Emma Roshioru

“Emma Roshioru embodies courageous leadership through her consistent willingness to challenge systems of power while remaining deeply grounded in ethics, service, and humanity,” said her nominator.

Emma's commitment to leadership is ever-present and far-reaching. Her service to more than a dozen university and state-level committees shapes policy related to academic affairs, student belonging, fiscal priorities, and accessibility.

Emma is the president of the Undergraduate Student Senate, where “she leads with moral clarity, even when doing so requires pushing against institutional inertia, navigating political complexity, or advocating for students whose voices are too often overlooked.”

Emma is a kind, steadfast, and compassionate leader. She approaches leadership as an act of service, and she empowers her peers by helping them develop confidence and participate meaningfully in governance.

Prior to her role as president, Emma served the USS as assistant director and then director for Government Relations. Emma’s work in the USS has expanded Virginia Tech’s advocacy footprint. She supported voter engagement initiatives with VT Engage and Hokies Vote Caucus, planned and executed legislative advocacy trips and trainings, and represented students in Virginia21, a student-run political action committee.

Emma hosted the 2026 ACC Advocacy Days, serving more than 80 students from across the country, and was appointed to the student advisory committee for the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.

Emma won a competitive national campaign to become a Running Start Congressional Fellow, and she represented the United States at an international forum for women leaders. These responsibilities were earned “through rigor, resilience, and the willingness to lead under pressure.”

On and off campus, Emma champions disability rights. She said, “My greatest passion in life is aspiring to make the world a better place for people with disabilities.”

As Vice President of the Disability Alliance, Emma has worked to transform institutional practices by centering lived experience in conversations about access and inclusion.

Emma is a Special Olympics Coach. She established the Area 8 All Stars Special Olympics cheer team in Roanoke Valley, which is in its second year and has 17 cheerleaders. She also co-founded the social group Operation F.U.N. (Friends with Unique Needs).

Emma is a senior double-majoring in public relations and political science and minoring in disability studies in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences.

After graduation, Emma will return to Virginia Tech to finish her accelerated master’s degree in communication. During that time, she will also apply to law school.

For giving all her energy, heart, and spirit to the causes she believes in, Student Affairs is proud to present the Aspire! Award for Prepare for Life of Courageous Leadership to Emma Roshioru.