2024-2025 GTE Participants
Joanna Lin
Organization: Operation Exodus
My name is Joanna Lin; I am a junior at Columbia College studying human evolutionary biology and math. At Columbia, I’m involved in the Columbia Undergraduate Science Journal as the editor-in-chief of the Columbia Junior Science Journal, working with high school students in the scientific publication process, and the president of Sci-Inspire, a club that collaborates with underserved New York City public schools to provide STEM tutoring. Outside of my clubs, I’m also a research intern within the biomedical engineering department at Columbia. As a student passionate about equitable education and teaching, I’m thrilled to join Operation Exodus through the GTE program, working on elementary school program curriculum support!
Pooja Rayapaneni
Organization: The Fortune Society
My name is Pooja Rayapaneni, and I am a sophomore at Barnard College majoring in political science and economics with a minor in environmental science. My passions lie at the intersection of public policy and critical issues such as climate justice, housing, and gender and racial equity. Currently, I contribute to the Columbia Policy Institute’s Economic Development team, where we analyze the impact of Columbia’s gentrification on the Morningside Heights and Harlem communities. In addition, I am engaged in research with both the Columbia Political Science Department and the Barnard Economics Department. My involvement in the Global Thought Experience program stems from my desire to deepen my understanding of the role I play within broader societal structures and to grow as a socially conscious leader.
Syuan Yu Siao
Organization: Operation Exodus
I’m a junior studying economics with a minor in French. My experiences working on youth-focused community projects have shaped my passion for community building. As I settle into New York City, I’m excited to explore opportunities outside the classroom and engage with the local community. The Global Thought Experience offers a unique chance to connect with diverse perspectives and contribute to important conversations about inclusivity and cultural exchange. I see this program as a vital step toward developing a more globally conscious mindset and fostering meaningful connections along the way.
Reesa Venterea
Organization: The Fortune Society
My name is Reesa Venterea, and I’m a first-year student at Columbia College from Minneapolis, Minnesota. I plan to study human rights and applied mathematics and have a particular interest in Latin American studies and reproductive rights. The intersection of objective analysis in the fight for equity excites me. In 2022, I founded a youth organization called Self First, a digital journal dedicated to the intersection of self-love and social justice. My work as a writer and public speaker has been featured in PBS and NPR, and I worked as a researcher on the On Our Minds podcast for the 2024 presidential election. I am a member of the Housing Equity project and first-year representative for Students for Sanctuary, two rights-focused groups on campus. I also play the violin in the Mariachi and Afro-Cuban Jazz Ensemble, and am a roundtable writer for the Columbia Undergraduate Law Review.