FOCA Student Leadership Award Recipients

Open to all students, the Faculty of Color Association (FOCA) Student Leadership Award will be awarded annually to a student (or students) with financial need who have demonstrated leadership or contributed to diversity and inclusion efforts on campus.

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Stonehill College is deeply grateful to the faculty, staff, alumni, and friends who have joined together with our Faculty of Color Association (FOCA) to establish the FOCA Student Leadership Award.
This year, two students - Ezra and Ori - received the FOCA Student Leadership Award. Please enjoy reading more about them below.

2024-2025 Academic Year Recipient

Jeseth Ezra S. Cabiles
Jeseth Ezra S. Cabiles '26

Scholar Name: Jeseth Ezra S. Cabiles

Class: 2026

Field of Study: International Business

Award Recipient Nomination

Ezra’s leadership involvements on campus cover a significant range of student and campus groups, including mentoring in the Advocates for a Brighter Stonehill (ABS) Leadership Program and engagement with the Intercultural Experience Program (IXP) through the Office of Intercultural Affairs, SGA’s Class of 2026 Diversity Representative, secretary of the Pan-Asian Alliance, Orientation Leader, and serving as a Resident Assistant (RA). 

Throughout her many leadership roles, Ezra has dedicated her time at Stonehill to both community service efforts and to her own development through national student leadership conferences. She shares her knowledge and skills by leading campus workshops, trainings, and programs that help the students she mentors grow academically, socially, and professionally during their years at Stonehill College. Associate Professor of Sociology Jungyun Gill said this about Ezra’s leadership and commitment to a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment at Stonehill: 

“In the spring of her first year, Ezra achieved the remarkable feat of being selected and
trained for Orientation Leader, Advocates for a Brighter Stonehill Leader, and Resident
Assistant—an accomplishment rarely seen among first-year students. As an Orientation Leader in the summer of 2023, Ezra and her partner created a welcoming atmosphere and provided a comprehensive preview of campus life at Stonehill College. Her primary goal was to demonstrate to students that, regardless of their background or the color of their skin, they could find a sense of belonging at Stonehill College…. Ezra's dedication, leadership, and commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive community make her an outstanding candidate for the FOCA Student Leadership Award. Her contributions have had a lasting impact on our campus, and she truly embodies the spirit of this award.”

A Q and A with Jeseth Ezra S. Cabiles '26

Why did you choose to enroll at Stonehill College?

Prior to moving into the U.S. from the Philippines, I have always been enrolled in private schools. Hence, when I was navigating for possible college or universities to enroll for, I knew I wanted to be in a private institution due to the smaller classroom ratio between students and professors. This would benefit me in receiving personalized instruction and resources to support my academic and career goals.

I loved Stonehill’s student-centered ambiance! During my senior year of high school, I received a tour from the student-tour guides. As we explored the campus, I was struck by how the design seems purposefully focused on students, creating a space that feels separate from the outside world. I imagined myself being here with other like-minded people who aspire to provide meaningful contributions in their field. That’s when I knew that Stonehill was my top option

What are some of your proudest moments at Stonehill, as well as some of your greatest challenges during your time here?

During my freshman year, I was selected as the only student in the Class of 2026 to accept not one, but three leadership positions (Orientation Leader, ABS Leader, Residents Assistant). I have also taken responsibility to be part of club e-boards: Badminton Club and Pan-Asian Alliance, which are centered on my interests. On top of that, through my leadership trainings, I was able to host or collaborate with other student-leaders on hosting workshops and events on campus spanning from social justice issues to community engagement programs. Through these leadership roles, I have become a resource person for students who are in need, offering support academically, socially, and other aspects of their college journey.

Just like any other college student, I had a hard time transitioning from high school to college. Yet, adapting to a culture of an American college was the toughest. As someone who grew up in the Philippines and lived in Brockton, which is a strongly diverse city, coming to Stonehill was a culture shock. I did not know how to act and was conscious around people because I did not want to seem out of place. Also, as a first-gen student, I did not know how to navigate my way through the complexities of an American college.

Yet that changed when I was introduced to the Office of Intercultural Affairs. I was able to find and connect with people who I can relate with and receive help and support. The office had strengthened me to conquer my insecurities and put myself out of my comfort zone. As a result, I have further expanded my resources, connections, and perspective by meeting other students and pro-staff outside of the office. From then on, I have found the confidence to be myself, and of course a sense of belonging at Stonehill.

How has mentorship played a role in your Stonehill journey – both a mentee and a mentor?

