Administrator and Staff Award

Image of MLK holding speech, with text "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Admin & Staff Award"

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Administrator and Staff Award is sponsored by the NYU Administrative Management Council (AMC) and the Office of Global Inclusion, Diversity, and Strategic Innovation (OGI). The award is presented to one administrator and one union staff who embodies what it means to be inclusive and just with a proven history of respectfully serving their teammates at all levels. In addition, the recipients of this award demonstrate a commitment to enriching and serving their communities, as exemplified by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Current NYU administrators, staff, students, faculty, alumni, or other members of the NYU community may submit nominations. Award recipients are chosen by a selection committee of administrators and staff.

Isabella Rivera

Administrative Aide

Liberal Studies

Isabella Rivera (Tisch, ’21) implements the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion within NYU Liberal Studies and beyond. Through her interactions with colleagues, faculty, and students, Isabella leads with respect and recognition. These efforts promote a collaborative and supportive work environment for all.

Through her actions, Isabella has established herself as a respected voice, presence, and resource for underrepresented individuals of various cultural, socioeconomic, and religious backgrounds. She is deeply committed to ensuring that everyone is given an equitable opportunity to thrive—both professionally and personally. As an artistic scholar, Isabella’s research melds art techniques with therapeutic practice. To this end, her passion is to create space for individuals to experience resilience, emotional healing, and liberatory transformation.

An advocate for mental wellness and underprivileged communities, Isabella encourages everyone to spread kindness, listen loudly, and be inspired by enlightening conversations that promote healing and unity.

Francheska Jimenez

Program Administrator, Academic & Student Affairs

Center for Data Science

Francheska Jimenez (she/her/hers) is the program administrator for academic & student affairs at the NYU Center for Data Science. She is an Afro-Latina born, raised, and still living in the Bronx.

Before coming to NYU, Francheska worked for many years in K-12 administration for several Harlem schools before obtaining her MA in Higher Education Administration from Stony Brook University. She is now pursuing an EdD in Higher & Postsecondary Education at Teachers College.

Francheska’s research focuses on intersectional identity development among Queer students of color and institutional effectiveness. She is also passionate about all things revolving around equity and inclusion. At NYU, she serves on the leadership team of the Administrators of Color Network (ACN), is a Global Inclusion Officer, and co-chairs the Center for Data Science’s DEI Committee.

Award recipients will receive professional development support in the form of reimbursement. They will also be announced and celebrated during the NYU MLK Week University-Wide Event on February 16, 2023.