For the first time, a Viterbo student was honored with the Bill Coleman College Student Leadership Award, and Ishmael Derkahn’s commitment to the Black Student Organization (BSO) was recognized and appreciated.
Ish (originally from Liberia, West Africa, now living the Twin Cities area) is a junior majoring in communication science and disorders and is involved in several organizations and two jobs.
Ish serves as the vice president to both the Black Student Organization and the Global Connection Student Organization, and a member of the Coulee Region Immigration Task Force.
He dedicates his time to these organizations to gain a broader perspective on the world, learning about different cultures and honing his leadership skills while intensifying his passion for advocacy.
“Being involved in something bigger than yourself brings joy, not just to you but to the people around you. Creating spaces where people feel safe and included is one of the most fulfilling things I’ve done,” Ish states.
He works at the Diversity Equity and Inclusion Center on campus ensuring students from diverse backgrounds feel welcomed, supported, and valued citing that “it’s important to me that everyone feels a sense of belonging in any space they enter.”
Ish holds a challenging and rewarding job of working closely with children on the autism spectrum. This job aligns well with his values, allowing him to help the children achieve their goals and gain confidence in themselves, which he asserts is an incredible experience.
Elaborating on that Ish states “the impact I make in people’s lives keeps me going.” All his commitments help him know that he is making a difference for people that pushes him to strive for more.
His family is his biggest motivation especially his little sister, Normani, who he loves dearly and calls his biggest inspiration. “I want to be a role model for her, someone she can look up to and be proud of every time I push myself to work harder, she’s on my mind.”
Balancing school, work, and leadership roles has been challenging, but Ish manages through staying organized, effective time management, and seeking support when he needs it. Ish wished to give a huge shoutout to Marlene De La Cruz Guzman, as she played a vital role in helping start BSO and supporting him every step of the way, along with his friends. Their encouragement and support have made a world of difference.
To relax, Ish enjoys walking, music, basketball, and video games. His favorite is Grand Theft Auto. He also enjoys collecting fitted hats, his favorite, a Yankees baseball hat.
When asked about his initial reaction when receiving notification on his Leadership Award Ish shares a funny anecdote as he got the call in the middle of a grueling ten-page final paper and only half an hour left to submit. His immediate reaction was “Okay…great!” but in his head were thoughts of finishing the paper first.
He hopes that the recognition will inspire more students to value inclusion at Viterbo and get involved with BSO, attending future events as Ish stays committed to creating welcoming spaces.
Looking back on his journey, Ish acknowledges the incredible feeling of winning the award; however, successful events he helped organize and knowing students engage with and benefit from the places he works hard to create has been even more rewarding and makes the challenges worth it.
To students who, like Ish, have committed themselves to creating spaces where people of all backgrounds feel welcome and supported, he recommends staying consistent and committed, and pursuing the work for the right reasons. “Inclusion and advocacy work should always be about making sure everyone feels seen and valued, not about recognition. If you stay true to that, the impact will come naturally.”
