Funding for Academic Year Opportunities

• During the Fall and Spring semesters, the Career & Civic Engagement Center offers undergraduate students the opportunity to apply for mini-grants to support their developing interests. There are limited funds available for students to apply for through the Center. The Mini-Grant Application is closed during the summer.
• Undergraduate students are only eligible to receive funds from one of the five areas (The Center, The Center (test prep), The Center (Graduate School Fee), Career Engagement, or Civic Engagement, per academic year, and the request has a maximum limit of $200 per student or group.
• To align with our goal of meeting students’ changing needs in these challenging times, we are piloting a mini-grant program for test preparation courses and/or materials for graduate school exams (e.g., GRE, GMAT, LSAT, and MCAT).  We recognize that test prep courses and materials can be very expensive and that a mini-grant of $200 might not cover all expenses, but we hope this can help chip away at the cost and make these supports more accessible to all students. For many of you, test preparation is essential to the undergraduate experience as you determine your next steps after Bryn Mawr. 
• Applying to graduate or professional school can be a big undertaking. There is a lot to think about, from researching available programs in your area of study to preparing application materials or studying for entrance exams. On top of that, many/most graduate & professional schools charge a fee to apply. Graduate school application fees can range anywhere from $30-$130. These fees can add up quickly for people applying to more than one program. However, did you know that sometimes it’s possible to waive those application fees? The fee waiver process differs from one academic institution to another; it can also differ between departments at any given institution.  Some schools offer a limited number of waivers and distribute them on a first-come, first-served basis.  Some institutions want you to attend an info session or a grad school fair to receive their waivers.  Some fee waivers are granted through a centralized process. We encourage you to explore the options for fee waivers at the schools you are applying to as a first step in your process.  If you are applying to law schools, Jennifer Beale (jbeale@brynmawr.edu) is a good resource at Bryn Mawr, who can help you discuss your options. If you are applying to medical schools, Gail Glicksman (gglicksman@brynmawr.edu) is a good resource at Bryn Mawr who can help you discuss your options. If there is no fee waiver process or you are denied a waiver, we encourage you to continue completing this application.  

• Mini-grant request form
• At the start of the mini-grant application, you will be prompted to select one of the four areas listed below. For any of the four areas, undergraduate students may apply for a mini-grant anytime during the academic year by submitting a proposal using this form. 
• Pilot Program: Graduate or Professional School Application Fee mini-grant request form
• Career & Civic Engagement Center staff review applications, and if approved, grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. There is an annual budget set for mini-grants. If we received so many grants that the budget for the year was exceeded, then we would need to close the application. This has not happened since we started awarding mini-grants.

The funds for mini-grants may be used in various ways. For instance, you have requested funding for transportation to an event or to pay for guest speakers who will address the campus. In addition, funding can be applied toward conference registration fees, travel, accommodation, and food expenses.

• Civic Engagement: We allow you to apply for mini-grants to fund their developing projects. Funds from a Civic Engagement mini-grant may be used for a one-time service event or to provide seed money for an ongoing new initiative. 
• Career Engagement: We offer you the opportunity to apply for mini-grants to further your career interests and goals. Funds from a mini-grant may be used for a one-time event or conference or for interview-related travel expenses.  
• Career & Civic Engagement Center: We offer you the opportunity to apply for mini-grants to further your leadership interests and goals. Funds from a Career & Civic Engagement Center mini-grant may be used for a one-time event or conference. 
• Career & Civic Engagement Center (Test Prep): Test preparation courses and/or materials for graduate school exams (e.g., GRE, GMAT, LSAT, and MCAT).
• Career & Civic Engagement Center (Graduate School Fee): Graduate school application fees (read the application carefully for eligibility requirements).

Please note:

• Applicants must use at least two leadership competencies to link the mini-grant content to personal development and civic engagement: Conceptual Thinking, Implementation, Communication, Social Responsibility, cultural competency, Connection, and Reflective Practice. 
• Travel award applications must show some documentation about the conference.
• Applicants must submit a budget showing how the award will be spent.
• Awards cannot exceed $200 per proposal or person, including from funds secured for additional sources.

