Jaxon Robert

For Jaxon Robert, courageous leadership is not a choice, but a calling. He describes it as the ability to “help one's peers through difficult times and tasks while holding true to a vision and being as empathetic as possible.”

He is a peer educator on the Hokie Wellness Sexual Violence Prevention team, a peer mentor at the Cranwell International Center, and a leader in his fraternity. He is motivated by an instinct to help the people in his life.

“My friends and family are the reason that I get out of bed every morning and love doing what I do around campus and in the community,” Jaxon said.

In his work as a peer educator, his nominator said that he demonstrates a deep commitment to his work. He reports to each shift excited to work and continually takes initiative to improve the program. He also works more than the required number of hours, and his work consistently surpasses expectations.

“Despite the sensitive nature of the work,” said his nominator, “Jaxon shows courageous leadership in his commitment to educating his fellow students about sexual violence and how to prevent sexual violence at Virginia Tech. His passion for creating safer communities shines through his commitment to the work and willingness to embrace difficult conversations. His courageous leadership serves both the Hokie Wellness team and greater Virginia Teach community.”

In his first year as a peer educator, his nominator estimated that Jaxon interacted with hundreds of students. Through a combination of facilitating workshops, tabling outreach, and large events, Jaxon’s work has increased awareness and knowledge about sexual violence prevention, helping to make Virginia Tech safer for all.

Jaxon described his work as a peer educator as the best experience of his life. “As a student, I was able to support people in their journey in college by educating my community on important issues plaguing our age range,” said Jaxon. “With my amazing peers, we were able to reach a lot of students in just one year.”

Always looking for ways to uplift and support his community, Jaxon said, “I pride myself on the work I was able to do with programs like Hokie Wellness, the Pamplin International Peer Mentor Program, the Special Pops adaptive tennis program, and many other organizations I have been able to help.”

Jaxon is a business information technology major with a concentration in operations and supply chain management in Pamplin College of Business. After graduation, Jaxon plans to join the workforce and continue to volunteer and contribute to the causes that are dear to him.

For his wholehearted commitment to uplifting and protecting his community, I am proud to present the Aspire! Award for Prepare for a Life of COURAGEOUS LEADERSHIP to Jaxon Robert.