Eastern Connecticut State University’s 2025 Equity and Social Justice Awards recently honored three students for their commitment to civil rights, systemic change, and advocating for underserved groups. The ceremony took place March 28 in Eastern’s Art Gallery.

Cecilia Meléndez Pérez was presented with the César Chávez Award; Hatshepsu Coutain-Julien earned the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award; and Gabriela Varela Santana earned the Ella T. Grasso Award.

“The recipients of these awards carry the hallmark of who we are,” said LaMar Coleman, vice president for equity and diversity, of the university community.

“I’ve been interacting with these incredible students since the moment I got here,” said President Karim Ismaili of these three highly engaged students, who’ve made an impression on him during his first year as president, during his welcome address.

“These students take action and lead with empathy … they are the best of who we are.” Of their varied causes, he said, “They show us activism comes in many forms,” adding, “justice is not a goal. It’s a journey. The fight is ongoing.”

The event’s keynote speaker was Mariana Serrano ’18, lecturer of health sciences and nursing, who serves as founder and chief visionary officer at The Cadence of Social Impact, a Hartford-based civil and social organization.

Her main message: “We are all leaders in this space. Equity starts with you. You have the power; you are a leader.”

During the arduous fight for social justice, Serrano encouraged students to remain positive. “Yes, the work needs to move forward, but there needs to be joy as well.” She added, “Only through education, solidarity, and ethical leadership can society heal.”

César Chávez Award

The César Chávez Award is presented annually to a student who acts as an empathetic leader for underserved groups. A junior business administration major, Meléndez Pérez volunteers in the Willimantic community and with Eastern’s Center for Community Engagement (CCE).

She moved to the United States from Guatemala nine years ago not knowing any English. “This award reflects the ethics that I hold and inspires me to move forward,” she said. “For anyone who thinks their dreams may be out of reach, I hope my story inspires.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Award was presented to Coutain-Julien, a senior psychology major. This award goes to a student each year who demonstrates a commitment to civil rights and inclusion on and off campus.

Coutain-Julien is president of Eastern’s National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) chapter. She has received multiple NAACP Presidential Awards for her service, which includes volunteering with the CCE.

Coutain-Julien plans to take her service-oriented spirit to law school, where she will work toward reforming policy and advancing civil rights and justice. She hopes to enter a career in forensic psychology or the criminal legal system.

“I strive to leave a legacy of advocacy, empowerment, and systemic change. My purpose is to challenge injustice, amplify marginalized voices, and create pathways for equity within the legal system and society at large,” said Coutain-Julien.

Ella T. Grasso Award

Varela Santana, a senior economics major, earned the Ella T. Grasso Award for advocating for systemic change while encouraging others to do so. Born in Mexico and raised in Atlanta, GA, Varela Santana wants all students to have a fair shot at success in higher education.

Varela Santana is a TheDream.US scholar, serves as president of the Freedom at Eastern club, and works as an intern at Eastern’s Office of University Opportunity Programs and Grow Windham.

She is also a committee member of the Neighbor Fund, which provides financial and legal services for undocumented immigrants in the Willimantic community. She aims to help ensure access to fair professional compensation for all undocumented students.