• When is the deadline to apply for this grant? Applications must be received by the last day of the spring semester.  Grant applications are only accepted during the academic year.
• How much money can I receive from a grant? The maximum amount awarded is $200 per application per academic year.  This is the maximum we can award, considering all funding sources.
• Is the application open during the summer? No, the application is only open each academic year.
• Can student groups apply for this grant, too? Yes!  Both individuals and groups of students are invited to apply.  
• How long does the application take to complete? The application takes 10-20 minutes to complete.
• How do I get the money if I am approved for the grant? You are typically asked to purchase with your funds upfront and are reimbursed afterward. If this is not possible, we can discuss alternative solutions. Questions? Contact Sharon Kenny at skenny1@brynmawr.edu.
• Can I still apply for a grant if the way I plan to use it does not align with any of the examples provided? Absolutely! This grant is meant to be versatile and used by students interested in furthering their career, civic engagement, and/or leadership goals. If you think the grant can help you, please apply.
• Can I receive more than one mini-grant? Yes, but you can only receive one mini-grant per academic year.
• What are my chances of receiving a mini-grant? Nearly all applications for mini-grants that are complete and meet the criteria are accepted.
• Why does it say that grants are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis? There is an annual budget set for mini-grants. If we received so many grants that the budget for the year was exceeded, then we would need to close the application. This has not happened since we started awarding mini-grants.
• When will I hear back from the Center about whether I have received funding? Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis as they are submitted. You will typically hear back within 1-3 weeks.  
• Who is the Civic Engagement Grant meant to support? The Civic Engagement grant is designed for students who require funding to further their Civic Engagement goals. For example, this could look like but is not limited to, paying for a guest speaker on campus or supplies for a service project. The grant is also a helpful jumping-off point for starting student groups or creating events. Any student who requires funding for a project/travel expenses related to Civic Engagement is welcome to apply.
• Who is the Career Engagement grant meant to support? The Career Engagement grant is intended for students who require funding to further their career goals. This could look like but is not limited to, using the grant money to attend a professional conference or to cover travel expenses for an interview.
• Who is the Career & Civic Engagement grant meant to support? This grant is designed for students who require funding to further their leadership abilities and goals. This could look like but is not limited to, using the money to attend a leadership conference or paying for a guest speaker.
• Who is the Career & Civic Engagement (Test Prep) Grant meant to support? Any student who needs funding for test preparation courses and/or materials for graduate school and professional school exams is invited to apply for this grant.

Below are some examples of past projects students have developed and participated in that were supported by Career & Civic Engagement mini-grants.

• Penn State Early Period Studies Conference

A student who was double majoring in Spanish and Philosophy submitted a paper to the Penn State Early Period Studies Conference. The paper was accepted, and the student was invited to present at the conference on Women Poets in the Spanish Golden Age. The mini-grant approved by Career Engagement provided funds to cover the cost of transportation, accommodation, and meals for the student at the conference.

• Winter Break Externship Travel

A student was matched with an alum who serves as a patent attorney at King Mongkut's University of Technology in Thonburi in Thailand for a Winter Break Externship. The student reviewed press releases and contracts for a project promoting Bangkok's small to medium-sized technology enterprises. With the money from the Career Engagement mini-grant, the student could offset the cost of airfare from the U.S. to Thailand. 

• Think Global, Act Local

Alexi Ernstoff requested funding from Civic Engagement to support a fundraising event for a new student organization. Think Global, Act Local is a student-run group on campus with the goal of raising funds and awareness for local organizations that represent global issues. The money provided by Civic Engagement paid for supplies and transportation expenses accrued in organizing a clothing sale in partnership with Green Street Consignment Shop.

