Dear Students,
I have been wanting to message you for many weeks now. I have been thinking of you constantly and I have been very aware that these times are rough (understatement) both around the world and on our own campus. I know many of you have felt bewildered, fearful, weary, and at a loss for how to respond to your loved ones’ many queries about how you are doing, and how we are doing, and how our campus is doing. I can’t count the number of times this past month alone I have been asked (in a social setting) to please share the innermost thoughts, intentions, mindsets, strategies, and present and future plans of Columbia University’s top leadership. These questions certainly sap the joy out of any party I’m at. What’s worse, it’s usually just an exercise in frustration and paralysis; I don’t have anything illuminating or constructive to say, so I say nothing at all.
But I can share what I do know. I know that our S-OP community remains fully engaged in its vital work. We are teaching, learning, doing research, working in organizations, advising, studying, contributing, questioning, collaborating, debating, and growing.
Some in our community are winning the Annual OHDCC Human Capital Case Competition. Congratulations to Kaili Ebert, Mansimran Kaur, Kalyani Krishnan, & Namrata Natarajan! We are so proud of you. You remind us of the importance of what we do – striving to make a difference in the lives of working people, their teams, and their organizations.
Some in our community are serving. Thank you to the 2024-2025 OHDCC Leadership Team — Hannah Haghighi, Simriti Belani, Alana Corey, Tanvi Patel, Adrian Robin, and Prerna Vishwapremi — who designed and implemented the case competition so beautifully, and who have offered events nearly every week all year long in service to our community and its work. You inspire us and you remind us that what we do matters deeply. Thank you for your servant leadership.
Some in our community are encouraging. I think we all are, to be honest.
I went to a yoga class recently and the teacher told us that the root word of encouragement is courage, from the Latin cor, meaning heart, and the Old French corage, which refers to bravery. She said that to encourage someone is to “give heart”— to inspire confidence and hope. I immediately thought of all of you.
We've always shown up for each other. Our S-OP community's spirit of mutual respect and support is the heartbeat of who we are, and it’s what will carry us through even the most difficult moments. The work we do together is a reminder that we’re not just here for ourselves, but for something larger – to contribute, to uplift, and to build a future worth believing in.
Thank you for encouraging me and my colleagues. Thank you for encouraging each other. Thank you for giving this community your heart. Together, we can find confidence and hope.
I speak for all my S-OP faculty and staff colleagues when I tell you we are here for you. Please know we want you to reach out to any one of us if you have questions, concerns, challenges, or if you need advising, help, or support. We have each other and that is no small thing.
Warmly,
Current Student Profile
Gavin is a full-time second year student at Teachers College in the S-OP program. He is from Atlanta, Georgia and currently resides in Hamilton Heights. Gavin received his BA in Psychology and Sociology with a minor in Women, Feminist, and Queer Studies from Vassar College in 2023. He has centered his academic and professional work on improving the lived and working experiences of marginalized folks.
Currently, Gavin works in the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Rockefeller University, serving as an Equity Intern. In this role, he assists in the planning, coordination, and execution of micro-grant programming initiatives aimed at fostering inclusivity and positive social impact. In addition to his work within DEI, Gavin is also deeply engaged in Group Relations work. This April, he will take on the position of Associate Administrator for a Group Relations Conference for a third time. Gavin’s dedication to creating inclusive spaces is reflected in his ongoing commitment to support individuals from all backgrounds and ensure their voices are heard.
When he is not hitting the books, he is hitting the ball! In his free time Gavin enjoys playing volleyball in various leagues throughout New York City and is a member of the Men's Club team here at Columbia University. He also enjoys visiting art galleries in Chelsea, hosting themed parties for his friends, and seeing the latest Broadway shows.
Alumni Profile
Paul loves organization origin stories, tails of teams succeeding against all odds, and the unlikely path to individual greatness. There’s always a bit of this idealism that lurks behind his honed practical style to helping workplaces work better.
Paul’s own origin story in organizational psychology started during his undergraduate days working as a facilitator at an outdoor education ROPES course. Over the years he has been a classroom teacher, a summer adventure trip leader, and a Founder/Director of a student leadership development program. Paul gravitates towards working with adults and complex organizations. He’s recognized as a skilled facilitator, relationship builder, strategic thinker, and practical consultant with executives.
Currently, Paul is the Head of People Development, Learning and Belonging with ZEISS North America. Previously, one of Paul's career highlights was a decade of work with Marsh McLennan in New York City doing change management, organization design, leadership development program design, and talent management across several roles and business units. He also took on internal coaching and targeted team development.
Paul holds a M.A. in Social-Organizational Psychology (graduated in 2015) from Teachers College. He also holds a B.A. in History and a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Leadership Studies from George Mason University. He’s a certified practitioner in Hogan Assessment, Prosci Change Management, and Strength Deployment Inventory. He’s the co-author of Easy and Effective Professional Development: The Power of Peer Observation to Improve Teaching.
During breaks, you’ll find Paul with his family in the trails near his home north of New York City. He enjoys skiing, camping, basketball, live music, and playing the drums. He’ll take a slow morning when he can get one and almost always eats an apple a day.
Paul loves organization origin stories, tails of teams succeeding against all odds, and the unlikely path to individual greatness. There’s always a bit of this idealism that lurks behind his honed practical style to helping workplaces work better.
Paul’s own origin story in organizational psychology started during his undergraduate days working as a facilitator at an outdoor education ROPES course. Over the years he has been a classroom teacher, a summer adventure trip leader, and a Founder/Director of a student leadership development program. Paul gravitates towards working with adults and complex organizations. He’s recognized as a skilled facilitator, relationship builder, strategic thinker, and practical consultant with executives.
Currently, Paul is the Head of People Development, Learning and Belonging with ZEISS North America. Previously, one of Paul's career highlights was a decade of work with Marsh McLennan in New York City doing change management, organization design, leadership development program design, and talent management across several roles and business units. He also took on internal coaching and targeted team development.
Paul holds a M.A. in Social-Organizational Psychology (graduated in 2015) from Teachers College. He also holds a B.A. in History and a Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Leadership Studies from George Mason University. He’s a certified practitioner in Hogan Assessment, Prosci Change Management, and Strength Deployment Inventory. He’s the co-author of Easy and Effective Professional Development: The Power of Peer Observation to Improve Teaching.
During breaks, you’ll find Paul with his family in the trails near his home north of New York City. He enjoys skiing, camping, basketball, live music, and playing the drums. He’ll take a slow morning when he can get one and almost always eats an apple a day.
Recommended Readings
Check out this this article to learn how definitions of "executive presence" have changed over time.
Take a look at this article by Dr. Amy Edmondson and Dr. Michaela Kerrissey that explains common misconceptions about psychological safety and what leaders can do in response.