Janie Zhang SEAS’26 is a computer science major and psychology minor from Vancouver who dedicated the last four years to transforming the Columbia experience, culminating as the Engineering Student Council president. During her tenure on ESC, including serving as VP of DEI and VP of policy, Zhang secured more than $400,000 for student groups, established the Engineering Cardboard Boat Competition, and championed key academic and dining policies. A vital voice on the Inclusive Public Safety, Student Health, and Provost’s Working Group for Generative AI Committees, she collaborated with senior administrators on pressing University-wide issues, relentlessly advocating for the undergraduate student body. Zhang continues to empower her peers, professionally and socially, as a Society of Women Engineers Executive Board member, and was a Broadway Hall RA. She also contributed to pioneering computer security research for student journalists, leaving a lasting legacy of advocacy and community-building.