Four Rio Salado College students were recently recognized with the prestigious 2025 Chancellor’s Civic Leadership Medallion, an honor awarded to students across the Maricopa Community Colleges who demonstrate exemplary leadership, civic engagement, and service to the community. These students have made a lasting impact through their dedication to public service and their communities.
“The Chancellor’s Civic Leadership Medallion honors the impact of student leadership and civic engagement—and I’m grateful our students see it as a meaningful way to recognize that the incredible things they do truly matter,” said Kate Packer, director of Rio Salado’s Student Life and Leadership team. “This year, we celebrate four exceptional recipients, and I know without a doubt that many more at RSC are just as deserving—accomplished, hardworking, driven, and deeply committed to their communities.”
Elsir Ahmed: Philosophy, Leadership, and Feeding the Community
Elsir Ahmed, who is completing courses at both Rio Salado College and Chandler-Gilbert Community College, made a difference the last few years through hands-on service. He has collectively more than 150 hours of volunteer work at both St. Vincent de Paul and Paz de Cristo, where he helps with dining, food service, leadership and even data work.
“I was looking for ways to become more active on campus and get involved,” he said.
Ahmed also serves in leadership in Rio’s Alpha Omega chapter of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society (PTK), helping foster student engagement and success. He is finishing his degree in May.
Anira Bermudez: Building Confidence and Policy Change Through SPPF
For Anira Bermudez, the Maricopa Community Colleges’ Student Public Policy Forum (SPPF) was a game-changer. “This past year, SPFF has opened doors for opportunities I didn’t think were even available to me,” she said.
In addition to working full time and pursuing an associate degree in Public Administration, Bermudez used her time in SPPF to learn how to advocate effectively, not just in Washington, D.C., but in her own community.
“Yes, DC was the highlight, but we are applying it in our local government,” she said. “Hopefully we will continue to use it in our personal lives and beyond.”
Kelly Sukkha: A Life of Service, Resilience, and Advocacy
Driven by her own life experiences, Kelly Sukkha returned to college to earn a degree in psychology with a future goal to complete a bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degree on her way to becoming a neuropsychologist. She currently works as a medical assistant and laser technician in pediatric, family care, and cosmetology. Sukkha, born in Colombia and adopted through foster care, has dedicated herself to mentoring foster youth in Arizona. She has more than 126 hours of community service and is an advocate for children navigating the same system she once did.
Marielena Aguierre: Championing Student Voice and Public Policy
Marielena Aguierre has left a profound mark on Rio Salado through her work as the college’s student senator, an active leader in PTK, and her participation in the Student Public Policy Forum (SPPF). Through SPPF, Aguirre gained real-world experience about how to influence policy and advocate for positive change— skills she plans to carry forward in her future leadership roles. She and Bermudez hosted Checks, Balances, and Brainpower, a virtual discussion with Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes earlier this year to help students and community members explore how the government and system of checks and balances work. Aguirre is completing a degree in addictions and substance use disorders at Rio Salado.