Meet the Student Leaders of the Leadership Scholars Program!

Academic Navigator

The Academic Navigator assists the Leadership Scholars in their holistic student success, executive functioning skills, and academic engagement. This includes proactive outreach initiatives, academic skill building workshops, and referrals to appropriate campus resources.

Sidney Schroepfer

• Academic pursuits: EdS School Psychology Candidate
• Year: Second-year graduate Student
• Involvement on campus: President of the Loyola Association of School Psychologists (LASP), Member of Loyola’s Chess Club
• Leadership Philosophy: "I believe that there are many forms of leadership, and many forms of effective leadership. For myself, I find I best lead through authenticity and service. I strive to bring my whole, optimistic self to the present situation as we are all learning what it means to collaborate, adapt, and live a balanced life. I strive to serve others in progressing towards their goals, empowering and uplifting them when opportunities for growth and development present themselves, and I often attempt to use research and campus/community resources to support that progress towards individual goals."

Junior Peer Mentors

The Junior Peer Mentors play an important role in supporting sophomore year students in returning to campus. They maintain regular contact with each LSP scholar in their small group and assist in creating and promoting programming for the LSP and LUC community.

Alyssa (Aly) Librizzi

• Major: Nursing
• Year: Junior
• Involvement on campus: PR Chair of the '26 Nursing Student Council, Scholars Programs Front Desk Receptionist, and a Student Mentor for the MNSON Society of Mentors Program
• Leadership Philosophy Statement: "I will lead by example and with empathy for all."

Donovan Meachem

• Major: Visual Communications
• Minor: Dance
• Year: Junior
• Involvement on campus: Dance Cast
• Leadership Philosophy Statement: "To inspire is my hallmark in leadership. In order for me to be the best leader I can I am going to inspire my team to make choices and do their best in all things they do.  Strive to inspire and encourage common growth toward a common good."

Sophomore Peer Mentors

The Sophomore Peer Mentors play an important role in bridging the gap between high school and college incoming first-year students. They maintain regular contact with each LSP scholar in their small group and assist in creating and promoting programming for the LSP and LUC community.

Sultan Cheema

• Major: Anthropology, Pre-Med
• Year: Sophomore
• Involvement on campus: Muslim Student Association, Pakistani Student Association, Don't Panic! CS, Tutoring Center
• Leadership Philosophy Statement: "I will lead by achievement and deliberation. I will use loyalty and competition to strengthen those around me. I believe in selflessness and generosity to provide for others."

Emily (Emmy) Sarmiento

• Major: Psychology
• Minor: Social Work
• Year: Sophomore
• Involvement on campus: Campus Ministry, Kapwa Loyola, The Silhouettes, Loyola Psychology Association
• Leadership Philosophy Statement: "I work to improve myself and the lives of others with patience, humility, and empathy, while respecting each individual’s experience and acknowledging the talents of others."

Sophomore Event Leader

The Sophomore Event Leader assists the LSP team in creating meaningful engagement for Scholars that increase students’ sense of belonging and to planning and executing social programs, retreats, and monthly colloquiums.

Daniella (DD) Gonyoe

• Major: English 
• Minor: Peace, Justice and Conflict Studies
• Year: Sophomore
• Involvement on campus: African Student Association, Women in Business, Black Cultural Center, American Cancer Society
• Leadership Philosophy Statement: "I will lead with love, compassion, and empathy. I will work to create opportunities for others to grow one excel. My leadership will demonstrate the principles of my faith."

Social Media and Marketing Ambassador

The Social Media and Marketing Ambassador manages the LSP social media account to promote the program's services and works on content creation for advertisement purposes of LSP and LUC related news.

Krisjela Kallanxhi

• Major: Biochemistry, Pre-Pharmacy
• Year: Sophomore
• Involvement on campus: American Chemical Society, Club Francais, Karate Club, Women in Science and Math, Photography Club, Pre-Health Society, American Society for Biochemistry
• Leadership Philosophy Statement: "I believe true leadership is defined by the ability to inspire and empower a team to work together towards a common goal. By fostering a collaborative environment, I aim to bring out the best in each team member, leveraging our collective strengths to achieve excellence."