The MLK Student Leadership Award is an annual opportunity to celebrate and highlight the exceptional community-based work Blackburn students contribute. 

Each year, this award is presented to a student who demonstrates outstanding commitment and service to the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion beyond the scope of their job. If you know a student who exemplifies Blackburn College’s values of diversity and inclusion, we encourage you to submit a nomination. 

2026 MLK Leadership Award Recipient

Gabriela Solis ’26

A justice administration and psychology major, Gabriela (Gaby) Solis received nominations for the meaningful impact they have made across multiple areas of campus life. As part of the nation’s only student-managed Work Program, Solis serves as a Resident Assistant, leading with care and accountability. “She builds meaningful relationships with residents, supports them through challenges, and works to create a community that is both welcoming and respectful,” one nominator shared.

Solis is also an active leader in student organizations and athletics. A guard on the women’s basketball team, she is currently ranked seventh in the conference in assists during her first season with the Beavers. Teammates and staff describe her as a steady, service-oriented presence who understands the responsibility of representing the College both on and off the court. In addition, Solis is President of Blackburn’s Black Student Union chapter, where her leadership and advocacy have strengthened a sense of belonging among students of color.

Nominations for the award highlighted Solis’s ability to build trust through consistency, approachability, and follow-through. Students regularly seek her out for support, knowing she will listen thoughtfully and respond with honesty and care, particularly when issues of fairness, identity, or belonging arise. Whether advocating for underrepresented students, supporting peers through personal challenges, or raising concerns during Residence Life trainings to help prevent future issues, Solis is recognized for leading with integrity and a strong “service first” mindset.

Congratulations, Gaby!

Previous Winners

• 2025: DaNautica Williams ’26
• 2024: Aryanna Harris ’24
• 2023: Miriam (Mim) Wali-Uddin ’23
• 2022: Mihkyelle Cooper ’22
• 2021: Jameela Brown
• 2020: Nick Johnson ’22
• 2019: Logan Elliot ’19
• 2018: Brandon Lewis ’18

Criteria for the MLK Leadership Award

To be eligible for the MLK Leadership Award, the nominee must meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Initiate or engage in activities that positively enhance the educational, social, and social justice impact of the community and/or their workplace;
• Approach academic, social, or social justice arenas with self-determination;
• Exhibit extraordinary commitment and dedication to community service, volunteerism, social justice, and/or civil rights;  
• Exhibit leadership that has significantly impacted the Blackburn community; and/or
• Have persevered to overcome challenges, either at school, in the workplace, or personally 

Award winners will be honored at the annual MLK Convocation ceremony. Each recipient of the MLK Leadership Award is given prize money, a certificate, and will have their photo displayed on the MLK Legacy Wall. 

Nomination Form

If you know a student who exemplifies the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging please nominate them.

A selection committee made up of faculty and staff will determine the recipient of the award. Please contact [email protected] with any questions.