We are excited to introduce you to our Collegiate Recovery Leadership Academy Class of 2025! This cohort is comprised of 38 students from over 30 institutions. This year is our most diverse cohort yet, in terms of race, ethnicity, experiences within the system, and LGBTQ identities. Each student brings a unique blend of educational experiences, professional backgrounds, and personal recovery journeys.
We are confident that this diverse group will initiate meaningful transformations on their respective campuses, contributing to a broader movement in collegiate recovery. Explore the composition of our group:
• 11% represent a community college
• 34% represent minority serving institutions
• 38 students from 33 Universities
“Being a SAFE Project Collegiate Recovery Leadership Academy Fellow is an exciting opportunity to contribute to my university’s collegiate recovery program. Having access to skills, resources, and mentorship on how to better contribute to the collegiate recovery community is exciting within its own right and I cannot wait to share my learnings with my institution!”
–Roberto Andrade (he/him/el), Stanford University
–Jessica Balli (she/her), California State University, Stanislaus
“I was excited to break the stigma surrounding harm reduction work and raise awareness to the resources we have on campus.”
–Christina Basandella (she/her), Binghamton University
“I can’t wait to learn more about collegiate recovery to be able to help students feel comfortable with themselves and overcome their addiction. I can’t wait to meet everyone part of the CRLA program and for us to trade ideas and brainstorm with each other to help college student discover recovery and want to be in recovery no matter what it is!”
–Harley Bonner (she/her), Baylor University
“I want to reduce the stigma around addiction and recovery on my university’s campus and this felt like the perfect program to give me the resources to do it!”
–Rose Bracken (all), Stanford University
“I was most excited knowing that I found another community filled with grace, empathy and faith. Being part of this community I can now spread the joy just like an ever last cycle.”
–Kendrera Gbonah (she/her), UNCG-University Of Greensboro NC
“As a SAFE Project Collegiate Recovery Leadership Academy Fellow, the excitement stems from the opportunity to make a tangible impact on the lives of students in recovery. Engaging with a community dedicated to supporting recovery efforts on college campuses is inspiring. The chance to collaborate with peers and mentors, share experiences, and develop leadership skills while advocating for mental health and addiction recovery is both fulfilling and empowering. Additionally, being part of a movement that seeks to reduce stigma and promote awareness around recovery aligns with a passion for creating inclusive and supportive environments for all students.”
–Katie King (she/her), North Carolina State University
“Being able to help the ones who don’t think its possible.”
–Morgan McCadden (she/her), D’youville University
“The opportunity to be part of a national initiative addressing the opioid crisis and supporting those in recovery was a significant motivating factor.”
–Tammy Moran (she/hers), Rio Salado College
“The opportunity to develop my leadership skills as well as creating bonds with other like-minded students.”
–Brian Newsome (he/him/his), University of North Carolina Greensboro
“Having the opportunity to fellowship with others that have the same interest at heart.”
–Lisette Palacios (she/her), Mt. San Antonio College
“In my three years so far at Tulane, I’ve become very involved in our Collegiate Recovery Community on campus, and this looked like a great way to deepen my impact on other students who could be struggling with addiction.”
–Jakob Schanzer (he), Tulane University
“I believe that recovery and stigma should be talked about everywhere. I believe that having it available for students can help keep them on the right path and that we all need people who understand how hard it is.”
–Angela Shuckhart (she/her), Arkansas State University
“I’m excited about being a fellow because I am passionate about changing the standards of care for substance use disorder (SUD) treatment, as well as trying to challenge the stigma towards those diagnosed with SUDs. There is so much we can do to expand recovery options beyond only offering 12 step recovery programs. I am stoked to have the opportunity to learn more about non-12 step approaches to recovery and to be able to share those with my community.”
–Rae Ward (they/them), University of Hawaii at Manoa