• Common Ground Collective Trip to New Orleans

Georgia Lawrence applied to Civic Engagement requesting money to offset the cost for four Bryn Mawr students to travel to New Orleans over winter break to work with Common Ground Collective—an agency organizing rebuilding efforts in areas of New Orleans destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.

Civic Engagement is committed to providing resources, connections, and scaffolding for students who work toward social justice in the community and the world.  We want to acknowledge that direct service is not the only way to make a difference. Civic Engagement enthusiastically supports activism and grass roots organizing--and the students working to influence change using these tactics—both on and off campus.

Civic Engagement supports those interested in or already involved in activism on and off Bryn Mawr's campus.

• 100 percent transportation reimbursement for students using SEPTA to travel to activist events in the greater Philadelphia region;
• Student Activism Grants of up to $20 to support travel to activism events outside of the greater Philadelphia region;
• A collection of resources to support student activists published on our webpage and Instagram account;
• An annual on-campus activism training for students to help them develop more effective organizing skills;
• Use of our professional network to connect with local social justice organizations to support activist work and causes.

While Civic Engagement cannot endorse specific causes or actions, we can support students in their work by helping them develop the skills to organize their efforts effectively. Social change is accomplished using many different approaches, and Civic Engagement supports students in whichever approach they choose. We wish to offer encouragement and guidance to all students in their efforts to be agents of social change.

Civic Engagement provides funding for students who wish to attend conferences, protests, or rallies related to civic engagement to encourage student participation in the democratic process and active engagement in public policy. Learn more about Civic Engagement's Transportation Reimbursement Program. 

Questions? Contact Sydney Robertson srobertso1@brynmawr.edu.

• The civic engagement opportunity must be open to any College community member who wishes to attend. Activities cannot restrict admission in any way.
• Students involved in civic engagement activities subsidized by this funding agree that they are doing so on their own and not as representatives of Bryn Mawr College.

Students participating in activist events that are accessible using SEPTA should use the Civic Engagement Protests, Rallies, and Community Organizing Events Reimbursement Request form.  Please complete the form, providing information about the event and attaching any and all SEPTA receipts. Forms should be turned in to the Civic Engagement office located in The Student Life and Wellness Building. 

Students must sign a travel waiver form and return it to Civic Engagement before attending the conference, protest, or rally. Students who do not turn in a completed waiver form before the funded event may not be eligible for reimbursement.

Civic Engagement is not responsible for arranging or providing transportation to or from conferences, protests, or rallies. If a group of students elects to rent a College van, the van cost will be divided among the students traveling in the van and subtracted from the allotted reimbursement amount for each student. A list of students traveling in the van must be submitted to Civic Engagement before the trip, and the Bryn Mawr College Transportation Department must approve the trip.

To receive reimbursement, students must complete a Student Activism Fund Reimbursement Request form and submit it with any original receipts to Civic Engagement within five days of the event. 

Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students who are engaged in direct service, activism, and/or advocacy at a site in the greater Philadelphia area during the academic year are eligible for reimbursement of their transportation costs directly between campus and their service site.

Reimbursement is available to student volunteers, students enrolled in a Praxis course, Community-Based Work-Study program participants, and unpaid student interns.

Civic Engagement processes student reimbursement requests and offers 100 percent reimbursement for all students participating in Praxis and/or Community-Based Work-Study.

Public Transportation

Remember to save your receipts. Forms cannot be processed if the receipts are not included.

• Train, Trolley, and Bus Trips: Print out your Septa KeyCard trip history and highlight your Civic Engagement trips. Submit this history with your transportation reimbursement request. 
   
• Taxi Cabs: Civic Engagement does not reimburse the cost of taxi cabs.

Ride Share Services are Uber, Lyft, etc.

Students should use public transportation, campus vans, or personal vehicles whenever possible to travel to their field sites. When public transportation is unavailable or unfeasible, Civic Engagement will reimburse the mileage portion of a ride-share trip directly between campus and a field site in the greater Philadelphia area.

