Kassidy Hernandez crossed the stage at commencement with more than just her diploma. She carried the business school's banner.
A member of the National Online Chapter, Hernandez graduated from Valdosta State University (VSU) in spring 2026, completing dual degrees in finance and applied economics along with a minor in applied mathematics and a certificate in data science. She finished summa cum laude and received the President's Award for Academic Excellence for the Harley Langdale Jr. College of Business Administration. The honor led to her carrying its banner at graduation.
Behind the accolade is a hard worker with a philosophy to always stay positive, keep learning, and lift the people around her.
What It Took to Carry the Banner
Hernandez points to two key qualities when she describes what made the recognition possible.
"A strong work ethic and a positive mindset was needed to succeed in my classes to be recognized as the College of Business banner carrier," she says.
But grades alone never defined her time at VSU. She made a point of building genuine relationships with her professors, seeking them out for guidance that reached well beyond any syllabus.
"I was able to speak with my professors about personal and educational advice, which allowed them to get to know me as a human being," she says.
That investment paid off in ways a transcript cannot fully capture.
"Maintaining high expectations for my studies and working one-on-one with my professors allowed me to learn more than what was taught in the classroom," she says.
Her academic honors were only part of a full undergraduate life. Hernandez contributed to research presentations, served as a student ambassador, and volunteered in her community. She was also a member of VSU's Red Hots dance team, helping the squad capture national championship wins and earn All-American recognition.
A Father Who Led By Example
Long before she thought about college or awards, Hernandez learned what leadership looked like by watching her father, Victor O. Hernandez.
"I admire my father because he went back to school while supporting his family," she says.
She describes a man who earned his degree while carrying the weight of a full-time job and a young family at home.
"He received his bachelor's degree while I was five years old and worked full time as he focused on his studies," she says.
In the Hernandez household, he is the first person everyone turns to with a question.
"My dad is known as our family's 'personal Wikipedia' and is capable of doing anything we ask," she says.
And at work, he set an example by moving toward problems instead of around them.
"During his meetings at work, he takes the lead and is a problem solver," she says. "He consistently learns new things to better himself and help others in his workplace."
For Hernandez, the example he set at the office and at the kitchen table are one and the same.
"He's an amazing leader at work and at home," she says. "My father will do anything for his family and always encourages my brother and I to chase our dreams."
Choosing to Be the Light
The habits that carried Hernandez through school rest on a mindset to always stay positive.
"Life and career paths bring challenges, but I believe your success depends entirely on your mindset and actions you take to overcome obstacles," she says.
For her, effort is not something to ration, especially when times get tough.
"Continuing to give 110% even when life has different plans is difficult, but exemplifies a person's character," she says.
That standard holds whether or not anyone is keeping score.
"It's important to always stay motivated and committed to do your best even when no one is watching," she adds. "Being the light in the room is visible and will be recognized."
Leading Alongside, Not Above
Those personal habits shape a larger idea of what it means to lead. For Hernandez, leadership is a practice more than a position.
"Leadership is an evolving personal quality that grows as we learn from the people around us," she says.
She is careful to separate leadership from authority.
"A leader is one that is able to step up, an active part of the team, but isn't seen as a dictator who rules from above," she says.
In her view, the work is to set a clear direction while making sure every person on the team has room to contribute.
"A leader enforces teamwork and creates a supportive environment where everyone can thrive," she says. "A leader keeps everyone accountable, but ensures everyone feels valued and heard while achieving their goal."
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Aiming for Actuary
As she trades the classroom for the workplace, Hernandez is carrying her professors' lessons with her.
"The lessons and advice shared by my professors will be valuable when I start my career this summer," she says.
That career begins with the Marriott International Voyage Program, a leadership-development track for early-career professionals. Hernandez plans to treat the experience as an education in itself.
"My immediate goal is to completely immerse myself in the culture and operations at Marriott International as I launch my career," she says. "I want to maintain an unwavering positive mindset and act as a 'sponge,' absorbing as much knowledge as possible from my leaders and peers."
Looking further out, she has a specific credential in mind and a clear sense of what her career should stand for.
"I would also like to become an actuary in the future. I will begin preparing for the exams to become certified in the years to come," she says. "I want my career to be defined by both professional excellence and service to others."
Hernandez credits the NSLS with sharpening the way she sets and pursues those goals.
"The National Society of Leadership and Success has helped me understand the importance of setting actionable goals and the effectiveness of collaborating in a team," she says. "Hearing from leaders within the program has inspired me to have a growth mindset to succeed in the future."
Kassidy's Advice for Future Leaders
When Hernandez offers guidance to the next generation of leaders, she keeps it rooted in the same principles she lives by.
"To become a leader, I would advise to lead by example and communicate with your peers," she says.
The aim for her is to build something collaborative rather than hierarchical.
"It's important to create an environment where everyone feels safe to share their ideas," she says. "A leader doesn't necessarily have all the answers, but is open to collaboration and hearing everyone's input."
Above all, she believes leadership is measured by how much room it makes for others.
"Leadership isn't about standing above your peers, but enforcing a supportive climate that empowers them to succeed," she says.
Meet Annalee MacArthur next, the accounting and finance double major who leaned on consistency and daily discipline to finish as valedictorian of Southern Utah University's business school.
