Fabian Aviles
Kumin Bal
Kumin Bal is a sophomore pursuing a double major in Finance and Political Science. Kumin joined Talking Across Difference to spread its mission of promoting civil discourse, something she believes is more imperative than ever. Apart from Talking Across Difference, she has been involved with Aresty’s Summer Science research program and Rutgers Business Governing Association. In her free time, she likes to bake, hangout with friends, and weight lift.
Gabriel Eisenberg
Gabriel is a freshman at Rutgers University from Houston, Texas, planning to double major in Leadership & Management at RBS and Political Science, with a minor in Philosophy. He is driven by a strong interest in law and hopes to use his undergraduate experience to build a foundation for a successful legal career. Through TAD, he hopes to strengthen his facilitation skills, broaden his perspective, and learn how constructive dialogue can serve as a tool in a world where political polarization has become the norm. In his free time, Gabriel has a strong passion for cars and enjoys staying active, as well as spending time with friends and family.
Eric Levin
Eric Levin is a Freshman in the School of Arts and Sciences pursuing a Political Science major with a double minor in Labor Studies and Employment Relations, and Public Policy. Eric joined TAD because he strongly believes in it’s mission of facilitating civil discourse and increasing dialogue. In his free time, Eric enjoys playing chess, listening to music and spending time with friends.
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. 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 a research assistant within the Department of Sociology, has held two internship experiences in the legal field, and is a junior undergraduate associate at the Eagleton Institute of Politics. She is excited for the opportunity to work with the Talking Across Difference team to help the Rutgers community have difficult conversations and give students the chance to become more civically engaged.
Olivia Occhipinti
Olivia Occhipinti is a junior in the School of Arts and Sciences majoring in Political Science with a minor in Economics. Other than serving as the Social Media student leader in TAD, she is one of the founding brothers and the Chapter President of Alpha Kappa Psi, one of the pre-business fraternities at Rutgers. She additionally wrote for the undergraduate law review last semester. After a few internships at various law firms, Olivia plans on attending law school post-grad. In her free time, she loves thrifting, lifting weights, reading, and learning languages.
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.
