Leadership Scholars Certificate Program

*Asterisk denotes Second Year Leadership Scholars

Victoria Ajayi*, Rutgers Business School '25, is a Business Analytics Information Technology (BAIT) major with a minor in History. Victoria is treasurer of the Rutgers Debate Union and a member of the Promotions Team for Rutgers Radio (WRSU). She uses her debate experience to introduce discussions on race in debate tournaments that other students may not address. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Victoria interned at the Rutgers Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship Academy (IDEA). After graduation, Victoria plans to pursue a career in media and entertainment in which she can create progressive and inclusive communications that centers identity and belonging.

Jacqueline Chafart, School of Arts and Sciences ‘26, is a Cinema Studies and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies double major with a minor in Spanish. She serves as the webmaster intern for LLEGO, the LGBTQ+ organization for people of color on campus, and also works as a radio DJ for 90.3 The Core. She recently completed her role as a Barbara Vorhees mentor and an internship with the New Jersey Film Festival. Jackie is passionate about establishing safe places for queer people of color on campus through the use of media, art, and communications to foster empowerment and strengthen community. She hopes to pursue a career in entertainment law.

Abigail Alvarez*, School of Arts and Sciences ‘25, is a Planning & Public Policy major with a minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. She is the president of Her Campus, member of the SAS Honors Program Summer Reading Committee, and a staff writer for the Office for Diversity and Academic Success in the Sciences. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Abigail interned at the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy as a communications intern. As a Latina woman, Abigail uses her creativity, resilience, and grit to amplify the voices of underrepresented communities in her work. She aspires to be a grant writer in order to support organizations that focus on minoritized communities.

Caroline Cappabianca*, School of Arts and Sciences/SAS Honors Program/Douglass Residential College ‘26, is a Psychology major with a minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. She is currently a part of the Rutgers Marching Scarlet Knights and Pep Band. Caroline is an active member of the Douglass Student Recruitment Network, helping to recruit women and gender minority students to join the Douglass Residential College. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Caroline interned at Terra Firma, a nonprofit that provides comprehensive support for immigrant children in the United States. She is passionate about mental health awareness as well as women’s and LGBTQ rights. After graduation, Caroline hopes to pursue a career in social work so that she can advocate for the needs of others.

Mai Chiaet (they/he)*, School of Arts and Sciences '25, is a Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies major with a minor in Planning and Public Policy. Their interests lie in food justice, LGBTQ+ issues, and the arts. For their Leadership Scholars Program internship, they interned at the Rutgers Gardens. Mai also has experience working on an urban farm as an intern for City Green. Mai is as a member of The Livingston Theatre Company where they advocate for accurate representation, education, and diversity in casting/production staffs. In 2024, Mai's documentary "Boyish" was featured in the Fencesitter Film Festival and the Rutgers Writers House Review and can be watched on YouTube (https://bit.ly/43vwr0L). Mai has a deep appreciation for storytelling, education, and advocacy for queer and/or BIPOC voices and is dedicated to forging transparency, accountability, and care, in all the creative and professional projects they pursue.

Raven Diaz*, School of Arts and Science ‘26, is a Social Work and Psychology double major. She is passionate about disability rights, Black representation, and the safety and protection of children. Last year, Raven was featured as a co-panelist for both the Disabilities Roundtable at the Zimmerli Art Museum and the Education Policy Roundtable for Latinx voices. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Raven interned at the Rutgers Center for Youth Political Participation at the Eagleton Institute, an initiative at dedicated to fostering political engagement and civic involvement among young people. After graduation, Raven plans to continue her education in order to become a licensed clinical social worker.

Nadia Elieff*, School of Arts and Sciences ‘25, is a Political Science major with minors in Critical Intelligence Studies and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. She has gained valuable experience through internships at the Department of Homeland Security’s Counterterrorism Center and the Office of Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Nadia interned at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission where she was able to deepen her leadership and advocacy skills. Upon graduation, Nadia will enter the Focus Forward Fellowship’s 2025 cohort at Purdue University. Nadia will continue to serve in the U.S. Army Reserve and, through legal advocacy, hopes to advance labor rights and social policy reform.

