Student Leadership Recognition

The Office of Student Engagement and Leadership is proud to recognize Katie Ditrano, a senior Biology and Health Policy & Management double major on the pre-med track, as Providence College’s Student Leader of the Month for her extraordinary commitment to service, community, and compassionate leadership.

From Glen Head, New York, Katie embodies what it means to be a values-driven, service-oriented leader at Providence College. Her involvement spans an impressive range of organizations and leadership roles, including Executive Secretary of Student Congress, Campus Ministry Executive Service Coordinator, Head Resident Assistant for East Apartments, President of Friars EMS, Fr. Phillip A. Smith Fellow for Service Abroad, Connections First-Year Retreat Director, Admissions Ambassador, Athletic Pep Band performer, Research Assistant in the Soto-Reyes Lab, and student representative on both the Academic Affairs Student Advisory Council and the Providence College Service Board. She is also a member of Alpha Epsilon Delta, the national pre-health honor society.

In her role as Executive Secretary of Student Congress, Katie helps lead general meetings and supports the work of the four class years and seven committees. Katie believes her most meaningful leadership happens in the day-to-day moments. “The most impactful leadership comes through giving advice and offering support,” she shares. She strives to be someone her peers know they can rely on, approaching every interaction with empathy and genuine care.

A highlight of Katie’s leadership experience was serving as Director of the Connections First-Year Retreat. After attending as a freshman and leading for two years, she was honored to guide the retreat during her senior year. Working alongside a dedicated student leadership team, Katie helped create a weekend where students could build friendships, form meaningful bonds with upperclassmen, and encounter their faith in new and transformative ways. “Looking around the room on Sunday afternoon and seeing lifelong friendships forming because of our team’s work filled me with so much gratitude,” she reflects.

Throughout her time at PC, Katie has learned the profound importance of listening and knowing when and how to use her voice. She believes that leadership is a privilege, and that she has received far more from those she serves than she has ever given. Katie describes her leadership style as compassion-driven and rooted in the Catholic and Dominican values that have shaped her PC experience. She aims to make choices grounded in service, integrity, and a desire to leave the world a better place than she found it. Katie hopes to leave a legacy of empowerment by uplifting the underclassmen she has mentored. The trust and guidance she received from leaders shaped her own journey and she hopes to pass that confidence on to others.

After graduation, Katie plans to attend medical school, continuing to lead in service to others. She also intends to remain active in her hometown community, where she volunteers as an EMT, using her skills and compassion to support those around her. SEAL proudly congratulates Katie Ditrano on being named Student Leader of the Month and celebrates her unwavering dedication to service, leadership, and the mission of Providence College.

In October, members of the Sports and Entertainment Council had the opportunity to travel to New York City for a professional development and networking event. During this trip, students met with representatives from Madison Square Garden, Sony, the National Basketball Association, and Wasserman. These meetings offered valuable opportunities to learn from alumni and other leading professionals in the field, gaining advice on career development, networking, and industry trends. The trip represented a major milestone for the organization and reflected the board’s commitment to growth and experiential learning.

This year’s executive board includes President Katie Umphred, Vice President Joe Jolley, Secretary Gillian Lee, Treasurer Shannon Kelleher, Alumni Relations Coordinator Christian Florencia, Membership Coordinators Cooper Anderson and Ronan Stewart, and our board-in-training members, Luke Umphred (President), Owen Galvin (Vice President), Amelie Picard (Secretary), and Ella Gasbarro (Treasurer). Together, this team has worked diligently to provide meaningful opportunities for students interested in pursuing careers in the sports and entertainment industry.

The club demonstrates leadership on campus by taking the initiative to create hands-on learning and networking experiences for its members. Through consistent communication, collaboration, and creativity, the board has built a community where students can develop professional skills and form valuable connections with industry leaders. The organization’s mission is to help cultivate future sports and entertainment professionals through immersive experiences that bridge classroom learning with real world insight. As President, Katie Umphred reflected on the journey of leading and founding the club: “If you truly care about something, it’s worth all of the effort. I started this club during my sophomore year, and while there were hurdles and challenges, I’m incredibly proud of how far it’s come. The time and energy invested have been so rewarding, especially seeing the impact it’s had on our community.”

Like any student-run organization, the club has faced challenges, particularly when planning large-scale, off-campus events such as the recent New York City networking trip. However, through persistence and with the support of faculty and staff, these challenges have transformed into opportunities for learning, teamwork, and leadership development. Looking ahead, the club is focused on preparing its board-in-training members as the current executive team graduates this spring. The group is committed to ensuring a smooth transition, maintaining the club’s strong foundation, and continuing its success for years to come. With dedication, passion, and collaboration, the Sports and Entertainment Management Club continues to inspire and empower students to pursue their dreams within the industry.

In October, Providence College students gathered at Slavin Overlook for Providence Smiles, an event designed to spread positivity and support student well-being during one of the busiest times of the semester. Hosted by Student Congress and Active Minds, the event offered students a welcoming environment where students could pause, reset, and feel supported.

This year’s Active Minds Executive Board includes Co-Presidents Cate Morrissey and Bridget Lillis, Vice President Sophia Stuermann, Secretary Grace Whitmore, and Social Media Coordinator Tess O’Flynn. In partnership with Student Congress, these student leaders played a central role in planning and executing the event, ensuring that it aligned with their shared mission of strengthening community and promoting student wellness on campus.

Throughout the afternoon, members of Active Minds engaged with students, offering mental health resources focused on supporting peers and navigating emotional challenges in college. They handed out smile-themed stress balls, stickers, and green mental-health awareness ribbons. These are small but meaningful reminders that students are not alone in their struggles. Their presence and initiative helped spark conversations around mental health, reinforcing the importance of openness, empathy, and proactive support.

The event demonstrated strong leadership by addressing an often-overlooked topic of the daily mental health experiences of college students. By taking the initiative to create a positive and uplifting space, both organizations helped break stigma through accessible, student-driven outreach. Their collaboration highlighted the power of teamwork and the value of a united student body working toward shared goals.

Looking ahead, the team reflects on the importance of collaboration and communication, noting that strong partnership they have with Congress and how a partnership can elevate any campus initiative and contribute to a more supportive community.