Lillian Samuel is a trailblazer in nonprofit leadership as CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area.

She has guided the organization to record fundraising and national recognition with a career spanning business and philanthropy, she has raised millions to strengthen health and youth programs.

USF impacted my life in so many positive ways.

It really helped me gain the confidence to be a leader.

I was already a leader, but a leader at a whole other level.

I mean, I really didn't know what was possible until I had the experience at USF.

It also cemented my values in terms of being a professional and just being a citizen and a community member.

The things that I cared about were cemented from the people that I got to know and that I'm still connected with today.

Lillian's passion for mentorship and collaboration extends across the Bay Area through her board service and community involvement.

Changing the world from here to me means that we all have the power to make a difference, whether it's in our professional lives or our personal lives.

We have the power and anything is possible.

It doesn't matter what stage of life you're in, whether you're early in your career or later in your career.

You have the power to make a difference, and if we all believe that we can make a difference, I believe that change will happen. 

I have remained involved in USF since graduation because it really changed my trajectory as a professional and the friends that I made, I'm still connected with many of them today, some of them personally and professionally.

My advice to current USF students is to stay connected. Don't underestimate the value of being connected. Your network is so important professionally and personally, can really open doors that you can't even imagine.

For her, exceptional leadership, for elevating nonprofit practice across the region, and for inspiring future change makers. USF Honors Lillian Samuel with the Professional Achievement Award.