Food Systems students recognized for leadership and service

Congratulations to Gabrielle Siros and Michaela Skloven, graduate students in the University of Washington Food Systems, Nutrition, and Health (FSNH) Program, who have received 2026 leadership and service awards. Each year, faculty and students in our graduate program nominate two second-year master’s students who have made exceptional contributions to their cohort.

Gabrielle Siros

Carrie Cheney Student Leadership Award

Gabrielle Siros is the recipient of the 2026 Carrie Cheney Student Leadership Award, established in memory of Carrie Cheney, a longtime FSNH faculty member who served as a respected leader and mentor for students.

Gabrielle is a Master of Science student who is also completing registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) training through the Graduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics (GCPD).  

Gabrielle’s peers nominating her for the award say: 

“Gabby is a natural leader who always shows up with a smile on her face. Outside her natural leadership in the classroom, she also took incredible leadership initiative with her work in Live Well. Gabby is a superstar leader who deserves recognition.”

“Gabby’s steadfast perseverance and commitment to her goals is just as admirable as her unwavering kindheartedness. She is headed for a wonderful career, one where all those with whom she interacts will be better for having met her. Forever and always Team Gabby!” 

Michaela Skloven

Winter-Eben Service Award

Michaela Skloven is the recipient of the 2026 Beverly Winter-Eben Award, established in memory of Beverly Winter-Eben, a program manager who served in her role for twenty years. The award recognizes students who contribute to the program and the student experience with care, concern, and generosity.  

Michaela is a Master of Science student who is also completing registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) training through the Graduate Coordinated Program in Dietetics (GCPD).  

Faculty and staff members in the program praise Michaela for her level of engagement and dependability.

“Michaela brought a level of persistence and engagement that helped keep her peers connected and invested, especially during the more demanding stretches of the program,” says Michelle Averill, program director. “Her GCPD preceptors observed that she eagerly stepped into any situation and approached every experience as an opportunity to grow.”

Jenifer Pesicka Hiigli, director of student and academic services, says: “We always knew that if we ever needed a student voice, a volunteer, or anything else, that Michaela would be not only willing to help, but one of the first to volunteer. She is warm, enthusiastic, and dependable, and we have been so fortunate to have her with us for the past two years.”

June 8, 2026