Sara Fajardo*, School of Arts and Sciences/SAS Honors Program ‘25, is a History major with minors in Spanish and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. At Rutgers, she was a member of the 2024 Rutgers Scarlet Service in D.C. cohort and has interned at the Office of Congresswoman Mikie Sherrill. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Sara interned at the Center for American Women and Politics as a Programs and Events Intern. Passionate about women's political representation, civic engagement, and equitable education, Sara plans to pursue a Master’s degree in K-12 Social Studies Education, aspiring to become a civics teacher and inspire future generations.

Sarah Farah, School of Arts and Sciences/Honors College ‘26, is a Cell Biology/Neuroscience major with a minor in Music. She hopes to merge her love of music with science by developing music-based activities for memory care patients. On campus, Sarah conducts research through the Department of Molecular Biology/Biochemistry, runs the social media pages for Rutgers GlobeMed, and is a learning assistant for the Honors College. Additionally, she works as a patient observer at Saint Peter’s University Hospital. After graduation, Sarah hopes to attend medical school to pursue an MD/PhD, where she can continue her current research while learning how to treat patients with neurodegenerative disorders.

Ally Garcia, School of Arts and Sciences ‘27, is an American Studies and English double major. She is passionate about education, gender equity and equality, and racial justice. She is a member of the RU Women’s Pre-Law Society, Rutgers Union of Cuban American Students, and Rutgers Review, a student-run publication. After graduation, she plans to earn her Juris Doctor degree and practice family law.

Yarisleida Garcia, School of Arts and Sciences/ SAS Honors Program ‘26 is an intended Chemistry major. She is passionate about the global and environmental climate crisis and aiding others. Outside of campus, Yarisleida plays recreational soccer for her hometown. After graduation, she hopes to work in research to implement a change in public health. She plans to further her education and perform cutting-edge research that will help the greater good.

Sathya Gopinath*, School of Arts and Sciences ‘25, is a Psychology major with minors in Biology and Criminology. She serves as treasurer for The Examiner, a pre-health journal at Rutgers University, as well as treasurer for the Rutgers Association of Neurological Diseases, an organization that works to raise awareness about neurological disorders. Sathya volunteers for her local EMT squad and for Alzheimer’s Buddies and is a proud performer of Carnatic music and Bharatanatyam dance. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Sathya interned at the Libertas Center for Human Rights, an organization dedicated to providing comprehensive support for survivors of torture and human rights violations. Sathya is passionate about representation for all populations in popular media and equity in education.

Madison Griffin, School of Arts and Sciences/Honors College/Douglass Residential College ‘26, is an Africana Studies major with a minor in Latino and Caribbean Studies. At the Honors College, Madison works under Dean Andrea Rydel as a professional development intern. On campus, she is the event coordinator for the Rutgers Belly Dance Troupe. Madison is passionate about the importance of addressing the erasure of Black women's perspectives and histories from Civil Rights and Feminist Movements. After graduation, she plans to obtain a Ph.D. in Africana Studies to work as an archivist or librarian sharing knowledge within the field of Africana Studies.

Lana Huang*, School of Arts and Sciences ‘25, is a Computer Science major with a minor in Japanese. She is a member of the Rutgers Women’s Gaming League, an organization that promotes equality in gaming and provides a safe space for gamers of all gender identities. She is passionate about creating a safe space for women on the internet. Lana is also a game developer and a dungeon master, in which she also creates empowered spaces in gaming. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Lana interned at MetaVRse, a technology company specializing in virtual reality solutions. She is passionate about mental health awareness, LGBTQIA+ rights, and representation of Asian women in the media.

Amillia Keagle, School of Arts and Sciences/SAS Honors Program/School of Communication and Information/Douglass Residential College '26, is a Journalism and Media Studies major with minors in Creative Expression & the Environment and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Leading the RU Recycling Campaign in Students for Environmental Awareness, she organizes upcycling events, collection drives, and campus clean-ups to promote the 3 R’s framework on campus. Additionally, Amillia is a writer and editor for The Trail, a student-run environmental newsletter in the Human Ecology Department. Her interests lie in covering stories often overlooked by mainstream media, emphasizing the resiliency and adaptation efforts of people globally.

