Hailing from Colombia, Catalina "Cata" Mejía Arenas is a bilingual multimedia journalist and communications strategist with experience in TV, digital and radio storytelling formats currently based in New York City. From pitching, writing and producing to editing and reporting live, she can do it all in English and Spanish.
2022-2023 Dean's Scholars
Christopher Auguste is a first-generation college student. He is an undergraduate at New York University’s School of Professional Studies, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate of Urban Sustainability. After completing his degree, he plans to pursue an investment banking or private equity role within the real estate industry. Once armed with the proper knowledge and experience, he aspires to play a pivotal role in helping to rebuild his local community and others like it.
Katrina Chan studies MS in Project Management and is the School Senator for SPS. Katrina recently completed an internship at BBDO New York and looks forward to returning in Spring. Her favourite SPS event was Global Village as she immensely enjoyed planning and connecting people while she served as Event Chair.
Sara Clem is a junior at SPS DAUS studying Social Sciences with a concentration in Economics. Prior to enrolling at NYU, she spent 5 years dancing professionally with various ballet companies nationally and internationally. After completing an internship at Citi, she is pursuing a career in financial services and is passionate about global markets, health & wellness, and empowering others to be their most authentic selves. Her favorite class at SPS is Real World and her favorite event is Club Fair!
Kimmy Coleman is a graduate student at SPS studying Integrated Marketing with a concentration in Digital Marketing. Prior to enrolling at NYU, she graduated from Syracuse University with a bachelor’s degree in Public Relations. She has over 5+ years of experience in communications and influencer marketing and is passionate about storytelling and building authentic relationships with existing and emerging digital influencers and beauty/lifestyle media, She currently works as a Communications Manager at a leading global beauty company. Her favorite class at SPS is Social Media & The Brand and her favorite event thus far was the SPS Welcome Event!
Charlotte Finney is a second-year graduate student at the Centre for Global Affairs and is pursuing a concentration in Transnational Security. Her recent jobs have been at the Permanent Mission of the United Kingdom to the United Nations; the New York University LGBTQ+ Center and a corporate intelligence firm in New York.
Margareth “Felicia” Gono is a junior at NYU, concentrating on Marketing and Revenue Management with a minor in Computer Science. After completing her internship at The Langham, she aims to create her own luxury Japanese restaurant chain. Touring unique restaurants and hotels with HBS is the best SPS event for her.
Sandra Khalil is a Program Associate with All Tech is Human, where she helps improve the Responsible Technology ecosystem through stakeholder and knowledge management streams. She is pursuing a MS in Global Security, Conflict, and Cyber from New York University, where she studies cybersecurity policy through a social science lens. Sandra’s interests are at the nexus of people and technology, with the end user being the most important stakeholder and driver of innovation.
Julissa Mejia is pursuing a Masters in Human Resources Management & Development with a concentration in Organizational Effectiveness. Outside of NYU, Julissa supports talent acquisition efforts at Nike, Inc. Julissa is passionate about diversity and inclusion, and is constantly seeking ways to give back to her community. Her favorite SPS events have been the food tours around New York City!
Devika Nambiar is in the Integrated Marketing Program with a concentration on Digital Marketing. She has worked at Ogilvy & Mather, McKinsey & Company and most recently at Novartis Pharmaceuticals. Her favorite SPS event was Global Village as it helped her find a small piece of home.
Nahjae Nunes is an international award-winning youth activist, scholar, and emerging global leader, who holds astounding expertise in youth leadership and multilateralism. With a keen interest in International Relations, he currently pursues a Master's degree in Global Affairs at the Center for Global Affairs. His favourite SPS event is Global Village.
Emily Peacock is passionate about gender and LGBTQ+ issues and plans to enter a career in policy reform post-graduation. Emily also loves to paint (especially images depicting gendered and queer experiences), enjoys getting lost in a good book, traveling as far and wide as possible, and spending time with loved ones - especially her cat, Kevin.
Louie Reckford is currently a graduate student at New York University’s Center for Global Affairs where he is pursuing a Master’s of Science in Global Affairs with a concentration in energy and environmental policy and a specialization in data analytics. Prior to his graduate studies, Louie was a Policy Advisor at Foreign Policy for America where he was responsible for FP4A’s congressional advocacy program related to Iran, North Korea, and nuclear arms control and nonproliferation. Before his time at FP4A, Louie spent over five years on Capitol Hill working for Senator Jeff Merkley of Oregon. He held a number of roles, including Legislative Aide, Legislative Correspondent, and Deputy Scheduler and Assistant to the Chief of Staff. In his role on the policy team, Louie’s portfolio focused on foreign affairs, defense, and veteran’s affairs. Louie is originally from Portland, Oregon and obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of California Santa Barbara.
Sebastian Richardson is a senior studying at NYU’s Schack Institute of Real Estate at the School of Professional Studies. Prior to moving to New York, Sebastian was born and raised on the west coast in Santa Barbara, California. Sebastian is extremely passionate about commercial real estate with particular interests in sustainable construction, affordable housing, and community and economic development. After completing an internship with Clarion Partners LLC this past summer, Sebastian will continue his career in commercial real estate following his graduation in 2023.
Diego Robledo grew up in Colombia and moved from Brazil in 2022. He is doing a Masters in Global Affairs with a concentration in Global Economy / Energy Markets. Diego is passionate about Geopolitics, entrepreneurship and green finance. Diego works at Santander in the Corporate and Investment Banking division.
Rivi Saad is currently pursuing her Masters in Integrated Marketing with a concentration in Digital Marketing at NYU SPS. She has experience working in the marketing and advertising field and is currently a Senior Analyst of Advanced Advertising at Paramount. Her favorite SPS event is Global Village!
Allegra Saltzman is a 19-year old filmmaker, writer, and social justice advocate from Los Angeles. As a rising junior who is majoring in Sports Management with a minor in Film, her favorite event produced in affiliation with SPS is the NYU Sports Film Festival, which she will direct for the second time this year.
Ava Strasser is an M.S. candidate in Global Affairs with a concentration in Peacebuilding. She is currently interning with the Department of Peace Operations at the United Nations and hopes to continue living in New York with her cat Ginny after graduating this spring. Her favorite SPS event was the Dinner Cruise around Manhattan!
Ally Weaver is a senior at NYU majoring in Hotel & Tourism Management with a concentration in Marketing and minoring in Digital Art & Design. She is the President of the SPS Undergraduate Student Council and enjoys the numerous events they host each year, especially Spirit Week. She also loves musical theater!