Campus Collaborative Fund

Fair Graduate Admission Pathway: Graduate School Application Peer-Support for First Generation Students at Columbia University

Project Details: 

First-generation students often face systemic barriers when navigating the graduate school application process due to information asymmetry and deficient access to effective guidance, networks, and resources. The project is aimed at empowering first-generation students to pursue graduate education through the two following approaches: 1) fostering social connectedness and mutual support through online and in-person community building projects; 2) delivering free graduate school application peer-consultations regarding post-graduate planning, graduate program selection, scholarly network, standardized test study, and material preparation.

Grantees:

Yang Shichang (he/she/they) is a PhD student in social work whose research explores health justice for LGBTQ+ people and educational equity for children in adversity. They hold MSW degrees from the University of Michigan and Peking University. Shichang has three years of full-time experience managing educational and healthcare equity programs for disadvantaged children at a leading foundation in China. As a clinical practitioner and case manager, they have provided services through various community agencies to support LGBTQ+ individuals, families affected by domestic violence, and children in poverty.

Bryan Tran (he/him/his) is pursuing an MS in Strategic Communication. Besides supporting several non-profit and philanthropic projects, Bryan is also the founder of Global Kinect, a boutique marketing and brand development firm. He believes in working towards a more socially equitable world that promotes increased access to quality healthcare, education, and careers, for people from all walks of life.

Celebrating Neurodiversity: Perspectives, Insights, and Stories

Project Details: 

Neurodiversity, coined by Australian sociologist Judy Singer in the 1990s, emphasizes that every individual has a unique brain, and this diversity should be celebrated. Despite its potential to empower individuals with conditions such as autism, ADHD, and learning disabilities, neurodiversity remains under-recognized. To raise awareness and acceptance of neurodevelopmental disabilities, we are organizing a free, public Neurodiversity Day event open to the Columbia community and beyond. Featuring neurodivergent experts, the event will explore key topics such as accommodations in education and careers, the intersection of race, gender, and disabilities, and the importance of amplifying neurodivergent voices in research and practice.

Grantee:

Ara Bakhteyar (she/her) is a master's student in Biomedical Engineering at Columbia University, specializing in Tissue Engineering after earning her undergraduate degree in biophysics at Columbia. She is the Co-founder and Chair of Neurodivergent @ Columbia and an advocate for neurodiversity in academia and beyond. Ara received the 2022-2023 Social Justice Mini-Grant and the 2023-2024 Vice President's Grant for Diversity and Community Initiatives, organizing Columbia's first and second Neurodiversity Awareness Days, which featured full-day seminars fostering awareness and acceptance for neurodivergent individuals. Her advocacy and research intersect in her goal to study antimicrobial-resistant infections and improve care for individuals with disabilities in long-term care facilities.

Vibes on College Walk

Project Details: 
This project brings daily live music performances to College Walk during the dark, cold winter months, creating a sense of community and happiness on our campus. Performers will include Columbia students—such as those in the Juilliard joint program, jazz ensembles, and music clubs—as well as local NYC artists. Scheduled between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM or during class transitions, the initiative will transform College Walk and the campus into a warm, inviting space. To encourage gathering, space heaters and a small audience area will be provided for those who wish to stop and enjoy the music, creating a hub for relaxation and social connection.

Press Coverage:

• Live music initiative on College Walk aims to bring students together (Columbia Spectator)

Grantee:

Jonathan "Jonno" Rosen  is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science with a focus in finance. Over the past two years, Jonno’s goal has been to increase the overall happiness and positive energy on Columbia’s campus. He loves any sort of sport, from marathon running to basketball, and anything in between. Jonno is focused on implementing unique, out-of-the-box solutions to seemingly complex issues in all areas of life.

Breaking Barriers: Building Campus Dialogue Through Food

Project Details: 

Through cultural food, one of the most potent sources of connections, this project intends to connect people involved in different programs and activities across campus and promote a safe space for dialogue. The goal is to use food to create an environment where people can share their culture and backgrounds while showing who they are despite their activism and involvement. Once individuals are seen past their stereotypes and stigmas, promoting an environment where difficult dialogues can happen healthily once personal connections have already been established is easier.

Grantee:

Illana Lwekovitch Welikson (she/her/hers) is in the dual degree program at Tel Aviv University and Columbia University, pursuing a degree in neurosciences and behavior and psychology. Prior to attending university, Ilana worked in a youth movement in Brazil, providing nonformal education to children and teenagers. In 2022, she joined a social psychology lab, which sparked her desire to work with interpersonal and cultural relations. She is focused on facilitating dialogue and creating more harmonious relationships on campus.

Columbia University Innovation & Intellectual History Trivia Night 

Project details: 
Columbia University has a long history of intellectual innovation, ranging from the development of the MRI and FM radio to advances in neuroscience, journalism, theory of pragmatism, and modern statistical analysis. However, the large and diverse student body might not know Columbia’s history of innovation, apart from their own discipline. The aim of this trivia night is to celebrate Columbia University's contributions to various fields of knowledge and innovation. By focusing on the interdisciplinary achievements of Columbia students, faculty, and alumni, the event will encourage participants to form diverse teams, fostering collaboration between students from different schools and disciplines. This will promote intellectual curiosity and respect for Columbia’s vast history of innovation.

