The National Society of Leadership and Success

The National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) at CUNY School of Professional Studies

The NSLS is the largest leadership honor society in the United States. Our NSLS chapter at CUNY School of Professional Studies was started in 2017. Our local chapter is part of the national organization with 700+ chapters and over 1.4 million members.

Students are selected based on exemplary academic achievement. Membership is by invitation only and is based on a number of factors including academic standing and leadership potential. Currently, CUNY SPS students with a 3.5 GPA or better are invited to join the Society. As of 2021 we have 1,390 members who have access to:

• More than $400,000 in scholarships.
• An exclusive NSLS job board.
• A personalized letter of recommendation.

The NSLS leadership program teaches the interpersonal skills that employers seek to give you an edge in the job market. Hear directly from current members as they share how their experience has changed their life.

If you become a member, some of the other benefits are:

• Learn from exceptional leaders like former President Barack Obama during exclusive Speaker Broadcasts.
• Meet new friends and make lifelong connections (on-campus and virtually).
• Overcome challenges with success coaches shortcutting your way to success.
• Access to private networking events.

Visit the NSLS website to learn more about and accept your nomination.

About the CUNY SPS Chapter

The Student Association voted to charter a fully online Chapter of NSLS in the spring of 2017. The Chapter is sponsored by the Student Association to help students obtain leadership skills for competing in an ever-changing workforce. Membership is for life and provides access to benefits including scholarships and awards, employer recruitment through an online job bank, and discounts on computers, textbooks, grad school prep courses, insurance and much more. As an online chapter, everything new members need to be successful is accessed through the NSLS online platform, including all of steps to inductions—orientation, leadership training, speaker broadcasts, and success networking teams.

NSLS Executive Board

Joann Cummings (she, her)
President
Joann Cummings is a proud alumna of CUNY SPS, where she earned her degree in Disability Studies with a concentration in Mental Health. As a first-generation college and graduate student, Joann is passionate about advocacy, focusing on personal development and staying informed about laws impacting students with disabilities. Currently, she is pursuing an advanced certificate in IEPs and serves as a volunteer on the Community Education Council (CEC) for her school district, overseeing 45 elementary and middle schools. In her second elected term, Joann collaborates with Department of Education superintendents and school administrative leadership. Outside of her advocacy work, she enjoys traveling with her teenage daughter and spending quality time with her family.

Sharmaine King (she, her)
Vice-President
Sharmaine King is the Vice President of the executive board for the National Society of Leadership and Success at the CUNY SPS chapter. In addition to being a dedicated homeschooling mother of two, she is pursuing a full-time degree in Sociology. Currently, she serves as a peer mentor in the Urban Male Scholars Program for the Fall 2024 semester and is interning with the RF CUNY Cultural Corp program. Sharmaine has a deep passion for learning. With a background in Human Resources, she plans to leverage her experience to transition into a field where she can help others excel in their education after completing her degree next year.

Cynthia Martins (she, her)
Secretary
Cynthia Martins is the Secretary for the CUNY SPS chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success, where she cultivates leadership and promotes academic excellence among her peers. Known for her role as a peer mentor, Cynthia is dedicated to creating a supportive and engaging environment for all members. Her passion for leadership and community service shines through her efforts to coordinate events and initiatives that inspire and empower students. Cynthia’s dedication and enthusiasm make her an invaluable asset to the CUNY SPS community.

Khadijah Zaman (she, her)
Membership Outreach Chair
Khadijha Zaman is a proud alumna of CUNY SPS, where she earned her degree in psychology. She is now pursuing a master’s degree in mental health counseling, with the goal of becoming both a mental health counselor and a college professor. As a first-generation college and graduate student, Khadijha is deeply committed to education and personal development. In her free time, she enjoys reading novels and spending time with her daughter. A strong advocate for mentorship, community engagement, and access to higher education, Khadijha is passionate about mental health care and is eager to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow students.

Peta-Gaye Smile (she, her)
Student advisor
Peta-Gaye Smile is in her final semester of the Master’s program in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. With a deep passion for leadership and community empowerment, she has spent over a decade working in the education and nonprofit sectors, focusing on building inclusive, high-performing teams. Peta-Gaye is a strong advocate for coaching and mentorship, committed to helping individuals unlock their potential and succeed. Her dedication to employee development and fostering positive, lasting change within organizations fuels her mission to build strong, resilient teams that uplift both people and communities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some of the common questions we receive are listed below. If you have any other questions, visit nsls.org to chat with a team member or email help@nsls.org.

What do I have to do to become inducted?
Our five-step program takes approximately 12 hours over the course of the semester at your pace.

Is this recognized on campus?
As of 2023, we had 2,235 in our chapter and there are more than 1.4 million members nationwide. For more information, email the Chapter of NSLS.