Andrew Gounardes’ Cohort

Grigory Chernozatonskiy, Class of 2025, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science at Hunter College, specializing in international relations and public policy. His academic focus is informed by an interest in the role of policy in addressing governance challenges. His professional experience includes an internship at the Manhattan Criminal Court and work as an assistant producer at TV Rain, an independent Russian opposition media outlet. Committed to policy-driven solutions to social and political inequities, he plans to further his studies with a Master’s in Public Policy.

Zuley Dominguez, Class of 2024, is pursuing a degree in Human Biology and minor in Chemistry. She has experience interning in public and global health. She is deeply interested in public policy and bridging global and public health disparities. She will be continuing her endeavors with a master’s in public health.

Clara Glaaser, Class of 2025, is majoring in Women and Gender Studies and minoring in English, Political Science, and Human Rights. Clara’s primary interests are reproductive justice and national comprehensive educational policy. Her professional goal is to work to resolve the legislative disconnects between national and state policy pertaining to sex education in public schools. Upon graduating in 2025, Clara hopes to attend a doctoral program for Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies.

Gabrielle Jingool-Revell, Class of 2025, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Public Health, with a minor in Africana Studies. Following graduation, she plans to obtain her MPH with a focus on minority health disparities. Her leadership of the Black Student Union for two years and employment with the Department of Health, has created a fervent desire to make groundbreaking change in the treatment of African Americans in the United States, beginning with identifying de facto and de jure racism as a public health crisis.

Justin Seratan, Class of 2025, is an Undergraduate Research Assistant at Hunter College majoring in psychology and part of the Thomas Hunter Honors Program. Passionate about public service, Justin is committed to combating past and current atrocities and seeks answers for the current mental health crisis. Eager to contribute to a flourishing world, he views the Grove Fellowship Program as a crucial step in his journey. Justin aspires to become a clinical therapist and wants to unite communities.

Gary Jenkins’ Cohort

Caleb Shane Badiola, Class of 2024, is majoring in Human Biology with minors in Psychology and Sociology. He is also the Co-President of Hawkappella, Hunter College’s collegiate a cappella group. Upon graduating, he plans on attending an accelerated nursing school program. As an aspiring nurse, he plans to assist others who struggle in receiving exceptional healthcare as a general human right.

Layla Ech-chaouy, Class of 2024, is a Roosevelt Scholar pursuing her Bachelor of Social Work with a minor in Political Science. She currently interns at CUNY Medgar Evers College Transition Academy, which aims to combat food and housing insecurity on college campuses. She is particularly interested in community-based advocacy and hopes to utilize her social services experience to support underserved populations. After graduating, she plans to obtain her Masters in Social Work.

Savanah Jackson, Class of 2025, is a junior pursuing a Political Science degree and Public Policy minor. She recently gained experience at a local government internship with the New York City Council, which ultimately secured her interest in public service and local politics. Professionally, Savanah hopes to continue researching policy and legislation, to understand how best to advance public services to its residents.

Nethya Samarakkodige, Class of 2024, is an Athena Scholar majoring in Political Science with minors in Public Policy and Journalism. Motivated by her passion for serving underrepresented communities, she gained experience in the legal field and nonprofit organizations to advocate for immigrants seeking justice and equity in the US. She plans to attend law school after graduation, and hopes to continue supporting immigrants in navigating barriers and systemic challenges.

Carolyn Maloney’s Cohort

Mosammat Akter, Class of 2025, is majoring in political science and philosophy, aspires to become a lawyer specializing in sexual assault cases. Dedicated to public service, she collaborates with non-profit organizations like SAKHI and DRUM, addressing community issues. Her roles at New York County Defender Services, the Manhattan Borough President’s Office, and participation in fellowships such as WomenX and Social Change Fellow further contribute to her passion for justice advocacy.

Scarlett Burwell-Pharel, Class of 2026, is majoring in Political Science. Scarlett is interested in serving disenfranchised Blacks and communities of color, specifically those who are wrongfully incarcerated, and the reintegration process for ex-convicts of color. After completing her Bachelor’s degree, (JD), and passing the New York State Bar, Scarlett hopes to be a criminal justice attorney and continue to defend and advocate for Black and other people of color.

Jay Nelson, Class of 2025, is majoring in English and minoring in Philosophy. As a Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellow, his research explores the intersections of gender performance and systemic oppression within the rhetoric of the 1980s gangsta rap genre. After graduation, he intends to pursue a PhD in American Studies. He intends to use this degree to become a policy researcher, with a special interest in policies regarding transgender and BIPOC issues.

