Ashyah Galbokke Hewage ‘27 (she/her) is a class of ‘27 Gates scholar in Timothy Dwight College from Los Angeles, CA. She is majoring in Neuroscience & History of Science, Medicine, and Public Health (HSHM), with particular interests in global health and health policy. On campus, she’s also the co-head staff coordinator at the Asian American Cultural Center, plays violin in Davenport Pops Orchestra, and works as a research assistant in a neuroscience lab. As a first-generation and low-income scholar at Yale herself she hopes to help her peers feel a deep sense of belonging and confidence in knowing they deserve to be here, while fostering accessible, welcoming, and community-centered spaces. As a Sri Lankan American, she plans to bring an intersectional lens to building FGLI community, uplift pride in our FGLI identities within cultural spaces, and connect peers to the resources, people, and places they deserve.
Samad Hakani ‘26 (he/him) Samad Hakani is a sophomore in Davenport College studying Political Science and Statistics & Data Science. He is originally from the Atlanta metro area and firmly believes Georgia weather is a lot better than Connecticut’s! He is aiming to attend graduate school for political science and eventually become a professor. In his free time, he loves solo hikes, listening to R&B, and learning about public transit.
Why are you an FGLI Ambassador?: “Coming both from a first-generation and low income household, I definitely had my fair share of struggles freshman year! Even with siblings who went to college, coming to Yale and being among so many people of privilege was a hard adjustment. Even now I still face barriers in different academic and social spaces. I’m so glad I am an FGLI ambassador this year so I can help students like me feel welcome at Yale and realize that being FGLI is something to be proud of!”
Email: samad.hakani@yale.edu
Dawid Kopik ‘27 (he/him) is a junior in Grace Hopper College double majoring in Cognitive Science and Economics. With a diverse background featuring roles in investment banking, consulting, and research, he is particularly interested in the intersection of global finance and strategic growth. As an international student from Poland, Dawid is deeply engaged with the global community on campus and serves as a manager for both the Hopper buttery and gym. He enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures when he isn’t busy with his leadership roles at Yale.
Email: dawid.kopik@yale.edu
Melangelo Pride ‘26 (she/her) Melangelo is a sophomore in Saybrook College from Cookeville, Tennessee. She is a QuestBridge scholar majoring in Neuroscience and Political Science on the pre-law track. Melangelo’s activities include being a member of Yale’s premier step team, Yale Steppin’ Out!, playing on the club softball team, and being an advocacy member of Yale Undergraduate Legal Aid Assistance (YULAA) and the Yale Policy Institute (YPI).
Why are you an FGLI Ambassador/involved with the FGLI Community? “One of the reasons why I applied to Yale was because of the resources Yale offers for first generation & low income students to thrive. It is a community that I am proud to be a part of and identify with, and I am so happy that I am in the position to make it even better and to serve other students here at Yale.”
Email: melangelo.pride@yale.edu
Favour Akingbemi - Biography to come
Email: favour.akingbemi@yale.edu
Kylie Morris ‘27 - biography to come
Email: kylie.morris@yale.edu
Kennedy Smith ‘26 (he/him) is a class of ‘26 QuestBridge scholar in Silliman College from Minneapolis, Minnesota. He is majoring in Computer Science & Psychology, and is interested in pursuing research in computational cognition after graduation. He loves to lift weights, spend time with his dog Shiloh and play Mario Kart with friends. As an event aide, buttery lead, Acorn baker, merchandise coordinator and board member of the Silliman activity committee, Kennedy is very passionate about being involved within his residential college and the greater Yale community!
Why are you an FGLI Ambassador? “Navigating the complexities of higher education as a first-generation, low-income student presents unique challenges, from deciphering financial aid packages to adapting to an unfamiliar academic culture. I wanted to bridge the gap for others like me, ensuring that no student feels isolated in their pursuit of education. As an FGLI Ambassador, I saw an opportunity to create a supportive community, share resources, and advocate for policies that acknowledge and address the distinct needs of FGLI students. I hope to empower others to not only find their place here, but to thrive and contribute meaningfully to the overall academic culture at Yale.”