In these cases, students must submit their ride-sharing receipt and a printed map of the route showing the trip’s mileage. Civic Engagement follows the College reimbursement policy using the standard mileage rate determined by the IRS. 

Learn more about the mileage rate.

• Mileage on a personal vehicle: Civic Engagement follows the College policy of reimbursement using the standard mileage rate determined by the IRS. 
• Learn more about the mileage rate.
• Tolls: Remember to save your receipts for all tolls.

Becoming Eligible

• To receive reimbursement, you must be a current undergraduate or post-baccalaureate student serving as a Praxis student, a community-based Work-Study employee, an unpaid intern, a volunteer, or have attended a protest, rally, or community organizing event.
• If you are an individual volunteer or an unpaid intern, you must complete the intake form and provide Civic Engagement with a verification letter from your field site before requesting reimbursement.

Submitting Reimbursement Requests

• Save all receipts for travel costs (except mileage).
• Fill out a transportation reimbursement form. Fall 2021 forms will be available at the beginning of the semester using the link at the top right of this page. 
• Include all receipts with the request form and email them to Sydney Robertson at srobertso1@brynmawr.edu. Monthly deadlines are listed on each form.

Collecting Reimbursement

• The Controller’s Office will process student reimbursement requests once a month.
• Deadlines for submitting transportation reimbursement requests for the current semester are listed on the reimbursement forms.
• All reimbursements will be paid by direct deposit or by check and sent to students in campus mail or to the address provided on the request form.

Reimbursement Request Forms will be linked at the beginning of the semester.

• Activism Travel
• Community-Based Work Study Travel
• Individual Service Travel
• Praxis Travel

The Racial Justice Impact Fund is a College-sponsored fund with a mission of supporting projects designed by Bryn Mawr College community members who engage with organizations and/or communities to support and engage in restorative and transformational justice work.  With an annual operating budget of $10,000, the RJIF offers funding for students (graduate and undergraduate), staff, and faculty seeking to implement projects and programs that further racial justice and equity through both collaborative work grounded in the values of restorative and transformational justice.  This fund prioritizes projects that involve and support individuals and communities who are racially minoritized or otherwise under-represented on campus and that involve collaboration and/or partnership with external community organizations.  

The creation of the Racial Justice Impact Fund is a direct result of activism by BIPOC students and other College community members committed to ensuring that Bryn Mawr College live up to the commitment in our mission statement to collaborate across constituency groups to “reflect upon and work to build fair, open and welcoming institutional structures, values, and culture.”   

In the fall of 2020, Bryn Mawr College students went on strike. The Bryn Mawr Strike Collective, working in solidarity with striking students at Haverford College, sought to highlight inequities on campus and create opportunities for dialogue and collaborative problem-solving to address ongoing experiences of racism and systemic oppression on campus. As a result of their labor, College administration met many of their demands, including a pledge to create a fund to support actions by students, staff, and faculty that support restorative and transformational justice work as part of their curricular, co-curricular, or professional development. In August 2021 the Racial Justice Impact Fund was launched.

Individuals and teams are encouraged to apply for funding to support projects that:

• recognize harm done within and to the community,
• develop ways to repair that harm and encourage ownership and accountability, and
• identify systemic or root causes that made it possible for the harm to occur and change them. 

Successful projects will involve collaboration with established community organizations already engaged in restorative and transformational justice work.  Proposals for short- and long-term projects are invited.  

 Funding may support projects and initiatives that:  

• Create opportunities for staff, faculty, and student collaboration with external communities and organizations    
• Develop new campus-community partnerships   
• Bring speakers, educators, community organizers and activists, and workshop facilitators from outside organizations to campus to build Bryn Mawr College's capacity for restorative and transformational justice work   
• Expand student-led activism and community organizing work rooted in restorative and transformational justice by building connections with community-based organizations   
• Create opportunities for students to access restorative and transformational justice resources for learning and development (i.e. attendance at conferences, participation in unpaid internships, etc.) 

