We are proud to feature the student leaders who, through the work in their student organizations, have personified the commitment and goal of Stephen Cohen—to eliminate discrimination and build a more inclusive community—on campus and beyond. These students were nominated by their peers, faculty, and staff and were selected from an outstanding candidate pool. We congratulate them and thank them for their accomplishments during the past year!
2026 Recipients
Arfa Begum
Arfa is a student leader involved in the South Asian Women Empowerment Association, where she has been on the executive board for four years and served as president for the past two. During her time, she has helped lead initiatives focused on building community, raising cultural awareness, and supporting South Asian women on campus. She is especially passionate about girls’ education and creating more opportunities for young women. Through her leadership, the organization has continued to grow and strengthen its presence within the university community.
Kiana Cintron
Kiana is a junior studying biology on the pre-med track at the University of Connecticut. Born and raised in New Haven, Connecticut, she is dedicated to advancing health equity and empowering her community. As a Youth Leader at Junta for Progressive Action and Project Manager for Fair Haven Day, she mentors high school students and bridges gaps between youth and the communities they serve. Additionally, she is actively involved with CT Students for a Dream at UConn and the New Haven Immigrants Coalition, where she has led the coordination and facilitation of several Know Your Rights sessions. She serves as Secretary of the Christian Students on Campus at UConn, supporting weekly fellowship and Bible study opportunities that foster spiritual growth and community. After graduation, Kiana aspires to pursue a career in medicine, where she hopes to serve and uplift underserved communities.
Rahma Ibet
Rahma is majoring in materials science and materials engineering, with a minor in manufacturing. Her involvement on campus includes being one of two VPs of on-campus events for Impact Fellows (engineering ambassadors). Their mission is creating accessible STEM presentations and facilitating demonstrations to K-12 students. Rahma's hobbies include reading mystery and thriller books, along with journaling. One of Rahma's growing interests is knitting!
NaShyla McQuirter
NaShyla is a sophomore majoring in physiology and neurobiology with minors in biomedical engineering and Spanish. She works to combat social inequities through her leadership roles in the UConn Medical Clinic Club and STEM PLUS Academy, where she helps provide free local medical clinics and supports underrepresented students in STEM. Her academic and research interests focus on the mechanisms underlying disorders of the gut-brain interaction. In the future, she aspires to incorporate more accessible, cost-efficient service options into the healthcare setting as a physician scientist.
Alens Toussaint
Alens is a student at the University of Connecticut Stamford, majoring in Marketing Management in the School of Business. A rising senior, he has served as a student worker and former ASA Student Representative and held multiple roles within UConn Stamford’s Student Government, where he will serve as Student Body President for the 2026–2027 academic year. His approach to leadership is grounded in service, presence, and continuous growth, viewing leadership not as a title but as a responsibility to create positive impact and act with integrity. Originally from Haiti, his experiences have shaped his commitment to resilience, personal growth, and community-driven leadership.
Savannah Williams
Savannah is a senior at the University of Connecticut majoring in economics with a minor in women's, gender, and sexuality studies. She serves as treasurer and chairwoman of risk management for Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated; membership chairwoman of the NAACP UConn Chapter; and formerly served as treasurer of the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Savannah is also a resident assistant, BOLD Women’s Leadership Scholar, and community outreach & programming chair at the African American Cultural Center. She is passionate about advocacy, health equity, and addressing systemic inequalities, particularly through her work on Black maternal health disparities. After graduation, she plans to pursue a career in health rights and policy law, working to advance accountability, equity, and access for marginalized communities.