Grantee:

Joon Baek (he/him) is pursuing an MS in Computer Science with a focus on machine learning at SEAS. He studied computer science and physics at Columbia College before. He works full-time as a software engineer. He is also part of the Met Opera Student Ambassador program, working to promote the joys of opera. 

Community ImpactED Panels

Project Details:
The Community Impact Student Executive Board aims to create innovative, impactful programming that deepens Columbia University’s engagement with the local New York City community. Through our Community ImpactED series, we provide platforms for dialogue on pressing social issues, fostering intellectual curiosity and a deeper sense of responsibility in students. These events bridge the gap between students and local professionals in fields like education, immigration, and public service, advancing Columbia’s mission to promote free expression, open inquiry, and collaborative problem-solving. This year, we seek support from the CCF to expand our programming and amplify our community-building efforts. 

Grantees:

Maleni Palacios (she/her) is pursuing an MBA at Columbia Business School. Prior, to CBS she was a consultant supporting the financial services and arts and culture industries. She is a Student Board Member for Community Impact at Columbia University. As a Perelman Scholar, Forté Fellow, and Consortium Member, Maleni, a first-generation student, is unwavering in her commitment to servant leadership.

Denise Taveras (she/her) is finishing her psychology degree at Columbia College. She is also a member of the Community Impact Student Executive Board. The work she has done as an undergraduate research intern at Massachusetts General Hospital’s Center for Health Outcomes and Interdisciplinary Research has inspired her pursuit of utilizing psychology to empower and support marginalized communities. Denise plans to continue volunteering beyond her undergraduate years and hopes to connect her interest in psychological research and community engagement. 

Annie Dong (she/her/hers) is a sophomore at Columbia College studying Political Science and Statistics. Originally from Shanghai, her immigrant background sparked her passion for community service and advocacy. In the future, she hopes to work at the intersection of mission and market, utilizing business as a channel to foster greater equity in her communities and beyond. 

Cultural Exchange Dialogue

Project Details: 

The Cultural Exchange Dialogues project aims to create monthly theme-based discussions between Columbia’s international and domestic students, building intercultural understanding and fostering an inclusive community. Themes, such as cultural holidays, customs, and personal values, will allow students to explore global perspectives and traditions in an interactive setting. In addition, hands-on cultural workshops (e.g., craft-making) will complement these discussions, providing experiential learning opportunities.

Grantee: 

Palash Gajbhiye (he/him/his) is pursuing an MPA in economic and political development with focus on Leadership innovation and Design. Prior to SIPA, Palash worked in the development sector in India with a non profit organization which is bringing educational equity in rural and violence affected regions. He is focused on contributing to policies that reduce educational inequity and reduce wealth inequality and promote social mobility.

Digame Mas: Enhancing Community Through Language, Culture, and Service

Project Details: 

The Dígame Más project aims to strengthen connections within the Columbia community as well as the Washington Heights community by providing Spanish-language learning and community service opportunities. Key activities include "Cafecitos" conversation sessions, where students practice Spanish, engage in cultural dialogue, and build friendships, and community volunteering at the ARC Senior Center, where student volunteers teach seniors about health topics in Spanish. The Dígame Más program, previously offered at VP&S, will now be expanded to include students from all CUIMC schools. Occurring monthly in Spring 2025, these initiatives will foster interdisciplinary collaboration, cross-cultural appreciation, and deeper understanding of language, culture, and health.

Grantee: 

Digame Mas
Building on the VP&S summer programs Dígame and Bienvenidos, the Dígame Más Club offers year-round opportunities for medical Spanish learning, cultural immersion, and community engagement throughout Washington Heights. These programs help students refine their language skills while deepening their understanding of the neighborhood’s rich cultural heritage and diverse community.

Open to all health sciences students at CUIMC, Dígame Más is an inclusive club aiming to empower future healthcare professionals to collaborate and become advocacy leaders for health equity. Under the mentorship of Dr. Esteban and the club’s student leaders, participants engage in a variety of initiatives, including developing educational programs, participating in health campaigns, conducting community-based research, and exploring local history, arts, music, and cultural events (Cafecitos).

Through these experiences, Dígame Más fosters cross-cultural appreciation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and meaningful connections. The club creates unique opportunities for students to build friendships, explore diverse perspectives, and deepen their collective understanding of language, culture, and health—strengthening their bond with the Washington Heights community.
 

Bridging Culture and Care: A Black History Month Healthcare Summit

Project Details: 

A two-day event dedicated to celebrating Black excellence in healthcare and educating the community on the rich cultural heritage of Black culture. Featuring inspiring seminars led by healthcare professionals, the event will provide attendees with opportunities to network, gain insights into the healthcare field, and explore the intersections of culture, history, and medicine. Curated activities will offer a deeper appreciation of Black history, creating an engaging space for learning, connection, and empowerment. Through the event, we will honor the past, celebrate the present, and shape the future of diverse contributions to healthcare.

Grantee: 

Rakeidra Davis-Hudson MPH, is the President of Columbia Black Student Nurses and a current MDE student at Columbia University School of Nursing, pursuing a DNP with a focus on Midwifery. With a strong background in research, community health, education, and experience as a doula, she brings a holistic perspective to her studies and leadership. As a dedicated public health professional, Rakeidra is passionate about bridging gaps in healthcare access for underserved communities. Drawing from her lived experiences, she advocates for social justice, promotes optimal well-being, and strive to ensure equitable healthcare access, particularly for underserved women.