Email: kennedy.smith@yale.edu
Previous Ambassadors
2024-2025: Mayerling Colin ‘24, Linh Pham ‘24, Drake Prince ‘24, Huda Siddiqui ‘25
2022-2023: Sayda Martinez-Alvarado ’23; Chigozie Chukwunyere ’23; Natalie Sangngam ‘23
2020-2021: Nathan Somerville (BK ‘22), Sayda Martinez-Alvarado (‘23), Chigozie Chukwunyere (‘23), Natalie Sangngam (‘23), Linh Pham (‘24), Jeffrey Caliedo (‘24), Reece Maccaux (‘24), Yasmeen Adeleke (‘25)
2019-2020: Alejandro Nuno (GH ‘21), Henry Rosas (TD ‘21), Esther Reyes (YC ‘21), Nathan Somerville (BK ‘22), Sayda Martinez-Alvarado (‘23), Chigozie Chukwunyere (‘23), Natalie Sangngam (‘23)
2018-2019: Samantha Wood (SY ‘20), Akweley Lartey (TD ‘22), Linh Le (BR ‘22), Alejandro Nuno (GH ‘21), Henry Rosas (TD ‘21), Esther Reyes (YC ‘21), Nathan Somerville (BK ‘22)
2018-2019: Fatima Chughtai (DC ‘19), Diana López (ES ‘19), Markus Reneau (SM ‘19), Maddy O’Neal (ES ‘18), Jaster Francis (BC ‘20), Samantha Wood (SY ‘20), Henry Rosas (TD ‘21)
2017-2018: Fernando Rojas (ES ‘19), Jonathan Salazar (MY ‘19), Peter Huang (SM ‘18), Kristen Wright (TD ‘18), Pamela Banner (TC ‘20), Samantha Wood (SY ‘20)
Woodbridge Fellow
Ismihan Abdelkadir - Ismihan is from McDonough, Georgia, and graduated from Yale College in 2024 with a degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. She is the Woodbridge Fellow for the Office of Educational Opportunities (OEO) and runs the STEM Navigators Program, which is a combination of workshops and mentorship meant to support students as they navigate STEM at Yale. As a Woodbridge Fellow, Ismihan aims to further support Yale’s FGLI and URM community, striving to make Yale an inclusive environment where all students, regardless of their background, feel empowered to thrive and succeed. During her time at Yale, Ismihan was deeply committed to supporting and nurturing the FGLI (First-Generation, Low-Income) community. She served in various capacities, including working as a STEM Navigator and FGLI peer mentor with the OEO, as well as working as a peer mentor for the STARS I Program to support Yale’s URM and FGLI students in STEM. She also served as the president of Yale’s QuestBridge Chapter and as a counselor and a residential director for the First-Year Scholars at Yale (FSY) Program. Additionally, Ismihan contributed to the broader New Haven community as the director of the Social Services Department at the HAVEN Free Clinic, where she helped provide resources and support to underserved and under-resourced populations. In her free time, Ismihan enjoys reading fantasy novels, taking long walks to the Marsh Botanical Garden, and exploring the city’s cafes.
Email: ismihan.abdelkadir@yale.edu
Previous Woodbridge Fellows
2020-2021: Jorge Anaya (TD ‘19)
2019-2020: Jorge Anaya (TD ‘19)
2018-2019: José Yobani López Sánchez (BF ‘18)
2017-2018: Ruben Vega Perez (DC’17, YPH ‘18)
Administrative Team
Burgwell (Burgie) Howard
Senior Associate Dean of Yale College, Associate Vice President of Student Life
Dean Howard’s (he/him/his) career has been about supporting students at colleges and universities, and helping them get the most out of their university experience. His motto for his work in Student Life is: “Take Care of Yourself, Take Care of Each Other, Take Care of Our Community.”
As Dean of Student Engagement, Dean Howard is charged with the enhancement of the student experience for all Yale Students - with a particular focus on Yale’s First Generation/Low Income (FGLI) students. He works in partnership with campus groups such as Yale’s cultural communities, student-atheletes, and students involved with Greek letter organizations. Dean Howard also works with some of Yale’s summer academic and cultural preparation programs including First-Year Scholars at Yale (FSY), ONEXYS, Mellon and Bouchet Scholars, and the Cultural Connections pre-orientation program.
He is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Stanford University, and has been at Yale since 2015. He is a dog lover, avid sports fan, especially lacrosse (Go Bulldogs!), and enjoys meeting and helping students. He never ceases to be amazed at the creativity and capacity of Yale students.
Why are you involved in the FGLI community? “As a low-income student going through school, I am informed and understand some of the challenges and barriers FGLI students encounter when coming to a place like Yale. However, the different backgrounds and experiences FGLI students bring with them are not deficits, but assets. My job is to connect students ot resources and opportunities, to lower barriers and allow the brilliance and curiosity of Yale students to flourish. I want all Yale students, especially FGLI students, to thrive and share their perspectives, communities, and distinctiveness to make Yale an even more special place.”
Karin Gosselink
Director of the Academic Strategies Program and Associate Director for Writing and Tutoring, Poorvu Center for Teaching and Learning
Dr. Karin Gosselink (she/her/hers) creates academic programming to support undergraduate learners throughout Yale College. In 2016, she founded the Academic Strategies Program. Led by junior and senior peers (most of whom identify as FGLI), Academic Strategies workshops and peer mentoring sessions share evidence-based learning practices adjusted to the specific context of Yale’s learning culture. Centered on student voices and experiences, the workshops and mentoring sessions discuss topics such as managing time, connecting with family, and developing new study practices for college-level work. When she has time, Dr. Gosselink can also be found teaching English 114 (Globalization) and English 115 (Writing Exile).
Why are you involved in the FGLI Community? “Students, instructors, and administrators all have a role to play in constructing our Yale community to fully support FGLI students and their learning. In making transparent Yale’s “hidden curriculum,” we help students better navigate Yale’s existing academic culture and make informed, powerful decisions as they take control of their education and their futures. This work also supports a larger transformation of the Yale community by challenging all of its members to value each other’s unique strengths and support each other with genuine ethusiasm, compassion, and respect.”
Josh Faires
Assistant Director for First-Generation/Low-Income (FGLI) Student Success
Josh Faires is the Assistant Director for First-Generation/Low-Income (FGLI) Student Success. They oversee FGLI Thrive, a peer-mentorship community for Yale’s FGLI undergraduates. Lead by FGLI Mentors & FGLI Community Ambassadors, all FGLI Thrive staff seek to consolidate and disseminate Yale’s vast resources, programming, and knowledge to FGLI Thrivers, providing a central hub for FGLI students to connect to and effectively utilize Yale’s tools and resources. Prior to Yale, Josh worked at Princeton University, where they assisted in recruiting, sustaining, and guiding Princeton’s FGLI peer-mentorship community, the Scholars Institute Fellowship Program (SIFP). They hold a B.A. in Sociology and a certificate in Gender and Sexuality Studies from Princeton University and an M.A. in Sociology from Columbia University.