Spiritual Life Advisors
Global Spiritual Life at NYU hosts 70 Spiritual Life Advisors representing various traditions, denominations, and groups. Spiritual Life Advisors are faith and spiritual leaders, some ordained and some lay, who serve the NYU community as club leaders, pastoral counselors, and liaisons to congregations in the New York City Area. These Spiritual Life Advisors represent over 35 different faith traditions and denominations, and reflect the racial, ethnic, gender, and sexual identities of the communities they serve globally.
Bhakti Yoga Spiritual Life Advisors
Veṇu Gītā Devī Dāsī, Spiritual Life Advisor
gm2369@nyu.edu
Known for her effervescent personality and warm spirit, Veṇu Gītā Devī Dāsī serves as a bridge connecting students to the ancient yet timeless spiritual tradition of Bhakti Yoga. The path is one known for its devotional spiritual consciousness that aligns the soul with its Divine source. Being a spiritual seeker all her life, she was fascinated by the teachings of Bhakti from day one and deeply committed herself to the practice, which continues to transform the way she lives. Harnessing her background of Hospitality along with her extensive work with students for over seven years, she now aspires to help them grow in their spirituality so they can experience an unlimited potential of joy, love, and true fulfillment. She is Guyanese born and thrives off of finding inspiration in every facet of life – from nature, to people, and to nourishing time spent alone.
Bahá'í Spiritual Life Advisors
Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the City of New York
Sepideh Behzadpour, Spiritual Life Advisor
stb323@nyu.edu
Sepideh Behzadpour is a member of the Bahá'í Faith and currently works for the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the City of New York as the Community Relations Manager. She grew up in a Bahá’í family, regularly doing service activities for the greater community. As a result, she developed a passion for serving humanity. She came to New York, from Seattle, in 2015 to study at NYU, where she earned her MS in Global Affairs with a dual concentration in Peacebuilding and in Global Gender Studies. She uses this knowledge to help execute the Assembly's community-building initiatives and programs. In her spare time she enjoys baking, photography, and waiting 10+ minutes for the subway to arrive.
Buddhist Spiritual Life Advisors
Rev. Doyeon Park, Senior Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
sp3150@nyu.edu
Rev. Doyeon Park is a Kyomunim, literally meaning one who devotes oneself to teach Buddha dharma in the Won Buddhism. She is a minister of the Manhattan Won Buddhist temple and the Buddhist Religious Life Adviser at Columbia University. She served as an Alternative Representative of Won Buddhism to the United Nations from 2008 to 2013. Doyeon focuses on creating a sangha (spiritual community) where various individuals and groups can cultivate their inner wisdom and compassion to live with peace and dignity. Inspired by the Buddhist idea of inner freedom and happiness, Rev. Park started her monastic training in 1998. She graduated from Dept. of Won Buddhism, Won Kwang University, Iksan, Korea and earned M.A. of Won Buddhist Studies from Won Institute of Graduate Studies, Glenside, Pennsylvania, USA. She received full ordination in 2007.
Qalvy Grainzvolt, Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
qg414@nyu.edu
Reverend Qalvy Grainzvolt is a native New Yorker and an ordained Shinnyo-en Buddhist priest. Qalvy has focused on the nexus of service, mindfulness, mental health, spirituality and wellbeing for the past 20 years- which includes time spent in the U.S. Army National Guard, as the first Buddhist police chaplain in New York state, and the first Buddhist chaplain of the New York City Transit system. Qalvy has taught meditation to the New York City Police Department (NYPD), Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY), and for various New York-based organizations such as Bryant Park, the Horticultural Society of New York, and CNN news headquarters. Qalvy holds a graduate degree and professional licensure in clinical mental health counseling and is currently exploring the conceptualization, development, and application of interreligious chaplaincy in various ministry and service contexts. https://shinnyocenternyc.org/
Catholic Spiritual Life Advisors
Catholic Center
Isaiah Beiter, Senior Spiritual Life Advisor
chaplain@nyucatholic.org
Father Isaiah grew up in a big Catholic family in central Virginia. After graduating a small Catholic college in the midwest, he joined the Dominican order and was ordained a priest in 2021. During his studies in Washington, DC, he focused especially on the Bible, studying Greek and Hebrew. He was named the chaplain at the Catholic Center at NYU in summer 2022.
FOCUS (Fellowship of Catholic University Students)
Mayra Cristina Banuelos-Moriel, Spiritual Life Advisor
mayra.banuelosmoriel@focus.org
Hi! My name is Cristina Banuelos-Moriel. I was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa but my family is originally from Chihuahua, Mexico. I graduated from Iowa State University where I majored in Marketing and Advertising. Some fun facts about me is that was in a Mexican folkloric dance group for more than 15 years, I can probably live off of Levain cookies, and I love discovering different coffee shops in the city. My family raised me and my siblings in a devout Catholic household, but in college was where I grew in relationship with the Lord and realized the abundance of Jesus Christ. I dedicate my life now as a missionary so that others may know of the greatest Love, and know that they are deeply known and loved by Him.
Noah Boehm, Spiritual Life Advisor
noah.boehm@focus.org
My family converted to Roman Catholicism when I was about 5, so I was mostly raised within the context of the Church. I moved around a lot as a child and have experienced the Church in Texas, Upstate New York, Indiana, California, and Colorado, offering many different types of Catholic communities and practices. I went to college in Colorado and found my real faith there through the community I was a part of, and look forward to continuing to facilitate a love for Christ and the sacraments at NYU. A fun fact about myself is that I sang with Kelly Clarkson at the Super Bowl in 2012 (look it up, I'm the kid with the dark brown bull cut and glasses...I've had a glow up since then).
John Bartee, Spiritual Life Advisor
john.bartee@focus.org
Howdy! My name is John Bartee and I am from Dayton, Texas, a small town east of Houston. I graduated from the University of Dallas in 2021, receiving my B.A. in Spanish and psychology. I am a Roman Catholic and I currently serve as a full-time missionary with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students. A fun fact about me is that I love Alaska and I hope to move there one day! I am excited to be serving at NYU this year and can't wait to invite students to Bible study to grow in their relationship with Christ!
Kaler Diemer, Spiritual Life Advisor
kaler.diemer@focus.org
My name is Kaler Diemer and I am a Catholic missionary with the Fellowship of Catholic University Students! I began working as a missionary after graduating from the University of Massachusetts Amherst where I studied psychology and biochemistry. This will be my third year serving as a missionary and I am so eager to be working at the Catholic Center at NYU this year. A fun fact is that I love a really good cup of coffee, especially if its accompanied by live music!
