Leadership Scholars Certificate Program

*Asterisk denotes Second Year Leadership Scholars

Maryam Ahmed, School of Arts and Sciences (SAS)/SAS Honors Program ‘27, is a Political Science major with a minor in International and Global Studies. On campus, Maryam is part of the Women’s Pre-Law Society, which provides a supportive environment and resources for undergraduate students. She was also a voting ambassador for the Eagleton Institute of Politics, helping mobilize Rutgers students to vote in the 2024 election. After studying the challenges many women face through international relations courses, Maryam developed a deep passion for advancing women’s rights, particularly in countries where they are most limited. In the future, Maryam hopes to become an attorney who can work with young people to bring about more freedoms for women around the world.

Jairis Araiza Olmedo, School of Arts and Sciences ‘28, is a Data Science and Public Policy double major. In her hometown community of New Brunswick, Jairis volunteers at the George Street Co-op and works as an after-school tutor at Urban Revival, working with students’ in kindergarten up through eighth grade. On campus, Jairis interned for the Mexican American Student Association. After graduation, Jairis hopes to expand her contributions within the New Brunswick community especially within the New Brunswick public school district. She also intends to create her own non-profit organization to advance this larger mission and vision.

Shaney Cadet, School of Arts and Sciences '28, is an intended double major in Public Policy and Sociology (or Political Science) with a minor in Africana Studies. On campus, Shaney is a member of Black Students for Liberation. Shaney is dedicated to the liberation of all marginalized people through the power of collective action and educational equity. At Love Your Magic, Shaney completed a fellowship that focused on program development for historically minoritized youth. After graduation, Shaney hopes to pursue a career in community organizing and curriculum development for political education initiatives.

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. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, Jackie worked at New Labor. She 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.

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, Sarah works as a patient observer at Saint Peter’s University Hospital. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, she worked at RWJ Women’s Health Institute. 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.

Madison Fitzgerald, School of Arts and Sciences ‘27, is an English major with a double minor in Korean and Political Science. On campus, Madison is a member of both the Rutgers Mock Trial team and the marching band. Also, Madison provides administrative assistance in the Office of the Dean of Students. Madison is interested in literature and its influence in both the social and political sphere. As a junior intern at the Asian American Cultural Center, Madison facilitated discussions groups about the Asian American experience and conducted research on the intersection of Black, Brown, and Asian communities. These experiences inspired Madison to become an advocate for women of color in lower income communities. After college, Madison intends to attend law school, where she hopes to pursue a legal career in civil and human rights law.

Tiffany Flax, School of Arts and Sciences ‘27, is a Political Science and English double major. On campus, Tiffany serves as the environmental justice chair for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. She is also a member of the Institute for Domestic and International Affairs where she helps run Model UN conferences for middle and high school students. At the Political Learning and Inter-Group Dynamics lab, Tiffany conducts research on minority solidarity politics. With a vested interest in protecting LGBTQIA+ rights through legislation and grassroots activism, Tiffany hopes to pursue a career in policymaking to support women and BIPOC communities.

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. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, she worked at the Center for Women and Politics. 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. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, she worked at Family & Community Health Sciences. 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.

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.

Fatima Gul, School of Arts and Sciences/Douglass Residential College/Honors College ’27, is a Public Health major. On campus, Fatima is part of the event planning team for the Muslim Student Association. Fatima is passionate about getting involved in community service activities. During her summer internship at the Innovation, Design & Entrepreneurship Academy, Fatima shadowed healthcare professionals in the prisons systems. This sparked her interest in developing health education programs for pregnant inmates. After graduation, Fatima hopes to work in a community service organization to help serve the needs of the incarcerated individuals.

Hitesha Hatta, School of Arts and Sciences/Honors College ‘27, is a Genetics and Philosophy double major with a minor in Nutrition. On campus, Hitesha conducts research with a genetics faculty member and serves as the graphic design chair for the Rutgers Food Pantry Hotline. Hitesha also spends her time mentoring Honors College freshmen within the Scholars Peer Mentoring program. As a volunteer in her local hospital, Hitesha engages in the healthcare field and advocates for patients from various backgrounds. After graduation, Hitesha hopes to pursue a medical degree and become a physician.

