Dina Abdelfattah
Dina Abdelfattah is a junior at Rutgers University majoring in Public Policy with minors in Data Science and Critical Intelligence Studies on the pre-law track. She works as a Court Clerk at the Middlesex County Surrogate’s Court and previously interned for the Office of Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. On campus, Dina serves as Legislative Affairs Chair for the Rutgers University Student Assembly, where she advocates for students on state and federal matters that directly affect them. Through Talking Across Difference, she hopes to encourage students to engage honestly with how politics and current events shape their lives, while fostering understanding across diverse perspectives to help bridge divides on campus.
Kumin Bal
Kumin Bal is a sophomore majoring in finance and political science. She loves learning more about the world around her through research and engagement with others. She’s extremely excited to be a part of TAD and have meaningful, productive conversations!
Zackary Korzak
Zack is a junior in the School of Arts and Sciences, triple-majoring in Labor Studies & Employment Relations, Political Science, and Criminal Justice with minors in Military Science and Critical Intelligence Studies. He currently serves as the Membership Director for the College Democrats of New Jersey, the state’s largest collegiate political organization, and plays an active role on campus in various Rutgers groups such as the Rutgers University Democrats, OverRide, the Rutgers Faculty Council, and more. As a Talking Across Difference Student Leader, he hopes to serve his university community by fostering valuable conversation and programming around difficult topics.
Anna Levinson
Anna Levinson is from Brooklyn, and a sophomore at Rutgers majoring in Journalism and Media Studies. She is passionate about politics and public policy, which is what drew her into Talking Across Differences. In her free time she enjoys writing articles, crocheting, and enjoys going to concerts.
Alice Merolli
Alice Merolli is a junior in the School of Arts and Sciences pursuing a double major in Political Science and Sociology, with a minor in Philosophy. She is involved with varied organizations on campus, serving as the current Outreach Director for Rutgers Democrats and as the New Member Educator for Rutgers Moot Court. Outside of clubs, she is involved with research in the Department of Sociology, serving as a research assistant, and has held two internship experiences in the legal field. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with loved ones, painting, and traveling.
Jennifer Morales-Sanchez
Jennifer (Jen) Morales-Sanchez is a third-year Environmental Policy, Institutions, and Behavior major at the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. Her academic, personal, and professional experiences have shaped a strong commitment to public service, especially in support of underrepresented communities. As a participant in the first New Jersey Participatory Budgeting Project (NJ PB) Seeds summer cohort, Jen developed skills in needs assessment, idea collection, facilitation, proposal development, and advocacy. She hopes to use these tools to foster an inclusive, welcoming environment at Rutgers and promote civic engagement and dialogue.
Hemadharshinii Sendhilvel
Hemadharshinii Sendhilvel (she/her) (Class of ’28) is an Honors and Douglass Residential College student majoring in Computer Science and Cognitive Science, with intended minors in Data Science and Business Administration. Besides serving as a Talking Across Difference Student Leader, Hemadharshinii serves as a Graphic Design Co-Lead on the Honors College Media Team and is actively engaged in many organizations and events across Rutgers. Hemadharshinii is excited to engage in meaningful conversation and activity as a Talking Across Difference Student Leader.
Janina Walburg
Janina Walburg is a student leader with Talking Across Difference at Rutgers University majoring in Political Science with double minors in Critical Intelligence Studies and Entrepreneurship. She is dedicated to fostering productive dialogue and bridging divides from ideological, cultural, and personal differences. She is also passionate about creating inclusive spaces where students feel comfortable to challenge assumptions and help each other grow empathy, curiosity, and civic responsibility. Change starts with the courage to listen and willingness to speak.
Kasuni Wickramasinghe
Kasuni is a senior studying mathematics and economics with a computer science minor. She’s excited to be a part of the Talking Across Difference cohort and do her part to help create a stronger, more inclusive and accepting community on campus.
