Leading by Example

She’s the co-president of the Young Alumni Network, the Athletics chair of the Valenti School of Communication Alumni Board and the alumni engagement chair of the Honors College Advisory Board. As if juggling these responsibilities weren’t impressive enough, she will become the president-elect of the Honors College Advisory Board in the fall. 

“I like being busy,” Palividas explains with a smile. “That’s my personality.” 

 As an undergraduate at UH, she kept herself busy as a broadcast journalism major in the Honors College and a member of Bonner Leaders. The service-learning program offers students a rigorous, four-year experience focused on direct service, leadership development, capacity building and social action, requiring a weekly mentorship commitment of 5-10 hours and a capstone project integrating identity, academic learning and service experience.  

 “I lived on campus all four years, and I found my community in my group of friends. I met my husband during my time at UH; it was a very formative time for me. I think people have that experience at different points in life, but for me, it was definitely college.” 

 A couple of years after graduating, she felt compelled to find a way to express her appreciation for her experience at the University.  

 “To graduate debt-free was a massive gift, and I want to give that back.” 

 In 2019, she joined the Young Alumni Network. When the leadership moved on in 2021, she tapped one of her close friends, Chris Gervasio (’17), to help her run the network. Reflecting on her involvement in alumni groups, she describes how each role requires different skills and enriches her alumna experience uniquely. 

  “The Valenti School of Communication Alumni Board facilitates career opportunities, professional networking and mentorship. The Young Alumni Network is more event-focused, and the Honors College Advisory Board focuses on helping students and how we can support the college.”  

 She has experienced firsthand how the UH alumni community caters to a variety of interests. 

“We’re a launching pad for you to find another community you can connect to. That’s what I love about our alumni ecosystem. If you feel like Young Alumni is not the place for you, hopefully, we connect you to one of our other groups. No one’s going to turn you away. It’s about finding the right fit for you.” 

 While Palividas appreciates the recognition she has received for her volunteer work, she stresses that her accomplishments are the result of teamwork and collaboration. 

 “I think this award recognizes the efforts of not just me, but our entire Young Alumni Network,” she insists. “There’s no way I alone could pull off 40 events in a year.”