Name: Ashley Rodriguez 

Bio: My name is Ashley Rodriguez, and I am a sophomore studying Applied Mathematics. I am half-Nicaraguan and originally from the Washington metropolitan area. In high school, I researched an aggressive cancer called canine hemangiosarcoma and became first author of a publication in the Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Besides scientific research, I have always been passionate about my heritage, organizing numerous service trips to Nicaragua and cherishing my family’s traditions and culture. I believe that racial diversity and inclusivity are pillars of the SEAS community, so I plan to introduce new opportunities that will empower this community as a whole.

Platform: Students of Color Center

I will collaborate with Senate’s Student Affairs Committee to work towards making sure there is a Students of Color Center in Lerner Hall. This center can be home to many student initiatives, providing a safe and comfortable learning space for students of color to meet and share their ideas. It will be a place that any diversity group on campus can use for gatherings, discussions, group meetings, and other activities. Moreover, this space will also be a location where racially diverse students can celebrate and share their traditions.

New Activities and Outings for Racially Diverse Students

I will work with ESC’s Vice President of Student Life to organize exciting, festive, and traditional outings. These activities can include food festivals and musical and dance events that primarily target racially diverse students while also integrating the broader Columbia University community. I will also work to plan interesting local field trips to experience art, history and literature of various cultures.

Career Opportunities and Internships for Racially Diverse Students

I plan to create an email listserv of racially diverse students. Then, I will research all job opportunities, internship programs, and pre-internship programs for racially diverse students, and I will send information regarding these opportunities to the tailored listserv. By increasing awareness, this measure will encourage and broaden new career opportunities for these students.

To further this measure, I will also communicate with the Center for Career Education (CCE) to open a new column at Handshake that directly targets racially diverse students. This column will list the upcoming events and latest job opportunities available to this community.