Students
Academics
Lily Roman Named ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Student Employee of the Year
From Campus Leader to National Nominee
Lily Taylor Roman has been named the 2025–2026 ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Student Employee of the Year, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness and the broader campus community. Roman, C’2026, an economics major with a minor in art, serves as an office assistant where her role has grown far beyond administrative support. Through mentorship and hands-on experience, she has developed skills in project management, communication, and design—emerging as a leader within the office.
“Being named ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ Student Employee of the Year means so much to me,” Roman said. “It was truly unexpected, and I feel incredibly honored and grateful.”
This year marks Spelman’s third time participating in the national recognition program coordinated by the National Student Employment Association (NSEA). Roman has been selected as the College’s official nominee for the National Student Employee of the Year award, with a national winner to be announced in the coming weeks.
Roman credits her growth to the mentorship she received from LaDiamond Lett and Myra Burnett, Ph.D., during her time in the office.
“Much of this growth is thanks to Ms. LaDiamond, who consistently encouraged and supported me throughout my time in the office,” she said. “She believed in my potential and created opportunities for me to grow both professionally and personally.”
Turning Ideas into Impactful Campus Initiatives
Since joining the Office of Institutional Effectiveness in January 2025, Roman has contributed to major projects and campus initiatives, including event planning, presentations, and student engagement efforts. One of her most impactful contributions involved supporting a Scholar Showcase presentation focused on menstrual health literacy, where she helped design materials and engage the campus community in meaningful dialogue. The project was inspired by “Zora’s Bracelet,” written by Lett, which is a story about a bright young girl discovering what a period is through curiosity, learning, and community.
“What made this experience so meaningful was seeing how the presentation became part of a larger conversation during the knowledge exchange event,” Roman said. “In that moment, I felt proud knowing that my work contributed to something bigger than a presentation—it helped create space for learning, dialogue, and empowerment.”
Her supervisor and program coordinator, Lett, said Roman’s work ethic and initiative set her apart.
“She consistently exceeds expectations and embodies the very best of what student employment represents,” Lett said. “While she does all the ‘behind the scenes’ work, with no desire to be in the front, the work she produces puts a spotlight on her every time.”
In addition to her daily responsibilities, Roman has taken the initiative to strengthen her professional skillset, earning certifications and improving office systems.
“Lily independently designed and implemented a new internal mailing and mail-delivery communication system that significantly improved our office organization, efficiency, and hybrid cross-team coordination,” Lett said.
As she prepares to graduate, Roman plans to pursue a career in finance while continuing to grow her stationery business. She says the recognition reflects not only her work, but the community that supported her.
“To me, this recognition is not just about one person; it represents the dedication, mentorship, and collaboration that make the Spelman community so special,” Roman said.