Celia Peña-Gomez, Program Coordinator for the International Education Program, was awarded the George Washington Award at the Excellence in Student Life Awards Ceremony.
The George Washington Award recognizes students, faculty, and staff who have displayed competence, integrity, and goodwill in carrying out their university responsibilities and who go above and beyond to create broad and lasting impact.
Celia was nominated by a faculty member as well as by two students for this award. In response, she said, "My family has always instilled a strong work ethic in me, focused on prioritizing care and purpose over personal recognition. I've focused a lot of my time on empowering students, faculty, and fellow staff here at GW and GSEHD with zero expectations of recognition and getting the most satisfaction in seeing them succeed in their own ways. I personally know the impact of what it means to have that one person in your corner who is always there and rooting for you despite the storm and chaos that life throws at you, so why not pay that forward to others? Receiving this recognition is simply a confirmation of what I have known all along - that I have an impact on the lives of my students. In January 2021, when I started this position as program coordinator, I had 1 goal: to create a lasting legacy at GSEHD and GW, and I think this recognition confirms that I have definitely done that!"
Celia was also nominated for the by both students and faculty for the Robert A. Chernak Spark a Life Award for Staff Member of the Year and the Individual Excellence Award.