mercyhurst.edu photo: Amber Penna

Senior Amber Penna has been recognized with the ATHENA Young Professional Leadership Award.

The award is given to a person that exemplifies the qualities of leadership, excellence, creativity and initiative.

Penna currently holds the position of Mercyhurst Student Government President, a role that comes with a seat on the Mercyhurst University’s Board of Trustees.

Many students on campus may know Penna as an organizer for various organizations, particularly for service- learning trips, while others may know her as the singer of the National Anthem at many of the sporting events on campus.

Penna has been accepted to graduate school at Duke University in North Carolina where she will take many of her qualities that helped gain her this award.

“Through my leadership opportunities, I have learned how to communicate to my patients and be stern with my therapy in order to assist them in reaching their rehabilitation goals.”

Penna admits that she has never been the most confident person, but being such an involved student at Mercyhurst has helped her to grow into the student leader that she is today.

She is very gracious for her family and the boost that they have given to her over the years to exceed her full potential.

“They have helped me to discover more about myself, and what I want to dedicate my time and effort towards. Having four older brothers who are all extremely successful in their field of study has truly set high expectations for myself, and I could not ask for better role models to look up to,” said Penna.
“Hands down, I owe all of my accomplishments and successes to my family.”

Penna says that she is very blessed to have received this award saying, “It definitely made me realize all of the opportunities and accomplishments I have had in my life and this humbled me.”