Hindu Spiritual Life Advisors
Sangeetha Kowsik, Senior Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
sangeetha1011@gmail.com
Sangeetha Kowsik has had the honor of serving as Hindu Chaplain at NYU since 2017 and is affectionately known as the #pujaqueen, because she loves her pujas (prayer rituals). She has participated in numerous interfaith dialogues, panels, and discussions in different universities and is a founding member of NAHCA (North American Hindu Chaplain Association)
She created the NYU Hindu Center in 2017 as a place of knowledge, learning, and understanding, a space that is open to all who are interested in learning about Hinduism. As a designer/artist by profession, (in addition to interfaith work) she has always received inspiration and passion from all faiths, not just Hinduism.
Born and raised in Fremont, California, she grew up attending Shiva Vishnu Temple in Livermore (her father built 3 Hindu Temples in the USA). She did her undergraduate studies at Parsons School of Design, has an additional degree in Arabic Calligraphy from NYU and studied Christian miniature painting in France. She was previously the Head Designer for the Metropolitan Museum of Art where she deepened her understanding of art and iconography of all religions. She is classically trained in South Asian performing arts, the roots of which lie in worship, including Carnatic and Hindustani vocal (classical devotional music of both south and north India) Kathak, Bharthanatyam, and Odissi.
Her extensive working background in the world of design includes working for museums, cultural institutions, non-profits, startups, fashion, luxury, beauty, publishing houses, and as a fine artist in gallery spaces has led her to start her own design/art brand IhsanIshan Design.
IhsanIshan educates, starts conversations, fights negative stereotypes, celebrates global cultures, showcases unique stories, and creates appreciation and understanding which leads to a more unified, harmonious, compassionate, beautiful world.
She is delighted to be a part of NYU's Global Spiritual Life program and serve all communities.
Humanist Spiritual Life Advisors
Nori Rost, Spiritual Life Advisor
nrost@nysec.org
Dr. Nori Rost is the Leader of the New York Society for Ethical Culture and a Humanist SLA here at NYU. She was a minister with Metropolitan Community Church (a queer Christian denomination) for almost 20 years before expanding beyond Christianity. She was then a Unitarian Universalist minister for 13 years in Colorado Springs, CO before coming to New York in August 2022 to take on the role of Leader at NYSEC.
Nori calls herself an “optimistic humanist” and believes we each have within us something that calls us to our highest selves. Whether that’s the evolutionary impulse that first led us ashore, the universal innate experience of love or something else, she’s still following that call and is always in awe of the miracles and mysteries of life in its most common forms.
She is passionate about social justice and has been involved in social rights activism since she was 17. She is an outspoken advocate for justice and equity and has received numerous awards and recognition for her work.
Nori holds a Master of Divinity from Iliff School of Theology in Denver, Colorado, and a Doctor of Ministry from the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, Massachusetts. In addition, she holds a Certificate for Spiritual Direction from the Benet Hill Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado and is also a Certified Life Mastery Consultant with Brave Thinking Institute.
Interfaith Spiritual Life Advisors
Natalie Perkins, Senior Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
natalierperkins@yahoo.com
Natalie is an ordained reverend in the UCC denomination. She serves at Middle Collegiate Church as Minister for Worship and Online Community. A graduate of Union Theological Seminary, she co-founded the Tanho Center– which focuses on early Christian texts. She is also a professional performer and often travels to sing around the nation. She recorded an album called Songs of Your Truth that uses extracanonical text as lyrics and her first book, In Trembling Boldness: Wisdom for Today from Ancient Jesus People, will be published summer of 2023. In her spare time, she tries to keep her two plants alive. Reach out to her if you have questions or want to talk about the intersection of religion and justice. OR, religion and the arts. Or, both. Or neither.
Shayne Trotman, Spiritual Life Advisor
st1880@nyu.edu
I am a native New Yorker, born and raised in Brooklyn. Raised as a Catholic, my father’s conversion to Islam when I was eight years old triggered a life-long fascination with religion, spirituality, and conversion. I received my bachelor’s degree in Religion from Columbia University and I’m currently pursuing a Masters in Pastoral Mental Health Counseling from Fordham University. I’m also the proud mother to a neuro-divergent teenager who herself is about to apply to college. During my professional and personal life, I have always counseled others and I’m currently in private practice providing spiritual and life coaching. Using the tenets of solution-focused therapy, prayer, meditation, and mindful techniques as aides, I believe altering behavior acts as a catalyst for clearing the obstacles to achieving our goals. As an African American woman, I am excited to contribute to the knowledge that counseling of all kinds can help people of all kinds.
Jewish Spiritual Life Advisors
Bronfman Center for Jewish Student Life
Yehuda Sarna, University Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
rabbi.sarna@nyu.edu
Rabbi Yehuda Sarna is a visionary, inspiring and highly personable rabbi known for his passion, sensitivity, creativity, and openness. A communal leader, teacher and innovator, he serves as the Skirball Executive Director of the Bronfman Center and University Chaplain of NYU. Rabbi Sarna and his family live in Gramercy Green, where he is Chaplain-in-Residence, and maintain an "open home" to students. He is married to Dr. Michelle Waldman Sarna and father to Batya, Maayan, Moshe, David, Amital and Hillel.
Emily Aronson, Spiritual Life Advisor
era8337@nyu.edu
Rabbi Emily Aronson was ordained from HUC-JIR in May 2021 and serves as the Reform Rabbi at the Bronfman Center for Jewish Student Life at NYU. During rabbinical school, Rabbi Aronson served as the rabbinic intern in synagogues, pastoral care settings, and Israel organizations. Rabbi Aronson attended List College at the Jewish Theological Seminary and Columbia University, earning a B.A. in Jewish Thought and a B.A. in Ethnicity and Race Studies. Originally from Bethesda, MD, she lives in Brooklyn, NY with her partner, Levi, and their rescue dog, Fitz.
Lindsay Goldman, Spiritual Life Advisor
Lindsayjgoldman@gmail.com
Lindsay Goldman is currently in her third year of rabbinical school at the Jewish Theological Seminary. She earned her Bachelor's degree in General and Special Education from New York University. Lindsay spent two years at Maryland Hillel as the Jewish Experience Associate and later served as the Slifka-Nadich Rabbinic Fellow as a first year rabbinical student. Prior to studying at JTS, Lindsay spent two years teaching middle school Rabbinics at the Charles E. Smith Jewish Day School in Rockville, MD. She currently teaches at Ansche Chesed Hebrew School, DC Minyan Cohort Pilot Program and is the Slifka-Nadich Rabbinic Fellow at The Bronfman Center at NYU. Lindsay loves country music, traveling the world, and reading new books with her feminist book club.