The Racial Justice Impact Fund is housed in the Career & Civic Engagement Center at Bryn Mawr College and administered by a committee comprised of students, staff, and faculty.  

Watch this self-guided tutorial to learn all about the Racial Justice Impact Fund.

A  College-sponsored fund with a mission of supporting projects designed by Bryn Mawr College community members who engage with organizations and/or communities to support and engage in restorative and transformational justice work.  

With an annual operating budget of $10,000, the RJIF offers funding for students (graduate and undergraduate), staff, and faculty seeking to implement projects and programs that further racial justice and equity through both collaborative work grounded in the values of restorative and transformational justice.  

This fund prioritizes projects that involve and support individuals and communities who are racially minoritized or otherwise under-represented on campus and that involve collaboration and/or partnership with external community organizations.  

The creation of the Racial Justice Impact Fund is a direct result of activism by BIPOC students and other College community members committed to ensuring that Bryn Mawr College live up to the commitment in our mission statement to collaborate across constituency groups to “reflect upon and work to build fair, open and welcoming institutional structures, values, and culture.”   

In the fall of 2020, Bryn Mawr College students went on strike. The Bryn Mawr Strike Collective, working in solidarity with striking students at Haverford College, sought to highlight inequities on campus and create opportunities for dialogue and collaborative problem-solving to address ongoing experiences of racism and systemic oppression on campus. As a result of their labor, College administration met many of their demands, including a pledge to create a fund to support actions by students, staff, and faculty that support restorative and transformational justice work as part of their curricular, co-curricular, or professional development. In August 2021 the Racial Justice Impact Fund was launched.

Individuals and teams are encouraged to apply for funding to support projects that:

• recognize harm done within and to the community,
• develop ways to repair that harm and encourage ownership and accountability, and
• identify systemic or root causes that made it possible for the harm to occur and change them. 

Successful projects will involve collaboration with established community organizations already engaged in restorative and transformational justice work.  Proposals for short- and long-term projects are invited.  

 Funding may support projects and initiatives that:  

• Create opportunities for staff, faculty, and student collaboration with external communities and organizations    
• Develop new campus-community partnerships   
• Bring speakers, educators, community organizers and activists, and workshop facilitators from outside organizations to campus to build Bryn Mawr College's capacity for restorative and transformational justice work   
• Expand student-led activism and community organizing work rooted in restorative and transformational justice by building connections with community based organizations   
• Create opportunities for students to access restorative and transformational justice resources for learning and development (i.e. attendance at conferences, participation in unpaid internships, etc.)  

The Racial Justice Impact Fund is housed in the Career & Civic Engagement Center at Bryn Mawr College and administered by a committee comprised of students, staff, and faculty.  

Below are links to provide context to the creation of the Racial Justice Impact Fund. Community members may contact the coordinating committee members directly. Learn more about equity, inclusion, and anti-racism at the College.

• From “An Open Letter to the Bi-College Community”

  "We demand the implementation of a 'reparations fund' towards a yearly allocation of funds to Black students in the form of grants for summer programs, affinity groups, multicultural spaces, and individual expenses such as books, online courses, and therapy. This fund will be pooled from tuition in the form of a $31.26 fee. This fund should also be used to support the local Black community in Ardmore, Lower Merion, and particularly the residents that were displaced in the creation of the Haverford Apartments."

• From “College Response to Open Letter of June 2020”

  "We also have heard the call to use College resources to support other nonprofits and groups. We are eager to use our resources to impact racial justice beyond our campus and to do so in ways that are in keeping with our educational purpose. We recently announced the inauguration of a Racial Justice Fund. Its intent is to invest College resources, both money and time, to support faculty, students and staff in making meaningful impacts in our communities and in organizations of change. Community members will have the opportunity to help shape the use of this fund, which will be available starting in September. We look forward to better recognizing and supporting Bryn Mawr College's work in local and national communities."

