Get to Know Our Team
2026-2027 General Studies Student Council Members
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.
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.
Gavin Xue is a junior in the Dual BA Program between Columbia University and City University of Hong Kong, majoring in Financial Economics and Global Business. He is passionate about student advocacy and building inclusive communities.
This past year, Gavin served as Chief Policy Representative on GSSC's Policy Committee, where he led initiatives to expand funding opportunities for students. He is also the founder and president of the General Studies Business Society, Columbia's first pre-professional society for non-traditional students, and serves on the Student Governing Board and the Student Group Accountability Review Board. As Vice President of Policy, he looks forward to building on the committee's momentum with a focus on professional development, financial inclusion, and social integration.
Outside of GSSC, Gavin enjoys mixology, travel, and volunteering. He's always happy to help, so don't hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
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.
Amanda Magee, Vice President of Communications, is studying Political Science at the School of General Studies at Columbia University. With a background as a professional choreographer and dancer at institutions like Alvin Ailey, Sidra Bell Dance New York, and in various productions at Lincoln Center, she has developed a strong foundation in creativity, discipline, and collaboration.
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.
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