2025 Martin Luther King, Jr. Leadership Award Winners
Leadership Award - Alumni
Clara Acero
As a first-generation Colombian American, born in Northern California and having lived in Arizona, I have been dedicated to public service for the past 16 years, driven by a passion for connecting individuals with essential resources and education. Growing up in a single-mother household, I faced numerous challenges, including becoming a first-time homeowner and earning my master’s degree in data analytics. I am also a first-time mom to Eliana Smith, born on November 24th, the day after Thanksgiving last year.
For over six years, I have been actively engaged with the Junior League of Boca Raton, embracing various leadership roles and serving on multiple committees. One of my key responsibilities was representing the League in Tallahassee, where I conducted impactful research on Senate and House bills affecting the welfare of women and children. In 2021, I co-chaired the Junior League’s Women Volunteer of the Year event, its largest fundraiser, attracting over 800 guests at The Boca Raton Resort.
In addition to my work with the Junior League, I am a dedicated member of the Human Trafficking Coalition of Palm Beach County, committed to staying informed about critical issues facing our community. I am also an active member of the Palm Beach County Homeless Alliance Coalition Committee, where I currently serve on the Support Service Pillar Committee. Our committee is focused on connecting individuals and families experiencing homelessness with essential support services that promote financial stability.
My dedication to service extends to the Board of Children's Harbor, a nationally accredited organization providing sanctuary and support to at-risk children and youth. Every month, I also engage in community events with my church, reinforcing my commitment to giving back.
Professionally, I have secured government, corporate, and foundation grants in my previous roles, and I currently serve as the Executive Director of Kingdom Charitable Trust, a private foundation. In this position, I bring a unique perspective characterized by insightful, creative, and forward-thinking approaches, along with a compassionate dedication to maximizing social impact. My memberships include Venture Philanthropy, chaired by the Quantum Foundation, as well as the Mission Investment Exchange and Florida’s Philanthropy Network.
Leadership Award - Faculty/Staff
Dr. Winsome Vassell
Dr. Winsome E. Vassell is an accomplished Registered Nurse (RN) with 26 years medical experience, 22 years nursing experience, along with six years of experience as a Practical Nursing Educator, and 13 years’ experience as an Associate of Nursing Professor at Palm Beach State College. Dr. Vassell is a trained Intensive Care (ICU) nurse, and her nursing career has provided her with the opportunity to work in areas of Pediatrics, Geriatrics home care, Skilled Nursing Facilities (tracheostomy & ventilators), Assisted Living Facilities, Long Term Care, in home Hospice, Health Care Education, and currently as a Nursing Educator at Palm Beach State College, Professor III (the highest professor ranking at the college).
Dr. Vassell has impacted her community by exhibiting competence in the delivery of classroom instructions via Face-to-Face, Hybrid and Online mediums.
In her pursuit for higher education, and to create a greater community impact, Dr. Vassell attempted and later completed her doctoral (EdD) studies with concentrations in Healthcare Education and Organizational Leadership at Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Prior to completing her doctoral degree, Dr. Vassell also completed her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN/Ed) specializing in Healthcare Education and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Phoenix.
Dr. Vassell is a Christian member of the Central New Testament church of God, where she serves as the Sunday School superintendent, community affairs organizer, and in many other as needed capacities. Dr. Vassell has not only been a mother to her 2 beautiful daughters but has served in her community as a mother to many others, a community advisor to high school students, and a mentor to many students, both at Palm Beach State College and beyond.
Community Services listed below are just a few of her many outreach activities.
Leadership Award - Individual
Lynne L. Hubbard
Lynne L. Hubbard is a dedicated community leader and advocate for economic and social justice. Born and raised in Palm Beach County, she is a proud graduate of Florida A&M University. Lynne has served multiple terms as a Councilwoman for Riviera Beach, first from 2007-2009 and again since May 2016, where she has been a catalyst for positive change in the community.
With a passion for empowering youth through education, Lynne initiated the Riviera Beach Summer Youth Employment Program, which includes a Standardized Test Strategy Boot Camp. Her efforts have directly addressed disparities in educational outcomes, ensuring students receive the support they need to earn their high school diplomas.
As the President of the Northside Kiwanis Club, Lynne leads two major fundraisers: the Annual Golf Tournament and a Cotton Club-themed Gala, both aimed at providing college scholarships for community youth. She also spearheaded the reactivation of the West Palm Beach NAACP Branch 5143B, demonstrating her commitment to civil rights and community advocacy.
