Hand Foundation Recognizes Berkeley College Honorees with President's Lifetime Achievement Award for Leadership and Service
Tuesday, May 20, 2025
Senior Director, Communications and External Relations
973-200-1099
KME@BerkeleyCollege.edu
Photo Caption (L to R): Busie Matsiko, Member, Berkeley College Board of Trustees, and Randy Gómez, Director, Corporate and Community Relations, New York, Berkeley College, attend the Hand Foundation Men and Women That Transcend Formal Gala Awards Reception on Saturday, March 22, 2025. The Hand Foundation honored Matsiko and Gómez with the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for leadership and service.
The Hand Foundation, a New Jersey-based nonprofit committed to building leaders of character, vision, and action, recently honored Busie Matsiko, Member, Berkeley College Board of Trustees, and Randy Gómez, Director, Corporate and Community Relations, New York, Berkeley College, with the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for leadership and service. The awards were presented alongside the Hand Foundation’s Global Legendary Legacy Leadership Awards during the Men and Women That Transcend Formal Gala Awards Reception on Saturday, March 22, 2025.
“It is a privilege for me to receive this award,” said Matsiko, a resident of Deer Park, Long Island, NY. “Unlocking opportunities that propel innovation and advancement depends on the empowerment of young people and women. Let’s harness the power of mentorship and technology to create a better future for all, because when we lift each other up, we all rise.”
“I am thrilled that I have been nominated to receive the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award,” said Gómez, a resident of Baldwin, Long Island, NY. “This honor is especially meaningful to me as it recognizes the extensive volunteer service and dedication I have poured into my career over the years.”
The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor within the national President’s Volunteer Service Award, recognizes individuals who contribute more than 4,000 hours of service in their lifetime. Recipients receive a certificate, pin, and a congratulatory letter from the President of the United States.
Matsiko, an award-winning strategist, consultant, author, and entrepreneur, founded one of the first fashion technology platforms. As President of the New York Africa Chamber of Commerce, she enhances trade and investment between Africa and global markets. She is an advocate for youth and women and is co-founder of Africa Sisters NYC.
Gómez has volunteered with organizations including Variable Innovators Academy (VIA)’s Explore with VIA program, where she produced onboarding workshops for entry-level tech professionals, and Prospanica New Jersey, where she serves as President and advances the visibility and success of Latinas through the organization’s Latina Track. Gómez has also dedicated service hours to Citymeals on Wheels and Habitat for Humanity through the BerkeleyCares® initiative at Berkeley College.
“The Global Legendary Legacy Leadership Awards was a resounding success, shining as a beacon of excellence, prestige, and impact,” the Hand Foundation said in a statement. “Many remarkable individuals graced us with their presence, elevating the evening to extraordinary heights.”
Photo Captions: (Left) Marisol Abuin, JD, Chair, Legal Studies, Berkeley College School of Professional Studies, and Randy Gómez, Director, Corporate and Community Relations, New York, Berkeley College, volunteer with Habitat for Humanity through the BerkeleyCares® initiative. (Right) Busie Matsiko, Member, Berkeley College Board of Trustees, volunteers with Materials for the Arts in New York City through the BerkeleyCares® initiative. The Hand Foundation honored Gómez and Matsiko with the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award for leadership and service.
About Berkeley College
Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate’s degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College also offers Continuing Education programs to enhance career credentials.
Berkeley College has campuses in New York City and in Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 4,000 students enrolled. In addition, Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor’s Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans for 12 consecutive years. Berkeley College is also ranked among the Best Regional Colleges/Universities in the North in the 2025 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges survey. The website address is https://BerkeleyCollege.edu.The mission of Berkeley College is to empower each student to achieve lifelong success.
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