Award Recognition
Principled Action
Rachel Ramenda's initiative and leadership in the Columbia community have earned her the Leadership and Excellence Award for Principled Action. Rachel founded the New York Small Claims Advisory Service at Columbia, a volunteer student group that guides local New Yorkers through small claims court. She manages NY SCAS in providing information on New York law, small claims procedures, and successful trial presentations. Rachel is also recognized for her dedication to human rights and ethical consumerism through Stop Modern Day Slavery. She founded this anti-human trafficking organization to publish informative articles, host panels and educational workshops, and provide opportunities for survivors to share their stories and earn a GED. Finally, Rachel is honored for her role as Director of Tutor Recruitment for Columbia One-to-One Tutoring, in which she has dramatically increased volunteer participation, as well as her welcoming new students to campus as an Orientation Leader.
Thank you to the Leadership and Excellence Awards Selection Committee for selecting me to receive the Award for Principled Action! I would also like to thank my family, professors, and friends who have supported me through my time at Columbia.