04/28/2025
Earlier this month, we presented the 2025 Colin L. Powell Distinguished Leadership Award to United States Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor.
This award recognizes individuals who have reached the highest level in their fields, and who embody the leadership values that Gen. Powell demonstrated throughout his career: integrity, humility, humor, pragmatism, and common sense.
A Bronx native, Justice Sotomayor rose to become the first Latina appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court. Her journey — marked by perseverance, determination, and an unwavering commitment to justice — paved the way for countless others to follow. Throughout her career, she has been a tireless advocate for fairness and equality, particularly for those who have been marginalized and overlooked. Her leadership is defined by her intellectual brilliance, her deep empathy, her pragmatic approach to the law, and her ability to inspire others to serve with humility and compassion.
The Distinguished Leadership Awards event was conceived by Marco Antonio Achón, Co-Chair of the Colin Powell School Board of Visitors and global head of Corporate Banking, Santander Corporate & Investment Banking, and made possible through the generous support of Santander.
The award was presented by Linda Powell, Co-Chair of the Board of Visitors of the Colin Powell School. CUNY Chancellor Félix Matos Rodríguez, CCNY President Vince Boudreau, and Colin Powell School Dean Andrew Rich, all paid tribute to Justice Sotomayor.