Marilyn Jaya Zaruma, School of Arts and Science/Bloustein School of Public Policy and Planning/Douglass Residential College ‘27, is a Public Policy major and Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies minor. As a first-generation Ecuadorian American, Marilyn is dedicated to promoting educational equity and financial literacy for underrepresented students. At Rutgers, Marilyn serves as the community service chair and team co-coordinator of the Bachata Club & Team, where she organizes cultural and service-based initiatives to support Latinx communities. Marilyn is interested in the U.S. legal system, educational equity, advocacy, and community engagement. After graduation, Marilyn hopes to pursue a career in policy and advocacy, working to expand access to higher education and resources for first-generation and low-income students.

Suhani Karanjawala, Rutgers Business School/School of Arts and Sciences ‘27, is a Finance and Mathematics double major. Suhani is the Founder of Monty Tutoring, a free tutoring program that has provided over 3,500 hours of academic support to students. Through this initiative, she also launched Montgomery’s first ESL program, which graduated 20 students in its 2023 cohort. Suhani’s efforts earned her recognition from the NJ General Assembly for her impact on educational equity. She continues to be involved as a board member, advising on strategy, mentorship, and outreach. After graduation, Suhani hopes to expand access to education and ensuring underserved communities have the resources they need to succeed.

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. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, she worked at the Pronoun Project. 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/Douglass Residential College '26, is a Leadership & Management and Planning major with a minor in Public Policy. On campus, Mehrish is a classroom assistant fellow in the business school and member of Phi Sigma Sigma, Inc. Recently, she completed an internship at BraunHagey & Borden LLP, where she gained hands on experience working in a law firm. She is passionate about human rights issues and immigration policy. After graduation, Mehrish plans to pursue a professional degree in law.

Rayanna Lam, School of Arts and Science ‘27, is an Information Technology and Informatics major with a minor in Data Science with a concentration in societal impact. She is interested in humanitarian advocacy and conducting research focused on dismantling gender bias of emerging Artificial Intelligence programs. On campus, Rayanna completed an internship at the Southeast Asians of Rutgers University and now serves the vice-president. After graduation, Rayanna plans to advocate for equality and the importance of unapologetic self-expression.

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. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, she worked at I-RISE. 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.

Tanika Mally, School of Arts and Science '27, is a Political Science and English double major. She is a member of the Institute for Domestic and International Affairs club and has worked as a research assistant in the Political Science department. Recently, she completed an internship at the America-Eurasia Center, where she wrote comprehensive economic reports on various countries around the world. She is passionate about equity and access to education for women, human rights advocacy for immigrants, and foreign relations. After graduation, she hopes to pursue a Juris Doctorate and practice international business law.

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. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, she worked at the Center for Women in the Arts at Douglass. 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. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, she worked at the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. 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.

Samantha Muller, School of Arts and Sciences ‘27, is a Physics major with a minor in Spanish working towards a certificate in translation and interpreting. On campus, Samantha is a researcher with the High Energy Experimental Physics group, where she contributes to the group’s analysis of data from the CMS experiment. She also helps with the Rutgers Quarknet Summer Physics Program, where high school students learn about cutting edge research in fundamental physics. Harnessing her enthusiasm for education and STEM outreach, Samantha is leading a project with the Physics department on constructing a handheld muon detector, a device to detect cosmic rays, for local outreach in schools. After graduation, Samantha hopes to pursue a doctoral degree in high energy physics and advocate for greater inclusivity and diversity within the STEM community.

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. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, she worked at the Institute for Women’s Leadership. 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.