Muslim Spiritual Life Advisors
Khalid Latif, University Chaplain
kl442@nyu.edu
Imam Khalid Latif is a University Spiritual Life Advisor for New York University, Executive Director of the Islamic Center at NYU, and a Chaplain for the NYPD. He is also the co-founder of Honest Chops, the first-ever all-natural/organic halal butcher in NYC, the Muslim Wedding Service, an agency specializing in providing charismatic and inspirational marriage officiants for wedding ceremonies, and a partner in the MKO Group, an investment group that owns and operates multiple Edible Arrangements franchisees in Manhattan.Under his leadership, the Islamic Center at NYU became the first ever established Muslim student center at an institution of higher education in the United States. Imam Latif’s exceptional dedication and ability to cross interfaith and cultural lines on a daily basis brought him recognition throughout the city, so much so that in 2007 Mayor Michael Bloomberg nominated Imam Latif to become the youngest chaplain in history of the New York City Police Department at the age of 24. Most recently, Imam Latif was selected as one of 60 NYC leaders to serve on May Bill Deblasio’s Transition Team, helping to recommend and select individuals for key roles in the current NYC administration and also appointed to a “Task Force to Combat Hate” by NYC Public Advocate Tisch James to deal with the rise in Islamophobic, anti-semitic and anti-sikh sentiment in NYC.
Faiyaz Jaffer, Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
fj490@nyu.edu
Sheikh Faiyaz Jaffer is the Assistant Research Scholar for the Islamic Center at New York University and an Associate Chaplain for the Center of Global & Spiritual Life at NYU. He attained an MA degree in Islamic Studies (UK), with a concentration on early Islamic history, after his undergraduate degree from SUNY Stony Brook University in Political Science and Religious Studies. He has had his research published by academic journals. In pursuing the classical course of Islamic education, Faiyaz studied in the Seminary of Karbala, Iraq, one of the most prominent centers for Islamic learning. He currently continues his fieldwork as part of the Islamic Research Institute in New York. As a faith leader and social activist, Faiyaz Jaffer has lectured at various universities, seminars, and workshops across the United States, Canada, Europe, East Africa, and the Middle East. Due to the political and social climate, he has been making strides in the greater New York area by taking part in a number of interfaith seminars and discussions in the aspiration of increasing dialogue with various faith leaders. His outreach efforts have allowed him to be featured in some of the country's most prominent media outlets. As a highly sought after lecturer and religious leader, Faiyaz regularly leads prayer services and delivers sermons across North America.
Amira Shouman, Spiritual Life Advisor
as5090@nyu.edu
Amira Shouman is a licensed social worker and Associate Director of the Islamic Center at NYU. Amira's background in higher education has centered around student engagement in community service and leadership programs. At the Islamic Center, her work is focused on creating a space where students and community members can be supported and inspired in their unique identities. Amira oversees programs focused around community organizing, direct service, healing spaces, self-expression through art and mental health wellness. Amira received her Masters in Higher Education and Student Affairs and a Masters in Social Work from NYU. In addition to her role at the Islamic Center, Amira works as a psychotherapist in Harlem.
Pagan/Eco-Spirituality Spiritual Life Advisors
Jeffrey Keefer, Spiritual Life Advisor
jk904@nyu.edu
Jeffrey Keefer, Ph.D., is a Druid who serves as a Spiritual Life Advisor for those who are interested in Ecospirituality, Nature-Based Spiritual Paths, Modern Paganism (in all its many forms!), New Monasticism, and anybody who finds themselves Spiritual but not Religious. Jeffrey has taught at New York University since 2005, primarily focusing on research process and methodology and working as an educational consultant. Jeffrey holds a Ph.D. in Educational Research (E-Research and Technology Enhanced Learning, Lancaster University, U.K.); graduate degrees in Adult and Organizational Learning (M.Ed., Columbia University), Business Education (M.A., New York University), English and American Literature (M.A., Hunter College), and Religious Studies (M.A., Institute of Religious Studies); and an undergraduate degree in Philosophy (B.A., St. John’s University). In his free time, Jeffrey edits Wikipedia articles, volunteers with the global Wikimedia Movement community, and enjoys walking ancient pilgrimage routes along the Chemin de Saint Jacques de Compostelle (French route of the Camino de Santiago).
Protestant Spiritual Life Advisors
David Lee, Spiritual Life Advisor
darigg@gmail.com
Hi! My name is David Lee. I have been serving College community for the past 7 years in New York, specifically worked closely with KCSA. My favorite quote is “If we can win the university today, we will win the world tomorrow.” by Dr. Bill Bright of Campus Crusade. Let's win together!
Brandon Dunkley, Spiritual Life Advisor
bd2307@nyu.edu
Brandon was born in the Bronx and raised in New Rochelle, NY where he lived before moving to Buffalo, NY for his academic pursuits. He received his Master of Education degree in Higher Education Administration from the University at Buffalo in 2015, and has worked for a variety of incredible universities and departments before coming to NYU in 2021. He also received his Master of Divinity degree from Drew Theological School in 2021, and has had formative experiences serving, learning and leading in a variety of denominational settings including Pentecostal, Baptist, United Methodist, and Reformed contexts. His rootedness in the Black church tradition and versatility in denominational experiences are the seeds for his passion to engage God in a broad variety of culture-affirming, bridge-building ways. Aside from ministry and higher education, Brandon is a singer/songwriter and poet that loves roller coasters (but is terrified of the first drop)!
Natalie Perkins, Senior Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
np1723@nyu.edu
Natalie is an ordained reverend in the UCC denomination. She serves at Middle Collegiate Church as Minister for Worship and Online Community. A graduate of Union Theological Seminary, she co-founded the Tanho Center– which focuses on early Christian texts. She is also a professional performer and often travels to sing around the nation. She recorded an album called Songs of Your Truth that uses extracanonical text as lyrics and her first book, In Trembling Boldness: Wisdom for Today from Ancient Jesus People, will be published summer of 2023. In her spare time, she tries to keep her two plants alive. Reach out to her if you have questions or want to talk about the intersection of religion and justice. OR, religion and the arts. Or, both. Or neither.
