From Growth to Greatness: BHCC Students Celebrate Transformational Leadership Journey
Thursday, June 4, 2026
R.E.G.L.A. Legacy Initiative℠ graduation highlights confidence, connection, and the power of authentic leadership
On May 22, Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) marked a powerful milestone as students gathered at Boston’s historic African Meeting House to celebrate the completion of the R.E.G.L.A. Legacy Initiative (RLI)—a 16-week leadership development and mentorship program designed to cultivate confident, purpose-driven leaders.
Created by The Jen Pinto LLC and hosted in partnership with BHCC, the R.E.G.L.A. Legacy Initiative offers a highly personalized experience that combines one-on-one coaching, interactive workshops, guest speakers, and reflective conversations. The program emphasizes the development of the whole person, helping students strengthen leadership, identity, resilience, and communication skills while building a supportive community.
The inaugural cohort brought together a small group of students from diverse academic and professional backgrounds, each embarking on a leadership journey. Through career connection calls, panel discussions, and mentorship, participants gained real-world insight and formed meaningful relationships grounded in encouragement and shared growth.
Throughout the program, students explored what it means to lead authentically, learning to understand themselves better while developing the confidence to succeed both personally and professionally.
BHCC student Martha Bien-Aimé says, “The program will help students understand who you are as a leader… and build your leadership skills and self-discipline. It gives you a solid foundation.”
The graduation ceremony served as both a moment of reflection and a launching pad. Students delivered speeches that captured their personal growth, resilience, and renewed sense of purpose. For many, the program was not just a professional development opportunity—it was a transformative experience that reshaped how they view leadership and community.
“Participating in R.E.G.L.A. gave me access to an incredible network… It strengthened my confidence as a leader and encouraged me to think more intentionally about my goals,” said BHCC student Raesia “Rae” Straker.
Participants emphasized that R.E.G.L.A. goes beyond traditional leadership training by building a lifelong network of mentors, peers, and community leaders.
“It is more than a leadership program. It is a community that continues to support you long after the program ends,” said Straker.
Dr. Alicia D’Oyley, BHCC’s Dean of Enrollment Management and LifeMap, reflected that “students experienced meaningful personal and professional growth throughout the program, reflected through the powerful speeches they shared during the ceremony.”
Building a Legacy for the Future
What sets the R.E.G.L.A. Legacy Initiative apart is its commitment to accessibility and inclusion. Offered at no cost to participants, the program demonstrates the impact of investing in students’ holistic growth and in creating spaces where they feel seen, supported, and empowered.
As momentum builds after the success of its inaugural cohort, the initiative continues to attract interest from students, educators, and community partners eager to expand its reach. Plans are already underway for the next BHCC cohort, with recruitment for the Fall 2027 program expected to begin in Fall 2026.
For BHCC students, the ceremony marked not an end but the beginning of a new chapter, defined by confidence, purpose, and a commitment to lead with authenticity and impact.
BHCC students and program graduates Jacqueline Racine, Raesia Straker, Martha Bien-Aimé, and Yoojin Hwang (not pictured)
celebrated with co-facilitators Jen Pinto and Marika Hamilton and BHCC Dean of Enrollment Management and LifeMap Alicia D’Oyley.