Student Mentors | Lehman College

Gabriel Bencosme
Major: Latin American and Caribbean Studies

Gabriel Bencosme is an Upper-Senior at Lehman. He is currently in the field of study, Latin American & Caribbean Studies, with two minors, English Literature and Latino Studies. Gabriel is a seasoned mentor for the CREAR Futuros program. When he was initiated as a mentee, he was selected for the Macy’s Campaign to model for Hispanic Heritage Month, sponsored by Hispanic Federation. Gabriel is a proud Dominican scholar, raised in Washington Heights, Uptown Manhattan. He has excelled in commending his Latino Heritage in every setting, given that his field of study portrays a pivotal factor in his outreach. He also interned at the CUNY Dominican Studies Institute, located at the City College of New York, during Summer 2025. He worked for Dr. Ramona Hernández and Dr. Gregory Morton as a research intern, where he conducted interviews with seniors in Washington Heights to dissect a grasp of the advantages and hardships of the health administration.

Gabriel's Advice to Students

“Always put self-determination above fear. Fear overshadows the potential you carry that can assist you in surpassing the limitations. Disclosing your talents and contributing methods makes you indispensable and a unique individual. You have no one to impress but yourself, so always trust your instincts, integrity is an important characteristic that no one can diminish. When you experience failure, do not let it define you, learn from it and conquer it.”

Omadai Sukul
Major: Speech Language Pathology

Omadai was born and raised in Guyana. She is majoring in Speech Language Pathology and minoring in Early Childhood Education and Psychology. She is the President for SWSLP- Spoken Word Speech Language Pathology Club at Lehman College. Oma is kind, thoughtful, disciplined and creative. She expresses herself in writing poems, Kathak dancing and does a little karate and boxing.

Omadai's Advice to Students

“You are amazing and you are worthy of everything this world has to offer. Lehman College is different from other college. The staff, faculty and the network I have build is like a family. Take advantage if all the resources Lehman has to offer because they are there just for you. Slow down in life, trust the process, breathe. You do not follow in class, speak to the teacher afterward. Go say hi during office hours. Show up and engage in conversations. Try to be better, try to do better, try to become better. Everything you want is on the other side of fear. Oma loves you! You are enough!"

Shada Lauderdale
Major: Social Work

Shada is a junior in the Social Work department. She is currently working as a CREAR Futuros peer mentor at Lehman College. She was previously a mentee and mentor at BMCC before transferring to Lehman College. Shada wanted to become a mentor to guide, support, and create an impact on students lives throughout their academic journey here.

Shada's Advice to Students

“Take advantage of the resources on campus because they are there for you. You are not alone and as a mentor I value my mentees knowing that I am always there every step of the way. The best thing you can do is ask questions when you don’t understand.”

Daniel Luna Miranda
Major: Computer Science and Data Science

Daniel is a Mexican and first-generation college student at Lehman College, where he's double majoring in computer science and data science with a focus on AI. He's passionate about the ethics of AI and how it can be used to empower those without a voice. Daniel is a CREAR Futuros peer mentor and the Vice President of the Chess Club. In his free time, he enjoys running with his dog while listening to his favorite audiobooks - Slytherine all the way! Daniel hopes to inspire other young students to find their voice and potential, and is committed to guiding them towards success with integrity.

Daniel's Advice to Students

“College can be quite a challenging journey, so it’s great to find a balanced approach and share your thoughts with others for helpful suggestions. Don’t forget to take care of yourself, as it really can make the college experience much smoother. Remember, there’s plenty of support available on campus, and everyone at CREAR Futuros is always ready to lend a hand in any way they can..”

Andrea Sanchez Castro
Major: Speech Language Pathology

Andrea is an aspiring Speech-Language Pathologist, hoping to one day specialize in Traumatic Brain Injury. She is currently active in student life as the President for the Latinos Unidos club at Lehman College. Andrea enjoys mentoring students through CREAR, as she grew to love the program as a Mentee herself.

Andrea's Advice to Students

“Get involved in student life! it is the quickest way to get to know people, and for you to be known yourself. Also, always pour into yourself more than your work/ activities. The quickest way to burn out is to not take care of yourself!”

Gabriel Bencosme Major: Latin American and Caribbean Studies