180 Church
William Kim, Spiritual Life Advisor
billykim.180@gmail.com
Coffee and conversations are two of my favorite things. So, as a minister in 180 Fellowship, I enjoy listening to the story of people's lives in hopes to convey how God might be working. My desire to see God moving in our campus in multifaceted ways, engaging in stories of renewal, healing, and salvation.
Adventist Christian Fellowship: Advent Collegiate
Stephen Erich, Spiritual Life Advisor
stephenerich@adventhope.org
Stephen Erich is chaplain for Advent Collegiate, a community of college students and young professionals in New York City. In May 2021, Stephen graduated with an MA in Religion from Yale Divinity School, where he organized an interfaith conference on mass incarceration and was an editor for the Yale Journal of International Affairs. Prior to Yale, Stephen studied international business and received an MBA from Andrews University. Stephen has worked on religious and human rights issues throughout the United States and Southeast Asia. He currently attends Church of the Advent Hope, a Seventh-day Adventist Church on the Upper East Side, and enjoys hosting friends at his home in Lincoln Square.
Canterbury Downtown
Megan Sanders, Senior Spiritual Life Advisor
msanders77@gmail.com
Megan Sanders (she/her) is an Episcopal priest who works with college and graduate students all around downtown NYC. She grew up primarily in Washington D.C. and the Florida panhandle, following along wherever her mother's civil service job took them. Megan's early spiritual and religious community formation was in the Roman Catholic Christian context, and her formation continues now as an Episcopalian Christian (since age 24). Her first official NYC mailing address was at the GeneralTheological Seminary in Chelsea (2004-2007). If you ask her where her heart calls home, she'll most likely tell you her home is where she is now - and also within the hearts of her chosen family everywhere she's ever lived. And if home is a feeling, it's when the conductor's voice announces that the next stop on the 1 train is Christopher Street.
Compass Koinonia
Chelsea Lo, Spiritual Life Advisor
clo2358@gmail.com
Hello, friend! My name is Chelsea Lo, and I am a staff member of the Compass Koinonia (CK) fellowship at NYU. I grew up in a Christian family, but struggled with the finality of declaring faith in a God I could not prove existed. In 2010, I moved to NYC for college, where I began attending Compass Fellowship Church - to which CK is affiliated - and became very involved with campus Christian life, but did not officially accept Christ as my Lord and Savior until 2016. A not-that-fun fact about me is that since graduation, I have been working in finance. A more-fun fact about me is that I once rode down the boardwalk on the tricycle of Yo-Yo Ma's mother!
Daniel Lee, Spiritual Life Advisor
pbm2013@gmail.com
I am a transplant from California, with 20 plus yrs of learning, loving, and smh-ing about this crazy city. As a Baptist pastor, I try to examine/apply/share biblical teaching with students and staff who are searching and/or struggling with questions of faith and life.
Mona Lee, Spiritual Life Advisor
monalee@gmail.com
Hailing from the SF Bay Area, Mona has called NYC home for the past 22 years. She attended UC Berkeley for college where she met and committed her life to Jesus Christ. An experienced high school math teacher, mother of two, and Baptist pastor’s wife, Mona serves the Compass Koinonia ministry, a college ministry of Compass Fellowship Church. Lending her teaching and discipleship skills, Mona enjoys recruiting new volleyball enthusiasts to join her on the court, as well as cooking for students.
Vinny Wong, Senior Spiritual Life Advisor
wong.vinny@gmail.com
Vinny was born and raised in New York and graduated from Columbia University with an engineering degree and from Baruch College with an accounting degree. At Columbia, she was introduced to Compass Christian Koinonia (CCK), the sister group of NYU’s Compass Koinonia (CK), where she began her spiritual journey. Five years and one million questions later, Vinny finally convinced the skeptic inside her (the product of being a scientist and a New Yorker) that there is no greater truth than Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Lord of her life. She joined the staff at CK several years ago and has been experiencing God abundantly through this ministry. Vinny is easily amused and has a penchant for laughter, so don’t be afraid to say hi! Despite popular suspicion, she promises she is not a spy for NYU’s Upper West Side rival, and she is genuinely excited to be a part of the NYU community
Cru
Brandon Brooks, Senior Spiritual Life Advisor
brandon.brooks@cru.org
Growing up in Madison, WI I've loved brats, Packer football, summers boating on the lake since I can remember. I grew up in a nominal Christian home where I was taught to believe in God, but this belief never really changed my life in any way. I was usually fearful of what others thought, trying to earn approval before God by my good behavior, while also being somewhat bored and disillusioned about my faith AND anxious about the future.After years of trying to be good, I finally heard the Gospel when I went on a mission trip with a friend's church and that is where everything began to change. I finally understood that God loved me because of Jesus and my faith in Him, not because of any amount of good things I did. It was incredible news! Attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison, I got involved with Cru myself as a student. It was here that I learned how to read the Bible, how to talk about my faith with others, how to live out my faith in the community that God intended for us, and how to pursue the life that God was calling me to live.After graduating with a degree in Communication Arts, I joined staff with Cru, leading and shepherding college students in Madison for 5 years. At the end of that time, I married my wonderful wife Lydia, and we sensed God calling us to New York City. Three years into a life in NYC, we are so encouraged by what God has done and excited about our life and ministry here. We love to give students the opportunity to know Jesus and be rooted in Him, and we look forward to continuing to do that in the years to come!As I've grown in my faith, I've become a big theology and information nerd, so one fun fact about me is that I own over 300 books that we store in our Manhattan apartment :)
Michelle Shokralla, Spiritual Life Advisor
michelle.shokralla@cru.org
I am a lover of the city, rich conversations and have a pretty big house plant obsession. Nothing makes me happier than getting to be a listening ear over a good cup of coffee. I love helping people dig deeper into their own spiritual journeys, in part because college was a huge turning point for my faith journey. I became a Christian in college and have love getting to dialogue with doubters and seekers just like myself. I want to be someone who is a life-long learner. I am originally from North Carolina but have worked with Cru in New York City since 2015, meeting with students from campuses all over the city.