Nishat Hossain, Class of 2024, is majoring in Political Science at Hunter College, with a minor in Classics and a Human Rights certificate. She’s passionate about international law, women’s rights, and the Refugee Crisis. Upon graduating, Nishat plans on attending law school and becoming an international human rights attorney. She aspires to create an NGO that empowers women and displaced people to break down social and institutional barriers through programs that foster educational, economic, and social prosperity.

Anastasia Villarreal, Class of 2025, is a Philosophy and Political Science major. She is also a Roosevelt Scholar pursuing a certificate in Public Policy. Her experience working with nonprofits, local politicians, and Hunter students via student government has only strengthened her love for people in her communities. She aspires to continue centering community members in her career, whether that be by offering legal services, conducting research, or working in local organizations.

Melva Miller’s Cohort

Veronica Berdychev, Class of 2026, is a Roosevelt Scholar, majoring in Political Science and Economics. Veronica is also a Leadership for Democracy and Social Justice fellow. As the daughter of an immigrant mother, she is passionate about immigration rights. For the past eight months, she has been interning at DNIS law firm preparing various immigration filings, including asylum and VAWA petitions. Upon graduation, she intends to go to law school to become an immigration attorney. 

Brittany Guzman-Cholula, Class of 2025, is majoring in Economics with a minor in Public Policy. She currently has a business certificate to expand her knowledge. She is interested in the inner makings of business and creating her own brand. She also wants to use this knowledge to guide low-income families and immigrants the right steps if they choose to start a business. She advocates on improving the rights of the immigrant community.

Brittany Luckain, Class of 2025, is a Janovic and Macaulay Honors scholar pursuing an economics major and triple minor in public policy, women and gender studies, and the business certificate. She is passionate about using her voice to curate transformational change for underrepresented communities. Today, Brittany serves as the President of the Black Student Union. Upon her graduation, she aspires to bridge the gap between her interest in entrepreneurship and social advocacy in hopes to help disadvantaged communities build generational wealth.

Artem Pankin, is a junior majoring in Urban Studies and pursuing a certificate in Spatial Data Science. He works as a spatial data science research assistant at the Urban Heat Data Portal project at the CUNY Research Foundation. For the last four years, he has been working as a researcher on topics of urban morphology and environment, youth and cultural policy, and emerging technologies. Upon graduating he is planning to pursue a career in academia.

Dr. Basil Smikle’s Cohort

Hassanatou Diallo, Class of 2025, is majoring in Social Work. In the past, she was an intern with the Mayor’s Public Engagement Unit, where she conducted outreach to New Yorkers in underserved communities and connected them with resources related to housing, healthcare, and cash assistance. She grew up in the South Bronx where she witnessed violence among the youth, fueling her passion to advocate against gun violence. In the future, she plans to be involved in proactive interventions and mentorship to provide alternatives to gun violence and positive outlets for young individuals.

Amanjyot Kaur, Class of 2026, is a Roosevelt scholar majoring in Political Science and double minoring in Human Rights and Legal Studies. This past year, Amanjyot has worked diligently as a college aide for the Queens Family Court. After graduating in 2026, Amanjyot plans to attend law school to study criminal justice, family law, and immigration law. Amanjyot is open to careers in public defense and advocacy as Amanjyot vows to make a lasting impact within her community.

Olivia Massey, Class of 2025, is a Pre-Law student studying Political Science, English Literature and Adolescent Education. She strongly believes that education is one of the surest avenues of upwards mobility and is increasingly concerned each day with the seemingly endless attacks on education and educators, particularly surrounding LGBTQIA+ issues, women’s rights, and anti-racism. She passionately aspires to work in Education Law to battle these issues.

Anel Radoncic, Class of 2026, is a sophomore Roosevelt Scholar majoring in History and Adolescent Education at Hunter College. This Spring he will work as a member of the CUNY Tutor Corps as well as Hunter’s Teacher Opportunity Corps to expand his work in culturally responsive teaching. He is passionate about equal and affordable access to public education that is valuable to all students. In the future Anel plans to teach history in New York City public schools.

Isabella Youssef, is a sophomore pursuing a double major in History and Jewish Studies, with a minor in Political Science. In her freshman year, she served as a Holocaust Educator intern at the Museum of Jewish Heritage. This past June, she volunteered at a vision clinic in Honduras and will do so again this upcoming summer in Guatemala. Isabella is passionate about helping underserved communities, both through pluralistic dialogue and acts of service.