Melissa Kansky, Director of The Grad Network

Melissa is thrilled to join the Columbia Barnard Hillel team as the Director of The Grad Network. Although originally from northern New Jersey, Melissa has lived up and down the east coast- with a short stint in the Midwest. Now back in the NY-area, she is stoked to be living closer to family, good bagels, and an abundance of art museums. With a strong commitment to experiential education, community development, and relationship building, Melissa’s professional experience has been divided between Jewish communal life and museum education. She began her career with Hillel as the Engagement Associate at the University of Florida and then moved to Charlottesville to work as the Director of Jewish Engagement for the Brody Jewish Center Hillel at the University of Virginia. In 2016 she received the Richard M. Joel Exemplar of Excellence Award for her contributions to Jewish life at UVA. Before returning to Hillel, Melissa earned an M.A. in museum education and worked as the Education Fellow for the Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa) Cleveland. In her role as Director of The Grad Network, Melissa is most excited to build community among Jewish graduate students, while also connecting Columbia students to the opportunities and experiences available throughout New York. Reach out to Melissa to talk about hiking recommendations, your favorite book, vegetarian recipes, contemporary art, and, of course, The Grad Network.

Sarah Wish, The Grad Network Engagement Manager

Sarah Wish is the Grad Network's Engagement Manager, the Jewish life hub for graduate students at Columbia University and Teachers College. She builds community, creates meaningful Jewish experiences, and connects students to the larger New York Jewish ecosystem. With a background in program management, strategic partnerships, and leadership development, Sarah is experienced in designing programs that bring people together in impactful and dynamic ways. She previously led the U.S. division of the TOM Fellowship Program at Tikkun Olam Makers (TOM), expanding its reach and building a network of changemakers that create assistive technology solutions for people with disabilities. She has also led outdoor adventure and cycling trips with Backroads and Overland, shaping her ability to develop and lead transformative experiences that foster connection and resilience. Sarah is dedicated to helping people find connection, purpose, and community, and is so excited to be a part of the Columbia/Barnard Hillel team.

Sarah Pincus, Rabbinic Intern

Whether learning about Judaism for the first time, trying to navigate the NYC Jewish scene, or anything in between, Sarah loves meeting and supporting students as they build meaningful and fulfilling lives within Columbia and beyond. Sarah is currently a student at Yeshivat Maharat where her training includes classic studies in Jewish law and Talmud, as well as pastoral care. Sarah studied at Midreshet Lindenbaum after high school, attended Binghamton University where she earned a BA in Politics, Philosophy & Law, and a Master’s in Public Administration. Sarah has also completed two units of Clinical Pastoral Education. Sarah lives on the Upper West Side and can be found scouting out cute coffee shops and exploring different neighborhoods in the city