When Posse students arrive at Cornell, they bring more than their individual talents. They bring a shared commitment to leadership and community that is felt across campus.
Cornell’s first Posse arrived in 2021; today, seven more cohorts continue their work, representing students from across the country and Puerto Rico. Next year, Cornell will have one new Posse from Puerto Rico and our first full posse from Boston. Each Posse consists of 10 scholars, with the program providing built-in support by pairing each cohort with a faculty or staff mentor during their first two years.
Their involvement on campus is broad and varied. Posse members are student organization presidents, vice presidents, and executive board members. They are serving in roles such as resident assistants, admissions representatives, orientation leaders, athletic captains, and Greek life leaders.
Director of Intercultural Life Satin Bennett, who is also a Posse mentor, finds that the value of the program goes beyond the students themselves.
“They heavily play a part in student retention and belonging on campus,” Bennett said. “Even first-year Posse students voice a desire to obtain leadership positions in order to make a difference at Cornell.”
Senior Admissions Representative Kristin Vogel is also a Posse mentor. To her, the value of Posse is the variety of voices it brings to campus.
“The Posse Program brings students from all over the country, each with their own distinct brand of leadership style, even if they’re not entirely sure what that is yet,” Vogel said. “Those that get involved get to know their peers and encourage them through leading by example.”
Vogel says Angelica Rivera ’27, one of her mentees, is a quiet, confident leader. She is also a cheerleader known for her smile and ability to make those around her laugh and feel comfortable being themselves.
“Posse encourages leadership by constantly reminding us that our voices matter. Posse gives us the confidence to speak up, advocate for ourselves, and support each other,” Rivera said. “While doing leadership activities, I feel proud, but I also feel a strong sense of responsibility to show up and support others.”
According to Rivera, Cornell helps students grow as leaders with challenging classes that push collaboration, as well as campus resources and organizations that provide opportunities for growth. Rivera finds being a leader on the Hilltop feels simultaneously empowering and grounding.
Senior Gabriel Muñoz ’26 feels leadership is a more surreal experience. Since coming to Cornell, he has been a resident assistant, president of Gente, manager for the Gente and Posse Instagram pages, and the Constitutionalist for Alpha Chi Epsilon, while also being involved in BACO, the International Student Association, and the Health Professions Society.
According to this biochemistry and molecular biology major, both Posse and Cornell gave him a strong foundation for developing his leadership skills. Posse brings an extensive network that provides helpful training, resources, and contacts. Cornell adds an environment that nurtures the skills needed for day-to-day life.
“The Hilltop serves as such a close and interpersonal environment through programs like the Berry Career Institute, Residence Life, and Academic Affairs, as well as mentors who become more than mentors,” Muñoz said. “Given the size of Cornell, one can actually build life-long relationships with those around them, and that’s an advantage.”
Moving forward, Muñoz plans to work in a biomedical lab before moving on to the Marines and nursing school, with an end goal of becoming a traveling pediatric nurse practitioner. Rivera plans on getting her Ph.D. in behavioral neuroscience.
Posse Scholars impact classrooms, organizations, athletics, and the culture on campus. As new cohorts arrive each fall, the program will continue to shape the landscape of student leadership on Cornell’s campus.