Presented annually to a Salem State undergraduate, graduate, alumna/us, faculty, staff, or administrator, the MLK Leadership Awards recognize outstanding and significant contributions to the causes of freedom, justice, and equality. This year, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Award was presented to Morelia Morel Diaz ‘25, Caroline Scott ‘25G, Tina Baptista, ’15, Professor J.D. Scrimgeour, and Lisa Bibeau, Assistant Dean, Center for Accessible Academic Resources. Their names will be inscribed on a plaque with those of previous years’ recipients, which is displayed in the Ellison Campus Center.
Morelia Morel Diaz ’25 is a first-generation, senior biology major, and a proud Dominican woman. As President of Latin American Student Organization, Morelia headlined conversations on race and ethnicity and developed events to highlight Afro-Latinidad heritage. She’s promoted diversity in STEM through programming to highlight resources for diverse students pursuing careers in science as a founding member of the SSU chapter of SACNAS, the Society for the Advance of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science. Serving as an HSI ambassador, she participated in university-wide Bias Focus Groups and pioneered bilingual support for incoming students at admissions tours, university events, and translating critical documents to ensure that resources are accessible to our Spanish-speaking community. As one of her nominators stated, this recipient’s “ability to foster understanding and community is both inspiring and transformative.”
Caroline Scott ‘25G, is a Master of Social Work candidate. She’s served as a Graduate Assistant for the Center for Civic Engagement since 2023. In this role, she’s been integral to some of CCE’s signature programs, including the Vikings Vote campaign, the Students with Students collaboration with the Center for International Education, the Viking Volunteer Ventures program, and the Annual Hall of Fame ceremony. Through the Civic Dinner Series, she hosted several campus discussions on topics of gun violence, sexual violence survivor advocacy, disability accommodations, and immigration needs within higher education. As a graduate student leader, she’s encouraged others to learn about social justice issues, network with community leaders, and volunteer in the Greater Salem community.
Tina Baptista ‘15 earned a bachelor’s degree in business management. She currently serves as the Program Director at the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, where she leads the program, A Bed for Every Child. In this role, Tina is committed to providing children across Massachusetts with access to one of life’s essentials - a bed to call their own. Inspired by her experiences growing up as an underserved youth, she is deeply committed to addressing sleep insecurity and advocating for justice, dignity, and equality. Her efforts continue to foster hope and opportunity for children and families, creating a brighter future - one bed at a time.
J.D. Scrimgeour, is a professor of English and an award-winning author who has published analytical and creative works that transcend communities and borders in their themes and analyses. He broke barriers by teaching the first gender and identity learning community at Salem State, and as Chair of the English department, he’s organized readings of queer authors to counter hate speech and celebrate queer literature. Currently, J.D. serves as the liaison for SSU’s 1-2-1 program with Nanjing Normal University in China. After studying and learning Mandarin, he’s published a bilingual book of poetry with his students. Among his many awards and achievements, he was named Salem’s inaugural Poet Laureate. As stated by one of his nominators, J.D. “takes risks to both understand and express the truths that he uncovers.”
Lisa Bibeau is the assistant dean for student success and the Center for Accessible Academic Resources. Collaborating with students, she redesigned shuttle routes, ensuring accessibility to the Social Work Building for individuals with mobility challenges. She is currently an adjunct professor in Healthcare Studies, where she teaches "Health and Disability Across the Lifespan." Lisa organizes workshops and discussions on campus to educate our community about the social model of disability and the importance of inclusivity. Regionally, she has been active as a board member of New England AHEAD and co-author of Disability Services in Higher Education, An Insider’s Guide. She serves as a member of the Justice League of Reading and Special Education Parents Advisory Council, and she is a founding member of Caring for Children, supporting children with life-threatening illnesses.
Salem Public Schools MLK Essay Contest
Co-sponsored by the Salem Human Rights Coalition and Salem State’s Center for Justice and Liberation, this contest invited students in Salem public schools to write essays on the MLK Center theme of: “Mission Possible: Protecting Freedom, Justice, and Democracy in the Spirit of Nonviolence365.” The writing contest winners from Horace Mann Laboratory School are:
Enmanuel de la Cruz Ureña
Erin Tafua
Johnny San
Rosely Mojica – Runner Up