Gabriela Solis, a senior from Miami, Florida, has been named the recipient of Blackburn College’s 2026 Martin Luther King (MLK) Student Leadership Award. Presented annually, this award honors students who have demonstrated outstanding commitment and service to the ideals of diversity, equity, and inclusion at the College. Solis was first announced as the recipient during Blackburn’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Convocation this month.
The MLK Student Leadership Award was first presented in 2014 to celebrate the exceptional community-based leadership of Blackburn students. Recipients demonstrate one or more of the award’s core criteria, including leadership with significant community impact, sustained service or volunteerism, and perseverance in the face of challenges.
A justice administration and psychology major, 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.
Hear from Gaby!
Hear from Gabriela (Gaby) Solis about her experience as a Blackburn student and winning the MLK Student Leadership award!
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.
As a transfer student living more than 20 hours from home, Solis has demonstrated resilience and determination while balancing academics, athletics, residence life responsibilities, and student leadership. Rather than allowing distance or past challenges to limit her involvement, she has remained deeply committed to her education and to improving the student experience for others.
As the 2026 MLK Student Leadership Award recipient, Solis received a certificate of recognition and prize money, and her photo will be added to the MLK Legacy Wall in the Demuzio Campus Center. The Blackburn College community congratulates Gabriela Solis on this well-deserved honor and thanks her for her lasting contributions to campus life.