Meet The Senior Interviewers

 

Name: Ishrat Aishee

Major: Economics (Political Economy Track)

Minor: Anthropology

Hometown: Boston, MA

High School: Community Charter School of Cambridge

Study Abroad: Internship (Cambridge, UK) and Athena Global Fellow (Toronto, Canada)

Activities: Director of Business Outreach for Columbia International Ventures, Athena Scholar, Development Coordinator for Laal NYC, Fiscal Policy Coordinator for Up to Us—Barnard, Athena Scholar, Breakthrough Greater Boston, Camfed (Campaign for Girls’ Education), Office of Congressman Adriano Espaillat, Office of Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer, Laal NYC, Wellington Management, Athena Global Fellowship, Tow Foundation for Public Service, PLEN Global Policy Fellowship Recipient, Program Coordinator for South Asian Millennials Conference, New York City Civic Engagement Program Fellow, Columbia First Generation Low-Income Partnership (FLIP), Co-Chair of Alumni Relations for South Asian Feminism(s) Alliance, Barnard Peer Academic Leader and Competitions Associate for NY MSA Showdown

“I firmly believe that attending college in NYC is truly an experience unparalleled. For me, the city has been instrumental in learning and supplementing my education with real-world experiences, ranging from holding internships, attending plays for class, to volunteering at legal clinics for class. When you go to school in NYC, it’s true that the entire city becomes your campus-- and Barnard faculty do a phenomenal job of seamlessly integrating the classroom into real world contexts.”

 

Name: Helen Branyan

Major: Psychology (Developmental Neuropsychology)

Hometown: Stratford, CT

High School: Stratford High School

Activities: Barnard Organization of Soul Sisters, Research Assistant at the Mount Sinai Autism Research Center, Research Assistant at the Cognitive Development and Social Cognition Lab of NYU, Research Assistant at the Barnard College Developmental Cognition Lab, Stylist/Interior Designer and Toddler Learning Center

“One thing I will miss is the community of amazing women (and men!) with whom I have had the privilege to study, explore, and grow. I have made a few lifelong friends through my Psychology courses/studying in Diana, as well as through adventures off-campus, from being sardined together on the 1 train to attending free movies in Bryant Park. Barnard is truly full of bold and beautiful women, and I will miss being so close to them!”

 

 

Name: Jessica Cruz

Majors: History and Spanish & Latin American Cultures (Double Major + Dual Degree JD/PhD)

Hometown: Hialeah, Florida

High School: Mater Academy Charter High School

Activities: Mellon Mays Undergraduate PhD Fellowship, Student Government Senior Representative to the Board of Trustees, Well-Woman Peer Educator, Social Services Intern at Kids in Need of Defense (KIND), Legal Assistant for the CARA pro-bono project in Dilley Texas, Detention Intern at Americans for Immigrant Justice, Immigration Services Intern at Immigration Equality, Executive Member for Mujeres, Third-Year Barnard Residential Assistant, Intersections Chair for the Student Organization of Latinxs

“One of my favorite memories during my time at Barnard was my involvement in the Seeking Asylum History seminar that was offered this past semester. The discussions we had in class focused on how collaborative projects shared between the community, the classroom and nonprofit organizations could assist people in different parts of the asylum-seeking process within and outside of detention, while creating approaches that also prioritize ending detention and confinement completely.”

 

 

Name: Suzannah Gifford

Major: Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies

Minor: Psychology

Hometown: Cambridge, MA

High School: Cambridge Rindge and Latin School

Activities: Intern and Camp Counselor at Kurtz Psychology Consulting, Volunteer Peer Mental Health Counselor and Advocate, Volunteer Teacher at the Barnard Toddler Center and Member of the Barnard Clay Collective, Admissions Intern at Shady Hill School, Production Intern for the Cambridge Jazz Festival, Publicity Intern for Oldways Preservation and Trust, and Barnard Babysitter

"I chose to attend Barnard because upon visiting the campus, I realized that I would not be forced to choose solely one of my interests to pursue, nor would I need to become ‘the Barnard student.’ At Barnard, I saw an incredibly diverse group of women who were learning how to become themselves and I wanted to go on that journey too."

 

 

Name: Alexandra Gluckman

Major: English

Minors: Philosophy and Economics

Hometown: Greenwich, CT

High School: Hackley School

Study Abroad:  Paris, France (Art History at The American University of Paris)

Activities: Athena Leadership Scholar, Writer for The Eye Magazine of the Columbia Daily Spectator, Summer Analyst at Goldman Sachs, Research Intern at JUST Capital, Economics Peer Tutor, Creative Nonfiction Writer, Equity Research Intern at Neuberger Berman, Intern at Christie’s, Intern at New York Magazine, Greek Life, Independent Study in ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and Impact Investing, and pursuing the English B.A./M.A. Program through Columbia’s Graduate School of Arts and Sciences with a focus on Renaissance Literature and Aesthetics.