• From “A Message to the College Community: Actions Against Racism”

  "Racial Justice Impact Fund: We have also heard a desire for Bryn Mawr to look beyond our campus to have an impact on our larger world and in our surrounding communities. To this end, we are creating a Racial Justice Impact Fund to provide fellowships and grants for undergraduate, graduate, and postbaccalaureate students, faculty, and staff to pursue antiracist community engagement, service to organizations, and research that creates an impact beyond Bryn Mawr’s campus. This summer, we will host opportunities for members of the College community to help us to shape the use of this fund."

Community members interested in learning more about the Racial Justice Impact Fund are welcome to contact any of the coordinating committee members below.

Lisa Armstrong, ljarmstron@brynmawr.edu

Hello! My name is Lisa Armstrong, and I am an able-bodied, Black, cis, heterosexual woman, who grew up in poverty, but am privileged by my education. I am the Assistant Director of Volunteer Programs in the Career & Civic Engagement Center. I became a staff member in September 2018. However, I first became familiar with what was formerly known as the LILAC | Civic Engagement programs in 2016 as the graduate Student Coordinator for the Community-Based Work-Study Program.   

I am passionate about partnerships that address the structural and cultural systems of oppression that create barriers of injustice for way too many of our communities. I serve as a committee member for FGLI and am actively engaged with CARLA.  Also, I am a THRIVE facilitator.  

I have a Master of Social Services and a Master of Public Health dual degree from the Graduate School of Social Work and Social Research and Thomas Jefferson University. I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a B.S. in psychology. 

Keyla Benitez, kbenitez@brynmawr.edu

Hi y'all, my name is Keyla Benitez, and I am in the Class of 2024. I identify as a first generation Mexican-American, and I use she/her pronouns. I am currently planning on double majoring in international studies and environmental studies and minoring in Spanish. I’m from Houston, Texas, and I’m studying on campus. I’m the public relations and outreach manager for Mawrters for Immigrant Justice, Brecon’s first-year representative, and the new special events coordinator for Mujeres*. I am also a member of Adopt-A-Grandparent, Owl Ambassadors, and Fem-Co. I am thrilled to be on this committee, and I hope to make Bryn Mawr a welcoming home for all!

ViAnna Bernard, vbernard@brynmawr.edu

Assistant Dean for Residential Life ViAnna Bernard supports students in building connections and community throughout their time at Bryn Mawr. Through her work with students around navigating the housing process, roommate relationships, and other interpersonal and residential experiences, she has the privilege of walking with students as they establish their place and purpose in our ever-changing and diverse community. As part of this mission, ViAnna works closely with the Dorm Leadership Team, which is comprised of students trained to support and guide fellow students through the triumphs and challenges of college life at Bryn Mawr. ViAnna has been with the College for nine years.

Currently, ViAnna also serves as a Facilitator for a THRIVE class, which provides an opportunity for her to connect with first year students on a deeper level and help them both adjust to the beautiful quirks of BMC and take in the many opportunities our campus has to offer.

ViAnna is an alum of Bryn Mawr College—two times over! She graduated from the undergraduate program with a degree in psychology in 2010 and immediately entered the Masters in Social Service program at the Graduate School for Social Work and Social Research. While completing her graduate degree, she worked part time as a graduate assistant in the Residential Life Office at BMC. She then graduated with her M.S.S. in 2012 and found herself working full time in the Residential Life Office just a couple of months later! And the rest is history, as they say.

Vanessa Christman, vchristm@brynmawr.edu

Assistant Dean for Access and Community Development Vanessa Christman is dedicated to improving campus climate and building community at Bryn Mawr. As someone who holds multiple majority identities, Vanessa brings both humility and deep commitment to her work. Vanessa has been with the College for 21 years.

Vanessa's most recent work supports the telling of Bryn Mawr’s histories through the Perry House Oral History Project, the Pensby Fellowship, and the Black at Bryn Mawr program. Vanessa also serves as Posse liaison, administrative coordinator of the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship, and convener of the First Generation/Low Income program steering committee.  
 
