University Park student Celiena Bady ‘13 demonstrates her commitment to making the University―and the world―a more diverse place on a daily basis. As an international politics major, Celiena also has impressed faculty and her peers with her dedication to academics and the gender and sexuality studies (SGS) minor. Although she had fulfilled credits for a different program, she was adamant about working toward the SGS minor―because she felt it was so important to have on campus.

Celiena has participated in the LeaderShape Institute as well as the Global Engagement and Leadership Experience (GELE)―where students from different backgrounds come together to expand their knowledge of other cultures and global leadership. She is also a member of the Blue and White Society, Blue Print Mentors and BEAST (a mentoring program at State College High School), all while serving as a Resident Assistant in Tener Hall.

And, as Penn State’s Chapter President of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), Celiena is the voice of the organization whose mission is to improve the political, educational, social and economic status of minority groups. In this role, she has led countless student discussions on campus and helped organize events.

Celiena is Penn State proud, and always exhibits a thirst for learning about all people and cultures. She believes it’s crucial to bring awareness to injustice of underrepresented groups.