BRAVO! Annual Employee Recognition Program
At John Jay College, our employees are at the heart of our mission. The BRAVO Employee Recognition Program celebrates the extraordinary contributions of employees whose work brings to life the vision of the College’s Strategic Plan and CUNY’s 2023–2030 Strategic Roadmap. By shining a light on their commitment to justice, equity, innovation, collaboration, student success and, sustainability we honor their impact and inspire a culture where every member of our community feels valued, supported, and empowered to excel.
Watch the video of the BRAVO! Employee and Team Awards Ceremony 2025
1. Changemaker Award (Individual)
This award honors a full or part-time staff member whose work embodies John Jay College’s mission of advancing justice while driving transformative progress. The recipient challenges norms, champions inclusive excellence, and actively fosters equity, belonging, and access. Through leadership, innovation, and a commitment to dismantling barriers and expanding opportunities, the honoree makes significant contributions to John Jay’s strategic initiatives and CUNY’s vision of uplifting lives and communities.
Eligibility: Staff only
2. Excellence in Service to Students Award (Individual)
This award honors a full or part-time staff whose extraordinary service empowers students to succeed, advancing John Jay’s student-centered priorities and CUNY’s vision of elevating lives through education, opportunity, and support.
Eligibility: Staff only
3. Innovation & Excellence Award (Individual or Team)
This award honors a full or part-time staff member or team whose creativity and commitment drive transformative change at John Jay. By leveraging technology, reimagining processes, and solving complex challenges, the recipient advances institutional effectiveness, enhances access and service, and strengthens student and organizational success. In alignment with CUNY Lifting NY, this award celebrates those whose innovation and excellence uplift lives and ensure John Jay thrives as a model of transformation.
Eligibility: Staff or teams (can include faculty)
4. Outstanding Team Collaboration Award (Team)
This award recognizes a cross-functional team whose collaboration drives meaningful progress, demonstrating John Jay’s “Stronger Together” spirit and advancing CUNY’s vision of collective impact to uplift communities and expand opportunity.
Eligibility: Teams (can include faculty)
5. Silent Champion Award (Individual)
This award shines a light on a behind-the-scenes full or part-time staff whose work and dedication ensures the college thrives, affirming John Jay’s value of service and CUNY’s recognition that every role contributes to uplifting students and communities.
Eligibility: Staff (especially civil service employees)
6. Sustainability Champion Award (Individual or Team)
This award recognizes a full or part-time staff member or team whose work have made a meaningful impact on building a more sustainable future for our campus community. The recipient(s) has/have advanced initiatives that reduce our environmental footprint and inspire others to embrace practices that support climate resiliency and stewardship. Through their vision and commitment, they exemplify how individual action can drive collective progress toward a greener, more responsible John Jay and CUNY.
Eligibility: Staff or teams (can include faculty)
Nomination Form: BRAVO - John Jay Annual Employee Recognition Awards 2025
- Nominations must be submitted online by any member of the college community
- Nominations must reflect contributions made during the previous academic year for which the nominee will be recognized.
- Selection is made by majority vote of the BRAVO Employee Recognition Committee. Only one awardee (team or individual) will be selected by the committee for each category.
- BRAVO Employee Awards will be announced and presented once a year.
- Winners are ineligible to win for two consecutive years.
Nomination and recognition schedule will be as follows:
- Nomination time period: September 1 – August 30 (one academic year)
- Deadline for nominations: Monday, October 20, 2025
- Announcement of nominees: Wednesday, November 5, 2025
- Winners will be announced: Tuesday, December 2, 2025
Staff members selected for the Employee Recognition Awards will receive:
- Award/Plaque
- An announcement/listing on the Bravo webpage
- An announcement displayed on the College's digital screens
- Lunch with the President
Oswald Fraser (Co-Chair)
Keisha Pottinger-Moore (Co-Chair)
Jennifer Lorenzo
Diego Redondo
Carla Bianco Biagini
Alena Ryjov
Michael Scaduto
Kinya Chandler
Shaun Bisnauth
- Members of the committee Include representatives from across the college
- Review nominations and select award winners
- Maintain confidentiality on the subject of nominees, and on the selection process
- Serve a two-year term on the Employee Recognition Committee. After serving two years, a committee member may either choose to step down from the committee or continue to serve (year-to-year)
- Members are ineligible for nomination for the duration of his/her two-year term on the committee
- Assist in the recognition event planning (logistics, etc.) and presentation of the Employee Appreciation Awards