Lynne’s commitment to economic equity is evident in her work to ensure local residents benefit from city projects and resources. She has advocated for revising the procurement process, creating databases for skilled local tradespeople, and fostering a collaborative mindset between the city and its residents. Her dedication to creating political will for equity and inclusion in resource distribution has been central to her approach as a leader.
In addition to her work in economic development, Lynne has been a strong supporter of mental health awareness, recognized by the Palm Beach County Action Alliance for Mental Health with the 2016 Voice Award. She has worked to improve support systems for individuals with mental illnesses, including training for first responders and the creation of a quick-response ID card for medical needs.
Her service extends to a variety of boards and organizations, including the Riviera Beach Housing Authority Board, the Florida League of Cities Energy, Environment and Natural Resources Legislative Policy Committee, and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, where she received the HerStory Award for leadership in Public Policy and Advocacy. She has also been active in the League of Women Voters, the Florida A&M University Alumni Association, and served as President of the Florida Democratic Black Caucus-PBCC.
Her leadership is further marked by initiatives to reduce the burden of code enforcement liens on residents, the development of community wellness programs, and efforts to keep city resources within the community. Lynne’s approach is rooted in collaboration, transparency, and a deep commitment to the well-being of Riviera Beach and its residents.
Leadership Award - Organization
Path to College
In 2017, Path to College was founded on a donation and a dream. While a teacher, founder Christine Sylvain saw fi rst-hand the disparities between high school students in well-resourced schools from college-going homes and their peers in Title 1 schools. Both groups had the same intelligence and aspirations, but the less fortunate group carried the burden of poverty with no support for academic aspirations. Path to College was created to support this group and prevent the loss of a precious and valuable resource – a generation of students that belong at college and deserve the benefi ts of a high-quality, no-debt education. College graduation remains the surest path out of generational poverty. But, for many students, it is a dream unrealized. A dream hindered by poverty, childhood trauma, the pull of low-wage part-time work, demands of family care, lack of funds for academic enrichment, and a lack of consistent mentoring to guide them.
Today, Path to College is serving this student population with an ambitious, comprehensive program to empower them as they go through high school and achieve their dream of attending college. Through a robust, 3-year Academic Fellowship Program, students are given access to a Mentor, academic support, SAT guidance, and resources as they move through the college application process. The results of this approach are transformational: to date, 100% of Path to College fellows have been admitted to 4-year universities, with the majority receiving full scholarships.
Service is at the core of the Academic Fellowship Program. We are not just helping students attend college; we are developing them to be tomorrow's community leaders. Throughout the Academic Fellowship, students engage in community service and civic leadership projects, ensuring that they emerge from the program embodying the spirit of community service. Our team is working tirelessly to ensure that today's students become tomorrow's leaders and do so with a spirit of service to others.
Leadership Award - Student
Gibril King
Gibril King serves as the President of the Black Student Union (BSU) at the Boca Raton campus, where he has spearheaded efforts to reestablish the organization as a vibrant hub for Black students. His tenure has been marked by resilience and innovation, as he successfully navigated the challenges of revitalizing the BSU following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Having joined the BSU in his first year on campus, Gibril witnessed the profound impact the pandemic had on student engagement and community cohesion. This experience inspired his mission to rebuild the organization into a welcoming and empowering space for Black students to connect, celebrate their heritage, and explore diverse cultural narratives.
Under Gibril’s leadership, the BSU has introduced an array of impactful programs that celebrate Black culture and encourage campus-wide cultural exchange. Events like cultural showcases, music appreciation nights, and thought-provoking panel discussions have not only strengthened bonds within the Black student community but also fostered meaningful dialogue and understanding among students from various backgrounds.
Beyond cultural initiatives, Gibril has emphasized the BSU’s role as a resource for academic and personal development. From organizing study groups and leadership training to creating networking opportunities, he has worked tirelessly to provide members with tools to succeed both academically and socially.
Gibril’s vision and dedication have not only reignited a sense of pride and unity among Black students but have also positioned the BSU as a vital contributor to campus diversity and inclusion. His efforts exemplify the transformative power of student leadership in creating spaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and inspired to grow.
As a committed advocate for community and cultural appreciation, Gibril King continues to leave a lasting legacy, empowering students to embrace their identities while fostering mutual respect and understanding across the campus community.
