August 23, 2024
Student leaders of color celebrate four years of scholarship and service
By Michael Hagan ’15, ’19G
After a recognition ceremony for graduating students of color, six friends who met as first-year students in 2020 at Transitions, a pre-orientation program for new multicultural and first-generation students at Providence College, gathered for a photo proposed by Myles Johnson ’24, a business economics major from Lawrenceville, New Jersey. Each student was a leader in one or more of Providence College’s 120+ student clubs and organizations.
“This was a very impressive year for leadership by students of color, both in terms of numbers and commitment to mission,” said Johnson, who was president of the Board of Programmers.
Learn more about these six student leaders who graduated on May 19, 2024.
Natalia Alzate ’24
Biology and psychology double major; neuroscience, philosophy, and sociology minors
Manchester, New Hampshire
Campus leadership roles: President, Organization of Latin American Students; chair for fine arts, Board of Programmers; New Student Orientation leader; tutor, Student Success Center
Where is she now? Natalia is a clinical researcher for Brown University School Public Health and Brown Urology where she studies the environmental factors and their relationship to urological cancers.
“Being a student leader connected me with members of the student body I might not have met otherwise. I learned to advocate for myself and the clubs I was part of while stepping outside of my comfort zone to grow. Most rewarding was working with great teams and inspiring younger student leaders to step into leadership roles.”
Natalia minored in neuroscience, which is now offered as a major.
Santiago “Santi” Najarrro Cano ’24
Marketing major, theatre minor
Pawtucket, Rhode Island
Campus leadership roles: Vice president, Organization of Latin American Students; secretary, A Capella; member, Six Gents sketch comedy club; member, Dirigo Leadership Honors Society
Where is he now? Santi is preparing to begin a marketing role at L’Oreal in New York City.
“Transitions helped me get acclimated to my new college environment with other students of color. As a student leader at PC, it was so rewarding to mentor and support peers in my clubs.”
Sophia Gaines ’24
Elementary and special education major, business and innovation minor
Boston, Massachusetts
Campus leadership roles: President, Friars Club; vice president, Women Empowered; facilitator, Educators United; member, Dirigo Leadership Honors Society
Where is she now? Sophia is pursuing at master’s degree in special education with a dyslexia credential at Providence College, where she is also a graduate assistant in the Office of Orientation, Transitions, and Leadership.
“My dream coach in Transitions was an important part of starting college off on the right foot. She was always there for me to lean on. We talked about everything from academics to a social life, education, and so much more. I am grateful for her honesty and support. Our conversations helped me navigate new experiences.”
Satoya Isophe ’24
Health policy and management major, business and innovation minor
Lowell, Massachusetts
Campus leadership roles: head resident assistant, McCarthy Hall; head dream coach, Transitions; president, Motherland Dance Club; member, Dirigo Leadership Honors Society
Where is she now? Satoya is a practice operations assistant in the Department of Neurosurgery at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, where she manages patients’ consultations with neurosurgeons and imaging appointments.
“Transitions introduced me to students in my class that look like me and have similar experiences. Knowing that I would share my four years at PC with these familiar faces was heartwarming and helped me go out of my way to meet other new people.”
Myles Johnson ’24
Business economics major; finance, political science, and Asian studies minors
Lawrenceville, New Jersey
Campus leadership roles: President, Board of Programmers; tutor, Student Success Center; copyeditor, The Cowl; New Student Orientation leader; member, Dirigo Leadership Honors Society; committee member, Board of Multicultural Student Affairs; treasurer, African-American Society; coordinator, Horizons
Where is he now? Myles is a marketing and client service associate at Westfield Capital Management in Boston.
“Being a leader made me a more well-rounded and compassionate person. The best part is being able to leave what you built behind and watch those you helped grow carry it forward. That makes any leadership experience worthwhile to me.”
Spencer Johnson ’24
English major, Black studies and political science minors
Lawrenceville, New Jersey
Campus leadership roles: treasurer, Board of Programmers; vice president, African American Society; New Student Orientation leader, copyeditor, The Cowl
Where is he now? Spencer is preparing to live abroad in Argentina as a cultural ambassador for the Fulbright Program, the flagship international exchange program of the U.S. government. He will teach English to college students preparing to become teachers.
“Transitions was a great place to make my first college friends and build my network. I remained close with friends from Transitions through all four years at PC. As a student leader, I appreciated being able to give back to the community and students of color as well as demonstrate what people of color can accomplish at Providence College.”
The Fund for Providence College creates endless possibilities for students at Providence College. Your gift through the annual fund, to its diversity, equity, and inclusion designation, has an immediate impact on helping PC students find their purpose and passion.
