Fall 2026 Registration Coming Soon!
Graduate Affinity Groups Registration for 20266-2027 will open soon!
The Office of Graduate Student Life in the Division of Student Affairs invites all graduate students across disciplines to sign up to join an affinity group designed and facilitated by a graduate student peer for the Fall 2026 semester.
Affinity groups provide space for graduate students to (1) Build community with peers who share experiences, backgrounds, & social identities; (2) Experience an inclusive and welcoming environment; and (3) Connect with peers for personal and professional support.
Here is a listing of the 9 groups being offered along with their student facilitators. Graduate Affinity Groups will run until May 2027.
- African Graduate Students – Goodness Ogunwale, Ph.D. student, Chemistry and Chemical Biology, and Yemisi Badmus, MS student, Geography
- BIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ Graduate Students – Carlton Hurdle Jr., MS student, Business and Science, and Sykeem Lewis, Ph.D. student, Higher Education
- Caribbean Graduate Students – Khanya Webley, MBA student, Global Business
- Chinese Graduate Students – Chenxin Wang, Ph.D. student, Food Science
- International Graduate Students – Sinchana Arun, MS student, Computer Science, and Urvi Desai, MS student, Computer Science
- Latino/a/e/x Graduate Students – Ana Estevez, Ed.D. student, Education, Culture, and Society, and Samantha Carhuaricra, M.Ed. student, College Student Affairs
- Multicultural Graduate Students – Esther Ko, Ph.D. student, Psychology
- Neurodiverse Graduate Students – Jenna Konstantine, Ph.D. student, Education,
- Southeast Asian Graduate Students – Justin Ng, Ph.D. student, Cell and Developmental Biology
Learn more about each of the 9 groups, as well as the network of mentors who provide facilitator support, in the menu below.
The meeting times and format (in-person vs. Zoom) will be determined by the group facilitator.
Questions? Contact Ghada Endick, Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Life in the Division of Student Affairs (gendick@echo.rutgers.edu).
~Graduate Affinity Groups emerged from the ideation and advocacy of students on the SGS DEI Graduate Student Advisory Committee.
- Affinity Group Fall Welcome Meetings - Stay tuned for Fall 2026!
Drop in anytime!!
African students (Goodness Ogunwale & Yemisi Badmus):
BIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ students (Carlton Hurdle Jr. & Sykeem Lewis):
Caribbean students (Khanya Webley):
Chinese students (Chenxin Wang):
International students (Sinchana Arun & Urvi Desai):
Latino/a/e/x students (Ana Estevez & Samantha Carhuaricra):
Multicultural students (Esther Ko):
Neurodivergent students (Jenna Konstantine):
Southeast Asian students (Justin Ng):
- Affinity Group for African Graduate Students
Affinity Group for African Graduate Students
Facilitators: Goodness Ogunwale (Ph.D. student, Chemistry and Chemical Biology) and Yemisi Badmus (MS student, Geography)
Group Description:
Are you an African student looking for community and support at Rutgers University? The African Student Affinity Group was created for African students, both international and domestic, to feel at home away from home and create bonds with others navigating graduate school. The African Student Affinity Group is open to all graduate students of African descent who are looking for community with other students from the continent, and all other students connected to and interested in Africa and the African diaspora along with its diverse cultures.
Facilitator Bios:
Goodness Ogunwale is an international student from Nigeria who is a doctoral student in the Chemistry and Chemical Biology PhD program. His research focuses on developing fullerene-based nanomaterials for targeted drug delivery. As a member and now facilitator for the African Graduate Affinity Group, he is passionate about mentorship, fostering community and support for fellow African graduate students, and creating safe spaces for meaningful connection. Outside of the lab, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, listening to music, and engaging in community service.
- Affinity Group for BIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ Graduate Students
Affinity Group for BIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ Graduate Students
Facilitators: Carlton Hurdle Jr. (MS student, Business and Science) and Sykeem Lewis (Ph.D. student, Higher Education)
Group Description: The Rutgers University BIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ Graduate Affinity Group is a welcoming community for graduate students who identify as Black, Indigenous, People of Color, and members of the LGBTQIA2S+ community. Graduate school can be rewarding, but it can also be isolating. Between coursework, research, teaching, internships, and the many responsibilities we carry outside of the classroom, it is easy to feel disconnected from the people around us. Our group exists to create opportunities for connection, conversation, and support among students whose identities and experiences often intersect in unique and meaningful ways.
