Commitment to a Vibrant Community
This award honors staff members who demonstrate exceptional dedication to fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive environment within the Carnegie Mellon University community. It recognizes individuals who go above and beyond to create a sense of belonging, promote positive interactions, and enhance the overall community culture through their actions and initiatives. These staff members serve as role models who demonstrate university values, and contribute meaningfully to a campus climate where everyone can thrive.
Criteria include actively contributing to developing and maintaining a community where all members feel valued and included; encourages and facilitates positive, respectful, and meaningful interactions that serve to bring together members of our community with different backgrounds, perspectives and experiences; leading in initiatives that strengthen community bonds and enhance the overall sense of community; implementing programs or activities that support the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of the community; and models a spirit of collaboration, empathy, and pluralism that inspires others to contribute to a stronger, more inclusive community culture.
2025 Award Recipient
Candace Okello
Student Affairs
2025 Nominees
Meredith Blobner
College of Engineering
Meredith is the embodiment of going above and beyond. Her work ethic, positive energy and concern for others are immediately evident to anyone who has had the pleasure of working with her.
Matthew D'Emilio
Office of the General Counsel
Through purposeful leadership and personal engagement, Matthew has made meaningful and lasting contributions to the well-being and sense of belonging among the CMU staff. He is dedicated to cultivating a people-centered campus culture rooted in empathy, inclusion and connection.
Brittany Foster
Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy
Brittany personifies the values of CMU and the spirit of the Vibrant Community Award, not only because of her role representing the university but because these ideals reflect who she is at her core and the legacy she aims to leave. Her deep commitment to community shines in all she does.
Ryan Freytag
University Advancement
Ryan is committed to building a vibrant, inclusive community at Carnegie Mellon through his compassion, professionalism and consistent efforts to ensure everyone feels seen, supported and valued. Whether going above and beyond for donors during major events or championing staff voices through his work on Staff Council, he leads with empathy, service and a deep dedication to connection and belonging.
Candace Okello
Student Affairs
By fostering a welcoming campus culture and directly advancing key university strategic priorities, Candace has gone beyond the responsibilities of her role to create a more inclusive, resilient and connected CMU. Perhaps more powerfully though, her daily presence reinforces the kind of university we aspire to be: one where people feel safe to speak, listen, grow and care for each other.
Kenya Oscar Radoli
Computing Services
Through his leadership in Computing Services' Community, Culture and Engagement (CCE) initiatives, Kenya is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment at Carnegie Mellon. He developed the Computing Services Mentorship Program, guided the Awards and Recognition Program and co-chaired the CCE Committee — all of which enhance bonds and promote positive interactions within the university.
Melissa Ritchie
College of Engineering
Through her compassionate leadership, tireless advocacy for students and active involvement in community-building initiatives, Melissa has profoundly enriched the university’s culture of belonging and engagement.
Katie Walsh
College of Engineering
Katie has transformed how faculty in the college and across the university experience their academic journeys, especially during moments of challenge, transition and growth. Katie has a rare gift: the ability to listen intently, distill a faculty member’s needs into clear details and work to ensure that person’s success. Katie has often made this magic happen, including the work she does across geographical campuses with graduate students and staff.
Kelly Widmaier
School of Computer Science
Kelly created a community of research administrators where none had existed before. Working quietly behind the scenes, she has increased consistency among departments and created a stronger workplace by motivating colleagues to share best practices.