Mollar Shokralla, Spiritual Life Advisor
mollar.shokralla@cru.org
Hi! My name is Mollar (like the tooth)! I was born in Luxor, Egypt, about six miles from the Vally of the Kings, where king Tut's tomb is. When I was seven, my family moved to the metro NYC area. It was a hard transition since I had no friends, couldn't speak English, and moved from a town of about two hundred thousand to a metropolitan area with millions and millions of people and tall buildings. I also had a very transactional view of community. I convinced myself that I had to act a certain way for people to accept me. Eventually, that train of thought seeped into the way I thought God viewed me. Because I grew up going to church, I knew how to fake it to make it and convince everyone around me that I was walking spiritually and emotionally healthy even though I wasn't. As a teenager, I heard the Gospel and understood that Jesus knows, loves, and accepts me. There is no faking it with him! He fully knows me and, at my worst, chooses to love me and desires a relationship with me. This was liberating and has continued to transform my relationship with God and others. If we were to chat over a cup of coffee, I'd probably ask you about your spiritual journey, recommend that you go to Egypt (or at least the Egypt wing of the MET), and show you pictures of my dog Bear!
Sam Gryzwa, Spiritual Life Advisor
sam.gryzwa@cru.org
Sam was adopted from Green Bay, Wisconsin, and an impassioned ask from his 16-year-old birth mother led his adopting family to take him to a Christian church throughout his childhood. Still, for most of his life ’Christianity’ was just a moral system of rules to follow. He became a 'good kid’ in the eyes of the adults around him...but in reality he lived a serious double life and ultimately came into college as a nominal Christian totally focused on himself.
His freshmen year a number of senior students involved with Cru befriended him, and their genuine passion and love for Jesus had a transformational impact on his understanding of God and spirituality. They taught him some simple ways to connect with God, and to his bewilderment he began to experience a real, personal relationship with Jesus on his own for the first time ever; it completely changed his life! Today, his goal is to give his life toward helping students everywhere tangibly experience Jesus and learn to follow God for a lifetime. He loves New York City, plays cello & piano, writes & releases music, reads books, plays boardgames, adventures with his wife & two sons, and eats a good burger as often as he can (which, if he’s honest? ..is probably too often).
Tara Rifkin, Spiritual Life Advisor
tr2306@nyu.edu
Hi I'm Tara! I'm originally from Atlanta but have lived in the city for about two years! I love swimming, watching New Girl, cheering on the Georgia Bulldawgs, and anything to do with the beach. Growing up, I didn't think too much about God or what it meant to have a relationship with Him. When I arrived at the University of Georgia my freshman year, I got plugged into a couple different campus ministries and really started to explore my faith. A couple of months into the year, a Cru staff member shared the gospel with me. That was the first time I ever remember hearing about the possibility of an intimate and personal relationship with God, and I became a Christian soon after. College was such a pivotal time in my faith which is why I am so excited to help students at NYU and across the city explore their faith and to be a spiritual resource for them!
Encounter Christian Fellowship
Faith Yi, Spiritual Life Advisor
faithyi95@gmail.com
Back when I had lived in the Arizona desert, I experienced an incredible, divine joy from the Lord that forever set me on my pursuit for intimacy with Him. During my NYU college years, I witnessed how God was moving not only in NYC but also all around the globe as I was studying abroad and traveling the world. In the past, I served as a worship leader and staff member for youth ministry. But later on, with the desire to obey the Lord's call, I committed to serving on the mission field in East Asia and there, the Lord developed a desire and passion in me to create spaces of worship in which people can experience God in a truly life-transformative way. I then eventually obeyed His call back into NYC, and I now currently work at UNICEF, fighting and advocating for children's rights and basic needs to be met. I live my days enjoying good food, pastries, tea, and coffee; loving the water and city skyline; and carrying a huge heart and yearning to see people experience immense healing and revival.
Hanna Chung, Spiritual Life Advisor
hannachung77@gmail.com
Hi, my name is Hanna Chung, I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, who serves at The Remnant Church and with Encounter Christian Fellowship at NYU. It is a joy for me to journey together with college students in this important stage of life as they discover who they are. I love walking thru Washington Square Park in any season and getting coffee or ice cream around NYU!
Jennifer Kim, Senior Spiritual Life Advisor
jk7253@nyu.edu
During my fervent years in college pursuing my dream to be a filmmaker, I experienced the deep healing love and power of God that forever changed my life. My passion for film turned to a passion to see God's people encounter the Father heart of God. To follow after His call, I decided to serve on the mission field in East Asia before God called me back to the U.S. with the charge to be equipped and healed to serve the harvest. I now serve as the college pastor of Remnant Church seeking kingdom transformation in all of NYC.
Every Nation
Randy De Los Santos, Spiritual Life Advisor
randy.dls@everynation.org
Hi! My name is Randy and I am passionate to help NYC college students KNOW God, LIVE for Jesus, and CHANGE the world. In 2004 I came from the Philippines to study Pharmacy at St. John's University where I became involved in campus ministry for eight years. This experience has built my foundation in Jesus and planted the desire in me to see college campuses be a place where God reigns. As a result, I was enabled to be a light for Christ during my eight years of working as a Pharmacist by day and serving as a voluntary campus missionary by night. Fast forward to today and I am now a full time missionary, living in NYC with my awesome wife, Selene, and three spunky kids who make sure we have our hands full... It's never a dull moment in the De los Santos house!
Karina Vazquez, Spiritual Life Advisor
karina@everynationnyc.org
Hello! My name is Karina Vazquez and I moved to NYC February of 2022. I was born in Long Island, NY, but grew up in North Carolina, where I went to school for my Bachelors in Science of Public Health Studies. My first couple of years in college was a very difficult time for me, as I struggled to find authentic friendships and struggled with depression. When I got plugged into Every Nation Campus at my university my Junior year, I found that there were other students just like me navigating this thing called college life. I then began to grow alongside others as we grew in our relationship with God. After that, my heart grew to provide the space for others to feel welcomed, have space to grow and discover what it means to walk in Christian community and walk out life in general together. I am passionate about seeing students grow in confidence and taking steps to being the next generation that changes the world one step at a time. In my free time I love to try new coffee shops, I love to sing (I have led worship in multiple group settings) and love inviting others to discover new places around NYC alongside me.
Grad Christian Fellowship, CMDA Dental/Med, Christian Legal Fellowship
Trevor Agatsuma, Senior Spiritual Life Advisor
trevor.agatsuma@gmail.com
I was born in Seattle which at the time had one of the lowest rates for church attendance in the country. I am grateful that growing up as a Christian in this environment caused me to ask critical questions about what I was brought up in. This has greatly strengthened my faith. I have had many conversations with friends where we disagree in fundamental ways on our worldview. But instead of bringing discord these conversations brought us closer together as friends. I hope to bring more conversations like this to the university. I also love hiking, running, Spartan Races and listening to NPR Podcasts.
International Students Inc.
