(Bradenton, Fla., June 14, 2023) — State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) congratulates 2023 SCF Collegiate School (SCFCS) graduate Gabriella Cortes-Alban, who will receive the Youth Volunteer Award at the ninth annual Manatee Chamber of Commerce Champions of Healthcare Awards on June 15. Healthy Teens nominated Cortes-Alban for her exceptional volunteer work with the organization as a teen health educator.

Cortes-Alban has garnered many well-earned accolades as both a student and volunteer. She was the Outstanding Graduate Award recipient at SCFCS Bradenton’s May 5 graduation ceremony. Last year, she was the Young Spirit honoree of the Manatee Community Foundation (MCF) at the Spirit of Manatee luncheon. MCF then invited Cortes-Alban to serve as a member of the organization’s grants committee and invited her to speak at the most recent Spirit of Manatee luncheon.

Healthy Teens works to help teenagers avoid and overcome risky behaviors. The organization provides counsel to participants on mental health, physical health, substance abuse, healthy relationships and other topics that increase the risk level for local teenagers.

Cortes-Alban increased her participation with Healthy Teens last summer, filling an internship role to help facilitate the nonprofit’s summer program. Jonathan Evans, executive director of Healthy Teens, credits Cortes-Alban as a driving force for helping the organization expand its services.

“I am always blown away by Gabriella’s ability and empathy,” said Evans. “She has made us better as an organization because of her dedication and willingness to speak up and suggest ways we can do things better than we already are.”

As an SCFCS graduate, Cortes-Alban holds an associate in arts degree from SCF. In addition to being an exceptional student and dedicated community volunteer, Cortes-Alban is a competitive ballroom dancer and a dance instructor with specialties in salsa, bachata and merengue.

“Gabriella is a shining example of the impact young people can make when they commit to serving a cause, and we are exceptionally proud of all she has accomplished so far, and all she will accomplish going forward,” said Kelly Monod, SCFCS Senior Head of Collegiate Schools.

The Champions of Healthcare Awards are Thursday, June 15 at the GROVE Ballroom in Lakewood Ranch.

For more information about Healthy Teens, visit HealthyTeens.org.

For more information about SCFCS, visit SCFCS.SCF.edu.

Gabriella Cortes-Alban (L) stands alongside SCF President Dr. Carol F. Probstfeld at the SCFCS Bradenton graduation.

Gabriella Cortes-Alban