Helen Hardin Honors College
Honors Ambassadors
The Honors Ambassador Program is a leadership organization within the Helen Hardin Honors College, with the purpose of showcasing our most engaged members to new and current students.
Honors Ambassadors are primarily responsible for assisting staff with honors-sponsored events, offering guidance to current members, encouraging current members to participate in honors experiences, and helping to recruit potential honors students. Honors Ambassadors are expected to be knowledgeable about all aspects of the Honors College; assist with honors orientation meetings; help with fall and spring honors-sponsored events; attend recruitment receptions and college fairs; and other special events as they arise.
$500 scholarship per semester
Engage and network with current and prospective honors students as well as with campus staff and faculty
Minimum 3.25 cumulative GPA, good academic standing, & active enrollment in the Honors College
Current sophomore status or higher
Not graduating May 2025 or December 2025.
Must be a student for the entire 2025-2026 academic year.
Leadership & involvement experiences
Has participated in an Honors experience such as study abroad, internship, research, etc.
Positive attitude, responsible, reliable, and works well with others
2025-2026 Honors Ambassadors
Our Honors Ambassadors are here to talk to you about the Helen Hardin Honors College and being a successful honors student. They come from a variety of academic departments, campus groups, and Honors Experiences.
Ambassadors will be available at UofM Honors events where students to talk about the opportunities available as honors students, give guidance and perspectives on a variety of topics, and offer success tips and resources.
Hawa Sesay
Major: Health Studies
I decided to join the Helen Hardin Honors College for one simple reason: DETERMINATION. As a continuing student, I wanted everything that I do to have a purpose. I wanted my academic success to be recognized and help me during my undergrad and after. I want to be more than just an honors student. To me, being an ambassador means serving different communities, being of help to other students in need, and presenting what it really means to be a leader. Communication and mediation are two skills I pride myself upon and have learned through being a resident advisor at the LLC. These strengths allow me to help Honors students become leaders in their own right.
Tulani Mwapasa
Major: Business Economics
I joined Helen Hardin Honors College because I wanted to be a part of something that not only recognized my academic potential but actively pushed me to maintain and expand it. The Honors College has provided me with a challenging yet supportive environment where I feel empowered to aim higher, explore opportunities outside the classroom, and engage with faculty and peers who are equally driven. It has been a motivating force behind my academic journey. I became and ambassador because I believe in the mission of the program and want to help welcome and guide students who are just beginning their honors journey. Most importantly, I want students understand that the Honors College is a place where you are surrounded by people who believe in your potential and help you realize it.
Tomi Ajidahun
Major: Health Studies
I joined Helen Hardin College because of what it stands for. I loved the fact that the aim of the Honors College was to and is to cultivate a community of intellectually curious and motivated students and provide opportunities for us. As an ambassador, I am someone who represents the Honors College and is essentially an example to others. I believe its important not just to talk about what Honors offers, but lead by example, really show others my lived experiences in the day-to-day. I want to be living proof that being in the Honors College separates you from the average college student because the Honors College sees potential in each individual and helps all students on a personalized path to attain their goals. I’m so grateful for my experiences thus far being an honors student and I honestly can’t wait to express my love on a broader platform for the Honors College to incoming and current students.
Mo Kahok
Major: Biology
Joining the Helen Hardin Honors College was one of the most meaningful decisions I made as a student at the University of Memphis. As a first-generation college student, I knew I wanted to be part of a community that prioritized academic excellence, personal growth, and mentorship—especially one that could guide me through the unfamiliar world of higher education. The Honors College offered that and more. The environment pushed me to aim higher and dream bigger. The Honors College has helped me stay focused and competitive by giving me access to opportunities—like research fellowships, priority advising, and a curriculum that helps me think critically. As an Honors Ambassador, I want to extend a sense of belonging to prospective students. I know how intimidating college can feel, especially for first-gen students like me. I want to be the kind of voice that says, “You belong here and you’re capable of more than you realize.”
