On March 23, the University of Georgia’s inaugural cohort of the Fanning Student Ambassador Leadership Certificate program graduated during a ceremony on the Athens campus. This professional development initiative equips student ambassadors from across UGA’s schools and colleges with leadership skills and career readiness.

The program, developed and facilitated by the J.W. Fanning Institute for Leadership Development, a unit of UGA Public Service and Outreach (PSO), was made possible through a grant from the UGA Parents Leadership Council, which annually awards funding to campus programs dedicated to enriching the undergraduate experience. The program also has received a grant from the council’s 2026 funding cycle.

“Student ambassadors play an important role in shaping how prospective students and families experience the University of Georgia,” said Jason Edwards, Fanning Institute faculty member. “Thanks to the generous support of the UGA Parents Leadership Council, we brought together a cross-campus team to co -create this one -of -a – kind program. By building leadership and confidence, these ambassadors are prepared to represent UGA at the highest level.”

The program featured student ambassadors from 18 of UGA’s 19 schools and colleges, creating a university-wide collaboration that distinguishes it apart from traditional single-unit programs. Over eight sessions, participants completed coursework designed to strengthen their ability to represent their schools and colleges while building professional skills that will serve them well beyond graduation. At the program’s close, each ambassador was recognized with a certificate and digital badge.

Students said the program was beneficial not only to them professionally, but also personally.

Sara Sohani, a second-year medical student from Marietta in the Augusta/UGA Medical Partnership, said the program generated opportunities across the university she wouldn’t otherwise have had.

“The UGA Student Ambassador Leadership Program has been a great way to not only meet people from other colleges but also learn about different aspects of leadership,” Sohani said. “I appreciate that this program has focused on how to strengthen our own attributes, collaborate with different personality types and, overall, given us tools to become better ambassadors and leaders.”

For Miguel Martinez, a junior from Alto, Georgia, majoring in risk management and insurance and international business with a minor in Spanish, the program reframed what leadership means at its core.

“Through the Student Ambassador Leadership Program, I’ve learned to bridge the gap between advocacy and professionalism to internalize servant leadership,” Martinez said. “As a Terry Ambassador, I’ve impacted prospective and current UGA students through mentorship and service. As a professional, I’ve traveled the world to lead initiatives through internships and consulting projects. But the biggest takeaway from the Student Ambassador Leadership Program has been self-advocacy, because as much as I acknowledge the needs of others, I’ve learned that my leadership starts with expressing inner fortitude.”

Upon completing the program, ambassadors emerge better prepared to serve as institutional representatives and to apply transferable leadership skills in academic, professional and community settings.

Graduates include:
Mason Gonsisko, School of Law
Aaron So, College of Environment and Design
Adam Rose, College of Public Health
Avery Bayes, College of Pharmacy
Camila Varela, Mary Frances Early College of Education
Creed Barrett, Morehead Honors College
Hannah Jones, School of Public and International Affairs
Jerusha Titus, Warnell School of Forestry
Jocelyn Garcia, College of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences
Kathryn (Laney) Clines, College of Family and Consumer Sciences
Miguel Martínez, Terry College of Business
Molly Clark, School of Social Work
Reena Thangamani, Franklin College of Arts and Science
Ryan Donovan, Odum School of Ecology
Sara Sohani, Augusta/UGA Medical Partnership
Skye Holloway, Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication
Tyler Hsu, College of Engineering
Will Walker, Graduate School

The Parents Leadership Council (PLC) provides grants to UGA schools, colleges, departments and registered student organizations to support scholarships, student initiatives and programs that enhance undergraduate student life. Since its founding in 2012, the council has grown to more than 400 families and has awarded $10 million to student programs, scholarship funds, and other undergraduate resources across campus. Last year, PLC raised a record $1.6 million.