Outstanding PhD Student Award in Leadership

Milena Braga

BHS’26, Counseling Psychology

Milena is a second-year Counseling Psychology PhD student whose research interests revolve around promoting belonging, specifically among underserved populations in higher education. As a first-generation immigrant, she is passionate about creating room for others at the table so that everyone has equitable opportunity and access to an education. She has been fortunate to work in Dr. Don Robinaugh’s lab, researching the relationship between belonging and loneliness, as well as implementing peer mentorship programs and facilitating community-building events. Milena is part of the team developing Northeastern’s ROADMAP program, creating opportunities for BIPOC students to gain paid research experience. She is an avid reader, and is a big fan of Brené Brown’s work, which often intersects with her own interests, and she enjoys trying new food with friends, as she believes that food and community are both healing.