Leadership Scholars Certificate Program

*Asterisk denotes Second Year Leadership Scholars

Victoria Ajayi, Rutgers Business School/School of Communication & Information '25, is a Business Analytics Information Technology and Journalism Media Studies double major. Victoria is treasurer of the Rutgers Debate Union and a member of the Promotions Team for Rutgers Radio (WRSU). She utilizes her debate experience to introduce discussions on race in debate tournaments that other students may not address. 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.

Abigail Alvarez, School of Arts and Sciences ‘25, is a Planning & Public Policy and Communications double major. Last semester, Abigail worked as a social media intern for the Institute for Women's Leadership (IWL), where she elevated compelling narratives, raised awareness of women's issues, and showcased current IWL events. She is the president of Her Campus, member of the SAS Honors Program Summer Reading Committee, and an ODASIS staff writer. 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.

Audrey Arias-Justo*, Mason Gross School of the Arts ‘24, is a Design major with a minor in Latino and Caribbean Studies. Audrey is currently a public relations strategist for UndocuRutgers, a student organization that works to empower, support, and advocate for undocumented students. She is also a member of the design committee for CreativeX, a multidisciplinary group of students passionate about elevating design. Audrey is passionate about spreading cultural diversity. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Audrey interned at the Rutgers Center for Latino Arts & Culture (CLAC). Audrey utilizes her skills of creative thinking, graphic design, communication and compassion to elevate underrepresented and minority communities.

Caroline Cappabianca, School of Arts and Sciences/SAS Honors Program/Douglass Residential College ‘26, is an intended 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 Douglass Residential College. 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.

Alexandria Chastain*, School of Arts and Sciences/SAS Honors Program '24, is a Political Science and Sociology double major with a minor in Criminology. She is an intern at the Eagleton Institute of Politics at the Center for Public Interest Polling, a member of the Rutgers Advocacy Corps, and a peer leadership mentor. Alexandria is engaged in advocacy work with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Oregon Health and Human Services Department. She is passionate about Indigenous women's rights and equity in education. She hopes to pursue a dual J.D/PhD program in Sociology to advocate for survivors of human trafficking.

Mai Chiaet, School of Arts and Sciences ‘25, is an intended Labor Studies major with a minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. At Rutgers, Mai interned with the Jewish Film Festival at the Bildner Center, where they learned how large-scale community planning works, and served as the assistant director of the Livingston Theatre Company’s (LTC) production of Hair. Currently, Mai acts as the director of campus events and recruitment for LTC. Mai has a deep appreciation for storytelling and accurate representation of queer and BIPOC stories in the media and are dedicated to forging safe spaces in creative processes.

Raven Diaz, School of Arts and Science ‘26, is a Social Work 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. After graduation, Raven plans to continue her education in order to become a licensed clinical social worker.

Kristy Echie*, School of Arts and Sciences/Honors Program/Douglass Residential College '24, is an Economics major with intended minors in Public Policy and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Kristy is a member of the Rutgers National Black Law Student Association and Rutgers American Sign Language Club. She is passionate about women's health and reproductive rights. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Kristy interned at the Innovation, Design, and Entrepreneurship Academy (IDEA) at Rutgers University. Kristy plans to earn her law degree and become a policymaker to stimulate economic and social growth for minoritized women.

Nadia Elieff, School of Arts and Sciences ‘25, is a Political Science major and a Critical Intelligence Studies minor. She is a member of the Army ROTC and works at the Rutgers Veteran’s House. Nadia has interned at the Department of Homeland Security Office of Intelligence and Analysis. Her experiences as an emergency medical technician (EMT) and as a soldier in the U.S. Army Reserve helped deepen her leadership abilities. Nadia is passionate about enhancing national security through social policy reform and intelligence work.

Sara Fajardo, School of Arts and Sciences/SAS Honors Program ‘25, is a Political Science and History double major with a minor in Spanish. She is a contributing writer for the Inside Beat and News sections of the Daily Targum and Her Campus at Rutgers. Sara completed a fellowship at the Student Press Law Center where she advocated for student press freedom rights in the United States. Sara is passionate about defending children’s and student’s rights and hopes to have a career in advocacy, specifically one in which she promotes educational equity throughout the U.S.