Mentorship has been my fuel to maintain my progress on my professional goals, my keen curiosity, and my way of making the campus feel a safe and learning environment. My first time having mentors in Stonehill was when I was an incoming freshman and attended the Office of Intercultural Affairs’ Intercultural Experience (IXP), where I met the ABS Leaders and OIA Director Teddi Nguyen. They guided me and the other students into making the most of our time in Stonehill as they saw our potential and wanted to leverage and utilize our capabilities. Seeing how they have succeeded and impacted students each year, it inspired me to follow in their footsteps with the purpose of making incoming students' first year experience better and inclusive.

Upon being a mentor, there is a consistent reciprocal learning between me and my mentees. Although I have acquired the knowledge and capability to guide them in their student life at Stonehill, they always offer unique and original thoughts and ideas that challenge me intellectually, which contributes to my personal growth.

As much as I can, I take advantage of being mentored by professors, pro-staff, alumni, and friends not only for my career development, but to be equipped with wisdom after Stonehill. Also, with the best of my capabilities, I will continuously mentor Stonehill students, as this is my way of making a better tomorrow for Stonehill.

What are your professional goals and aspirations?

I want to pursue a career where I can both serve the Philippines and the U.S. in the business field. Possibly a consulting career for businesses that want to expand and cater to both countries. Once I have earned enough money, I do want to have my own business, which is a karaoke lounge. The Philippines loves karaoke as it is a fun activity and connects people through music. I do want to showcase this as a business. If possible, I do want to have this business in both countries.

2024-2025 Academic Year Recipient

Oriana Cappella '26Oriana Cappella '26

Scholar Name: Oriana Cappella

Class: 2026

Field of Study: Sociology (major); Communication Sciences & Disorders and Criminology (minors)  

Award Recipient Nomination

Ori’s dedication to leadership is evident in everything she is involved in both on and off campus. Within Campus Ministry, Ori has served as a L.I.G.H.T. Intern, a H.O.P.E. Service Immersion trip participant and student leader, and a cantor in the Chapel Choir. Ori is also involved in the Office of Intercultural Affairs as a Dialogue Group Coordinator and in the May School of Arts & Sciences as coordinator of the annual undergraduate conference for the Center for the Study of Race, Ethnicity, and Social Justice. She is passionate about social justice, community engagement, DEI, women’s empowerment, neurodiversity, and mental health. Bailey Turner ’26 said this about Ori as an advocate and leader: 

“Although she is just halfway through her junior year, Oriana Cappella has taken many
opportunities to be a leader both on and off campus. She is leading two H.O.P.E. Service
& Immersion trips this year in Phoenix, Arizona and El Paso, Texas. She has been part of the H.O.P.E. program since her first year at Stonehill. She is very passionate about helping every kind of person, no matter who they are or what their place is in society. She is a development intern for the Chica Project, an organization that focuses on empowering Latina women and other women of color both personally and professionally. As an intern, she is researching and writing grants for various funding opportunities going toward programming for feminine youth of color.
She also works as a Community Engagement Student Intern for the Stonehill College
L.I.G.H.T. Program, where she serves as liaison between on-campus program and
community partners within the Bristol County area and organizes on-campus events and programs including Community Engagement Day, Feed Your Faith Event, and Social Justice Theme Months. Overall, there is no one more deserving of this award than Oriana.”

A Q and A with Ori Cappella '26

Why did you choose to enroll at Stonehill College?

From the moment I stepped onto Stonehill’s campus, I felt at home. It was an immediate feeling that I had found a place where I was meant to grow, challenge myself, and discover who I truly am. I had no idea then that I would find my very best friends, my family for life, and the greatest mentors who would shape me in ways I never imagined.

Stonehill has given me the opportunity to reconnect with my Catholic faith in a way that felt personal and purposeful not just in worship, but in action, through service, justice, and leadership. I was excited about the community engagement opportunities, the emphasis on social justice, and the ability to lead in ways that truly mattered.

Beyond that, Stonehill’s liberal arts education was a major draw for me. I knew I wanted to explore multiple fields, to challenge myself academically, and to discover new passions. This was a place where I could try a little bit of everything, and in doing so, I found my purpose. Choosing Stonehill wasn’t just about picking a college; it was about finding a home, a community, and a future I believe in.

What are some of your proudest moments at Stonehill, as well as some of your greatest challenges during your time here?

