CEL Option 01

Community Engagement Leadership Cabinet

About the CEL Cabinet

The Community Engagement Leadership (CEL) Cabinet is a central leadership body dedicated to strengthening SIPA’s culture of inclusion, belonging, and professional engagement. It provides a trusted pathway for students, staff, faculty, and alumni to share ideas, raise concerns, and shape a thriving community.

The Cabinet also serves in an advisory role to SIPA’s Dean, offering recommendations on community standards, engagement priorities, and initiatives that foster a strong culture of belonging. The Dean reviews these recommendations and, in partnership with the Cabinet, helps ensure they align with the School’s vision and values.

In a time of global change and challenge, the CEL Cabinet works to elevate community voices and uphold SIPA’s values of professionalism, respect, and shared responsibility.

Contact the CEL Cabinet →

Inclusion and Belonging at Columbia →

Our Focus

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Advance Inclusion

Ensure SIPA remains a space where civility, belonging, and mutual respect guide our shared experience.

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Support Engagement

Provide guidance and resources for navigating school policies, community standards, and events.

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Strengthen Community

Build trust and collaboration among students, staff, faculty, and alumni.

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Foster Integration

Bridge academic, cocurricular, and social aspects of student life.

Alma Mater

Governance Framework

The Cabinet works to enhance transparency, collaboration, and accountability at SIPA. It is supported by two core committees. 

Civility and Professional Standards (CPS) Committee

  • Upholds SIPA’s Code of Academic and Professional Conduct.
  • Provides guidance on classroom dynamics, professional engagement, and civil discourse.
  • Supports community events and develops resources for navigating challenging conversations.

Belonging and Engagement Committee (BEC) Committee

  • Advances initiatives that foster community and belonging.
  • Supports student-led initiatives and community-wide programming.
  • Hosts workshops, forums, and symposia to promote inclusive leadership and civic engagement.

Members

The Cabinet brings together a cross-section of SIPA’s faculty and administrators committed to student success and community well-being, including professors, program directors, deans, and senior administrators. In addition, the work of the Cabinet’s committees will actively engage students, staff, and alumni who are not formally represented on the committees, ensuring broader participation and collaboration.

    • Scott Barrett, Lenfest-Earth Institute Professor of Natural Resource Economics
    • Sarah Holloway, Senior Lecturer in International and Public Affairs; Faculty Director, MPA Program
    • Jenny McGill, Senior Lecturer in the Discipline of International and Public Affairs
    • Tamar Mitts, Associate Professor of International and Public Affairs
    • Michael Nutter, David N. Dinkins Professor of Professional Practice in Urban and Public Affairs
    • Ben Orlove, Professor of International and Public Affairs
    • Maria Ressa, Professor of Professional Practice
    • Alex Sanford, Chief Operating Officer
    • Rumela Sen, Lecturer in International and Public Affairs; Faculty Director, MIA Program
    • Robert Y. Shapiro, Wallace S. Sayre Professor of Government; Vice Dean
    • Yumiko Shimabukuro, Lecturer in International and Public Affairs
    • Hazel May, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
    • Jilliene J. Rodriguez, Associate Dean for Community Engagement
    • Tsuya Yee, Dean of Students and Associate Dean for Student Affairs

Get Involved

The CEL Cabinet will host roundtables, workshops, listening sessions, and community spaces throughout the year. Whether you are an individual student, a member of a student organization, or an alum, you are invited to engage with us, contribute feedback, and collaborate in strengthening SIPA’s community.

For questions, ideas, or to get involved, contact us at [email protected].