Alumni Awards

Ronnie Compton ’15 has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to service, including his impactful leadership at Communities In Schools as the Director of Program Operations, where he works with over 1,000 students in the TRIO program. In addition to his full-time role, Ronnie dedicates his time to the Stratford Richardson YMCA and his church, selflessly making a lasting difference in his community.

Nelsy Affoum ’16 has made exceptional strides in international development, currently serving as an Analyst at the World Bank Africa Region Gender Innovation Lab. Her work, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, highlights her dedication to advancing economic affairs and her leadership in shaping innovative solutions for global challenges.

Chris Tolbert ’16 graduated from Queens in 2016 as part of the first class to major in Journalism and Digital Media. Since then, Chris has turned bold risks into huge career achievements, including founding a successful marketing brand and collaborating with major brands like Warner Bros and McDonald’s. Currently a Senior Social Media Analyst at Blue Cross Blue Shield, Chris has leveraged his Queens education to build a thriving career in social media, including managing Tasty’s 45.8 million followers at Buzzfeed and creating a TikTok filter with over 300 million views.

Jasmine Woods ’18 was recognized for her academic and professional accomplishments in pharmaceutical sciences. Recently, earning her PhD from the University of Kentucky, Jasmine now works as a Scientist at Procter & Gamble and continues to contribute to the Queens community through her role on the Alumni Association Board.

Paula Azuaje ’20 has made exceptional contributions to the film industry as an Associate Producer at Susie Films. Paula’s work on the documentary Crisis of Substance earned a Southeast Emmy in June 2024, showcasing her skill in impactful storytelling and her dedication to addressing important social issues.

JD Mazuera Arias ’20 was recognized for his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to public service. From his impactful work on Capitol Hill to his focus on advancing equitable policy solutions in areas like economic justice and immigrant rights, JD has demonstrated a deep dedication to uplifting marginalized communities, both in Washington, D.C., and back home in North Carolina.

Deanna Rohrer ’20 shows an exceptional dedication to education and service as a 3rd grade teacher, embodying Queens’ motto of \u0022Not to be served, but to serve.\u0022 From teaching in Baltimore City Schools to achieving the highest English test scores at her current school in Alexandria, VA, Deanna continues to make a lasting impact by empowering students and advocating for underserved communities.

Ashli White ’20 is a Business Program Manager at Microsoft. Ashli has driven impactful initiatives and created a thriving community within the Atlanta Finance hub, supporting strategic execution and cultural development for employees reporting to the CFO. Beyond her professional achievements, Ashli is deeply committed to community service, with a focus on food security, education, and affordable housing, while continuing her growth through an Evening MBA program at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. Ashli is also a generous supporter of Queens as a young alumna.

Natalie Van Noy Cook-Weeks ’22 recently earned her M.Ed. in Child Studies from Vanderbilt University, specializing in Pediatric Healthcare and Developmental Disabilities, and completed a child life internship at Norton Children’s Hospital. As a Certified Child Life Specialist, she is dedicated to improving outcomes for pediatric patients with developmental disabilities, drawing from her extensive research experience and passion for supporting families facing medical complexities.

Jan Delkeskamp ’23 was honored for his remarkable achievements as an MBA candidate at Duke’s Fuqua School of Business. In addition to his roles at Duke as an Admissions Ambassador, TA for Business Analytics, and Gameday Assistant for Corporate Partnerships, Jan has secured a position as a Finance & Accounting Manager at Procter & Gamble upon graduation, all while being a passionate advocate for Queens swimming and his alma mater.