Midori Lebron, CSU¡¯s Director of First Year and Exploratory Advising has been named to the ¡°Top 100 Latinos Cleveland Must Know¡± list for 2023.

Marcia Moreno created the list as the founder of AmMore Consulting, LLC. She created the initiative in 2020 to help elevate the profile of the Hispanic/Latino/Latine/Latinx professional community of Greater Cleveland. Not only does it offer a platform for greater visibility, but it is designed with an intentional emphasis on shining a positive light on Latino professionals and the Latino community within Greater Cleveland.

¡°Receiving this honor is incredibly meaningful to me. It's a recognition of the values and principles that have guided my life and career¡ªeducation, diversity, family, and community,¡± said Lebron. ¡°This honor serves as a reminder of the importance of the work I do and the impact it has on the lives of others, along with reinforcing my commitment to advancing opportunities for women and promoting diversity and inclusion.¡±

Although Lebron has been employed at CSU for the past 11 years, she said her current role has not only played a pivotal role in shaping the growth of her journey but has been shaped thanks to a deep-seated passion for learning and a desire to make a positive impact on every student she comes across.

¡°Growing up as a first-generation Puerto Rican in Cleveland, Ohio, I was inspired by educators who believed in my potential and provided me with the support I needed to succeed,¡± she said. ¡°This experience ignited my desire to enter the field of higher education, where I could help guide students on their academic journeys and offer them the same support and encouragement that I received.¡±

The guiding principle doesn¡¯t end with giving them advice and sending them on their way; as Lebron says, one of the greatest joys of her position is witnessing the transformation that occurs in the lives of her students.

¡°I find joy in helping them set and achieve their educational goals [such as] seeing them overcome challenges, gain confidence, and thrive in their academic pursuits is truly rewarding,¡± said Lebron. ¡°It's a privilege to be a part of their educational journeys and provide guidance as they navigate the complexities of higher education.¡±

At the core of AmMore¡¯s mission is the drive to help Latino professionals grow, develop, and succeed in Northeast Ohio and beyond. Closer to home, Lebron credits CSU for providing her with a solid foundation and a wealth of opportunities to excel in her current role, but at the same time, acknowledging her time hasn¡¯t been without challenges, all of which have enabled her to provide even more to her students.

¡°These experiences, whether positive or challenging, have played a significant role in reinforcing my dedication to championing equitable opportunities for all,¡± she said. ¡°It's a reminder that growth often comes from navigating obstacles and learning from successes and shortcomings encountered along the way, a lesson I often share with my students.¡±

Lebron quickly points out those who have supported and inspired her along the way, expressing her gratitude to her family, mentors, colleagues, and community, culminating in receiving the honor.

¡°I also want to give a big thank you to Heike Heinrich; her unwavering belief in the importance of education, access, and student learning and development has made it possible for me to continue the important work here at CSU,¡± she said. ¡°As I continue to pursue academic excellence and advocate for women's advancement, I look forward to making a positive impact on the lives of others and contributing to a more inclusive and equitable society, starting here at CSU.¡±