undergraduate Academic Advising, Coop, and Graduate Programs Office since joining in May 2024, quickly becoming an integral part of the team and enhancing office culture with her professionalism and dedication. Her exceptional performance while managing student inquiries, supporting staff, and supervising work-study students makes her deserving of the college’s first, First-Year Impact Award.
Staff Team Award
Staff Engagement Task Force
The Staff Engagement Task Force demonstrated exceptional collaboration, innovation, and dedication while producing a comprehensive report on various initiatives designed to enhance staff engagement. Their outstanding contributions will have a long-term, significant impact on all staff members, fostering a positive and impactful learning and working environment. With the release of their report, we anticipate a substantial improvement in staff engagement, further enriching the college community.
Staff Engagement Taskforce Members
- Judith Jenkins, Project Coordinator, Sociology and Anthropology
- Kathleen Perry, Administrative Assistant & Staff Interpreter, American Sign Language & Interpreting Education Program
- Louis Green, Director of Belonging Initiatives, Dean’s Office (Task Force Chair)
- Meghan Elliott, Human Resources Business Partner, NU-Human Resources
- Michael Farah, Director of Marketing and Communications, Dean’s Office
- Michele Rosenthal, Associate Director, Academic Operations, The Policy School
- Mika Morikawa-Zhou, Learning & Employee Engagement Associate, NU-Human Resources
- Shakyra Antoine, Academic Advisor, CSSH Undergraduate Advising
- Shannon Usher, Academic Administrator, Political Science
