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 four (4) times a 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 on behalf of the Center. The Board is co-chaired by Rachel Burns ‘24 and Bria Dominici '26.
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 2023-2024
Rachel Burns '24, Co-Chair (she/her)
Rachel Burns (rab2275@barnard.edu) is a senior from Maine majoring in Political Science and minoring in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. She is an intern at Freedom Agenda and runs her own handmade clothing business (@handmade4hotties)! In her free time, Rachel can be found crocheting, cooking, picnicking with friends, or meandering through the city in search of adventure!
Bria Dominici '26, Co-Chair (she/her)
Bria Dominici (bd2659@barnard.edu) is a sophomore and prospective Environment and Sustainability major. She is an Environmental Science Pathways Scholar and a proud first-generation college student. She is passionate about environmental health justice in underserved communities and is involved in several community organizing initiatives on campus and throughout New York City. In her free time, she can be found trying new restaurants around the city and visiting flea markets.
Chlöe Berlin '24 (she/her)
Chlöe Berlin (clb2217@barnard.edu) is a senior studying American history and psychology with a passion for special education. Around campus, Chlöe can be found conducting archival research, working in the Writing Center, or admiring the raccoons at Riverside Park. She also loves to paint and cheat at crossword puzzles.
Adrienne Chacon '26 (she/her)
Adrienne Chacon (anc2194@barnard.edu) is a sophomore from Long Island, New York. She is interested in social science research, racial justice, and journalism. She hopes to create positive change by writing on how racial disparities impact the health outcomes of marginalized communities. At Barnard, she works at the alumni relations and development office. In her free time, she enjoys reading comic books, meeting new people, and exploring the city with friends.
Izzy Lapidus '24 (she/they)
Izzy Lapidus (ibl2105@barnard.edu) is a senior at Barnard majoring in Computing, Design, and Pedagogy—a special major they created to pursue their passion for computer science education. Izzy works in the Office of Admissions as the Head of the Social Media Committee, leading tours for prospective students and creating Instagram and TikTok content. As a senior STEAM Student Educational Experience Designer (SEED) in the Office of Community Engagement and Inclusion, Izzy can be found in different K-8 public schools across Harlem where Izzy supports a community of teachers in bringing to life experiential STEAM-based learning experiences. Izzy is an avid New York Times gamer and religiously completes the Wordle, Connections, Mini, and Sudoku puzzles every day.
Olivia Martinez '25 (she/her)
Olivia Martinez (om2355@barnard.edu) is a junior from northern NJ studying human rights and political science on the pre-law track. She is particularly interested in the intersection of human and civil rights, law, and policy. At Barnard, Olivia works in the admissions office, giving tours, leading student life sessions, and working at the front desk. In her free time, she enjoys long walks in Central Park, discovering new restaurants, and watching live performances in NYC, whether at the ballet or Shakespeare in the Park!
Anusha Merchant '25 (she/her)
Anusha Merchant (aam2334@barnard.edu) is a junior from Atlanta majoring in Political Science with a concentration in Ethnicity and Race Studies. On campus, she is a Speaking Fellow at Barnard's Speaking Center, a writer and editor at Columbia's Undergraduate Law Review, and volunteers with Interrupting Criminalization, an initiative that aims to interrupt and end the growing criminalization and incarceration of women and LGBTQ people of color. In her free time, Anusha can be found running in Central Park, exploring new restaurants and cafes with friends, or spending time with family.
Mira Nayak '27 (she/her)
Mira Nayak (mn3075@barnard.edu) is a first-year from Massachusetts interested in finding an impactful intersection between social justice and STEM. On campus, Mira is helping develop the Athena Center's SPARK programs regarding the 2023-2024 theme on dialogue and is a member of the ultimate frisbee team. In her free time, she can be found playing volleyball with friends, drawing, or exploring new art mediums in the Design Center.
Alexia Pérez '24 (she/her)
Alexia Pérez (amp2323@barnard.edu) is a senior from Paris, France, majoring in Mathematical Sciences with a minor in Global History. On campus, she is involved with the Columbia Political Review as a staff writer and tutors students in French. She is also a member of the Columbia Women's Business Society and Blockchain@columbia. In her free time, she enjoys playing board games and takes them very seriously!
Sadie Reynolds '24 (she/her)
Sadie Reynolds (sar2252@barnard.edu) is a senior from Montclair, NJ, majoring in Political Science and Human Rights. She is involved with the Reproductive Justice Collective and works as a teacher's assistant at a toddler center. In her free time, she enjoys doing crossword puzzles, collaging, and exploring the city with friends!
Priya Shah '27 (she/her)
Priya Shah (pas2217@barnard.edu) is a freshman from New Jersey majoring in Economics and Art History. In her free time, she enjoys reading and visiting the many museums of New York City.
Mariame Sissoko '24 (they/them)
Mariame Sissoko (ms6153@barnard.edu) is a senior from West Philadelphia majoring in Medical Anthropology and Women, Gender, & Sexuality Studies with a concentration in Feminist Intersectional Science and Technology Studies. Mariame is a proud member of Barnard's First Generation/Low-Income community and is the student coordinator for the FLI Partnership library. On campus, they serve as the Student Government Association's President and are a Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow. In their spare time, Mariame can be seen around campus with their film camera photographing daily Barnard life, which they share on their film account (mari_infilm).
Emma Sullaway '25 (she/her)
Emma Sullaway (ess2238@barnard.edu) is a junior majoring in Neuroscience and Behavior. On Campus, she is VP of Best Buddies club, a video editor for WKCR, and a CARDS peer mentor. In her free time, Emma enjoys collaging, baking with friends, and walks in Riverside Park.