Cristobal Tong, Spiritual Life Advisor
pastor.cris@nycac.org
God has led Cristobal to a wide range of occupations in his journey to ministry ranging from being a Sushi Chef to being a Paralegal. It is through these unique experiences that he has been able to minister to youth and college students alike at 3Stone/NYCAC for the last decade. Cristobal has been blessed to serve in various conferences including Program Chair at Teen Eastern Chinese Bible Conference (TECBC) and Vice-Chair of the Chinese Missions Conference(CMC) Youth Program. Cristobal is currently serving as the Associate English Pastor at 3Stone/NYCAC and a Spiritual Life Advisor at NYU. He received his Masters of Divinity in Bible and Theology with a focus on Chinese churches from Alliance Theological Seminary and was recently ordained with the Christian and Missionary Alliance. He is currently enrolled in the Doctor of Ministry program with a focus on emerging generations at Gordon Conwell Theological Seminary. Cristobal wants God to use all aspects of his life for sharing the gospel with the nations and desires to equip, empower, and encourage the local church to be the arms and legs of Christ in their community and throughout the world. Having grown up in NYC, Cristobal feels naturally led to serve and make disciples of the 2nd and 3rd Generation of Asian Americans through mentorship and living life together – truly living out the invitation to “come and see.”
Hollie Casper, Spiritual Life Advisor
hcasper@isionline.org
Before moving to NYC 13 years ago, I lived in Japan and worked with the church there teaching English classes for the community. It was during that time that my relationship with God was strengthened and my passion to walk with God was renewed. I grew to appreciate dialogue with people of other faith traditions and cultures. I love creating community for internationals where deep connection can happen around discussions of life's deepest question (and hopefully good food)! Fun Fact about me is that I can create a decent meal out of random ingredients in the pantry!
Kenny Chau, Spiritual Life Advisor
kchau@isionline.org
Kenny grew up in NYC’s Chinatown where he played lots of basketball and developed street smarts. After completing a term with the US Army Reserve and undergraduate studies at SUNY Buffalo, Kenny returned to lower Manhattan to help immigrant youth and their families adjust to life in the Big Apple. Kenny and his wife, Cindy, also spent a memorable 2004-2005 living in Beijing. In 2008, Kenny received a Master of Divinity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and returned to NYC to pastor at his home church association until 2014. With continued excitement to be part of a chaplaincy team at NYU, Kenny is committed to help international students and their families thrive in this thrilling city. Though Kenny still plays basketball, the only quickness in his game is how fast he gets tired. Lastly, Kenny enjoys savory dishes of all cultures, strategic board games and gets a kick out of being mischievous with their kids, Joey and Makayla. Oh, I should mention that my amazing wife Cindy is also an SLA :)
Cindy Chau, Spiritual Life Advisor
thindy22@gmail.com
Cindy moved around a lot while growing up in Kansas and Seattle. She attended ten different schools in her lifetime so she knows what it feels like to be a newcomer. She loves welcoming international students and families to NYC. She received a Masters in Elementary Education from Teachers College as well as a Masters in Marriage and Family Counseling from Gordon Conwell, a Protestant Theological Seminary. She is married to Kenny and has two feisty children, Joey and Makayla. Most of her time is spent keeping up with her family and advocating for families especially those impacted by disability. Cindy loves to learn new things and explore different neighborhoods. Cindy has a major sweet tooth and loves to craft.
Lachlan Andrew Warrell, Spiritual Life Advisor
lwarrell@isionline.org
I grew up in an Australian family with a strong belief in a higher power/God, but a many ways up one mountain approach to spirituality. Despite my grandma being a former nun!-- we had a pluralistic emphasis on spirituality. However, shortly before 9th grade, my mum unknowingly gave me a book about Christian Basketball players living out their faith in Jesus Christ. While reading it, I became curious and started reading the Bible and looking for answers about searching the internet for people answering my questions. Soon enough, I came to believe something I had never believed before, that God in the flesh died for the sins of the whole world, rose from the dead, and will come again! Since then, I asked Him about what to do with my life and He led me to social work at NYU and now working with International Students with ISI alongside helping with NYU All Campus prayer as part of the Christian Interfellowship Council. For a fun fact, I was first exposed to spoken word poetry at 15 when my life was changed by a spoken word poem called Why I Hate Religion, But Love Jesus, and I've been writing and performing spoken word poetry myself ever since. :)
Jason Casper, Senior Spiritual Life Advisor
Jc68042nyu.edu
Jason Casper moved to New York City in 2001 from Pennsylvania and it was his experience of witnessing the 9/11 attacks firsthand that helped guide him into a relationship with Jesus Christ. In 2012, after working as a senior graphic designer/art director for 13 years, Jason felt a call into full-time ministry to international students after volunteering since 2009. He had also served at Calvary Baptist Church with their Bowery Mission compassion outreach team as well as serving with their young adult ministry since 2010. Currently, Jason has a deep passion for interfaith dialogue and had been an active participant in the NYU student club MuCh (Muslim-Christian Dialogue). Jason currently co-leads the International Christian Fellowship. When not working with students at NYU Jason is likely hanging with his wife Hollie and son Silas...listening to/attempting to play jazz guitar!
InterVarsity (Multi-Ethnic Undergrad Fellowship)
Ariana Waters, Spiritual LIfe Advisor
ariana.waters@intervarsity.org
My name is Ariana Waters. I grew up in the South, where the tea is sweet and ice cold but the people are warm and full of the best stories ever told. I am a Campus Staff Minister for InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. I am a Christian and specialize in conversations surrounding the intersection of Greek Life and Spiritual Life. As a sorority alumna myself, I believe Greek life is a great place to follow your faith in college. In my free time I love to hang out with my two kittens, Tigran and Joy.
InterVarsity Graduate and Faculty Ministries
Chelsea Lee (Whitfield), Spiritual Life Advisor
chelsea.whitfield@intervarsity.org
Chelsea Lee has been a Protestant Spiritual Life Advisor at NYU since 2016 with InterVarsity's Graduate and Faculty Ministries (GFM). She advises International InterVarsity, GFM's ministry for international graduate students and scholars. Chelsea is passionate about walking alongside international students as they navigate life in NYC and discern God's voice in their lives and vocations. She holds an MDiv from Fuller Theological Seminary and serves as Pastor of Discipleship and Formation at Hope East Village Church. Chelsea is a Broadway aficionado and loves exploring different cuisines in NYC.
