Gabriela Ledesma has been named one of this year’s recipients of the Laureate Award from The Lincoln Academy of Illinois, due to her overall success as an engaged student, active citizen, and scholar. Ledesma also was recognized by the Illinois State University Board of Trustees at their February 21, 2025, meeting.

Ledesma is anticipated to graduate from Illinois State in May 2025, with a bachelor’s degree in international business and a minor in business analytics. Originally from Panama, Ledesma also is a student at Universidad del Istmo, where she is expected to complete her bachelor’s degree in maritime business administration in December 2026. She aspires to continue her education at the graduate level. She also holds a broad range of certifications related to business from Illinois State, Universidad del Istmo, Otelma University, and the International Business Management Institute.

Last year, Ledesma also was awarded the most prestigious university-wide honor bestowed upon undergraduate students, the Bone Scholarship, named in honor of the late Robert G. Bone, president of Illinois State University from 1956-1967. This award is presented to undergraduate students who combine excellent academic achievement and community engagement activities on and off-campus with exceptional qualities of character and leadership. The competition for this scholarship is rigorous, and she was recognized as one of 14 Robert G. Bone Scholars for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Ledesma also received the Country Financial Management Awards, the International Business Service Award, is an Honors Program student, and has been named on the Dean’s List during her academic journey at Illinois State.

She has pursued multiple leadership roles, including serving as a representative at General Assembly Commission for Human Rights at Model United Nations, president of the Illinois State University’s International Business Association, president and founder of Leadership Panama, mentor for the Illinois State University’s College of Business’ Business Week Mentor Program, and was a participant in the San Diego State University’s International Business Case Competition and the CUIBE International Business Case Competition. She also received fifth place in Central America’s Oratory National Contest.

Beyond academic successes, Ledesma is active as a member of the United Nations Association. She also created a TEDx TALK titled “Why is it so hard to do something that seems so simple?” and the course “The art of communication.” She owns two international small businesses and placed as a finalist in the Startup Showcase Illinois State Competition.