Mehrish Khan, Rutgers Business School/Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning & Public Policy ‘26, is a Leadership & Management and Planning & Public Policy double major. She is most proud of her classroom assistant fellow position in the business school and her experience interning at a law firm. She is a member of the Douglass Residential College and is passionate about human rights issues and immigration policy. She also enjoys creative writing in her free time. After graduation, Mehrish plans to pursue a professional degree in law.

Diane Kim*, School of Arts and Sciences/SAS Honors Program ‘25, is a Psychology major with a minor in Criminology. She currently tutors with the Petey Greene Program, an organization that supports the academic goals of incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. Diane also serves on the Honors Student Advisory Board and the Discovery Advantage Committee, providing resources and aid for Rutgers students. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Diane interned at the American Friends Service Committee Prison Watch Program, an initiative focused on advocating for the rights and humane treatment of prisoners in the United States. She hopes to be an advocate for criminal justice reform, expansion of educational access, and mental health awareness in the United States.

Yuer Lan*, Rutgers Business School ‘25, is a Business Analytics and Information Technology (BAIT), Asian Studies, and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies triple major. She began her experience as a Rutgers student through the Rutgers Overseas Semester Experience (ROSE Program), designed for first-year Chinese international undergraduate students who were unable to travel to the United States due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Yuer interned at the Rutgers Center for Women in the Arts at Douglass, an academic hub dedicated to promoting and supporting the achievements of women in the arts and humanities. Yuer enjoys playing the piano, practicing Chinese calligraphy, and developing her design and photography skills.

Anna Lasek*, School of Arts and Science/SAS Honors Program ‘25, is a Comparative Literature and Political Science double major with a minor in Russian. On campus, she serves as an SAS ambassador and is a member of the SASHP Summer Reading Committee. Anna is involved with Girl Gains, a weightlifting organization dedicated to empowering women. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Anna interned at the Rutgers Institute for Women’s Institute on the social media team. After graduation, Anna plans to continue her education in comparative literature and advocate for the expression of ideas and perspectives in arts and literature.

Amira Lee, School of Arts and Sciences/SAS Honors Program ‘26, is a Genetics major with a minor in Arabic. Amira is a research assistant at a meiosis lab, aligning with her passion for infertility and maternal health. She is also an intern at RWJ Women’s Health Institute, contributing to research and community outreach to advance women’s health. As a member of GlobeMed, a student organization on campus, she advocates and fundraises for public health issues, such as child abuse and mental health stigmas. Passionate about the intersectionality of race and gender, Amira hopes to become a culturally sensitive doctor, fighting for healthcare equity and challenging the stigma surrounding fertility care.

Gabriela Melgar, School of Arts and Sciences/Douglass Residential College ’26, is an intended Psychology major with a minor in Italian. She is an active member of Scream Theater, performing as well as advocating for sexual and domestic violence awareness. She is passionate about mental health awareness as well as women’s and human rights. After graduation, Gabriela hopes to pursue a career in educational psychology as an educational psychologist advocating for the needs of students through hardships leading to prosperity.

Nazli Mohideen, School of Arts and Sciences ‘26, is a Journalism and Media Studies major with an intended minor in Business Administration. She is currently a writer for The Daily Targum’s news desk, a member of Her Campus, and an intern at the Rutgers Writing Center. Nazli is passionate about writing, photography, digital design and connecting with people of different backgrounds. She hopes to foster these interests with a career in print journalism following graduation. Though her writing can be found in publications such as The Falconer’s Voice, The Daily Targum and CNJ+ Media (formerly The Millstone Times), she aspires to bring her talents one day to the New York Times.

