Harvard Extension Alumni Association Honors Award Winners

The evening began with a welcome address from the HEAA president, Ariel Gamiño Miranda ALM ’03, followed by reflections on the year by Nancy J. Coleman, Ed.D., Dean of Harvard Division of Continuing Education and University Extension. The recipients of these awards were Harvard Extension alumni honored for their outstanding accomplishments, leadership and dedication to service.

Rodney Wilson ALM ’12, received the Michael Shinagel Award for Service to Others, for demonstrating the broad impact that a single individual can have by inspiring social change in their communities. In 1994, Wilson came out to his class of high school students. His brave act drew national attention through features in Teacher Magazine, Dateline NBC, and other media outlets. That same year, he founded what is now known as LGBTQ+ History Month to recognize and celebrate the achievements of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history.

Michelle Kim ALM ’25 received the Emerging Leaders Award, which recognizes recent graduates who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and selfless dedication while serving as role models in their fields. Michelle is the Founder and Strategic Director for Sustainability at the JIVAM Foundation in India, where she established an education center for underprivileged youth, co-designed health and digital-education programs and launched the village’s first digital library. Through her research and youth engagement with the World Federation of United Nations Associations, she has facilitated more than 100 workshops and trained over 5,000 young people in climate literacy, sustainability, and global citizenship. As Manager of Climate Programs at the United Nations Association in Canada, she leads Green Volunteers Across Canada, a national initiative that equips youth with climate leadership skills and supports community climate projects across the country.

Aaron Flahaut ALM ’20 received the Military-Veteran Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his outstanding leadership for over a decade of service in the United States Air Force and his exceptional commitment to serving his communities. During his service, he was nominated for the Ambassador Award for his impact on host-nation relations and received the Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award, one of the Air Force’s highest honors. He also played a key role in the B-21 beddown program at Ellsworth Air Force Base and was later selected by the commander of Air Force Global Strike Command to commission as an officer and train as a pilot. Aaron has continued his commitment to service beyond the military through community relief efforts, arts advocacy, and founding the Forgotten Sacrifices Project to honor service members who died in the line of duty beyond combat.

Each honoree’s story serves as a reminder that one person can create positive and meaningful change. The energy in the historic hall reflected admiration for the achievements of these individuals, a sense of community, and inspiration to create positive change through service to others.

As HEAA President Ariel Gamiño Miranda ALM ’03 reflected, “When we connect, we create opportunity through the powerful act of seeing one another — of belonging to one another. When we serve, we create purpose, turning our education into real-world impact. And when we celebrate, we create a true sense of belonging.”

By Lindsey Johnston
DCE Correspondent