One of my proudest moments has been leading my H.O.P.E. Service Immersions, and my two experiences at Andre House in Phoenix, Arizona have made me realize my purposes and passions in life. Having the opportunity to co-lead a group of students in an experience centered on homelessness and hunger was something I will always hold close to my heart. It wasn’t just about what we learned, but how we carried those lessons forward in our own communities. I’ve also found immense pride in my work as the L.I.G.H.T. Intern, where I have been able to connect students with service opportunities and ensure that community engagement remains an integral part of our campus culture. And, without a doubt, planning UnDocu Week stands out as a defining moment in my time here as I have been able to create a space for dialogue, education, and advocacy on the topics of immigration and migration justice. This has been a reminder of why I do this work in the first place.

But I didn’t do any of this alone. Every milestone I’ve reached, every initiative I’ve been part of, is a direct result of the support from my family and friends. I wouldn’t be here without them, and credit needs to be given where it’s due. Their encouragement, sacrifices, and belief in me have fueled my passion and drive every step of the way.

Of course, challenges have come with these experiences. There were times when I struggled with balancing it all—internships, leadership, academics, and self-care. But one lesson that has stuck with me came from my Human Services professor, Heidi Pontes: you cannot take care of others if you do not take care of yourself. Learning to implement that mindset has been difficult at times, but it has allowed me to combat my challenges with more grace and sustainability.

How has mentorship played a role in your Stonehill journey – both a mentee and a mentor?

Mentorship has been the foundation of my journey at Stonehill. I have been incredibly fortunate to have mentors who saw something in me before I saw it in myself.

From the very beginning, Brittany Lorgeree, Campus Minister for Community Engagement, and Colleen Schoeck, Campus Minister for Service Immersion, have given me the opportunities and confidence to lead with courage and love. Fr. Tim Mouton, C.S.C. has been a steadfast spiritual guide, always ready to offer wisdom and perspective that have shaped the way I approach both leadership and faith.

In the realm of advocacy and inclusion, Teddi Nguyen-Lydon, Director of the Office of Intercultural Affairs, and Omar Rodriguez, Associate Director of the Office of Intercultural Affairs, have provided not just me, but so many of us, with spaces to feel safe, seen, and empowered. They have encouraged the difficult yet necessary conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion, and they have inspired us to bring overlooked and underestimated issues back to the forefront.

My professional path has also been shaped by Renee Bernier and Karlie Garden in Career Development, who pushed me out of my comfort zone and reminded me that service is not limited to a job title—it’s a lifelong commitment.

Academically, two people have deeply influenced my dedication to social work and community development. Heidi Pontes, LMHC, has been a huge mentor and a key reason why I have continued in the social work and human services field. Her guidance, support, and belief in my ability to make a difference have kept me grounded, especially during moments of doubt. Professor Corey Dolgon, who taught my very first Sociology class, was the one who made me realize that there is always room for service and community development, no matter where we go. His passion for social justice is something I carry with me in everything I do. Additionally, Dr. Guillermo Caballero has become an incredible support system, offering both academic guidance and personal validation. The fact that he takes the time to tell his students word for word, “I’m proud of you,” even in the hardest moments, has meant more than I can express.

Outside of faculty and staff, Michael Kennedy ’23 has become like a big brother to me, and Desiree Ruiz Ramos ’23 has been one of my biggest supporters and mentors, pushing me to expand my understanding of what I’m meant to do. They, along with many other alumni, have reminded me that mentorship is not just professional—it’s personal, and it lasts far beyond graduation.

As much as I have gained from these relationships, being a mentor myself has been just as transformative. From working with first-generation students, to mentoring members of the neurodivergent community, to guiding my H.O.P.E. trip participants, I’ve learned that mentorship isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up, listening, and making sure others feel supported in their own journeys.

What are your professional goals and aspirations?

After graduation, I plan to complete a Year of Service before pursuing my Master of Social Work (MSW). My goal is to earn my LCSW, followed by my LICSW, so that I can work directly with communities that need compassionate, informed, and culturally competent care.

Looking further ahead, I’m also considering earning a Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) or a PhD in a related field. Research and education have always been passions of mine, and I want to keep expanding my knowledge to better serve the communities I work with. If that means mentoring, conducting research, or contributing to policy change, I know that my love for learning will always push me to grow.

Whether my work leads me to immigration services, clinical social work, or community engagement, one thing is certain: it will always be rooted in honoring the people and places that have shaped me. My family’s journey, my own lived experiences, and the communities I’ve been fortunate to work with have all reinforced one simple truth: we don’t need to have all the answers to make an impact.

At the end of the day, I know I cannot solve an entire social issue in one week or build a house in one day, but I can show up for one person, let them know they are loved, and remind them that they are going to be okay. If I can do that, then I know the work I have done will have mattered.

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