During her time at Bryn Mawr, Vanessa has led or participated in the Tri-College Identity, Equity and Social Justice Institute, the Social Justice Partnership Program, and StoryCORE. She has worked with the community diversity assistants and the Alliance of Multicultural Organizations. For several years she co-facilitated the Leadership Empowerment and Advancement Program and was a THRIVE facilitator.

Miles DeClue '22, mdeclue@brynmawr.edu

Ellie Esmond, eesmond@brynmawr.edu

Director of Service and Leadership Programs Ellie Esmond (she/her) works in the Career & Civic Engagement Center. In that role Ellie supports students and community partners in co-curricular direct service, activism, and advocacy projects. She is also passionate about registering and supporting student voters. Ellie has been with the College for 21 years.

Originally from Virginia, Ellie attended James Madison University and Rutgers University. Ellie began her work at BMC in 2000 and during her 20 years as a staff member she has been an active member and representative in the Staff Association, served as a faculty member with the Tri-Co Identity, Equity, and Social Justice Institute, assisted in the creation and facilitation of LEAP—Leadership, Empowerment, and Advancement Program, and helps to coordinate the Summer of Service Program...among other things!

Ellie is a cis-gender, able-bodied, white woman. She is a lifelong Girl Scout, loves cats, and currently lives in New Jersey with her husband, son, and two cats. Ellie enjoys reading, trying new restaurants, attempting to knit, and, this year, attempting to eat ice cream in every county in the state of New Jersey. 

Shana Fountain, sfountai@brynmawr.edu

My name is Shana Fountain, I have been working for BMCDS since 1991, in which I held many different positions including my current one as shift supervisor at New Dorm. In addition I received my culinary arts degree from The Restaurant School at Walnut Hill College. I have four children and I’m a proud grandmother of four. I am a social butterfly, I love helping people, I really enjoy engaging with the students and learning new things as well as being a mentor to many students. I love the Bryn Mawr College Community.
 

Kaila Hamdani, khamdani@brynmawr.edu

Assistant Director and Coordinator for Access and Equity in the Office of Admissions Kaila Hamdani's primary goal has been to assist high school students with the college admissions process and help them decide if Bryn Mawr is the right fit. In her role, initiatives for students from historically underrepresented backgrounds have been her focus and she oversees the offices programming for these groups. Kaila has been with the College for four years.

Providing an equitable space for Bryn Mawr’s students on campus is of upmost importance. Kaila serves on the committee for First Generation Low Income (FGLI) Programming, Posse Advisory Council and has served as a THRIVE Facilitator.

Kaila is a graduate of West Chester University where she earned her bachelor's in elementary education and master's in higher education counseling/student affairs.

Jessica Hollinger '08, jholling@brynmawr.edu

Associate Director of Experiential Education Jess Hollinger (she/her) works in the Career & Civic Engagement Center. In her position, Jess oversees a wide range of intensives programs. Intensives provide students with support, expertise, and hands-on experiences as they explore their professional interests and emerging professional identities. Jess also has the opportunity to work with students who are eager to develop their leadership skills through the Leadership Learning Laboratory and LEAP campus programs.

Jess began her work at Bryn Mawr working with the Teaching and Learning Initiative, which was a program that had its roots in social justice work and the shared understanding that everyone has something to teach and everyone has something to learn. Jess has also worked with the Tri-Co Identity, Equity and Social Justice Institute.

Jess is a Bryn Mawr College alumna with a degree in English (and minors in Africana Studies, Education, and French). She identifies as a bi-racial, cis-gender woman and lives in the King of Prussia area with her son.

Tonja Nixon '15, tnixon@brynmawr.edu

Hi! My name is Tonja Nixon and I use she/her and they/them pronouns. I am a GOLD alum (2015) and I work in the Dean’s Office as an assistant dean and the Athletics Department as an assistant coach for track and field. I identify as a queer Black Afro Latina woman with Quaker values centered in universal equity, inclusion and anti-racism. I love to educate/be educated, coach, but above all, I love to be helpful!