Valeria Monsalve*, School of Arts and Sciences/Honors College/Douglass Residential College ‘26, is an English and Political Science double major with a minor in Mathematics. She works for the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership as the first-year fellowship lead intern, where she fosters the growth of underrepresented students, nurturing their leadership potential. She also holds a number of mentoring positions that promote student development through interpersonal relations. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Valeria interned at Rutgers Innovation Ventures as a technology transfer intern. After graduation, Valeria aspires to work as a lawyer in the corporate law field, creating space for women of color within this field.

Tanaya Muslim, School of Arts and Sciences/School of Communication and Information ‘26, is a Journalism and Media Studies major specializing in Global Media with a minor in Africana Studies. Tanaya works as the event coordinator for the Douglas Black Student Congress, working to spread awareness on issues impacting Black and other marginalized communities on campus and around the world. She is passionate about civil rights, Black history and storytelling, and uses her writing skills to advocate for social change. After graduating, she plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Journalism and Media Studies, aiming for a career as a travel journalist. Through this career, Tanaya hopes to travel the world and be a voice for the silenced.

Azinwi Numfor, School of Arts & Science/Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning & Public Policy '26, is a Public Policy and Political Science double major with a double minor in Law & History and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. She is a member of the Paul Robeson Living-Learning Community as a community ambassador. Azinwi is also a member of the Rutgers NAACP Education Committee, a member of the ‘23 Fellows in Racial Justice Learning Community (RAJU) Cohort, and a Teach for America Ignite Fellow. She will also serve as a FIGS peer instructor for diversity & social justice in Fall 2024. Azinwi is interested in studying the history of reproductive labor exploitation, especially in relation to Black women and women in third-world countries. She is also passionate about understanding the intersections of race, gender, and class oppression.

Andie Purks*, School of Arts and Sciences/Honors College/Douglass Residential College ‘26, is a History and Anthropology double major with a minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. She currently serves as the Editor-in-Chief of The Anthologist, Rutgers' literary magazine, and a mentor for first-year students at the Honors College. Andie is passionate about historical and cultural preservation, restoration, and justice. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Andie interned at the Rutgers Geology Museum, a public museum dedicated to the earth sciences where she conducted archival research and continues to aid in exhibit creation and design. After graduation, she plans on obtaining a graduate degree in museum studies to contribute to the protection of historical sites, public accessibility of underrepresented histories, and repatriation of unlawfully held historical materials.

Anjali Ravi, School of Arts and Sciences/Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy/Douglass Residential College '26, is a Public Health major with a double minor in Public Policy and Disability Studies. Anjali is a peer mental health educator for Health, Outreach, Promotion, and Education (HOPE) and a mental health programming outreach intern for the 16 Strong Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to spreading awareness against mental health and de-stigmatizing mental health. She aspires to work in mental health policy and receive hands-on experience providing care and support for individuals with disabilities. As a South Asian woman, Anjali hopes to advocate for mental health and demonstrate that mental health is not a sickness; it is a basic need to protect.

Isabela Ruiz*, School of Arts and Science/Douglass Residential College ‘25, is a Criminal Justice and Psychology double major. She serves as the community outreach/philanthropy chair for Lambda Thera Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc., connecting diverse communities and providing them with resources and opportunities. Isabela also works as a Rutgers Zone assistant at the Livingston Student Center, creating an entertaining, communal space for students’ recreational enjoyment. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Isabela interned at the Rutgers Center for American Women and Politics, a research institution focused on advancing women's participation in American politics. Isabela is passionate about the US legal and criminal justice systems, mental health awareness, and women's political and social issues.

Shilpi Shah, School of Arts and Sciences '26, is a Computer Science and Cognitive Science double major with minor in Mathematics. She has researched self-driving vehicles with the National Science Foundation and is currently researching artificially intelligent methane detection systems. She is passionate about women and diverse representation in STEM and hopes to be able to encourage young girls and young minorities to pursue their passions regardless of what they may be. Currently, Shilpi is the electrical team lead of the Space Technology Association at Rutgers Robotics Team (STARRT) and hopes to use this position to encourage more young women to join the robotics team. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and quantum neuroscience.