Libah Farooqi*, Rutgers Business School '24, is a Business Analytics and Information Technology (BAIT) major and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies minor. Libah is the Rutgers ambassador for the National Millennial and GenZ Community, in which she leads and participates in corporate, political, and ethical conversations and events with members from across the country. She is a logistics coordinator for Road2Revival, an Islamic knowledge conference the Rutgers Muslim Student Association runs every year. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Libah interned at MetaVRse, a startup company pioneering VR technology in the tech sphere. This past summer, she interned at MongoDB as a Governance, Risk, and Compliance intern. Her passion for the intersection of technology, human rights, and her American-Muslim identity is a driving force behind her academic and extracurricular endeavors.

Jacqueline Finley*, School of Arts and Sciences/Honors Program ‘24, is a Biology major with double minors in Psychology and Public Health. She is passionate about global health equity and strengthening the connection between primary care and population health. On campus, Jacqueline is a community building and campaigns director for Rutgers GlobeMed, an SAS peer tutor, and a member of Club Soccer and the Performing Dance Company. Additionally, she is a volunteer at Jersey Shore Medical Center. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Jacqueline interned at the Robert Wood Johnson Women’s Health Institute. In the future, Jacqueline plans to attend medical school where she hopes to combine her passions for working with children, advancing the healthcare industry, and working towards health equity.

Kaitlyn Fung*, School of Arts and Sciences/Honors College ‘24, is a Psychology and Cognitive Science double major. She is a wellness coach with Health Outreach, Promotion, and Education (HOPE) where she helps other students achieve their goals. As a videographer for the Honors College Media Team and a video intern with the Center for Women in Business, Kaitlyn uses videos to inspire, educate, and entertain the Rutgers community. She is passionate about mental health and LGBTQ+ representation in media. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Kaitlyn interned at Scarlet Media. Kaitlyn hopes to use her creativity and knowledge to amplify the voices of underrepresented groups.

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. Sathya is passionate about representation for all populations in popular media and equity in education.

Anya Gowda*, School of Arts and Sciences/Douglass Residential College ‘24 is a Biology major with a double minor in Spanish and Public Health. Anya is an Alcohol and Other Drug peer educator for Health Outreach, Promotion & Education (HOPE). She is also a student advisory board member for the Rutgers Office of Climate Action. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Anya interned at New Brunswick Tomorrow supporting the Vivir Bien campaign. Anya is passionate about environmental and drug prevention advocacy and is a national young adult ambassador for the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids and a trained Climate Reality leader.

Celia Hansen*, School of Arts and Sciences ‘24, is a Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies major and a Political Science minor. She has a passion for ethical fashion consumption, art history and creating visual art, and women’s health research. Celia is most proud of her work as a tutor for children attending school virtually due to the pandemic. On campus, she is a member of the RU Stitch for Life and the READ Book Club student organizations. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Celia interned at Girls Learn International. After graduation, Celia plans to continue her education at law school and hopes to become a divorce and family lawyer for survivors of domestic abuse.

Lana Huang, School of Arts and Sciences ‘25, is an intended 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. She is passionate about mental health awareness, LGBTQIA+ rights, and representation of Asian women in the media.

Dilrooh Israil*, School of Arts and Sciences/Honors Program ‘24, is a Psychology major and Health & Society minor. Dilrooh entered Rutgers through the Paul Robeson Success Institute program. She is president of the Central Asian Student Organization and is a stylist for Routure Magazine. Dilrooh is also involved with Craft for Cure, the Period Equity Project and is a peer tutor through the Honors Program. Last year, she studied the intersection of racism and representation of Central Asians in Western media at the Rutgers Institute for Research on Women. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Dilrooh interned at Terrafirma, an organization that addresses needs of unaccompanied immigrant children and families seeking humanitarian protection in the United States. Dilrooh hopes to continue this research area and spread awareness on the importance of mental health in Central Asian and Middle Eastern countries.

