Trai Williams
Major: Computer Science
Hailing from the beautiful island of Jamaica, Trai is a proud computer science major with a passion for software and web development. With a keen eye for innovation and a love for problem-solving, he is committed to creating impactful digital solutions that empower users and enhance experiences. As the Mentor of the Year Awardee and President of the Caribbean Unity Club at Lehman College, Trai works tirelessly to promote cultural unity, enrich campus life, and provide opportunities for student growth. Beyond academics and leadership, Trai is dedicated to mentoring and uplifting peers, creating a supportive environment where students can thrive both personally and professionally. His enthusiasm for collaboration and passion for cultural representation continue to make a lasting impact on the Lehman College community.
Trai's Advice to Students
Build bridges, not walls. Every connection you make is a steppingstone to something greater. The energy you put into helping others and fostering collaboration will always come back to you in ways you can't imagine. Success is never a solo journey it's the result of shared ideas, support, and the courage to lift others as you rise.
Blessing Ukandu
Major: Chemistry
Blessing Ukandu is an academic scholar, always has the goal in achieving and doing her best. She's majoring in bio chemistry, and is deeply involved in breast cancer research. Other than spending her days studying, she spends her leisure time baking, sky watching and singing in a choir. Beyond this she is person always willing to help and be a blessing to others (no pun intended). Blessing is person with her heart on her sleeve, honesty is important to her in order to form good relationships. Overall she has the brain of a scientist and a heart of a close friend. Her personality and antics can shock a crowd but it will one day change the world.
Blessing's Advice to Students
Life is a journey and despite the trials, the failures and heart break these always to seems to be hope. A quote that resonates this "Where their is life there is hope." As long as you are breathing hope for something better. A better life, better health and better way to change or improve your situation. In my college journey I began as a person who hated change, I made a path of my future and believed that It have happen that way. But I learned and I grew, I became wiser and saw that my journey had an entire different path. And I'm glad that I took he chance to accept that change instead of running away. In return my life is a beautiful adventure, full of joy and tears but always end in victory.
Malique Russell
Major: Accounting
Malique Russell is a senior at Lehman College, majoring in Accounting and Business Administration with a minor in Data Science. Originally from the island nation of Jamaica, he migrated to the United States to join his family and further his studies. A firm believer in the power of perseverance, he credits faith, discipline, and hard work as the pillars of his success.
Malique's Advice to Students
College is short, make the most of it
Omadai Sukul
Major: Speech Pathology and Audiology
Omadai, born and raised in the beautiful country of Guyana, is a selfless mentor of the Urban Male Leadership Program. She is a hardworking junior at Lehman College majoring in Speech Pathology, minoring in Psychology and Early Childhood Education. She creates a caring judgement-free zone where she accesses areas necessary for improvement for her mentees. One of her favorite quotes by Les Brown is 'Shoot for the Moon, even if you miss, you will land among the stars.'
Oma's advice to Students
To any student reading this, Oma believes in you, relight the candles you blew out and channel the beast within.
Rapheal Ocran
Major: Computer Information Systems
Rapheal Ocran is a senior majoring in Computer Information Systems at Lehman College, having previously earned an associate degree from Bronx Community College. Born and raised in Ghana, Rapheal enjoys discussing diverse topics such as culture, movies, and finance. He is an avid gamer, and is a passionate soccer fan. With a strong background in leadership and mentorship, he actively engages in his college community while honing his technical skills in web development and IT support.
Rapheal's Advice to Students
Your connections are way more than names in your contact list; they are priceless assets that help move you closer to success in all aspects of your life.
Elory Mercado
Major: Physics
Elory Mercado is a sophomore studying physics who values discovering things that are unknown to one selves. As a peer mentor, she makes sure that her mentors are on tracks and are finding new ways to solve their problems. She makes sure to check up on them every week to see if there are any new developments in a mentees school life. She is a Puerto Rican woman in stem which wasn’t very common until now. She’s driven by ambition and trying to evolve the people in her community, so that they can see their own value.
Elory's Advice to Students
“Typically people say to shoot for the stars, but I have to disagree with that. You as a person must become the star. It’s going to take plenty of work and effort to actually accomplish your goals, but we musn’t let something like money or race become the thing that stops you. Grab any ounce of information you may gain through class, peers, or mentors and create something new that can improve you and those around you. However, even though it takes work and effort to accomplish a goal, you must also maintain yourself as a person whether that’s in physical or mental health.”
Ransford Attah-Kudadze
Major: Nursing
Ransford, an upper junior Nursing major, is driven to help others succeed. Born and raised in Ghana, he moved to the US in 2017. As a nursing student and peer mentor, he supports incoming freshmen and pre-nursing students on their path to Lehman's Nursing program.
Ransford's Advice to Students
Do your best, focus on your own journey, and don't compare yourself to others. If struggles arise, reach out to mentors, professors, and tutoring resources – and never give up!
Khrisbely De La Rosa
Major: Psychology
Khrisbely De La Rosa is a senior at Lehman College, majoring in psychology with a minor in early childhood education and Youth Services. She moved to the United States at the age of 15, where she initially struggled with the language barrier. However, over time, she learned to adapt and began to form connections with others, successfully overcoming the challenges she faced. She has significantly improved her communication skills and self confidence, equipping her to face challenges with resilience. Upon earning a degree in psychology from Lehman College, Khrisbely aims to seek admission to a master’s program in child psychology to fulfill her dream in working with children and youth, helping to support their mental and emotional well-being
Khrisbely's Advice to Students
“Success is no accident. It’s hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do”(pelé).
Franklin Perez
Major: Business Administration
Franklin is a Junior at Lehman College currently pursuing a bachelors in Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing and Minor in Data Science. With his drive to learn and passion to help others succeed he has landed multiple internships in his professional field. Not only has he made an impact professionally, he has also affected the student life of Lehman. Currently he holds the position of Director of Marketing for ALPFA Lehman, a student chapter of a nationwide organization that strives to provide minorities with job opportunities, all the while maintaining a G.P.A of above 3.6! Outside of school Franklin likes playing video games, watching his favorite tv shows or animes, and exercising. Franklin’s goal is to build a network of like minded individuals that want to succeed and go as far as possible, if you are interested in connecting make sure to add him on LinkedIN!
Franklin's Advice to Students
If you need help, don't be afraid to ask for it. There's nothing wrong with relying on someone else, grab some food or get your groceries from the Lehman Food Pantry, it's an amazing resource available to all Lehman students for FREE!