Council Member Directory

Yarden is a Biology major and pre-med student with interests in medicine, research, and community health. Yarden is trained in first aid and has experience providing first aid in ambulance settings. As the GSSC Health & Wellness Representative, she hopes to help GS students better understand and access Columbia’s health and wellness resources, listen to student needs, and develop initiatives that support the well-being of the GS community. Outside of academics, she enjoys ballet, Pilates, reading, traveling, and spending time with friends.

William Luo is currently a junior at Columbia University’s School of General Studies, majoring in Political Science. Prior to attending Columbia, he served seven years on active duty in the United States Army, focusing on information and psychological operations. His academic interests focus on the impact of information and cognitive operations on national security and international relations. 

On campus, he is actively involved in supporting the student community through fundraisers, food drives, and building community events. Previously, he served as the Vice President of Campus Life, where he led event planning for the GS community.

He is also an engaged member of Columbia’s military and veteran community, having previously served as Secretary of MilVets while supporting initiatives that strengthen the campus veteran community. William currently serves as a Political Affairs Intern at the United States Permanent Mission to the United Nations under the Department of State.

Outside of his academic and professional pursuits, William enjoys skiing, traveling, and exploring new restaurants.

Stacie Cregg is a junior, a creative writing major, and a new student at Columbia's School of General Studies. At Columbia, she is a Columbia Space Initiative member, working on the Balloons and RASC-AL missions. Originally from Florida, she transferred from Florida State College at Jacksonville, where she earned her Associate of Arts degree. There, she was active in Brain Bowl, eSports, Honors Program Ambassadors, International Club, Student Government, and Student Life events planning. She was also a member  of the Upsilon Eta chapter of Phi Theta Kappa and the National Society for Leadership and Success. Outside of her studies, she is working on a novel and buying cute stationery

Sophia Wen is a 2nd-year student at Columbia University from Irvine, California, majoring in Psychology and minoring in Music Performance on the pre-med track. Passionate about resource equity, student engagement, medicine, and education, she particularly enjoys working at the intersection of communication and advocacy to address issues of campus representation, accessibility, and health.

In the ’25-’26 academic year, Sophia served as GSSC’s Health & Wellness Representative. Prior to coming to Columbia, Sophia earned her Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) License and served as a Youth Outreach Representative for the City of Irvine government. In these roles, she worked directly with long-term care patients from underserved communities and served as a liaison between the City of Irvine government and students in local schools. In coordination with schools and citywide community services, she organized and hosted various events aimed at solving student issues, including city infrastructure planning, health and wellness workshops, speaker series, civic engagement and voter registration, and career planning panels that featured field specialists. In the past, she has also collaborated with various school faculties, nonprofit organizations, and students to plan Mental Health Awareness Weeks, creating activities that provided resources and reduced the stigma surrounding mental health.

Outside of her work at GSSC and Columbia, Sophia enjoys sampling new foods and cuisines, going on boba and matcha cafe runs, cooking and baking, playing classical piano, photography, graphic design, fashion, content creation, journalism, and traveling.

Sarah Jones is a physics major in Columbia University’s School of General Studies, hailing from UC Berkeley. Sarah fervently enjoys learning about bridge infrastructure, trains, and the beautiful patterns in life one can study. She is very excited to work with the rest of the Campus Life committee as she enjoys planning and assisting with social events.

Sarah also participates in the Music Performance Program at Columbia, playing cello in both chamber and jazz ensembles, as music is one of her main inspirations.

Outside of school, Sarah enjoys going on walks that span multiple hours, skateboarding, eco-brutalism, and observing gate scrollwork.

Hey! I'm Sammy. I'm an international student from Manila, Philippines. I moved to Los Angeles in 2022, where I studied Economics and Social Behavioral Science, and relocated to New York City in 2025. I'm currently a junior majoring in sociology, and I intend to pursue a career in HR consulting.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time on islands, traveling, and discovering hole-in-the-wall restaurants.