Andreanna  Papatheodorou '22, apapatheod@brynmawr.edu

Lucie Powers '24, lpowers@brynmawr.edu

Hi! My name is Lucie Powers, and I use she/her or they/them pronouns. While my family is largely from overseas, I currently live “nearby” in Rockville, Md. I’m also a first year (2024) here at Bryn Mawr College with an undecided major. On campus, I am involved in Fem-Co, Owl Ambassadors, Mawrters for Immigrant Justice, and Rainbow Alliance. I identify as a Belgian-American, queer woman, and I’m passionate about helping to create a more just, equitable, and anti-racist environment here at BMC and beyond. I am excited and so honored to be a part of the important work being done by the RJIF Committee!

Tori Reese, M.S.S. '22 cadidate, treese@brynmawr.edu

I am a part-time graduate student with 14 years of experience within the field of social services.  Although I have a passion for career development, I am committed to serving others beyond the communities within workforce development.

Accepting the invitation to join the Racial Justice Impact Fund Committee presents an exciting opportunity to do meaningful work within the Bryn Mawr Community. I am excited about having the opportunity to lend my voice within the collaborative efforts to establish a foundation to institute a racial justice fund at Bryn Mawr College. I aim to demonstrate the importance of doing meaningful work with this committee through my work ethics, dedication, and leadership skills.

My other interests are mentoring youth and young adults, coaching, and building meaningful relationships within the communities that I serve and live.  I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and the simplicity of life.

Lillian Sevilla, ldsevilla@brynmawr.edu

Lillian Sevilla ‘11 (she/her), is a member of Bryn Mawr’s alumnae/i relations and development team. She joined the College professionally in 2018 after nine years of working in community non-profit organizations in Philly and NYC.

It was actually during her time as an undergraduate when Lillian found her first job in a nonprofit with the help of the Career & Civic Engagement Center. They connected her to a work study program off-campus with an organization that offered free tax help for Philadelphians. Lillian feels honored that her work and experience supports new generations of Mawrters on their paths for education and self-actualization.

Lillian is an able-bodied, white-presenting, mixed race Latina and Jewish cis-woman. She is also gender non-conforming and a queer lesbian. Lillian lives with depression and anxiety. Most importantly, she is the proud daughter of a single-mother who immigrated to the U.S. more than 30 years ago from Costa Rica.

To relax, Lillian enjoys updating her rescue cat’s Instagram profile, reading graphic novels, playing board and video games, and watching movies with her spouse.

Bobbie Villaloboz '22, bvillalobo@brynmawr.edu

I’m a junior (2022) here at Bryn Mawr College. I’m a sociology major and psychology minor from Houston, Texas. I use he/they pronouns. I’m currently active in Mujeres* (three years), Community Board (one year), ZAMI+ (three years) here on campus. I currently work as a phonathon caller here at Bryn Mawr. Outside of campus, I’ve done work with local food drives and spent time helping the Philadelphia Furniture Bank. I’m a first-generation college student who identifies as Latinx, and I hope to bring my perspective into this environment and bring about meaningful change alongside the other members of this committee.

Doanh Wang, dwang2@brynmawr.edu

I am the head tennis coach and senior lecturer with the Department of Athletics and Physical Education. The 2020-21 academic year marks my sixth year at Bryn Mawr College. I serve as a committee member for FGLI, a committee member for CARLA, and am a first-gen immigrant and college student.

I am an ethnic Chinese born in Vietnam. My family and I left Vietnam in 1978; I consider our journey as part of the wave of boat people who fled Vietnam post 1975. I identify as a former refugee, first-gen immigrant, first-gen college student, and a member of the Asian American, and greater BIPOC community.

I have, what I consider, an eclectic taste in music from classical piano to jam bands, from bluegrass to EDM. My favorite food is, by far, the most unhealthy, ice cream!