Whether you're looking to make new friends, find community, share experiences, celebrate achievements, or simply take a break from the demands of graduate life, we invite you to join us. Through discussion-based gatherings, social events, online meetups, our Discord community, and other activities throughout the year, we hope to create a space where people can connect both inside and outside of our meetings.
Most importantly, this group is built on the belief that no one should have to navigate graduate school alone. We strive to foster a community rooted in authenticity, belonging, mutual support, and joy. A space where members can show up as their full selves and build lasting connections that extend beyond campus.
Facilitator Bios:
Carlton Hurdle Jr. (he/him) is a graduate student in Rutgers University’s Professional Science Master’s Program, Master’s of Business and Science, concentrating in Technology Management, and has worked at Rutgers for over 14 years as a Unit Computing Specialist. Outside of Rutgers, Carlton is a filmmaker, creative storyteller, and a fantasy enthusiast. Carlton volunteers for various communities and events throughout the nation. As a BIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ graduate student, Carlton understands that graduate school can sometimes feel isolating, especially while balancing coursework, a full-time job, and personal responsibilities. He has created and facilitated multiple groups and gatherings that focused on shared experiences and meaningful connections. As co-facilitator of the BIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ Graduate Affinity Group, Carlton wants to help foster a welcoming community that extends beyond monthly meetings through social events, collaborative activities, and an active virtual community.
Sykeem J. Lewis (he/him) is a Baltimore native and doctoral student in Rutgers University’s Higher Education Ph.D. program. With over a decade of experience working in student affairs, he is passionate about student success, equity, and belonging. His research explores the experiences of Black queer students at predominantly White Catholic institutions.
As a Black gay doctoral student, Sykeem values creating spaces where graduate students can build authentic connections and feel a strong sense of belonging. As co-facilitator of the BIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ Graduate Affinity Group, he is committed to fostering an affirming community through meaningful conversations, social events, and collaborative programming.
Outside of Rutgers, Sykeem enjoys running, baking, exploring new coffee shops, and spending time with his dog, Eli.
- Affinity Group for Caribbean Students
West Indian Network of Graduate Students (WINGS)
Facilitator: Khanya Webley (MBA student, Global Business)
Group Description: The West Indian Network of Graduate Students (WINGS) is for graduate students of Caribbean or West Indian background, heritage, culture, or affiliation. Participants can expect identity-affirming, positive experiences and cultural exchanges that build community for those who identify with the 13 countries and 20 dependent territories of the West Indies/Caribbean.
In monthly meetings, we can expect cultural exchanges through games, food, music, folklore, stories, art, traditions, and insightful discussions/dialogue. The goal is to surface, highlight, preserve and connect our shared histories, cultures, and traditions. Commitment level is discretionary.
The goal is to provide a supportive, inclusive, and culturally vibrant community for graduate students of Caribbean descent.
Facilitator Bio: Khanya Webley I was born and raised in Jamaica. I migrated to the US when it was time for college and have lived here since. I have a Bachelor's degree in Media Studies and have honed my expertise in advertising sales at ABC TV, NBCUniversal, Roku, GroupM, and more recently at FOX Station Sales. I was promoted to manager at two of these companies based on my leadership and facilitator skill-set. I love to travel. I have been to 38 countries and I plan to visit as many more as possible. I enjoy reading, watching K-dramas and writing poetry. I look forward to building a community of and for graduate students of Caribbean heritage.
- Affinity Group for Chinese Students
Affinity Group for Chinese Students
Facilitator: Chenxin Wang (Ph.D. student, Food Science)
Group Description: This group aims at enhancing the overall experience of Chinese graduate students. This group is not just an academic hub but also a supportive network for various aspects of student life. Recognizing the multifaceted challenges of graduate studies, especially for those far from home, we dedicate ourselves to providing a nurturing environment where academic support, life advice, and cultural exchange flourish. Our activities and initiatives are diverse, ranging from academic workshops and career development sessions to social gatherings and cultural celebrations. We understand that settling into a new environment can be daunting; therefore, we offer guidance and resources to help students navigate housing, understand local customs, and integrate into the university life seamlessly. The Chinese Grad Student Group is more than a community; it's a home away from home. We are committed to ensuring that every member feels supported, connected, and empowered to achieve their full potential, both academically and personally, during their journey at Rutgers University.