I am a senior Financial Economics student from South Korea. Special Concentration on Business Management. Gym rat. Aspiring powerlifter. 

Nichakul or “Nicky” is a Thai student in the Dual BA Program with Sciences Po. She majors in Political Science and minors in Sustainable Development. A recipient of Thailand’s prestigious King’s Scholarship, her interests lie at the intersection of politics, communications, sustainability, and creative expression.

At Sciences Po, she served as Head of Communications for the Le Havre Campus Student Council. At Columbia, she joined the General Studies Student Council as Content Coordinator in 2025-2026. Now serving as GSSC’s Chief of Communications, she hopes to build on these experiences to make the Council’s communication engaging, accessible, and reflective of the diverse GS community.

Beyond academics and student government, Nicky has practiced traditional Thai dance professionally since the age of seven. She also enjoys creating content on social media and exploring how storytelling and digital platforms can bring people and communities together. As Chief of Communications, she looks forward to combining her creativity and experience to strengthen GSSC’s digital presence, amplify student voices, and help students feel more connected to their Council and one another.

Nate Anderton is a student at Columbia University's School of General Studies and the Students with Families Representative on the General Studies Student Council.

Originally from Ohio, Nate spent 22 years serving in the U.S. Marine Corps and Army before retiring from the military. He later became a business owner and worked in veteran advocacy before deciding to return to school at Columbia.

Nate is married and has three children. As a father who has spent much of his life balancing work and family, he understands that returning to college often comes with responsibilities beyond the classroom.

He joined the Student Council because he wants students with families to feel connected to the Columbia community. His goal is to make sure their voices are heard while helping create opportunities for students and their families to get to know one another.

Outside of school, Nate enjoys working out, exploring New York City and cheering on his kids at their sporting events.

Natalie Ewell is a junior at Columbia University’s School of General Studies, majoring in Economics with a focus on Statistics. Prior to Columbia, she studied biomedical sciences at Purdue University.

Before Columbia, Natalie worked in private household management, overseeing operations for high-profile households. Her professional experience has shaped her approach to organizational leadership, problem-solving, and accountability.

As Treasurer of the General Studies Student Council, Natalie is committed to promoting financial transparency, improving organizational efficiency, and ensuring responsible stewardship of council resources in support of the GS community.

Outside of her academic pursuits, Natalie has a longstanding passion for fostering special-needs kittens and advocating for family welfare. She also enjoys swimming, sewing, and painting.

From the shores of the Carolinas to the heart of New York City, I embrace my new home on Broadway in the Big Apple with a smile! 

With a foundation in Human Service/Addiction & Recovery Counseling, my journey has led me to Columbia University, where I will hone my expertise in Counseling Psychology, mediation, advocating for immigrant rights, fostering public well-being, and academic writing. 

As a Resident Peer Mentor, I sharpened my skills in empathic listening, reflective questioning, group facilitation, and attention to detail. I utilized these skills during my impactful internship at CWS (Church World Service-Immigration & Refugee Services), supporting newly arrived individuals and their families by facilitating housing, medical services, food assistance, English lessons, and arranging pre-kindergarten through high school education.

As a Columbia GS undergrad, Columbia GS Campus Ambassador, a Jack Kent Cooke scholar, a two-time Coca-Cola scholar, and a certified peer support specialist, my commitment to learning, leadership, and service is unwavering. My goal is to blend academic rigor with real-world experience to propel me towards a future where I can empower communities through constructive counseling and advocacy, while leveraging my skills in psychology, writing, social intelligence, interviewing techniques, and group dynamics. I truly look forward to the opportunity I've been given to serve my fellow GF students in the GSSC as our Students with Disabilities Representative!

Megan Liu is a senior in the Dual BA Program between Columbia University and City University of Hong Kong, majoring in Financial Economics. She has interned in investment banking and equity research, and joined the Campus Development & Engagement Department at CUCSSA.
As the Career Advancement & Networking Chair, she plans to leverage her multi-party coordination experience to close the career information gap for GS students. In her free time, she enjoys Chinese dance and hiking.

