Congratulations to the Publications Student of the Month for November... Maria Victoria Almarza Perez from Miami Dade College! Maria Victoria was nominated by her advisor, Emily Sendin. Here is what Emily shared with us about Maria Victoria:
"Maria Victoria has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, creativity, and dedication through her work in our digital publication and media organization. As a founding member and current Vice President of StoryBytes, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the vision, culture, and direction of our student-led digital storytelling community. Her initiative, reliability, and collaborative spirit have set a high standard for her peers. Maria is also an accomplished filmmaker, producer, and music composer, roles she balances with remarkable professionalism and artistry. She has contributed to multiple award-winning student projects, ensuring high production quality in every phase, from pre-production planning to post-production editing. Her versatility is matched only by her ability to lead with calm, confidence, and empathy. Within StoryBytes, Maria is both a driving force and a grounding presence. She motivates others with her enthusiasm while creating a supportive environment where students feel encouraged to explore ideas, take creative risks, and grow as storytellers. Whether she is composing original scores, directing short films, mentoring new members, or coordinating production logistics, Maria shows excellence in every task she undertakes. Her contributions have significantly elevated the quality and professionalism of our publication and media projects. She exemplifies the best of student leadership with her deep commitment to the success of the team.
Maria Victoria has also demonstrated strong leadership across multiple organizations on campus and in the community. As President of the Letter Exchange for Progress and Awareness, she leads a weekly letter exchange with women in prison, fostering connection, empathy, and advocacy. She organizes monthly meetings and campus events that raise awareness about incarceration, social justice, and community engagement. As Vice President of StoryBytes, she guides production teams, composes original scores for podcasts, and ensures projects meet deadlines. She supports members creatively and logistically, contributing to a collaborative and creative storytelling environment. Maria Victoria is also a founding member of the English Honors Society; she assisted in launching the organization and continues to participate in events, workshops, and academic initiatives. Additionally, she is also an engaged member of Phi Theta Kappa, where she takes part in service projects and chapter activities. In the IREX Global Solutions Sustainability Challenge, she served as a Cross-Cultural Relationship Manager, facilitating communication between student teams in Miami and Jordan, promoting cultural understanding, and helping resolve challenges throughout the project. Across these roles, Maria Victoria consistently leads with empathy, responsibility, creativity, and a strong commitment to her campus and community.
Congratulations, Maria Victoria! Thank you to Ms. Sendin for nominating this outstanding student!