“Create your own pathways, in and out of the classroom. The best learning opportunities are neither immediately perceptible, nor handed to you. So, seek out new experiences with openness, confidence, and enthusiasm, no matter how unsure you are of outcomes. Throughout, identify people who inspire you. Reach out without fear. Cultivate close relationships with each of these people over time, whether they are a professor, an advisor, or even a friend."

 

 

Name: Colette Juran

Major: Comparative Literature (English and French Track)

Minor: Economics

Hometown: Lewisboro, New York

High School: St. Luke’s School (New Canaan, CT)

Activities: Former President and current Senior Adviser and Moderator of Lean In at Columbia, Former Academic Affairs Chair of Columbia Pre-Law Society, Barnard Writing Fellow, Production Assistant at Barnard Theatre Department, Peer Tutor in French, Internship at Popular Mechanics Magazine, Internship at Ethan Ellenberg Literary Agency, Copy editing cohort of Hoot Magazine and Media Design Chair at Columbia’s chapter of Gamma Phi Beta

“A major is just one way to define your path through Barnard, so be open to diving deeply into subjects that will not end up on your diploma. Although choosing a major did help me pinpoint a general academic area on which to center my studies, many of the classes that I took that did not end up counting for my major made a significant impact on my experience at Barnard and shaped me as a thinker, which is ultimately the value of attending a liberal arts college.”

 

 

Name: Julia Kelly

Major: English (Pre-Med Track)

Hometown: Piedmont, CA

High School: Piedmont High School

Activities: Barnard Student Admissions Representative (BSAR), Community Lunch Soup Kitchen Coordinator, Clinical Research Coordinator, Clinical research internship at CUMC Neurology, Summer Research Institute, virology laboratory research internship, Hospital Volunteer, Peer Tutor and Barnard pre-medical network mentor

“To me, attending a women’s college has allowed me to develop a sense of self-actualization that I don’t think I could have achieved at a co-ed school. Going to a college whose legacy and values are built not only on the empowerment of women, but the success of women has pushed me to be more fearless and confident in every aspect of my life.”

 

 

 

Name: Sophia Liu

Major: Biology

Minor: French

Hometown: Wantagh, NY

High School: Wantagh High School

Study Abroad: Paris, France (Barnard Summer Course 2019: Translating Theatre)

Activities: Research with Biology Professor Glendinning (SRI - Summer Research Institute), McIntosh Activities Council (McAC), Matriculate Volunteer (advising low-income high schoolers through college admissions), volunteer at Mount Sinai ED, GYMI (UN Non-Profit for Education Equality), Peer Tutor, AOII (sorority) and AMSA (Pre-Medical Students Association)

“I will miss the little nook next to Diana’s 3rd floor staircase.  That’s where I go with my most challenging school work, or if I need a moment alone. I’ve collected many fond memories of self-growth and self-awareness there, and it has become associated with very motivating energy for me. It is also where I’ve had many coincidental run-ins with my friends. Even though we are all busy, it’s great to take a moment to support each other.”

 

 

 

Name: Katherine Mao

Major: Political Science

Minor: Psychology

Hometown: Beijing, China

High School: High School Affiliated to Renmin University

Study Abroad: Danish Institute for Study Abroad, Denmark (Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism); Columbia in Paris at Reid Hall (French Language and Culture)

Activities: Homicide Investigator Intern, Legal Aid Society; Language Consultant, National Language Service Corps; Intern, WP (Women’s Project) Theater; Producer, Columbia Blue Glaze Theatre, Legal Assistant, Rich & Rich, P.C.; Intern, Beijing Global Law Office, Liman Foundation New York City Arts Fellowship, Marsteller Grant Recipient, member of the Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society, Secretary, Columbia Wushu; Life Model, Columbia University Artist Society; Orientation Leader, NSOP 2019; Environmental Policy Competition Associate Director, Columbia Economics Review; member, Barnard-Columbia Chorus and member, Columbia University Ballet Ensemble

“I love going to school in New York City. I have met people from all walks of life at Barnard and Columbia, through working at an off-Broadway theatre dedicated to promoting the work of female theatre artists, and by working as a Homicide Investigator at a Public Defense Law Firm - these daily encounters with people of such diverse backgrounds have truly challenged my beliefs, perspectives and ways of thinking. I cannot imagine experiencing this anywhere, but in New York.”