Matthew Sivieri is a junior studying Political Science at Columbia University's School of General Studies (GS). A first-generation college student and Pell Grant recipient, Matthew is also a two-time transfer, having attended a community college and then a state school before coming to GS. He hopes his transferring days are over!

As the First-Generation, Low-Income, and Working Students Representative, Matthew hopes to address the challenges faced by students at the intersection of these experiences, particularly by making University policies clearer and administrative processes easier to navigate. Outside of GSSC, Matthew works as a federal work-study student in the GS Student Life Office, is a BridgeColumbia Fellow, and a staff writer for the Sundial.

Born and raised in Woonsocket, Rhode Island, Matthew enjoys reading the classics, going for runs around Morningside, and learning to play pickleball. When he's not searching for a seat in Butler, he can sometimes be found on Low Steps, pretending to study.

Maria is a senior in the Sciences Po Dual BA program. She studied Political Science in France for her first two years of college, and now she is majoring in Cognitive Science at Columbia. Despite all appearances, she believes the two fields are highly interconnected, as they both try to explain and predict human behavior and organization, just at different levels: Political Science looks at the macro level, while Cognitive Science focuses more on the micro level.

She is passionate about the process of representation and sees policy as one of the most efficient tools for solving specific problems. She is happy to help in any way she can to improve the GS experience.

Luis Villar is a Political Science major at Columbia University's School of General Studies, as well as a professional musical theater performer and dance educator. Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Luis has spent the last decade in NYC performing in Broadway National Tours and working alongside renowned choreographers across the country. Today, he is proud to serve as a full-time faculty member at Broadway Dance Center.

As an immigrant, Luis has experienced firsthand the vital importance of building and maintaining strong global connections. His aim in studying political science is to contribute meaningfully to international relations and policy dialogues. When he isn't in class or serving on the Communication Committee, you can usually find him on stage at a local theater.

Senator Jolee A. Cobb is a rising senior in the School of General Studies pursuing a B.A. in Urban Studies. Originally from Orange County, California, she moved to New York City at 17 and brings more than a decade of experience to her academic and civic work. Before returning to higher education, Jolee spent ten years in the food and beverage industry, a background that informs her research into developing urban systems and balancing competing interests.

Jolee previously served on the General Studies Student Council as the First‑Generation, Low‑Income, Working Student Representative, where she advocated for resource expansion and policy transparency. Beyond Columbia, she has held leadership roles in local governance serving as a Board Member and later the Housing Committee Chair for Brooklyn Community Board 9.

As University Senator, Jolee is committed to strengthening GS representation within the broader university governance structure. Her priorities include improving communication channels between GS students and university leadership, ensuring student experiences inform policy decisions, and advancing resource distribution that reflects the realities of nontraditional, working, and justice‑impacted students. She aims to build bridges across the schools and elevate student‑driven solutions for a more equitable Columbia.

Jenna Cohen is a junior studying History at Columbia University's School of General Studies. She has spent several years working in the film and travel industries and she hopes to continue making movies during and after her time at Columbia. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, trivia, and watching the New York Yankees and Knicks.

Hi everyone! My name is Ishan, and I am a senior on the Trinity College Dublin Dual BA program. I was born in London, and I have lived there my entire life. I am majoring in History, and trying to also complete a minor in Sustainable Development. I was on council last year as well, and I'm really looking forward to planning lots of events! 

Bella Marsibilio is a junior, majoring in Comparative Literature on the pre-med track. She grew up here in NYC and spent two years living in Italy before starting at Columbia. Some favorite pastimes of hers include jigsaw puzzling, water polo, skiing, and buying from independent bookstores! 

Isabela is a first-generation Brazilian student at Columbia University’s School of General Studies and the former president of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society chapter at BMCC. As an English Literature major currently working at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, she hopes to bridge the communication gap between the humanities and the sciences.