Lisa Voth, Spiritual Life Advisor
lv940@nyu.edu
Lisa Voth grew up in Oklahoma and later in Washington State. As someone who’s lived in multiple states and countries, she gets that adjusting to NYC can be hard. She decided to become a follower of Jesus at an early age, and has been loving reading, learning about and discussing the Bible ever since. She loves good conversations that range from silly to deep and real. Just beware that she might bust out a random movie quote without warning!
PRiSM Student Ministry
Becca Seely, Senior Spiritual Life Advisor
pastor@thevinenyc.org
Becca Seely is the pastor of PRiSM, a progressive Christian student ministry to NYU and other downtown schools. She is an ordained Lutheran pastor who was not raised in church and first began to explore questions of faith when she was in college. As a result, Becca is particularly passionate about working with young adults who are asking questions about God and what gives our lives meaning and purpose. She love hearing people's stories, learning new things and discovering the unexpected ways God is working in the world around us. In her free time, she enjoys running and biking, hanging out with her wife and two kids, and planning elaborate theme parties. Becca is an active member of Proclaim, the professional community for queer Lutheran clergy.
Reformed University Fellowship
Graham Girard, Senior Spiritual Life Advisor
graham.girard@ruf.org
I grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and worked for several years as a recording engineer and also as server in a number of prominent restaurants. As someone who lived a life very much outside of anything spiritual, I always had a lot of questions about spirituality and I didn't have anyone to talk to about them. When I became a Christian, I realized what a wonderful gift I had received. Yet at the same time, I never forgot what it was like to feel so lost at a young age. I also didn't like how sometimes people who tried to ask genuine questions about different faiths were shut down by the dominant faith (in many religions not just Christianity). And so I wanted to have a group where while it is a Christian group, that anyone can feel welcome and a part of. These were the first steps in wanting to become involved in the life of students, particularly international students. These students arrive here and have a lot of questions and want to explore in a safe space which often was not allowed in their home countries. They also don't know a ton of people. So I really decided after connecting and spending time with people from many different walks of life over 12 years in New York City that I wanted to commit my life to serve these students through hospitality and conversation. From years of working in restaurants, I learned how to create a warm place to welcome people through radical hospitality. As for a fun fact about myself, I once sang a few lines on stage at a sold out Broadway performance! I was called out of the audience to sing and I am still basking in the glow of that warm reception I received!
Haley Williams, Spiritual Life Advisor
haley.williams@ruf.org
Raised in Newtown, Connecticut, Haley Williams decided to become an RUF intern because she is passionate about the work RUF is doing to point students toward Jesus. She is a 2020 dance and theological studies graduate of The Ailey School/Fordham University BFA Program, and is eager to share the freedom she's discovered from making the glory of God her artistry's purpose. When she has a moment to herself, she likes to listen to music, journal, or write poetry.
Matthew Terrell, Spiritual Life Advisor
matthew.terrell@ruf.org
Matt grew up in Atlanta but is delighted to now call NYC home. He is married to Megan and they have three children - Eliot, Zoey and Margaret. Though living in the Concrete Jungle, Matt still loves being active outdoors - fly fishing, hiking, exploring. But his favorite hobby is food — he has carefully curated his favorite places around NYC to enjoy everything from a cocktail to pho to tacos to donuts. He was raised in a Christian (Presbyterian) home and continues his journey in that faith tradition today.
Megan Terrell, Spiritual Life Advisor
megan.terrell@ruf.org
Megan was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina. She graduated from Clemson University with a bachelors in Psychology and went on to obtain a masters degree from Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO. After spending 4 years working with college students in Birmingham, AL, Megan and her husband Matthew, along with their three kids, moved to NYC where they have lived for the last 4 years. Megan loves living in NYC with her family and hopes to stay here for many years. Some of her favorite things to do are grab a cappuccino from a local coffee shop or go for a run along the Hudson River.
Remnant Christian Fellowship
Jonathan Kim, Spiritual Life Advisor
jon.kim@remnantwestside.net
Jonathan is currently the College Pastor at Remnant Westside Church in NYC. He is a seminary student at Reformed Theological Seminary pursuing his MA in Biblical Studies and MA in Christian Counseling. Before transitioning into ministry, Jonathan received his undergraduate degree from NYU Stern and worked in the corporate world. Jonathan's passion is to serve college students and help them discover their identities in Jesus Christ and develop a genuine personal relationship with God. He currently lives in Brooklyn with his lovely wife, young son, and dog. He loves to watch and play sports and his dream is for the NY Knicks to win a championship at least once in his lifetime.
SOON Movement
Caleb Muhn, Senior Spiritual Life Advisor
caleb.muhn@smglobal.org
Hello! My name is Caleb Muhn. I was born in Seoul, South Korea, and immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 5. Since then, I’ve been a proud New-Jerseyan. I graduated from Rutgers University with a double B.A. in Communications, and African American Studies. I lived in Boston for 6 years, working as a chaplain for Boston College and Northeastern University. In 2019, I moved back home to NJ to live with my father, in order to restore and rebuild our relationship. It’s been a fun journey, to say the least. My favorite pizza is from Prince St. Pizza. It is one of God’s magnificent creations. :)
Shinne Park, Spiritual Life Advisor
shinne.park@smglobal.org
Shinne is a native Californian who has lived in Japan for two years and is now currently living in New Jersey. Although she grew up in a Christian household, she met Jesus the most intimately in college. Therefore, she is passionate about others meeting Jesus as she did. One fun fact is that she could probably eat sushi every day! Surprisingly, this is a step back from being able to eat sushi for every meal.
Haeun Yang, Spiritual Life Advisor
hy2687@nyu.edu
Haeun was born in South Korea and immigrated to New Jersey where she attended both middle and high school. She then moved to Boston to attend Northeastern University, studying Behavioral Neuroscience. During that time, God showed her His heart for His people as she grew to love discipleship and evangelism through a campus ministry called SOON Movement and her local church. After a year of mission work in the Middle East and many short terms in East Asian countries, she grew in passion to invest in leaders who will be compassionate to the world around them. She is also passionate about discovering new snacks and taking long walks in nature.
The Navigators
Jared Parsons, Senior Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
jared.parsons@navigators.org
Jared Parsons absolutely loves his job of working with students and sharing the freedom that comes from knowing who Jesus Christ is and the love he showed us. He has worked in full-time Christian ministry for 6 years now, all with his amazingly kind wife Jana. His father started a Christian school for at-risk teens in his hometown of Omaha, Nebraska so ministry is in his blood. He enjoys watching soccer, playing basketball, and reading pretty much anything besides romance novels.