Facilitator Bio:
Express your interest in participating!
- Affinity Group for Rutgers International Graduate Students (RINGS)
Affinity Group for Rutgers International Graduate Students (RINGS)
Facilitators: Sinchana Arun (MS student, Computer Science) and Urvi Desai (MS student, Computer Science)
Group Description: Are you an international graduate student adjusting to life in a new country while balancing academics, work, and everyday life? Whether you've just arrived or have been here for a while, the International Graduate Student Affinity Group is a welcoming space to connect with fellow international students who understand the unique experiences of studying abroad.
Facilitator Bios:
Sinchana Arun is an international student from Bangalore, India, currently pursuing my Master’s in Computer Science. I enjoy mathematics and love exploring different areas of computer science. Outside of academics, I like hiking, riding my motorbike, cooking, and occasionally socializing.
- Affinity Group for Latino/a/e/x Graduate Students
Affinity Group for Latino/a/e/x Graduate Students
Facilitators: Ana Estevez (Ed.D. student, Education, Culture, and Society) and Samantha Carhuaricra (M.Ed. student, College Student Affairs)
Group Description: The Latino/a/e/x Graduate Students Affinity Group is a welcoming community for Rutgers University master's and doctoral students who identify as Latino/a/e/x. Facilitated by Samantha Carhuaricra and Ana Estevez, this group aims to foster connection, belonging, and support among graduate students navigating their academic, professional, and personal journeys.Graduate school can often feel isolating, especially when balancing coursework, research, employment, family responsibilities, and cultural expectations. This affinity group provides a space where students can build meaningful relationships, celebrate their identities, share resources, discuss challenges, and recognize one another's accomplishments in a supportive environment.
Participants can expect a combination of community-building activities, cultural celebrations, professional development opportunities, wellness-focused programming, and facilitated conversations centered on topics relevant to the Latino/a/e/x graduate student experience. Planned gatherings include Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations, social events, discussions on navigating graduate school, wellness and self-care programming, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities with peers, faculty, staff, and alumni.
The group is designed to be flexible and accessible. Meetings will be held in both in-person and virtual formats throughout the academic year, and students are welcome to join at any point. While regular participation is encouraged to strengthen community connections, there is no expectation that participants attend every gathering.
Our goal is to create a lasting network of support among Latino/a/e/x graduate students at Rutgers while empowering participants to thrive academically, professionally, and personally. Together, we hope to cultivate a space where students can embrace their identities, build community, and move forward with confidence—pa'lante.
Facilitator Bios:
Ana Estevez is a second-year doctoral student in the Graduate School of Education with a concentration in Education, Culture, and Society. She is passionate about education and about minimizing the barriers that prevent Latinas from obtaining a doctoral degree. She cofounded this group to allow a space for Latinx graduate students to feel seen and heard while embracing and sharing our experiences with one another. Building social capital is one of our biggest strengths as we navigate education in the U.S. Outside of class, Ana enjoys traveling, hiking, trying new foods, and spending time with her family, especially her two kids.
Samantha Carhuaricra is a second-year graduate student in the College Student Affairs (CSA) master's program at Rutgers University–New Brunswick. As a first-generation Latina and student affairs professional, Samantha is passionate about creating inclusive spaces where students feel a sense of belonging, empowerment, and community.
- Multicultural Identity Affinity Group
Multicultural Identity Affinity Group
Facilitator: Esther Ko (Ph.D. student, Psychology)
Group Description: Are you a second-generation immigrant or someone who has grown up across multiple cultures? Have you ever felt like you don’t quite fit into a single cultural identity or community? The Multicultural Identity Affinity Group is open to all graduate students who identify with having multiple cultural influences or identities—whether through family background, time spent living in different countries, or navigating different cultural environments. Both international and domestic students are warmly welcome.