At the heart of her work is a commitment to integration and to meeting people where they are, especially those whose paths do not fit traditional expectations. As a nontraditional student herself, Isabela understands the importance of creating spaces where students of different ages, personalities, experiences, and backgrounds feel welcomed, heard, and represented. As a current Millennium Fellow, in partnership with the United Nations Academic Impact, she leads a campus project aimed at addressing barriers between communities and educational spaces. Now, as a newly appointed member of the Communications Committee, she hopes to bring this perspective to the GS Student Council and strengthen communication between the Council and the diverse student community it serves.

Isabel Tenney is a senior majoring in political science and English. Prior to enrolling at Columbia, Isabel was a professional ballet dancer. Throughout her time at GS, Isabel has served in several communications and campus life roles on the GSSC. She is very excited to represent the Class of 2027 and hopes to help all seniors to have their best year at Columbia yet.

Grayson is from Evergreen, Colorado and is a student in the Dual Bachelor's Degree Program between SciencesPo and Columbia. After majoring in Political Science and Government at the Reims campus of SciencesPo, Grayson is now pursuing a major in Cognitive Science at Columbia. On campus, he is involved in Greek life and is on the board of Columbia's French Cultural Society.

Gavin Ilan Rubin is a Senior in the Columbia-Tel Aviv University International Dual Degree Program. Proudly from Greensboro, NC, Gavin Studied Philosophy and Jewish Studies at TAU and is currently pursuing a BA in Hisotry with a concentration in American History 1850-1950. His research focuses on the early history of Reform Judaism in America and Jewish institutional history. Gavin is a member of Pizmon, Columbia’s Jewish a Capella Group, a member of Beit Ephraim, and a School of General Studies Undergraduate Research Fellow. In his free time, Gavin loves to cook, fish, and make music.

Gavin Reid is currently a Junior at Columbia University's School of General Studies, majoring in Political Science. He serves as the Policy Coordinator for the General Studies Student Council (GSSC). Outside of GSSC Gavin is the Lead Website Developer at KC Labs and in his free time he enjoys coin collecting, coding, and roller skating/cycling.

Etan Malka is currently a student at Columbia University's School of General Studies, majoring in Information Science, with plans to attend law school after graduating. Prior to attending Columbia, he served three years on active duty in the Israeli Defense Forces as a combat medic in a special forces unit, later transitioning into a logistics leadership role overseeing medical readiness for a roughly 100 person unit. This past summer, he interned at two venture capital firms in New York.

On campus, he is deeply engaged in Columbia's military veteran community, currently serving as Secretary of Columbia Military Veterans. He previously served as the organization's first International Veterans Representative, an outreach role in which he helped facilitate the inclusion of roughly 200 veterans from international backgrounds and expanded the Veteran Mentorship Program. He also serves as Columbia's sole delegate to Hillel International, representing the university's Jewish community at national summits and serving as student liaison to the Israeli Consulate.

Outside of his academic and professional pursuits, Etan enjoys bodybuilding, scuba diving, and playing bass.

Erik Rogel is a Junior majoring in Economics-Political Science with a minor in Computer Science. He transferred from the Borough of Manhattan Community College (CUNY), where he built the foundation for his current academic path.

Before Columbia, Erik spent over a decade in operations and fulfillment leadership, mostly building and scaling early-stage companies. Across those roles he owned the financial side of operations, budgeting, forecasting, financial modeling, and unit economics. At one startup he moved contribution margin from negative to +40 percent while cutting per-unit labor cost by 78 percent, the kind of hands-on budget and margin work he now brings to the council's finances.

Recently, he completed a federal software development internship at the National Reconnaissance Office, where alongside his work with in-orbit vehicles he took part in contract and budgeting strategy sessions to keep projects funded across fiscal calendars.

Originally from Chicago and in New York since 2013, Erik is drawn to work that is both novel and systems focused. As VP of Finance, he is focused on transparent, disciplined stewardship of GSSC's resources on behalf of the GS student body.