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. She hopes to be an advocate for criminal justice reform, expansion of educational access, and mental health awareness in the United States.

Nivedita Krishnakumar*, School of Arts and Sciences/Douglass Residential College ’24, is a Cell Biology & Neuroscience major with a minor in Biological Sciences. Nivedita is a cultural advocacy and competency ambassador for APAMSA (Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association). She currently works as a research assistant for the James Lab at Robert Wood Johnson Medical School as well as a medical assistant at the SR Medical Center. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Nivedita interned at Manavi, a community organization dedicated to ending all forms of violence against South Asian survivors. In the future, Nivedita hopes to become a medical doctor specializing in obstetrics and gynecology in order to advocate for women’s reproductive rights and gender equality.

Yuer Lan, Rutgers Business School ‘25, is a Business Analytics and Information Technology (BAIT) major with a minor in Asian Studies. 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. Yuer is proud of her professional accomplishments as a marketing designer for Chunniaoqiuchong, a milk tea company, and as founder and internet sales manager for her doll decoration and clothing company. Yuer enjoys playing the piano, practicing Chinese calligraphy, and developing her design and photography skills.

Anna Lasek, School of Arts and Science Honors Program (SASHP) ‘25, is a double major in Comparative Literature and Journalism and minoring in Political Science and 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. Lana also volunteers work as a volleyball coach as well as her work with the Language Bank, a Rutgers service that provides translation and interpreting services to local non-profits, social services organizations, and outreach initiatives. After graduation, Anna plans to continue her education in comparative literature and advocate for the expression of ideas and perspectives in arts and literature.

Fatiha Masum*, School of Arts and Sciences ‘25, is a Political Science major with an intended minor in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Fatiha works as an office assistant at the Paul Robeson Cultural Center, working to extend resources to the Black student population and uplift Black student organizations at Rutgers. She is passionate about addressing state-sanctioned violence in Black and Brown communities and reimagining a world of accountability outside of prisons and policing. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Fatiha interned at the Center for American Women and Politics. Upon graduation, she plans to go to law school and become a criminal defense attorney. Fatiha hopes to build a career in the criminal justice system that humanizes those who are targeted by the prison industrial complex and gives them the resources to re-enter society.

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. Valeria is also the secretary for Douglass Governing Council, where she advocates for the needs of Douglass students. She also holds a number of mentoring positions that promote student development through interpersonal relations. After graduation, Valeria aspires to work as a lawyer in the corporate law field, creating space for women of color within this field.

Andrea Potesta-Oliva*, School of Arts & Science/Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning & Public Policy/Douglass Residential College ‘24 , is double majoring in Public Health and Italian Language with a minor in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. She is a member of the Marching Scarlet Knights Band. Andrea is active within the Douglass Residential College Community, being both a Barbara Voorhees Mentor and a member of the Big-Little Mentoring Program. Andrea is also an Educational Opportunity Fund Scholar and Thrive SSS Scholar. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Andrea interned at the CLAC. Andrea is interested in women's health as well as conducting policy work for underrepresented communities.

Andie Purks, School of Arts and Sciences/Honors College/Douglass Residential College ‘26, is a Political Science and History double major. She is an active member of the Rutgers chapter of the American Cancer Society as well as the Rutgers Review and the Anthologist, literary and arts magazines. Andie is passionate about historical and cultural preservation as well as stopping unethical destruction caused by capitalistic expansion. After graduation, she plans on obtaining a graduate degree to lobby for the protection of historical sites and marginalized neighborhoods threatened by unwanted infrastructure projects.

Isabela Ruiz, School of Arts and Science/Douglass Residential College ‘25, is double majoring in Criminal Justice and Psychology with an intended minor in history. 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. Isabela is passionate about the United States legal and criminal justice systems, mental health awareness, and women's political and social issues.