Aaima Naeem, Rutgers Business School/Douglass Residential College ‘27, is a double major in Supply Chain Management and Business Analysis Information Technology. On campus, Aaima serves as a senior designer for the Business Information Technology Society, a marketing committee member for the Supply Chain Association, a commuter representative for the student assembly, and the marketing team lead for the Muslim Student Association’s HOPE team. She is also a Sunday School teacher, where she educates fourth graders. Through her various on and off campus involvement, Aaima seeks to promote gender equality in and outside the workplace. After graduation, Aaima plans to pursue a career in supply chain management within the pharmaceutical industry and make general healthcare more accessible.

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 served 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.

Alex Osborn-Jones, School of Arts and Sciences ‘27, is a Russian Language major with a minor in History. On campus, Alex is a member of the women’s wrestling team. Alex’s experience in sports has led her to advocate and uplift the voices of those who have been historically suppressed, enabling her to deepen her understanding about what it means to be a woman leader in a male-dominated field. With a love of history, comparative culture, and languages, Alex believes the connections between these topic areas can help us comprehend the world around us. After graduation, Alex plans on becoming a teacher of English to students in Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Shraddha Rahul, School of Engineering/Honors College/Douglass Residential College '28, is an Industrial & Systems Engineering major. On campus, Shraddha is a senior analyst at the Rutgers Consulting Group working with clients to solve business issues and a member of the Engineers Without Borders student organization. As a Design Justice Labs Fellow, Shraddha conducts research on artificial intelligence, especially concerning bias. Shraddha works to empower the community to encounter “AI” as critical thinkers rather than as passive consumers. She is passionate about the convergence of humans, technology, and work. After graduation, Shraddha hopes to contribute to the advancement of technology policy.

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. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, she worked at Project ECHO. 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.

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. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, she worked at XR Women. 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. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, she worked at the Eagleton Institute of Politics – Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling. 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. On campus, she was an intern for the Arts Integration Research Collaborative, where she worked on initiatives to make the Rutgers Gardens more accessible and started a chapter for GirlTrek. Additionally, she is a sister of Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Incorporated - Epsilon Chapter, where she held various board positions such as alumni relations and political chair. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, she worked at the Rutgers EcoComplex. Hannah is passionate about the environment and social justice, wanting to make access to a clean environment equal to all people, increase environmental education, and engage in environmental initiatives.

Marisa Syed, School of Arts and Sciences ‘27, is a Public Health major on the pre-medical track. Marisa has been awarded three prestigious honors, including the Chancellor’s Award, STEAM Award, and My Mark Award, for her impactful work in menstrual equity, criminal justice reform, and artificial intelligence on both the state and national level. Marisa had dedicated her activism and advocacy to these issues. Marisa’s article entitled "First Step into Criminal Justice Reform: For Youth” was published in Teen Vogue. After graduation, Marisa plans to advocate for justice and public health, with a particular focus on expanding access to care and addressing systemic inequities.

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. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, she worked at Empower Somerset. 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. For her Leadership Scholars Program internship, she worked at the State Theater of New Jersey. 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.

Victoria Wortham, School of Arts and Sciences/School of Communication and Information ‘27, is a Communication major with a concentration in Public Relations and a minor in Spanish. On campus, Victoria works at the Office of Veterans Affairs where she provides support and advocates for the military-affiliated students at Rutgers. Victoria is committed to creating a more inclusive beauty industry to ensure that everyone, regardless of their skin tone or ethnic background, feels seen and valued each time they view a product line. After graduation, Victoria intends to pursue a career in cosmetics marketing in which she can develop campaigns inclusive of all members of society and support equitable practices.

Claire Xue, School of Arts and Science/School of Communication and Information/Honors College ‘27, is a Computer Science and ITI double major with a minor in French. On campus, Claire is an executive board member of the Women’s Gaming League where she promotes a welcoming gaming community for women and individuals of all identities. She also volunteers with the Youth Empowerment Club as a reading buddy, helping children develop their literacy skills at the New Brunswick Public Library. With a love for design, she is interested in how ideals of femininity and masculinity are presented in various forms of media. After graduation, Claire plans to help encourage young girls to explore their interests and help build self-expression and self-confidence in others.

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.