Eric Xin is a junior at Columbia University, studying Computer Science and Neuroscience & Behavior through the Columbia Trinity College Dublin Dual BA Program. He is passionate about technology, entrepreneurship, and interdisciplinary research. He has conducted research in machine learning and computational neuroscience, with papers published on IEEE. During his time at Trinity College Dublin, he served as Head of Technology at the Trinity Entrepreneurial Society and co-founded the first student-led healthtech initiatives. He has also been actively involved in building startups, entrepreneurship, and developing technologies at the intersection of artificial intelligence and healthcare. At Columbia, he hopes to foster a stronger community that connects students across disciplines and empowers them to pursue research and entrepreneurial opportunities.

Hi everyone! I’m Catherine, a Junior studying Financial Economics and serving as your CityUHK Dual Degree Representative on GSSC. ’m passionate about building a supportive network for dual-degree students and making sure our voices are heard on campus. I usually spend my free time on the tennis court, playing the piano, or exploring New York City. Feel free to reach out if you ever want to connect!

Ben Kuleshov is a junior studying Political Science at Columbia University's School of General Studies (GS), having transferred from Brookdale Community College in New Jersey.

​He serves as the Vice President of Campus Life for the General Studies Student Council (GSSC). Ben served as the GSSC Transfer Student Representative last year.

​Outside of the GSSC Ben is a member of the Ski and Snowboard Club and a photographer for the Sundial. Ben enjoys visiting local jazz clubs, surfing, and backpacking in his free time.

Amanda Magee, Vice President of Communications, is studying Political Science at the School of General Studies at Columbia University. Before coming back to school, Amanda was a professional dancer and choreographer.

Amanda is currently an intern at Avy Kaufman Casting and working with the Choreographers Guild. Amanda hopes to go to law school after graduation to become an entertainment lawyer. 

In her free time, she also enjoys playing the guitar, painting, and seeing her friends.

Before Columbia, Alex spent more than a decade in the hospitality industry before moving into public policy and culinary programming at Essex Market, a historic public market on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. His work directing historical and cultural programs there inspired him to return to college after a twelve-year gap. At the Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC), Alex received the BMCC Foundation Inc. Scholarship, was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and earned an A.A. in Urban Studies in December 2025.

Outside of school and work, Alex enjoys reading, drag shows, Delphine Seyrig films, and Sunday dinners with family on Long Island. Most of all, he loves spending time at home in Queens with his husband and their ever-growing collection of tchotchkes, records, and books.

Alaya Walton is a junior transfer student from Columbia State Community College, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude with her Associate of Arts degree in Mass Communication, serving as the Commencement Speaker. She is currently pursuing her B.A. in Sociology at the School of General Studies. Before attending GS, Alaya led a life as an actress for Lifetime Movie Network and BET, as well as a self-published author under the pen name, Ally Lee. She briefly attended Arizona State University online to study Software Engineering, but ultimately took three gap years to focus on her career in film. During her time at Arizona State University online, she was the Founding Director of Diversity & Inclusion for the Online Student Advocacy Group. After a three-year gap from higher education, she returned to school at community college for an affordable education. She previously served as the Chapter President for her school’s Phi Theta Kappa Chapter at Columbia State. She also served on the Executive Board as the Interim Secretary/Treasurer for the 2024-2025 school year, and as a House of Representative for the 2025-2026 school year. She graduated as an All-USA Academic Team Scholar, Coca-Cola New Century Transfer Pathway Scholar, and an Oberndorf Scholar. 

As she returns to school to pursue her Bachelor’s at GS, Alaya hopes to incorporate her media and writing experience into pursuing a career in multimedia & investigative journalism. She is passionate about uplifting marginalized communities and voices through empathetic and ethical reporting. As she steps into her role as a Communications Coordinator for the 2026-2027 school year, she aims to further this mission by helping to amplify those small voices on the Columbia campus. Her main effort includes incorporating the average GS student voice on weekly communications, as well as helping to diversify the voices shared at Columbia.

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