Melissa Kansky, Director of The Grad Network

Melissa joined the Columbia Barnard Hillel team in 2021 as the Director of The Grad Network. She describes her professional path as a series of unexpected U-turns, and, after a few years working in contemporary art museums, is thrilled to be working in the Jewish community again. 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. Melissa is driven by a strong commitment to experiential education, community development, and relationship building. She strives to foster a Jewish community that honors tradition and supports innovation. In 2023, Melissa completed the Seven Steps Mikveh Guide training through Rising Tide, an egalitarian mikveh movement.

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