I.D.E.A. Catalyst Awards
IME began a tradition of recognizing CAS students, staff, and faculty for their dedication to the IME’s purpose statement and our goal of building and sustaining a truly inclusive campus community.
I.D.E.A. Catalyst Awards honors and celebrates undergraduate students, staff, and faculty who have demonstrated immense dedication to engaging and leading initiatives toward a more inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible (I.D.E.A.) L&C community. Here in IME, we see a catalyst as someone who enacts change. An I.D.E.A. Catalyst is someone who enacts change by using a more inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible framework and mindset throughout their work and day-to-day. I.D.E.A. Catalyst award recipients are individuals who are involved and have demonstrated their commitment through their daily actions, leadership pursuits, everyday conversations, and values. Recipients have helped foster a sense of belonging and uplift the voice of underrepresented communities. These awards are given to individuals who have helped transform our campus for a better, more socially just future.
See here for our 2026 Nomination Form! Submissions are due by Monday, March 9th at 11:59pm.
2025 I.D.E.A. Catalyst Award Recipients
Monique Bittencourt Dias
Monique Bittencourt Dias is the 2025 recipient of the Emerging Leader Honor.
The Emerging Leader Honor is presented to a first-year student who has demonstrated a high level of understanding and dedication towards I.D.E.A. They were involved throughout campus and have immersed themselves in at least one leadership role on campus.
CJ Cabungcal
CJ Cabungcal is this year’s Kristi Williams Staff & Faculty Leadership Honor recipient.
The Kristi Williams Staff & Faculty Leadership Honor is presented to a staff or faculty who has demonstrated a high level of commitment towards students, specifically students of color. They have provided outstanding advocacy, mentorship, and engagement across campus, creating a lasting positive impact on students or campus policies and procedures.
Damaris Medina
Damaris Medina is this year’s recipient of the Ray Warren Outstanding Senior Leader Honor.
The Ray Warren Outstanding Senior Honor is presented to any graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in making an impact on those around them. They have demonstrated a high level of commitment towards I.D.E.A. values and have the potential for even further positive impact on our community beyond L&C.
Dianara Sagastizado
Diana Sagastizado is this year’s Excellence in Advocacy Leadership Honor recipient.
The Excellence in Advocacy Leadership Honor is presented to any undergraduate student who has demonstrated a high commitment towards inclusion and advocacy during their time at L&C. They are mindful of what or who is missing and will go the extra mile in creating space for others. This could mean creating a new initiative, event, program or process that centers around diversity, equity, and accessibility.