Yearly STAR Awards

See the Yearly Star Awards Recipients

August 2026 STAR Awards

Chidi Okaru

MLK Black Student Resource Center

It is with great pride and enthusiasm that I nominate Chidi for this recognition. In her role with the MLK Black Student Resource Center, she has consistently demonstrated professionalism, courage, and integrity; qualities that shape not only her work, but the culture of the entire Center. Chidi is a person of deep faith, and that grounding shows in how intentionally she leads. She has conceptualized and built programs that have drawn new students to the Center, creating spaces where they feel seen, supported, and invited to belong. Most recently, she launched the Sista Circles in partnership with the Women's Resource Center — an initiative that has meaningfully engaged a group of students who so often go overlooked, and who deserve every bit of this investment and more. What I admire most about Chidi, though, is her unwavering commitment to staying true to who she is. In every space she enters, she brings her full self; her values, her convictions, and the quiet, defining moments that reveal her character. She doesn't just do the work; she embodies it. Through her leadership, Chidi displays the excellence of the Center and the Unit, and she continues to model, in everything she does, the very essence of Black joy, love, and excellence. She is truly deserving of this nomination.

Chidi Okaru is highly deserving of the STAR of the Month Award for her outstanding leadership, dedication, and commitment to creating a strong sense of belonging for our students. As the lead for Sistas Circle, Chidi creates a welcoming and affirming space for Black women-identifying students to build community, connect with one another, and feel supported. Beyond Sistas Circle, Chidi plays an integral role in fostering a warm and inclusive environment within the center. She consistently demonstrates initiative, compassion, and leadership while serving as a trusted source of guidance for our student staff. Her ability to provide direction, encourage collaboration, and lead by example has strengthened both our team and the student experience. Chidi’s commitment extends beyond her responsibilities—she genuinely cares about our students and works intentionally to ensure they feel seen, valued, and connected. Her leadership and positive presence make a meaningful impact on our center and the broader student community. For these reasons, Chidi exemplifies the qualities of a STAR of the Month.

May 2026 STAR Awards

Abreanna Lake

NCAA Compliance
I am thrilled to nominate Bre Lake for the Shining Star of the Month Award. Bre consistently exemplifies the core values of our department through her outstanding dedication, collaborative spirit, and unwavering kindness.Working in Athletics Compliance, Bre navigates complex regulations daily. She approaches this challenging environment not just with sharp attention to detail, but with remarkable patience and empathy. Bre is an invaluable resource to our student-athletes, coaches, and staff, always taking the time to guide them through processes with a warm, supportive, and approachable demeanor. Her ability to seamlessly blend strict regulatory compliance with genuine care for the well-being and success of everyone around her makes her a true standout. Bre’s positive attitude uplifts our entire team, and her daily contributions ensure that our athletics programs operate with both integrity and heart. She is highly deserving of this recognition.

March 2026 STAR Awards

Khue Anh Tran, Pride Center

Khue Anh Tran, Assistant Program Coordinator of the Pride Center, has demonstrated strong performance in supporting many aspects of our divisional values. With her background and expertise in gender studies, she took initiative in the development of our new advanced level of allyship training to be piloted this semester to promote a deeper level of inclusivity. Khue Anh is also instrumental in the ideation and implementation of our collaboration with several partners on campus, including the University Library to conduct three workshops on protest art and zine-making, with the Multi-Cultural Center and MLK Jr. Center on the “Baldwin Collective Series”, and with the APIDA Center on an “Open Mic Event” to promote cross-divisional partnership and advocate for student engagement. Khue Anh also runs our “Queer in Color” support group meetings by designing activities and discussions that promote wellness of the students. And in responding to Pride Center students’ request, she is putting together karaoke and potluck events, showing a commitment in serving our students.

Khue Anh shows excellent leadership in the areas of being authentic, empathetic, and helpful. She acts as a mentor to our student employees and coaches them to work on Center-specific projects and helping them to grow. She supports events hosted by other Centers, our SSAE unit, and the entire university. She has consistently demonstrated her abilities to move innovative ideas into action, and she is incredibly dedicated to ensuring that our practices honor the dignity of our students and build a better future for our campus.

February 2026 STAR Awards

Emeline Koloamatangi, APIDA Center

Emeline Koloamatangi continues to be a pillar of strength and advocacy for our Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) students and staff at Sacramento State. She leads our NHPI Student Success Series, actively supporting over 200 NHPI students on our campus, providing mentorship, advocacy, and holistic guidance. Through this initiative, she creates intentional spaces where NHPI students feel seen, affirmed, and empowered. Emeline represented Sacramento State in engagement with the Fijian Ministry, strengthening international and cultural connections that elevate our institution’s commitment to Pacific Islander communities.

Balancing her roles as a full-time staff member, graduate student, community leader, wife, and mother, Emeline embodies resilience and excellence. Each of her identities informs her leadership, deepens her empathy, and strengthens her impact. Her lived experience is not separate from her work; it is the foundation of her success and the reason she continues to transform the lives of the students she serves.

January 2026 STAR Awards

Alexandria Raya-Franklin, Esak’tima’ Center

I am elated to nominate Alexandria for this award in recognition of her exceptional service to Native student success. Her work ensures that Native students are not only supported but are an integral part of Sacramento State’s story and the very fabric of who we are as a division.

I have observed Alexandria’s immense dedication to preserving Native traditions and education through the arts, most recently demonstrated through her powerful film screening that showcased her lived experience and honored the legacy of her ancestors through storytelling. Her work reflects a deep commitment to cultural continuity, representation, and healing.

Guided by her grandfather’s legacy and her lineage as a member of the Ione Band of Miwok Indians, Alexandria consistently leads with intentionality. She ensures that Native voices are present at decision-making tables and that the unique needs of Native students are recognized, respected, and prioritized. Her advocacy, cultural stewardship, and unwavering commitment make her truly deserving of this recognition.