Peer Career Advisors

Hi! My name is Akansha Gupta and I’m a sophomore majoring in Economics - Statistics, with an interest in various careers in finance, especially in Investment Banking. On campus, I serve as Head of Partnerships at Barnard Investment Group, where I help lead discussions and host events with speakers and companies! I’m a big film buff who also loves spending time outdoors, whether playing pickleball, exploring, or just soaking in nature.

Hello! My name is Diana Sanchez Armenta, and I’m a junior majoring in Cell & Molecular Biology and Urban Studies (Public Health). I hope to pursue an MPH in Epidemiology and develop community-based approaches to inform neighborhoods about potential health risks, bridging the gap between research, policy, and local impact. I’m involved in the Barnard QuestBridge Chapter, the Columbia Undergraduate Science Journal, the Columbia Public Health Club, and serve as a Peer Tutor. I’m a HEOP and QuestBridge Scholar as well! This past summer, I worked with Resilient Bones, a startup working to build a client-based subscription model for people living with osteoporosis as a Program Development intern. In my free time, I enjoy reading, journaling, photography, and listening to music!!

Hi! My name is Alicia (she/her), and I am a senior at Barnard studying political science and environment & sustainability with a minor in French. After graduating, I intend to work in the corporate legal field before pursuing a law degree. I am interested in environmental science, policy analysis, and corporate legal work. On campus, I am also a member of the CU ski team and am the Executive Director of the Online Division of the Columbia Undergraduate Law Review. Professionally-speaking, in the past I have interned for two different NYC Council Members as a constituent services and legislative intern, and I am a current legal intern at the trust and estates firm Brick & Patel as well as a climate coordination intern at the non-profit Pathway to Tomorrow. Outside of school and work, I love to run, ski, and paint!

Hi! I’m Elodia, a senior majoring in Education and double-minoring in Psychology and Race and Ethnicity Studies. Aside from my love for teaching and education, I’m passionate about exploring the cracks in minority representation, particularly in corporate settings. Shifting focus from my original teaching track, I’ve recently been interested in corporate learning and development and people operations, which I intend to pursue after graduation. Academics aside, I’m a member of ONYX, Columbia’s Black, femme-focused dance team and am dedicated to the mission of uplifting and empowering women of color in the performing arts. Going into my third year as a PCA, I’ve learned so much about and from the Barnard student community, and can’t wait to meet you!

Hi! My name is Nathalie, and I am a junior at Barnard double majoring in Psychology and French. I am specifically interested in adolescent mental health research and clinical psychology. My long term goal is to pursue clinical research and to work in the mental health space as a therapist. My professional focus has largely centered around youth as well as underserved communities and populations. This past summer, I took part in the Emerging Scholars Fellowship Program under Active Minds, our country’s leading mental health non-profit organization. In addition, I interned for the National Center for School Mental Health (NCSMH). Both experiences allowed me to pursue independent research and gain a deeper understanding of mental health implementation in schools. In addition to my role as a PCA, I serve as a Barnard Student Admissions Representative (BSAR) and a lead research assistant for Barnard’s Group Dynamics Lab. I also enjoy traveling, journaling, and reading–you can always find me with a good book!

Hello! My name is Emma (she/her), and I’m a senior majoring in Science & Public Policy. The SPP courses were a huge reason as to why I applied to Barnard, as I am deeply passionate in exploring how health policies are shaped by scientific advancements and how they, in turn, impact society, particularly marginalized communities. Down the road, a huge goal of mine is to attend law school and study health law. I’m also interested in potentially obtaining an MPH because the public health field truly fascinates me. If you are interested in learning more about the process of creating your own major, please feel free to reach out with any questions! Outside of my lovely PCA duties, I am on the eboard for Mujeres and the Athena Pre-Law Society. Some fun facts about me: I’m an Aquarius, I have a frenchie named Luna, and one of my favorite shows is Steven Universe. 

Hi, my name is Samra Shabir, and I am a junior at Barnard College double-majoring in Cognitive Science and Human Rights with a specialization in human-computer interaction (HCI). I am specifically interested in how the mind, technology, and government intersect. My academic path reflects my passion for understanding not only how humans think and interact with technology, but also how those interactions can shape policy, accessibility, and equity. I envision myself working at the intersection of cognitive science and government, whether through policy advising, international organizations, or advocacy, where I can apply insights about human behavior and technology to create systems that are more ethical, inclusive, and user-centered. Apart from being a PCA, I am researching in the sociology department, and I am also involved in the cognitive science club. Fun fact about me is that I love cooking, and I am really scared of dogs.

Hi! My name is Nina (she/her) and I am a junior at Barnard College studying Political Science and Human Rights planning on pursuing law school in the future. I am passionate about international human rights law, with a focus on immigration, education, and women’s rights. I am particularly interested in exploring the enforcement mechanisms that uphold these rights within the international legal system. In addition to being a PCA, I am President of Columbia Academics in Foreign Affairs, Treasurer of the Women’s and Gender Diverse Ultimate Frisbee Team, and a print editor for the Undergraduate Law Review. In my free time, I love to bake, travel, and walk around NYC!

Hi, my name is Sisly (she/her). I am a transfer and international student studying anthropology. As a senior, I intend to pursue graduate school in the future, continuing doing research work. I am particularly fascinated by how anthropology offers a unique lens for examining the everyday and the familiar. My research interests include the anthropology of gender and sexuality, the anthropology of media and technology, and transnational Asian studies. Outside of my role as a PCA, I enjoy climbing, reading, and exploring the city!

Hey! I’m Jiwoo (Jiu), a sophomore majoring in Political Science and Human Rights. I’m still in the process of exploring various career paths, from policy-focused jobs to more corporate roles, but I am highly passionate about investigating and analyzing the inequalities between individuals on a global scale. On campus, I’m also a Barnard Student Admissions Representative (BSAR), the East Asia-Pacific Representative on Columbia Academics in Foreign Affairs (CAFA), and part of the Korean Students Association (KSA). In my free time, I enjoy dancing, trying new matcha spots, or updating my Letterboxd with any new films I’ve watched.

Hi! My name is Shanthi and I am a junior studying Economics-Statistics and Human Rights. I’m pre-law, but specifically interested in international economics, education policy, and immigration law. On campus, I’m an audio journalist for Columbia Spectator, Education Director for the Columbia Policy Institute, and a part of the McAC activities council at Barnard! Off campus, I spent two semesters as a development and community law intern for Sanctuary for Families, where I developed a deeper understanding of the NYC court system and deepened my interest in language learning. In my free time I love to play volleyball and try new foods around the city. 
 

Hi, my name is Charlotte Hart, and I am a senior at Barnard majoring in English with a minor in Art History. I am interested in exploring careers in arts and museum administration or media and publishing, because I am deeply passionate about the world of performing and fine arts as well as literature and writing. In addition to my role as a PCA, I am the Vice President of the Columbia Musical Theatre Society, Head Editor of the Arts & Culture section of the Barnard Bulletin, and the Student Director of the Barnard-Columbia Chorus. Outside of all my campus involvements, I love to read, write music, and try new restaurants in the city!
 

Hi, my name is Ara! I’m a senior at Barnard majoring in English with a concentration in Film, and minoring in East Asian studies. I’m interested in working in the film and entertainment industries because of my love for movies and storytelling. Outside of being a PCA, I’m a Senior Advisor in the Korean Students Association and can generally be found helping out on student short film sets. I also studied abroad in London last year at UCL, and this past summer I worked there as a communications intern for Pan Macmillan. I’ve always felt supported by Beyond Barnard, and I’m looking forward to helping other students through my role as a PCA!