Health and Wellness Promotion

Growth Award — Monica Alfaro '24

"Monica has shown exemplary achievement this year in BTW. After taking time to observe and get her footing, Monica really dedicated herself to this team and she has consistently raised her hand and volunteered to take the lead on projects even though she is not a coordinator. She has truly worked very hard, sometimes without even being noticed. Her dedication to the projects she is assigned for is clear to everyone, whether it be painting for hours on hours or volunteering for a multitude of BTW events and workshops. When we had events, she continued to innovate and come up with ways to make the events better on the spot. Her work has left a mark in everyone who passes the SCC and her kindness is contagious."

Fellowship Award — Leah Goldstein ’25

"Leah, or our 'lil "mini Leah," is an absolute ray of sunshine. She shines so brightly and it only reflects positively on our team culture and our performance. When Leah is at events, we all are energized. Leah hit the ground running from the very start of her time on this team. She has always gone above and beyond to support the BTW team, whether that be in or out of the office. When something extra needs to be done, Leah will volunteer. When someone needs to step aside, Leah will cover for them. When the committees need to work together, Leah will attend both meetings and act as a liaison for the teams. She has truly fostered better relationships between all members of this team. Her work ethic is an example for all of us. She goes above and beyond to uphold our mission, and ensure that the student body knows who BTW is and why we're awesome!"

Legacy Award — Nathalie Vieux-Gresham ’23

"Nathalie is the pinnacle of what BTW encompasses. Her presence is empowering and she is always boosting the mood with members in and out of office. She always brings a smile to people's faces. She brings so much energy to the space and makes BTW a more bubbly place to be. She always takes initiative and goes above and beyond for the team. She shows a strong passion and is constantly doing the most to push BTW forward. Nathalie really does love BTW down to its core, and has set a good example of what every BTW member should strive to be. She's been in BTW for most of her college years, and has always been leading initiatives, or coming up with creative thoughts. Her video ideas will be used for incoming first years to see and understand the importance of health and wellness. Nathalie has left her mark on BTW and the campus in general with her many many talents and joyous personality. She has become the heart and soul of this team. She deserves everything and anything for all she's given to Bridge to Wellness and to all of us."

Unsung Hero Award — Emily Zhu '23

"Emily works so hard behind the scenes for BTW, whether it be creating agendas, sending emails, working with applicants, and typing up newsletters. This year, she has taken up a new role which is going to reshape what the team looks like for the next couple of years. Emily keeps the wheels running and has demonstrated great organizational effort for the team. She has always been willing to share ideas and give space to everyone else. In addition to holding the team together, Emily brings so much enthusiasm and is exceptional in every task she handles. She has consistently made herself available to help this team evolve and become better at what we do. She is always ready to help any member with their workload, and does so with a sweet tone and a smile on her face. Her influence and work ethic will influence us forever and leave an impact on how we can teach future BTW members to work like her. Emily is truly an unsung hero!"

"Peer of the Year" Peer Choice Award — Isabella Doulas ’24

"Bella's dedication to BTW always pushes us all to do our absolute best. An all-around awesome team player and absolute trooper, Bella has carried the weight of many projects on her own while also learning to lead a team. In her role as events team coordinator, she displayed amazing ideas and organization. She is a great leader but also a great listener and takes into account what the team requires to do what needs to be done. She goes above and beyond to adapt to others' needs and ensure that people feel well equipped to do their job. Bella is a trend setter and absolute beast of a coordinator. She stays to talk to folks and get to know people after meetings, which only encourages our friendly team nature and culture. Bella puts her heart into whatever she does, especially making others feel welcome and included. She takes initiative and does stuff for the betterment of the community without seeking praise or recognition. She is the calm presence and light of the team and she always knows how to keep the team morale up. Bella truly encompasses the spirit of BTW and has dedicated so much of her time in this team. She cares deeply about the impact BTW has and her passion is inspiring. "

Fellowship Award — Nathalie Vieux-Gresham ’23

Nathalie has truly gifted us with a positive spirit. She has welcomed us into her world and invited us to partake in it. For meetings she offers to buy boba, she invites BTW members to events with her friends, and always makes it a point to let someone know when they are doing well.

"I've never forgotten how open and friendly she was with me from literally day one. I remember on the first day of training walking into training and feeling super awkward since I didn't know a single other person in the room, and she was super active in making me feel comfortable, cracking jokes, asking about my major, and more to really get to know me. I've always really appreciated her talent for making people feel comfortable and welcome in a sometimes unfamiliar space."

Legacy Award — Denezia Fahie ’22

Denezia is the foundation of BTW and is one of the key figures in BTW's history. As a graduating senior who has helped build BTW from the group up, the organization would be entirely different than what it is today without her. Her creativity, innovative thinking, and constructive and progressive ideas alongside her friendly approach towards everyone is the foundation of BTW that will hold for as long as BTW exists.

"I could write an entire essay about why Denezia has earned the Legacy Award. But I think it is simply best to say, I have modeled my own involvement aspirations within the BTW group after Denezia's lead. And I have seen other people do the same."

"Honestly, you cannot spell 'legacy' without 'Denezia.' "

Unsung Hero Award — Camila Casanueva ’22

Camila is the definition of a team player. Despite balancing academics, basketball, BTW and more, Camila always put her best foot forward and ensured her other commitments never took away from BTW. When Camila ever had free time from her basketball season, she was working on BTW things. Camila has been described as our most consistent member, showing up week after week any way she could.

