Student Advisory Board
Athena's Student Advisory Board is a group of Barnard students who ensure that Athena's offerings meet the needs of Barnard students.
The Board meets on select Wednesdays during the semester with Athena staff. During those meetings, SAB members provide input on programs in development and ideas for new programs. Outside meetings, SAB members represent Athena at campus events as needed and host community-building events 1-2 times a semester in collaboration with the Center.
We welcome all Barnard students, whether you are new to Athena or have participated in any of our programs. This is a great opportunity for you if you want to shape the programs that serve you, build relationships with the Athena team, and build community with fellow students. Even better if you see yourself joining a board one day!
If you are interested in joining the Student Advisory Board, please contact Erika Guzman at eguzman@barnard.edu.
Athena Student Advisory Board Members 2025-2026
Bria Dominici '26 (she/her), Co-Chair
Bria Dominici is a senior majoring in Environment and Sustainability. She is an Udall Scholar, Environmental Science Pathways Scholar, Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow, Roosevelt Institute Fellow, and a proud first-generation college student. She is passionate about environmental justice in marginalized communities and is involved in several community organizing initiatives on campus and throughout New York City.
Sekna Bazzi '27 (she/her), Co-Chair
Sekna Bazzi is a junior from Newark, New Jersey, majoring in History and Economics. As a proud first-generation, low-income student, Sekna is the co-president of FLI Network, a Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow, and a Speaking Fellow. She is passionate about economic justice in marginalized communities and is involved in various community organizing initiatives on campus. In her free time, Sekna loves to play volleyball and read political history.
Marina Avelar '28
Marina Avelar is a Sophomore from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, studying economics. She volunteers on campus at the Community Lunch Soup Kitchen on 114th Street and at the Riverside Language Learning Program. In her free time, Marina enjoys exploring the city on foot, trying out new food spots, and connecting with friends.
Hana Figueroa '28 (she/her)
Hana Figueroa is a sophomore from Tampa, Florida, studying Economics and Comparative Literature. She is passionate about leadership education and hopes to continue this work at Athena. In her free time, Hana enjoys exploring different cuisines and training in dance classes around the city.
Ally Flegel '29 (she/her)
Ally Flegel is a first-year student from the San Francisco Bay Area, studying Economics and Film. She’s passionate about empowering women in leadership, helping them excel in traditionally male-dominated fields, and fostering dialogue across differences. On campus, Ally is involved with the Columbia Women’s Business Society and recently joined the Music Industry Club. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, listening to '80s music, and exploring the city’s best restaurants.
Vidhi Mehrotra '29 (she/her)
Vidhi Mehrotra is a first-year student from Seattle studying Political Science and Economics on the pre-law track. She is excited to join the Athena Student Advisory Board, drawn to its mission and impact on campus. She is passionate about addressing systemic inequities, with particular interest in housing justice, women’s rights, the wealth gap, and the role of political psychology in campaigns. On campus, she serves on the E-board of the CU Criminal Justice Coalition and is actively involved in several other clubs and initiatives. In her free time, she enjoys rating new food spots on Beli, curating playlists on Spotify, and exploring New York City!
Nithiya Meng '26 (she/her)
Nithiya Meng is a senior from Philadelphia majoring in Cognitive Science and minoring in both Psychology & Asian Diasporas and Asian American Studies. On campus, she is an Access Barnard Peer Mentor, Engagement Manager at Columbia Daily Spectator, Representative for Inclusive Initiatives in Barnard's SGA, and President of Barnard's Asian Diaspora. In her free time, she enjoys attending NYC pop-ups with friends, collecting miniature figures + photobooth prints, and trying different matcha spots around the city!
Melina Nath '28 (she/her)
Melina Nath is a sophomore majoring in Cognitive Science. She is on the Columbia Spectator staff and is a Columbia Democrats Electoral Fellow. In her free time, Melina enjoys thrifting, trying new restaurants, and walks around the city.
Priya Shah '27 (she/her)
Priya Shah is a junior from New Jersey majoring in Economics and Art History. On campus, she writes for the Columbia Political Review and volunteers for the New York Small Claims Advisory Services. In her free time, she enjoys taking long walks, trying new restaurants, and visiting the many museums of New York City.
Audrey Wang '27 (she/her)
Audrey Wang is a junior studying Comparative Literature. As a new transfer student, she is excited to get involved in the Barnard community and explore the opportunities offered at the Athena Center. She is passionate about translated literature by women and East Asian film. In her free time, she loves to write and journal, shoe-shop, sample fragrances, dance, and go on bakery crawls around the city.
Vane Weingrad '26 (he/they)
Vane Weingrad is a senior and Film & History major from Miami, Florida. He studies and works towards highlighting the presence of marginalized identities in film archives, with a focus on queer, trans, & Latino history in media. On campus, he is currently working as a web developer for the History Lab at the Institute for Social and Economic Research and Policy. In his free time, he likes to cook recipes from home and watch television through a less academic lens.