 

 

 

Name: Mary McGreal

Major: Computer Science (Intelligent Systems track)

Minor: Economics

Hometown: Queens, NY

High School: Stuyvesant High School

Activities: Executive Vice President for Alpha Kappa Psi, The Professional Business Fraternity, Senior Health Educator for Peer Health Exchange, Recruiting Assistant at Beyond Barnard and Technology Summer Analyst at Morgan Stanley; Software Development Intern at Moody’s Analytics; Research Assistant at NYU (Computational Biology lab); Research Assistant at NYU Langone Medical Center (Endocrinology lab); Fashion Features Intern at ELLE Magazine, Director of Programming for Inter-Greek Council; Social Chairman for Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority; Teaching Assistant for Intro to Biology Lab (2017-2018); Barnard Babysitting and Orientation Leader for NSOP

“I feel empowered being surrounded by women every day. Everyone here, students and faculty alike, wants you to succeed. Female is the standard. Being in an environment where everyone feels comfortable sharing their identities and opinions, where everyone feels included, creates space for invaluable discourse and allows us to challenge each other.”

 

 

 

Name: Ciana Montero

Major: Economics and Social History

Hometown: Ewing, NJ

High School: The Lawrenceville School

Study Abroad: The School of International Training, IHP-Social Innovation: (San Francisco, Uganda, India, and Brazil)

Activities: Management Leadership for Tomorrow Career Prep Fellow, Vice President of Columbia University Sabor Latin Dance Troupe, Consumer Analytics Intern at Burt’s Bees, 2018 – Private Wealth Management Intern at Alliance Bernstein, Business Analytics Intern at Interview Jet, Columbia Libraries Bancroft Prize Intern, 2017 – Associate Producer of Visible Poetry Project, 2019 Latinx Heritage Month Planning Committee, Barnard College Resident Assistant, Barnard College Opportunity Programs Secretary, Barnard Women of Color Support Group, Columbia University Groupo Quisqueyano, Columbia University Black Student Organization, Barnard Babysitting

“Attending Barnard has been one of the most influential decisions I have made in the trajectory of my growth as a young woman. The Barnard community radiates intelligence, artistry, compassion, and social justice. This creates an environment where we collectively uplift each other to manifest better critical thinking, creativity, and activism while inspiring the strength and celebration of our individual identities.”

 

 

 

 

Name: Maleni Palacios Delgado

Major: Economics (Education and Computer Science background)

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

High School: North Atlanta High School

Study Abroad: University of Sydney

Activities: BRAVA Investments (2016-2017), Field Work on Disability and Inclusion in Indonesia with the Sydney Southeast Asia Centre, Mujeres Executive Board (Co-President, Secretary 2017-2018), Tow Grant Recipient, Athena Center for Leadership Studies Grant Recipient, PLEN Alumni, Student Organization of Latinxs (Intersections Chair, Multicultural Chair 2018), Athena Scholars Program, Invest Atlanta (2018) and Georgia Power (2019)

“My favorite thing about Barnard is its welcoming culture. Beyond an academic institution, it’s a cultural hub for innovation of ideas, thought systems, and art. Barnard excels in supporting you in everything you aspire to academically, but also gives you the qualitative resources to thrive in and beyond that field.”

 

 

 

Name: Anthea Rosenbaum

Major: Urban Studies (Concentration in Political Science)

Minor: Architecture

Hometown: Santa Monica, California

High School: Wildwood School

Study Abroad: Danish Institute for Study Abroad, Copenhagen, Denmark

Activities: Office of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein, Secretary of Athena Pre Law Society, Columbia Musical Theatre Society, Human Rights Watch, Metropolitan Council on Housing, Education Reform Now Advocacy, Barnard Student Admissions Representative (BSAR); VP New Member Education of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority; Member of the Business Team for the Columbia University Undergraduate Law Review and Barnard Babysitter

“The best thing about Barnard as a women’s college is that empowerment is engrained within the classes, the resources, and the student body. Rather than viewing each other as competition, students support and push each other to be their best selves. I am constantly inspired and uplifted by my friends and peers, and know that I have become a better leader, student, and friend because of attending a women’s college.”

