As a Ronald A. Hammond Scholar, Natalie Diala has managed to balance a rigorous academic schedule with a variety of involvement and leadership roles at the University of Miami.
When her “original plan” for her pre-med collegiate path fell through, Diala quickly shifted gears and explored other areas of interest, mostly within UM’s Butler Center for Service and Leadership. She served in various capacities for the programming board “A Week for Life,” ending her current tenure as president after working for three years to educate the UM and Greater Miami communities on topics related to HIV/AIDS, and found time to work as communications coordinator for the Butler Center, managing the creation of web and social media content.
“The work done in the Butler Center is rooted in a great deal of care one has for their community. The essence of Natalie so heavily resonates with this core value, as it is obvious in her actions that she cares deeply for all beings, and strives to create a better world,” said Brittany Brewster, assistant director of the Butler Center for Service and Leadership.
As president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC), she governed the organization with confidence, dedication and an “infectious energy,” said Anthoney Kinney, assistant dean of students and advisor to NPHC. Diala’s character, leadership, and scholarship were among the values recognized when she was inducted into Iron Arrow, the highest honor attainable at the University of Miami.
“Natalie uses her vibrant temperament to connect with people, motivate them towards their passions and make them feel valued. Since our very first interaction, Natalie has remained true to herself, never dimming her big and bright personality for the comfort or acceptance of others. I’ve always admired this trait and hope that she continues to move through life with the same attitude and confidence,” Brewster said.
Diala graduates this month with a public relations major and minors in psychology and marketing, yet it wasn’t until she enrolled in a pre-law pipeline program at the University of Houston Law Center that she realized law school would be her next move. She will begin her studies in immigration law in the fall.