"From helping come up with ideas for events or campaigns to always volunteering to be present at events, Camila is always ready to put in 110% into everything she does as a peer health educator. Moreover, Camila always enjoys engaging with us, and never fails to put a smile on our faces :) Camila's is everyone's hero."

"Peer of the Year" Award — Catherine Romero ’22

Cat is one of the most hard working members of our team. Cat has led many initiatives and has coordinated many successful events this year, especially with the Intercultural Center. Her work organizing all these health and wellness events for students of color has been amazing. Her work ethic and contribution to the development of ideas is unparalleled. Cat goes out of her way to plan group bonding events while fostering a close knit group dynamic. Cat has done so much behind the scenes and has just been a great force for BTW.

"Cat is the group member I’d go to if I ever needed someone to talk to. She is sweet, open, and always welcoming."

"Peer of the Year" Peer Choice Award — Isabella Doulas ’24

Bella has been an inspirational member of the team. From the beginning, Bella kickstarted her BTW journey with an unparalleled level of initiative and involvement, and she stood out immediately as a leader. Bella has shown great investment in the well-being of our campus through showing up and showing out for events and also doing behind the scenes work such as making flyers and posts to inform the community. She is always willing to help when people need it and is often the one to volunteer when asked. Bella routinely goes above and beyond in her role as a BTW peer health educator to ensure that she does her best for the team and the Brandeis community.

"It's her first year, but honestly it feels like she has been a part of BTW for a long time with the finesse with which she handles things. She has a great talent for creativity and social media posts, and I greatly admire the excitement and dedication she brings into the group."

Fellowship Award — Danielle Wright ’21

Danielle is known for being kind and inclusive, and for helping new members feel connected to BTW. She is consistently reaching out and demonstrating love and care in her interactions. She is an active listener who is sensitive to others' needs and capacity. Danielle puts in a lot of effort to make BTW meetings fun and engaging. She is one of the main reasons why the group feels like more than just a workspace.

Legacy Award — Ysabel Munoz ’21

As a graduating senior and an original member of BTW, Ysabel is known her unmatchable work ethic and has shown dedication far beyond what the job requires. As one of the pioneers of BTW, she brought a vision to the table and has been here to see it through. Her work has shaped the group's values; it would not be the way it is without her time, effort and energy.

Unsung Hero Award — Catherine Romero ’22

Despite contributing remotely this year, Catherine is heavily involved behind the scenes in making so many BTW endeavors work. She is reliable and always willing and available to help. In the face of challenges, she demonstrated agility, perseverance, calm and finesse. Catherine has continuously encouraged each and every BTW member to do their best.

"Peer of the Year" Award — Denezia Fahie ’22

Denezia's dedication and vision surrounding health and wellness promotion has created spaces and initiatives that exceeded expectations as to what could be achieved during COVID-19. She goes above and beyond to provide support and foster community for both the Brandeis community and the BTW team. Denezia has always been involved in making sure BTW is a tight-knit team. She is a capable, excellent resource and friend to all.

"Peer of the Year" Peer Choice Award — Nathalie Vieux-Gresham ’23

Nathalie's work ethic, creativity regarding programs and presentations, and general attitude and optimism makes her a role model and strong influencer on the BTW team. Nathalie's commitment to and excitement for BTW has radiated through when the group was feeling frustrated or overwhelmed with school and life. She brings her whole self to any task — whether it be developing Tik Toks, public speaking, social media andor sharing knowledge. Nathalie uses and develops her skills in order to connect people to the right support and larger community. Nathalie is the embodiment of BTW's mission!

Fellowship Award — Jack Rubinstein ’20

Jack is known for his kindness, sense of humor, and passion for improving student health and equity at Brandeis. He brings energy and laughter to the group, always making sure that members feel welcomed and included. As one member wrote: "Every room is brighter when Jack is in it."

Legacy Award — Julia St. Amand ’20

Julia is the catalyst that brought BTW into being. From the first, her passion for peer education was clear. As a founding coordinator, Julia’s organization skills, steady communication and work ethic drove BTW forward. The standard she has set will continue long after she graduates.

Unsung Hero Award — Danielle Wright ’21

Danielle contributes with the true spirit of a team player. She was instrumental in coordinating the Navigating Nutrition web series, and is always happy to lend a hand. Even after her Study Abroad was cut short, Dani was back in the game, helping out with a smile!

"Peer of the Year" Award — Denezia Fahie ’22

Denezia sets herself apart with her joyous and unwavering dedication to peer education. One of BTW's founding coordinators, Denezia demonstrated her commitment by leading the curriculum development of a successful cannabis education workshop, building partnerships with Waltham High School Trailblazers, and working to foster a fun, supportive and inclusive team dynamic for the group.

"Peer of the Year" Peer Choice Award — Ysabel Munoz ’21

Ysabel, a founding coordinator, exemplifies qualities of a skilled leader. She leads through relationship building, always reaching out and checking in to support her team. Biz has gone above and beyond to help BTW become known and respected on campus. To quote a peer: "Her hard work and dedication extends beyond the job requirement.. She is consistently offering new, innovative, brilliant ideas. I think she really embodies what it means to be a stellar peer educator."

"Peer of the Year" Peer Choice Award — DeBorah Ault ’22

DeBorah demonstrates a clear passion for education through her energetic engagement with BTW. She inspires her peers and works to engage the rest of the community — students, faculty and staff — in BTW projects. She seeks out new opportunities and partnerships with different groups on campus. As one peer said: "She always gets me motivated in meetings and activities. Her energy is endless, inspiring and contagious."