Priyanka Sarkhel*, School of Arts and Sciences/Honors College ‘24 is a Journalism and Media Studies major with a double minor in Cinema Studies and Creative Writing. Priyanka is a multimedia journalist who is dedicated to elevating marginalized voices through her storytelling. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, she interned for the CNN Documentary Unit, where she successfully scheduled a shoot at Rutgers for a CNN football documentary, which is available to watch on Max. Priyanka has also interned at Everyday Health Group, CNN Heroes, and CBS New York. Using her wide range of experience, she creates unique visual projects that address topics of race, class, and gender. For her Social Action Project, Priyanka created a video series highlighting honest conversations between Bengali mothers and daughters in an effort to break the culture of silence in South Asian families.

Colleen Tonra*, School of Arts and Sciences ‘25, is a History and Education double major with a minor in American Studies. Colleen is passionate about the experiences and histories of minoritized groups. She is passionate about mental health advocacy, civil rights, environmental justice, and equal access to education. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Colleen interned at the Rutgers Asian American Cultural Center (AACC). As a senior intern at the AACC and a Rutgers University Student Assembly representative, Colleen is working on ways to improve her community through local activism and advocacy.

Megan Ulozas, School of Engineering ‘26, is an Environmental Engineering major with a minor in Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. She is a member of the Society of Women Engineers chapter at Rutgers, which promotes community and empowerment for female engineering students. Her passions include sustainability and environmental restoration, and she is enthusiastic about creating accessible and equitable opportunities to enjoy green spaces. Megan intends to pursue a career developing sustainable systems to bridge the gap between technological advancements and conservation efforts.

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. This summer, Pooja interned in a Finance and Accounting Leadership program, where cultivated leadership skills across diverse business sectors. Her involvement and interest in merging business with social advocacy reflect her commitment to making a positive impact within the business world.

Maddison Van Der Mark*, School of Arts and Science ‘24, is a History major and Military Science minor. She enjoys her involvement in the Army ROTC program and her tutoring for the Writing Center on campus. Prior to attending Rutgers, Maddison served 4 years as an active duty soldier in the U.S. Army. She is particularly passionate about serving the Veteran community and ensuring the proper resources during the transition from military to civilian life. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Maddison interned at the Sanar Institute, a non-profit that provides trauma-specific services and support to individuals and communities impacted by interpersonal violence and complex trauma. This past spring, she was one of two Rutgers students awarded with the Truman Scholarship, the premier graduate fellowship for public service leadership. Maddison will return to the Army as an Officer upon graduating.

Anjali Vijan, School of Arts and Sciences ‘25, is a Psychology major with a triple minor in Entrepreneurship, 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. This year, her independent project studies association between loneliness and the LGBTQ+ community, with a moderator of cybervictimization. She is the Director of Concerts and Coffeehouses for the Rutgers Programming Association (RUPA), as well as the Advocacy Coordinator at AdvocacyNJ, a non-profit dedicated to advocating for children with disabilities in the school systems. Through these experiences, Anjali hopes to make conscious and effective change as both an activist and leader.

Samahal Waseem*, School of Arts and Sciences/Douglass Residential College ‘25, is a Psychology and Political Science double major with a minor in International and Global Studies. She is involved on campus as an active member of the Institute for Domestic and International Affairs (IDIA) and Rutgers Pre-Law Society. Samahal aims to create a welcoming community at Rutgers through her involvement with the global student advisory committee. She is also an advisory board member for Voices of Diversity, an initiative of the SAS Office of Undergraduate Education. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Samahal interned at the Center for American Women and Politics. Samahal hopes to pursue a career in law that allows her to advocate for positive change in the world.

Faith Wilson*, School of Arts and Sciences ‘24, is a Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies major with a minor in Comparative and Critical Race and Ethnic Studies. Faith is passionate about research that explores misogyny in hip-hop, homophobia in the Black church, and the intersection of educators’ behavior in relation to their identities. She serves as an editor for Routure fashion magazine, overseeing and reviewing editorials prior to publication. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Faith interned with the School of Information and Communications (SC&I) News Writing program. Faith is passionate about the LGBTQ+ community, advocacy for women of color, and fashion journalism.

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.