Student Spotlight

Lehman College Student Receives National Recognition

[ROCKVILLE, Maryland – May 18, 2023] – Carolyn Hernandez Kaufmann, a graduate student studying speech-language pathology at CUNY Lehman College, has received the 2023 Speaking Out and Being Heard Award by the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA), an organization of nearly 11,000 members studying communication sciences and disorders (CSD), speech-language pathology and audiology at the undergraduate, graduate and doctoral levels at college and universities nationwide.

The Speaking Out and Being Heard Award is presented annually to an outstanding undergraduate or graduate student who brings public awareness to CSD through traditional and/or nontraditional media. Awardees are selected by a group of peers who serve on NSSLHA’s Executive Council. Hernandez Kaufmann will receive a cash prize and recognition on NSSLHA’s website and social media channels.

“Winning National NSSLHA Honors signifies appreciation and recognition for my passion and dedication to the field of speech-language pathology. I have dedicated my time as an undergraduate and graduate speech-language pathology student to advocating for underserved and underrepresented populations in a variety of roles in my department and state's Speech-Language-Hearing Association. As a student clinician, especially one that is a member of these communities, it is our responsibility to bring awareness to the disparities that exist and impact our clients with diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. We also have the advantage to share our perspectives and the richness that exists in our linguistic cultures and experiences. I am extremely honored to have this opportunity to represent first-generation students, the Bronx, Lehman College, and soon, the eight percent of SLPs of color,” said Hernandez Kaufmann.

Each year, NSSLHA recognizes outstanding chapters, members, chapter advisors and organizations that serve the CSD community. A highly selective program, Member Honors are awarded to only six students in four categories.

About NSSLHA

 The National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) is the only national student organization for pre-professionals studying communication sciences and disorders (CSD) recognized by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA). Established in 1972, National NSSLHA is headquartered in Rockville, Maryland, and supports nearly 11,000 members and more than 340 chapters at colleges and universities nationwide.