Student Success Initiatives (SSI)
Student Success Initiatives (SSI) provides resources to Pitzer students through resource navigation, mentorship, affinity group support, Student Success Lending Library, and other resources aimed to support students' holistic journey at Pitzer College. SSI works with student and professional staff on initiatives aimed towards First Gen, Transfers, International students, New Resource Students (NRS), and other underrepresented student populations.
Student Staff
SSI could not operate without our wonderful student staff who are committed to making an impact when it comes to their success and that of their peers. See below for more information and how to contact them!
Affinity Fellows are the liaisons for their group, acting as the primary point of contact for collaboration inquiries and questions. They facilitate communication and help connect members with resources and opportunities. If you have any questions or would like to explore potential collaborations, feel free to reach out to them via email.
Assistants play a huge part in the operations of SSI. They can be found in the SSI Mead Hall Lobby should you need navigational support. They also assist assist with SSI programming efforts.
Initiative Fellows work closely with SSI professional staff in the development of programming, educational opportunities, and support resources. Their initiative projects aim to enhance the student success and well-being initiatives at Pitzer College.
International Fellows directly support the Pitzer International student community. These individuals are primarily involved in programming that supports international students’ academic and intercultural journey.
New Resource Student (NRS) Fellow is responsible for the advocation and representation of their fellow NRS peers. This includes the planning of community-building events and data-gathering efforts. They serve as a liaison between the NRS community and the Pitzer College administration.
Transfer Fellows advocate and represent the transfer student population here at Pitzer College. This includes the planning of community-building events and data-gathering efforts. They serve as the liaison between transfer students and college administration.
Student Support Areas
Affinity Groups
First Gen
International Students
New Resource Students (NRS)
Student Success Lending Library
Transfer Students
Undocumented Students
SSI Professional Staff
Tasmia Moosani
Associate Dean of Student Success
Melissa M. Burrows
Assistant Director of Student Success and Operations
Affinity Fellows
Shefali Bharadwaj, she/they
Pasifika Asian Student Union (PASU) Affinity Fellow
El Hadji Dieye
Black Student Union (BSU) Affinity Fellow
Saif El Mosalami, he/him
Southwest Asian North African Alliance (SWANAA) Affinity Fellow
Osvaldo Garcia Barron, he/him/his
Latinx Student Union (LSU) Affinity Fellow
Tara Gokul
Mixed Identity Exchange (MIX) Affinity Fellow
Allenka Jeharajah, she/her
International Student Association (PISA) Affinity Fellow
Lola Latan, she/hers
Queer, Trans, Plus Student Alliance (QTs Alliance) Affinity Fellow
Sara Orr
Native Indigenous Student Association (NISU) Affinity Fellow
Anya Sharma, she/hers
Women of Color Collective (WCC) Affinity Fellow
Miller Simon, he/him
Chronically Ill & Disabled Student Alliance (CISDA) Affinity Fellow
Kaylene Yee, she/her
Pasifika Asian Student Union (PASU) Affinity Fellow
Student Success Fellows
G Amanzholova, she/her
International Fellow
Isabella, she/her
Initiative Fellow
Paa Thompson, he/him
International Fellow
Ronnie Whisenant, he/him
New Resource Student (NRS) Fellow
Student Success Assistants
Noa Baghdassarian, she/her
Student Success Assistant
Gustavo Brito de Franca, he/him/his
Student Success Assistant
El Hadji Dieye, he/him
Student Success Assistant
Lennon Nuttall, she/her
Student Success Assistant
Ariel Strubel Iram, he/him
Student Success Assistant
Social Media Interns
Ava Ledes
Social Media Intern
Mazzy Rosenast
Social Media Intern
Grace Zhao
Social Media Intern