Miami, Sept. 5, 2025 – Miami Dade College (MDC) made history this year with a record 25 students named recipients of the 2025 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship, a nationally recognized program sponsored by Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation that supports students in the Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) honor society.
The Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholarship program provides a $1,000 award to help new PTK members defray educational expenses while working toward an associate degree. The funds not only aid college completion but also give students the opportunity to engage in Society programs and develop leadership skills to become future leaders in their communities.
Scholars were selected from more than 600 applicants nationwide based on academic excellence and demonstrated leadership potential. Of this year’s winners, 23 are enrolled in MDC’s renowned Honors College. In addition, three students earned the distinguished Global Leaders of Promise designation and another was named an inaugural 2025 Chime Workforce Scholar. This new scholarship recognizes high-achieving students pursuing career and technical education pathways.
MDC’s 2025 Coca-Cola Leaders of Promise Scholars are:
Mayte Alvarez
Santiago Arjona
Johnny Barahona
Alexzander Cano
Camilla Cardozo
Daniela Durruthy
Aaron Escobar
Jose Exposito Pino
Irene Fidalgo Galano
Uyen Hoang (Global Leader of Promise)
Nicole Lopez Rivero
Soledad Mayobre Lopez
Jorge Partidas
Hilary Ramirez Payamps
Elianis Rodriguez Arzola
Luis Rodriguez Palmero
Maria Romero
Adrian Rupert
Gabriela Sicre
Tomas Silvera
Camila Solari-Byrne
Juan Subero (Global Leader of Promise)
Dianela Tabares (Global Leader of Promise)
Alejandro Valdes
Jayred Velasquez
About Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the first honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 4.4 million members and nearly 1,250 chapters in 11 countries, with approximately 220,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.
About Miami Dade College
Miami Dade College (MDC) is the most diverse institution in the nation, with 167 nations and 63 languages represented in its student body. The college’s eight campuses and outreach centers offer over 300 distinct degree pathways, including associate and baccalaureate degrees, certifications and apprenticeships. MDC is the recipient of many top national awards, including the prestigious Aspen Prize, and has been ranked #4 among Top Public Institutions in the Southern Region by U.S. News & World Report. The College changes lives through accessible, high-quality teaching and learning experiences. It is home to the Miami Culinary Institute, the Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex, the Miami Fashion Institute, The Idea Center, the Cybersecurity Center of the Americas, two AI Centers, the Center for Learning, Innovation and Simulation at the Medical Campus, the Business Innovation & Technology Center, the School for Advanced Studies and New World School of the Arts, among others. MDC has been recognized among the nation’s “Great Colleges to Work For” since the program’s inception. The College serves as an economic, cultural and civic leader for the advancement of our diverse global community. MDC alumni and employees contribute more than $5 billion annually to the local economy, and graduates occupy top leadership positions in every major industry. MDC’s renowned rich cultural programming includes the Miami Book Fair, Miami Film Festival, the National Historic Landmark Miami Freedom Tower, Koubek Center Mansion and Gardens, Live Arts Miami at MDC, the Lynn and Louis Wolfson II Florida Moving Image Archives, and the Museum of Art and Design. MDC has admitted more than 2.5 million students and counting, since it opened its doors in 1960. Approximately 125,000 students are currently enrolled. For more information, visit www.mdc.edu.