RMIT students awarded grand prize at Study Melbourne Leadership Labs 4Impact 2025

RMIT students awarded grand prize at Study Melbourne Leadership Labs 4Impact 2025

A team of four RMIT students have emerged as the grand prize winners of the Study Melbourne Leadership Labs 4Impact 2025.

Students Romell Albano, Sokmeng Chan, Aiomanu Penaia and Shirleen He presented their winning project Green Mailbox, an intelligent mailbox monitoring tool which tracks, analyses and helps reduce the carbon footprint of email usage.   

By promoting inbox efficiency and encouraging mindful digital habits, it directly contributes to the UN Sustainable Development Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production

Man standing with arms crossed in front of stone building Romell Albano, Master of Business Information Technology

The team stood out from more than 100 individuals across 24 teams in Study Melbourne's flagship Empowered Program, an initiative that champions student-centred, strengths-based leadership development, social entrepreneurship, and volunteering.

Clare Harper, Senior Manager, Student Programs and Study Melbourne Hub, was one of the 4Impact grand final judges.

"The judging panel was highly impressed by the quality and innovation of the Green Mailbox project and the team’s presentation in what was a very competitive grand final. Study Melbourne’s Leadership Labs 4Impact is a fantastic way international students can develop and test out key employability skills, whilst building lasting connections and friendships in a supportive environment."

As grand prize winners, the team received a cash prize of $1,500, along with $1,500 worth of professional coaching sessions to further develop their leadership and project skills.  

Beyond this, they created friendships and sense of accomplishment they will cherish forever. 

We walked away not only with recognition, but also with renewed purpose and the tools to take our project to the next level.

The value of experience beyond the classroom

One team member, Romell Albano, is from the Philippines and currently works at the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). He is currently undertaking a Master of Business Information Technology.  

What initially started as a chance to stretch himself beyond the classroom and meet new people quickly became one of the most transformative and purposeful experiences of his student life.

"I felt called to contribute to something that aligned not just with my skills, but with my purpose, and I’m so glad I followed that instinct,” Romell said.

“I saw the Program as a unique opportunity to expand my network and connect with like-minded changemakers — people who are genuinely passionate about creating impact in their communities.” 

“I was also excited by the chance to apply what I’ve been learning in my course to something real and relevant,” he said. 

Graphic depicting winning project Green Mailbox Winning project Green Mailbox

The experience has helped Romell grow personally and professionally, demonstrating the potential of international students to contribute meaningfully to society.   

“It's empowering to be part of a community that values diversity, innovation, and student leadership,” he said.   

Leadership in the community

Winning this award has helped Romell reflect deeply on the future he wants to create, and he hopes to empower his community in the Philippines and push for progress that is inclusive, sustainable and driven by purpose.   

I want to be a purposeful leader who not only serves my community with dedication and insight but also inspires and empowers others to do the same.
Study Melbourne Winners Award Study Melbourne Leadership Labs 4Impact 2025 grand prize winners L-R Sokmeng Chan, Romell Albano, Aiomanu Penaia, Shirleen He

Romell and the team plan to continue developing the Green Mailbox and explore ways to bring it to life in the digital sustainability space. 

Study Melbourne Winners collage
05 June 2025

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Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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