Peer Career Advisors

Hi! My name is Akansha Gupta and I’m a junior majoring in Economics - Statistics, with an interest in various careers in finance, especially in Investment Banking and Private Equity. On campus, I serve as Vice President at Barnard Investment Group, where I help lead discussions and host events with speakers and companies! I’m a big film buff who also loves spending time outdoors and restaurant hopping in NYC! 

Hello! My name is Diana Sanchez Armenta, and I’m a senior majoring in Cell & Molecular Biology and minoring in Science & Public Policy. I hope to pursue an MPH in Epidemiology and develop community-based approaches to inform neighborhoods about potential health risks, bridging the gap between research, policy, and local impact. I’m involved in the Barnard QuestBridge Chapter, the Columbia Undergraduate Science Journal, and a Peer Mentor. I’m a HEOP and QuestBridge Scholar as well! This past summer, I participated in the Summer Research Institute (SRI) where I surveyed freshwater bodies across Central Park to analyze host-parasite dynamics. In my free time, I enjoy reading, journaling, photography, lego building, and listening to music!! 

Hi! I'm Jiwoo (Jiu) and I'm a junior majoring in Political Science and Human Rights. I'm in the process of exploring various career paths, and recently developing an interest in roles that involve corporate strategy or partnerships. On campus, I'm also a Barnard Student Admissions Representative (BSAR), part of the Korean Students Association (KSA), Columbia Marketing Club (CMC), and a dance team called CU Gen. In my free time, I enjoy dancing, trying new cafes and updating my Letterboxd with new films!  

Hi! My name is Nina (she/her) and I am a senior at Barnard College studying Political Science and Human Rights planning on pursuing law school in the future. I am passionate about international human rights law, with a focus on immigration, education, and women’s rights. I am particularly interested in exploring the enforcement mechanisms that uphold these rights within the international legal system. In addition to being a PCA, I am President of Columbia Academics in Foreign Affairs, a print editor for the Undergraduate Law Review, and a member of the Women’s and Gender Diverse Ultimate Frisbee Team. In my free time, I love to bake, travel, and walk around NYC! 

Hi! My name is Shanthi Ashok and I am a senior at Barnard majoring in Economics-Statistics and Human Rights. After graduation, I hope to work in public service economics, whether that be internationally or domestically. I am especially interested and have experience in education policy, international economics, and journalism. On campus, I am the Education Center Director for the Columbia Policy Institute, President of the McIntosh Activities Council, Director of the ReachOut Initiative, and an Audio Journalist at the Columbia Spectator. Off campus, I've interned at Sanctuary for Families, the NYC Comptroller, and the NYS Attorney General. In my free time, I love to learn languages and play volleyball. 

Hi! My name is Samra Shabir, and I am a senior at Barnard College double-majoring in Cognitive Science and Human Rights, with a specialization in Human-Computer Interaction (HCI). I'm particularly interested in exploring the intersections of the mind, technology, policy, and human rights. My academic and professional experiences reflect a versatile foundation across fields, from human rights to social sciences to business. I have gained hands-on experience in democracy, policy, and government through my internships and built strategic thinking skills through coursework like Business Strategy Formulation. Through my HCI specialization, I have delved into the ethical and human dimensions of technology from multiple angles, spanning privacy, digital ethics, and decision-making.

Outside of being a Peer Career Advisor, I also serve as a Peer Mentor and have gained experience in international affairs and government through my work with the Permanent Mission of Pakistan to the United Nations and the Westchester County Executive's Office. I also serve as the Management Lead for Tawakkul NY, where I help create meaningful opportunities for community engagement and service. A fun fact about me: I love cooking, and I'm scared of dogs!

Hi! My name is Geya and I’m a junior majoring in Economics with a strong interest in finance, although I’m also hoping to pursue my Master’s at Columbia. Outside of being a PCA, I’m involved in Barnard Investment Group and AB Peer Mentoring, so I’m always looking forward to helping fellow students out in their academic and professional journeys! In my free time

Hi! My name is Alice and I'm a junior majoring in Mathematics-Computer with a minor in Philosophy. I transferred to Barnard my sophomore year and I'm also an international student. I’m interested in pursuing a career in finance and have gained exposure across various areas of the industry, including venture capital, private equity, securities, private banking, and corporate banking through my internship experiences. On campus, I serve as Co-President of the Enterprise Valuation Group and am also involved with Ascend Consulting Group and REM & Company. Outside of school, I love dancing (mostly hip-hop and ballet), surfing, diving, and discovering new restaurants around the city. 

Hi! My name is Nora, and I am a senior studying Environment & Sustainability and Economics. I am particularly interested in the intersection of business, strategy, and sustainability, and hope to build a career in consulting or strategy where I can apply analytical problem-solving to complex challenges. My professional experiences have centered around sustainability consulting, energy policy, and carbon markets research, including my internship this past summer with EY’s Climate Change and Sustainability Services practice. On campus, I've been an instructor with Columbia/Barnard Sprout Up and an ESG Analyst with the Columbia University Impact Investing Network (CUIIN). Outside of academics and work, I enjoy traveling, hiking, and trying new pizza places around the city!