Leonel Tiffer Flores
Major: Communications
I joined the Honors College because because I wanted to feel the same sense of community that I had previously had with being in the International Baccalaureate Program in my high school. In my first year of college, I discovered there is this sense of community that comes along with being an Honors Student and that it smooths the adjustment from high school to college. I would like to give back the support given to me in my freshman year by leading prospective honors students through example. I feel there are a lot of misconceptions about Honors and would like to clarify them to incoming freshman; I know how they felt coming into college! I hope to make their transition smooth and give them a sense of community and support on their academic journey.
Mia Chambers
Majors: Psychology & Criminal Justice
I joined the honors college because I wanted to seek out challenges and new opportunities that would prepare me for graduate school and my professional career aspirations. I have been able to connect with many like-minded students and staff who have inspired me to pursue my academic and professional goals through collaboration and mentorship. During my time with the Honors College, I have been able to participate in a range of opportunities including hands-on undergraduate research and professional presentations. I have been encouraged to step outside of my comfort zone by seeking out experiences like studying abroad and by participating in campus organizations with a role as a board member. This program has also contributed to my personal development by building my confidence as I dive head-first into my college career. As an Honors Ambassador, I intend to share my experience with new and prospective honors students to motivate them to fully take advantage of everything the program has to offer. The Honors College and its members have empowered me to strive for excellence in all aspects of life, and I hope to inspire, through personal testimony, others to follow suit.
Morgan Brown
Major: Health Studies
I joined the Helen Hardin Honors College because I wanted to surround myself with like-minded students and use the resources through the honors college for better academic and eventually professional opportunities that are offered through the college. The honors college gives me a way to push myself to grow in both my academic and personal development. I want to help other students have an experience in the Honors College in accessing and using what the college has to offer to their advantage to have a transformative experience through their journey through college and after. I want to inspire students to want to come back and become an ambassador themselves! I want to be able to connect with prospective students because I know that, coming into honors, there are a lot of concerns and questions about the classes and what the coursework will be like, but being able to help students navigate through those questions will help them be more comfortable and less worried.
Jasmine Blake
Major: Psychology
I joined the Helen Hardin Honors College because I wanted an academic experience that would push me to grow. I wanted to be challenged, stretched beyond my comfort zone, and held to a standard higher than I expected myself because I know I am capable of more. I want to provide prospective students with the information that I didn’t have. I knew that the honors college existed, but I didn’t know all of the opportunities and resources it was associated with. Committing to an honors college can feel overwhelming and I want to be someone who can help students envision how they can thrive here. The honors college has provided me opportunities to prepare for my future and I am incredibly grateful to have the oportunity to be a part of this community.
Anyshka Hirani
Major: Biology
I joined the Helen Hardin Honors College after my first semester, which was fall 2024, because I wanted a community that academically challenges me, supports me as I grow, and offers unique opportunities for my future. This Honors College offers a demanding academic upbringing that pushes me to go above and beyond standard curriculum and is involved more intensely with my studies. The Honors College plays a vital part in guiding me to achieve my goals by offering access to progressive coursework, research, and advising personalized to the individual. I serve as an Honors Ambassador because I believe in giving back to a platform that has given so much. I thrive when others feel welcomed, are informed, and motivated about their future, and representing the University of Memphis with my professionalism and truthfulness will guarantee people a genuine and set path.
Jessica Sahota
Majors: Political Science & Sociology
I joined the Helen Hardin Honors College because it provided me ample opportunities to meet like-minded individuals, advance my education, and cultivate connections that would last into my adult life. I wanted to develop socially, academically, and professionally. The Honors College helped me to lay a foundation for my future goals as well as to accomplish my dreams. I am excited to serve as an honors ambassador because I love meeting new people and learning about new perspectives. I hope to spread the word about the Honors College so other students can connect with the various resources and opportunities they offer.