SLAM President Samantha Francois ’24 Talks Advocacy & Leadership at Iona
Samantha Francois ’24 isn’t someone who waits around for others to take the lead. She knows what she wants in life, and she’s not afraid to take the steps needed to get there.
Being a leader isn’t always easy, though.
It’s about consistently showing up and pushing ahead through the discomfort, knowing that at Iona, someone will always be ready to support and guide you forward.
“My message to incoming freshman students is to go for what you want,” she said. “Don’t wait for your friend to do things. Be independent. Someone is always going to be waiting to welcome you and direct you in the right way.”
That’s how Samantha got involved with SLAM, or Student Leader Alliance for Multiculturalism. Now in her junior year, she is serving as chair and advocating for diverse issues across campus.
Reflecting on her role models for Black History Month, Samantha said her parents have always been incredible supporters, encouraging her to never give up on her dreams. At Walt Whitman High School, too, her principal and now assistant superintendent John Murphy was always there, guiding her toward the future she envisioned for herself in college and beyond.
“Some advice he always gave me was that you got to keep moving forward in life. Take all the opportunities you are given,” she said. “A quote that we share is, ‘diversity creates dimensions in our world.’”
As a student leader at Iona, Samantha is paving her own path, trusting that her hard work and dedication will help her reach her goal of working in Media & Strategic Communications.
“I have dreams and aspirations that don't happen overnight,” she said. “But once I make a move on it, I know I'll be unstoppable.”
Learn more about SLAM or contact Samantha to get involved at sfrancois1@gaels.iona.edu.