 

 

 

Name: Aliya Schneider 

Major: Urban Studies (Political Science Concentration)

Hometown: Rutland, Vermont

High School: Rutland High School and The Masters School 

Activities: Ultimate Frisbee, Columbia Daily Spectator, Barnard Bulletin, Open Society Foundations Global Drug Policy Intern, Bowery Poetry Club Intern, Hearst Photo Group Intern, Museum of the City of New York Communications and Marketing Intern, Annie Leibovitz Studio Production Intern, Survivor’s Best Friend Photo Fellow, Barnard Student Admissions Representative (BSAR), New Student Orientation Program (NSOP) Orientation Leader, Peer Health Exchange, Youth Group Leader, Comedy show photographer, Orchesis

“While I’ve had plenty of ways to make Barnard my home, my professional and cultural opportunities have never been confined to campus. For my First Year Seminar, I did a presentation on an exhibit I visited at the Met, and for my senior thesis, I’ll be doing research all around the city for my major. The best part of my liberal arts education has been the ability to supplement my studies by learning from NYC."

 

 

 

Name: Simmone Shah

Major: English

Hometown: Fremont, CA

High School: John F. Kennedy High School

Study Abroad: Columbia University in Paris at Reid Hall

 Activities: Organization of Pakistani Students, Barnard Babysitter, Barnard Student Admissions Representative (BSAR), Intern at ELLE Magazine, Intern at The Center for Investigative Reporting, Emma Bowen Foundation Fellow, Volunteer at Alliance Français Berkeley, Publicity Manager for 124th Varsity Show and Graphic Design Coordinator for Echoes Literary Magazine

“My favorite Barnard memory took place miles away from Barnard–at a cheese shop in Paris during my semester abroad! Some students in our program went to a cheese making class that was mostly Barnard students. It was 3 hours of laughter and support, cheering each other on as we struggled to make mozzarella. It reminded me that the Barnard community is both supportive and silly, and that it will follow me no matter where I go.”

 

 

 

Name: Samantha Shih

Major(s): Neuroscience and Behavior (Cellular and Molecular Concentration)

Hometown: Concord, Massachusetts

High School: Concord-Carlisle Regional High School

Activities: Barnard Summer Research Institute 2017, 2018, 2019, Long Island Doula Association: Volunteer Doula, Research Assistant in the Snow Lab, Athena Scholar, Columbia Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship 2018, Tow Foundation Scholarship Grantee 2018, Noyce Teachers Scholar Summer Internship Grant 2017, Teaching Assistant for Introductory Cellular and Molecular Biology Laboratory, Peer-to-Peer Tutor in General Chemistry and Organismal and Evolutionary Biology, Athena Scholar Program and Barnard Neuroscience Mentorship Program

“Barnard is a really special place that vibrates with an intense energy fueled by its students and faculty. The cohort of women who are attracted to this school are unlike any other. My brilliant, passionate, and remarkable peers challenge me every single day to grow in new directions, change my way of thinking, and re-examine the world as I know it. Being able to grow, succeed, and fail in this environment has equipped me with the tools to communicate my narrative.”

 

 

 

Name: Willa Smith                               

Major: History (European History Concentration)

Hometown: Austin, Texas

High School: Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders

Study Abroad: Universität Heidelberg (Heidelberg, Germany)

Activities: Marketing Intern at YETI Coolers, Editorial Intern at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt/Clarion Books, VP Membership Programming for Alpha Chi Omega at Columbia University, Member of Columbia Women’s Water Polo, Layout Design for Barnard Bulletin and Former Membership Director for Columbia Democrats

“Whether it be a new person I meet, something new I learn in class, or something I see on 116th Street that I’ve never seen before, Barnard is constantly pushing me. Through the classes I’ve taken, the clubs I’ve joined, and the friends I’ve made, I’ve learned how to be a better communicator, leader, and friend. Barnard has completely transformed me into the kind of person I always wanted to be, and for that I will be forever grateful.”

 

 

Name: Sally Tuszynski

Major: Sociology

Minors: Spanish and Environmental Science

Hometown: Kensington, Maryland

High School: Walter Johnson High School

Study Abroad: IFSA Butler Argentine Universities Program (Human Rights: Diversity, Minority, and Gender Studies)

Activities: Education Director and Lead Instructor for Sprout Up, Columbia Urban Experience Pre-Orientation Leader, Jewish Voice for Peace, Communications and Grassroots Intern for Chesapeake Climate Action Network, Intern at Fundación Ambiental y Recursos Naturales, Community Educator for Barnard Student Life, General Assistant at Lehman Social Sciences Library, Barnard Babysitting, Student Worker Solidarity, Youth for Debate, Barnard BLUEprint, IfNotNow and Outlive Them NYC

“My favorite class (so far) was Arts and Humanities in the City, taught in the Education Department. With this class I not only got to explore radical education theory, but also acted as a student teacher for a fourth-grade classroom in Harlem. I helped to develop a curriculum about narratives and took my students on a field trip to my favorite museum. This class was unique in how it taught me about equity in learning and New York City.”