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, she is thrilled to be working in the Jewish community again. Melissa 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.

Jane Lebowitz, Engagement Manager

Originally from Schuylerville, New York, Jane earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and Jewish Studies from the University of Rochester before completing a Master of Science in Human Resource Law at Albany Law School. Before entering the non-profit sector, Jane studied wine and was certified through the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, reflecting a love of lifelong learning, good conversation, and the art of hospitality.

Jane began her career in the Hillel movement as a Springboard Fellow at North Carolina State University in 2023. At the conclusion of her fellowship, she served as Operations Manager on the statewide team at North Carolina Hillel. As the new Engagement Manager for the Grad Network at Columbia/Barnard Hillel, Jane is excited to cultivate a vibrant and inclusive community for Jewish graduate students.

In her free time, you can find Jane refinishing antique furniture, cooking, and hanging out with her fiance Samuel and their cat, Mayo.