Meredith Simms, School of Arts and Sciences ‘26, is an intended Sociology and Cultural Anthropology double major with a minor in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. She is passionate about gender equality, cultural inclusion, and the empowerment of young girls. She is an active member within Douglass Residential College as a member of the Global Village and a Barbara Vorhees mentor. In the future, Meredith hopes to become a social science researcher focusing on gender, cultural, and systemic issues.

Hannah Storch, School of Environmental and Biological Science and Douglass Residential College ‘26, is an Environmental Policy, Institutions & Behavior and Sociology double major with a minor in Sustainability. She is currently an intern for the Arts Integration Research Collaborative, working on initiatives to make the Rutgers Gardens more accessible and starting a chapter for GirlTrek. Additionally, she is also a sister of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated - Epsilon Chapter, holding the positions of alumnae relations and political chair. Hannah is passionate about the environment and social justice, wanting to make access to a clean environment equal to all persons, increase environmental education, and engage in environmental initiatives.

Keya Thakkar, School of Arts and Sciences '27, is a Cell Biology & Neuroscience and Public Health double major. At Rutgers, Keya is a part of the American Medical Student Association (AMSA) and RU Alternative Breaks. She is passionate about health equity and literacy and is actively working towards making healthcare more accessible to underprivileged communities. After graduation, Keya hopes to pursue a medical degree to become a physician and help others in her local and global community.

Kayla Tutten, School of Arts and Sciences/Douglass Residential College ‘26, is a Theater major. Kayla is the social media chair of Chi Alpha Epsilon. She is also a fellow at America Needs You, nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting first-generation college students. After graduation, she aspires to become a playwright and set and lighting designer, aiming to highlight the contributions of women, especially Black women, who are often overlooked in the field.

Megan Ulozas*, School of Engineering ‘26, is an Environmental Engineering major with a minor in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. At the Institute for Women's Leadership, Megan is a Peer Teacher for the Women, Work, and Community Spring 2025 Seminar, where she supports First-Year Leadership Scholars in developing their Social Action Projects. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Megan interned at the Rutgers Office of Climate Action. She is enthusiastic about creating accessible and equitable experiences in nature. Her Social Action Project focuses on improving the accessibility information of green spaces near campus. Megan's passions include ecosystem restoration, food justice, and environmental activism. After graduation, she intends to pursue her passions through land stewardship and environmental education.

Pooja Vadul*, Rutgers Business School '25, is a Finance major with a Global Business concentration. As a member of Shockwave, a feminist a-cappella collective, she engages in competitive performances and fundraising initiatives for significant causes like breast cancer awareness and mental health advocacy. Her commitment extends to the realm of data-driven storytelling, where she uses her skills to develop Tableau dashboards addressing critical issues such as gender disparities in the workplace and industry-specific gender pay gaps. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Pooja interned at HIAS as an economic advancement intern. Her involvement and interest in merging business with social advocacy reflect her commitment to making a positive impact within the business world.

Anjali Vijan*, School of Arts and Sciences ‘25, is a Psychology major with minors in Health & Society and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. She is a research assistant in the Hamilton Lab, where she focuses on identifying risk and protective factors for the development and worsening of mental illness among adolescents. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, she interned at the Tyler Clementi Center where she developed a community-building campaign aimed at nurturing positive relationships among students. For her senior honors thesis, she examined association between loneliness, social media experiences, and suicidal ideation among the LGBTQ+ community. Anjali currently serves as the Director for Community Engagement for the Rutgers University Programming Association, where she organizes service events for students on campus and engage with the local community.

The Institute for Women’s Leadership stays connected to alumni as they continue their role as leaders. This mission is supported through providing opportunities to supervise internships, mentor current Leadership Scholars, and support IWL’s educational and social change endeavors.

Alumni initiatives are advised by an alumni board comprised of staff and faculty from the IWL.  In addition, alumni have contributed to Leading the Way, a collection of personal essays on leadership and activism, and to research that resulted in Moving Millenials to Leadership, a report on alumni in health careers.

Alumni in Focus!

Here are some reflections from alumni on their post-graduation experiences.