Brendan Mahar, Senior Spiritual Life Advisor
mahar.brendan@gmail.com
Brendan has lived in NYC since 2007. Before that, he’s lived throughout the USA, UK, and Australia. His personality is an INTJ (Meyers-Briggs) and 5w4 (Enneagram). In his free time, Brendan enjoys nerding out on the Bible, coffee, philosophy, and running.
Mishhael Ramirez, Spiritual Life Advisor
Mishael.ramirez@navigators.org
My name is Mishael Ramirez, although most people call me Misa. I have been a christian and in pursuit of God for as long as I can remember. My parents were the pastors of a small hispanic church in Brooklyn named "Casa Del Rey" or "House of the King". There I learned a lot about ministry and grew a lot in the skills surrounding ministry such as discipling, leading bible studies and playing for worship teams. However when I got to college and met the Navigators, i began to learn so much more about God and his call for my life. As course work at NYU consistency challenged my ideas about God and faith, The Navigators provided a safe space for me to bring those challenges and grow in my understanding of who God is and in that process, learn a bit about who I am. I won't pretend to have all the answers, but I am looking forward to helping others learn about God and counsel them through their spiritual questions alongside the Navigators who've done the same for me. Fun Fact: I was born and raised in NYC, I love it and am a proud New Yorker.
Sarah Esselborn, Spiritual Life Advisor
se1483@nyu.edu
Sarah Esselborn is from Katonah, NY. She graduated from Boston University in 2014 with a bachelor's in Human Physiology with a minor in Public Health. She spent a few years working with the Navigators in Amsterdam developing an international student ministry, followed by a year at her alma mater and has been on staff with the Navigators at New York University since 2018! She loves espresso, biking, a great non-fiction book, sunshine, open-air markets, the beach, exploring new cities, and picnics. Sarah is passionate about investing in and equipping the next generation of laborers to share the gospel in their own countries and contexts.
Abigail Fields, Spiritual Life Advisor
abigail.newton@navigators.org
My name is Abigail Fields and I am originally from Kansas where I grew up with my two parents and one brother. I grew up in a Christian home although I didn't start following Christ until my senior year of high school. I went to Kansas State University where I got plugged into an awesome campus ministry that really taught me how to have a relationship with Jesus. Since college I've been working in Dallas Texas at a church doing college ministry the past 4 years. A fun fact about myself is that I have an iced latte almost everyday!
Deborah Misiaszek, Spiritual Life Advisor
deborah.misiaszek@navigators.org
Deborah Misiaszek was born and raised in Arizona and recently graduated from the University of Arizona with a degree in Architectural Engineering and a minor in Spanish. She grew up in the church but her faith matured in college, largely through relationships she built with the Navigators at UofA. Deborah loves talking with students about Jesus and improving her culinary repertoire! She recently moved to New York City with her wonderful husband, Joey, who loves tackling new adventures with her.
Joey Misiaszek, Spiritual Life Advisor
joey.misiaszek@navigators.org
Joey is an Arizona native who moved to New York City with his wife, Deborah, after graduating from the University of Arizona with a degree in Architectural Engineering. Joey works for the Navigators and is passionate about topics surrounding spirituality, beauty, art, technology, and human sexuality. He hopes to share the life and message of Jesus with others around him. You’ll likely find him captivated at an art museum, laughing with friends at a coffee shop, or reading a book under a tree.
Joshua Yan, Spiritual Life Advisor
joshua.yuan@navigators.org
Joshua Yuan is from Minneapolis, Minnesota and graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2019 with a degree in Architecture. He grew up in the church but only began to walk deeply in his faith when he met The Navigators in college. It was there when Joshua saw his utter dependence on Christ and that his identity and longings ultimately are found in Him. Joshua is eager share his passion and love for Jesus with students and live out the vision of knowing Christ and making Him known. Joshua worked as a real estate developer in New York City before joining The Navigators and is a huge (and often disappointed) fan of the Minnesota Vikings.
Sikh Spiritual Life Advisors
Satjeet Kaur, Spiritual Life Advisor
satjeet@satjeetkaur.com
Satjeet Kaur is a Sikh and Punjabi woman born and raised in New Jersey. The Sikh faith does not have ordained clergy as is practice in other faiths, so there is no need for an honorific with Satjeet. Satjeet is a non-profit executive focused on civil and human rights issues, community mobilization, and interfaith/inter-community organizing. She served as the former Executive Director of the Sikh Coalition, the largest and most prominent Sikh civil rights organization in the United States. Though she became Executive Director in 2018, she has worked in nearly every core facet of the organization’s work throughout her 12 years on the team. During that time, Satjeet has served as a leading organizer and activist providing direct support to Sikh communities across the country, including the rapid response after the Oak Creek Gurdwara shooting. Under her leadership as executive director, the Sikh Coalition has passed hate crime laws at the state and federal levels, successfully fought back against attempts to roll back federal policies that protected Sikhs from discrimination, improved how Sikhism is taught in six new states, oversaw the development of classroom-ready resources, mobilized grassroots voter registration drives, and successfully litigated cases to set strong precedence against religious discrimination. Recently, the organization led a U.S.-based response to the farmers’ protest in India, and provided crisis response support after the mass shooting in Indianapolis. She was named as one of 15 Faith Leaders to Watch by the Center for American Progress and has appeared on New York City and State list of leading Asian Americans. Satjeet has served on interfaith advisory councils for Netflix, Facebook, and New York State. She is a New York Community Trust Leadership Fellow. Satjeet is a New York University Alum and served on the executive board of the United Sikh Association for four years during her undergraduate years. Satjeet is also a mom who loves that her daughter has similar interests of gidha (Punjabi cultural dance), art, gardening, and basketball.
Dr. Simran Jeet Singh, Affiliate Spiritual Life Advisor
simranjeet@sikhcoalition.org
Dr. Simran Jeet Singh is Executive Director for the Aspen Institute’s Religion & Society Program and author of The Light We Give: The Power of Sikh Wisdom to Transform Your Life (Riverhead / Penguin Random House, 2022. He is a Soros Equality Fellow with the Open Society Foundations, a Senior Adviser for Equity and Inclusion at YSC Consulting, and a Visiting Professor at Union Seminary. In 2020, TIME Magazine recognized Simran among sixteen people fighting for a more equal America.
Please note: if you cannot find a Spiritual Life Advisor that meets your religious or spiritual needs, or if you are a student who is studying away at a global site and you would like to be connected to a Chaplain at NYU, please contact the Office of Global Spiritual Life.