Facilitator Bio: Esther Ko is a 4th year PhD student studying the neural circuits underlying alcohol use disorder. She is a South Korean who was born in China and spent a majority of her childhood in Penang, Malaysia and has been studying in the US for 7 years, bringing a unique cultural identity to Rutgers. When she is not in lab, she enjoys playing video games, art, and cooking.
- Supporting Neurodiversity at Rutgers (SNR)
Supporting Neurodiversity at Rutgers (SNR)
Facilitator: Jenna Konstantine (Ph.D. student, Education)
Group Description: Neurodiversity is a wide and fluid umbrella that typically includes people with ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and Learning Disabilities, among others. This group is designed for and led by neurodiverse graduate students, or for anyone who thinks they may benefit. Students do not need to have an official diagnosis to participate. The purpose of the group is to build community and share resources. Virtual monthly meetings will consist of group check ins and occasional guest speakers. Other events may include virtual or in-person body-doubling study sessions, sensory-friendly and low-pressure social events, such as an Anti-Social Social Hour, where students can gather to study and eat with no obligation to socialize. Participants can commit to their comfort level.
Facilitator Bio: Jenna Konstantine is a Ph.D. student at the Rutgers Graduate School of Education, specializing in Special Education. She is also an adjunct lecturer at the GSE, where she teaches a course about Inclusive Education. Her primary research interest is the experiences of neurodivergent classroom teachers, especially teachers of students with disabilities. Before beginning her program, Jenna was a middle school special education teacher in New York City.
- Southeast Asian (SEA) Graduate Students Affinity Group
Southeast Asian (SEA) Graduate Students Affinity Group
Facilitator: Justin Ng, Ph.D. student, Cell and Developmental Biology
Group Description: The Southeast Asian Graduate (SEA) Student Affinity Group is a community space for Rutgers graduate students who either identify as Southeast Asian or are simply interested in learning about the region’s diverse cultures. Open to all, the group offers SEA-identifying students a sense of belonging and shared understanding—especially for those navigating the challenges of graduate school far from home. For non-SEA students, it’s an opportunity to explore Southeast Asian heritage, perspectives, and traditions through meaningful conversations and cultural exchange.
Southeast Asia includes Brunei, Cambodia, East Timor (Timor-Leste), Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar (Burma), the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. We’ll host casual monthly or bi-monthly gatherings that may include cultural celebrations, networking events, or just a shared meal—whatever brings us together. There’s no ongoing commitment; we understand grad students are busy, and this group is designed to be flexible, welcoming, and enriching whenever you can join.
Facilitator Bio: Tze Chang (Justin) Ng (he/him) is a third-year Ph.D. Candidate in Cell and Developmental Biology at Rutgers University, where he studies molecular pathways that influence aging using fruit flies as a model organism. Originally from Malaysia, he founded this group to create a welcoming space for Southeast Asian (SEA) graduate students to connect, share meals, and foster a sense of community far from home. Outside the lab, Justin loves traveling, exploring new cuisines, jamming on his guitar, and practicing Muay Thai with Rutgers University Martial Arts (RUMA). Whether you identify as Southeast Asian or are simply curious to learn more, you're warmly invited to join the circle!
- Gallery of Affinity Group Pictures
Photos from the Southeast Asian (SEA) Graduate Students Affinity Group gatherings (e.g., trip to Terhune Orchards, Friendsgiving gathering, and a Bornean bead bracelet-making workshop).
Photos from the Affinity Group for Rutgers International Graduate Students (RINGS) welcome gathering.
Photos from the Affinity Group for African Graduate Students welcome gatherings.
Photos from the Affinity Group for BIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ Graduate Students tote bag painting gathering.
Photos from the Affinity Group for Chinese Students welcome gathering.
Facilitator Support: Coordinators and Staff Mentors
Graduate Affinity Group student facilitators are supported by a network of faculty, staff, and peer mentors who provide guidance on equity-focused facilitation, content development, and community-building.
Program Coordinators
Coordinators manage overall implementation, outreach, and evaluation of the affinity groups. They also coordinate initial participant recruitment. Throughout the year, they organize monthly check-ins with facilitators and periodic check-ins with faculty/staff mentors.
Coordinator: Ghada Endick (she/her), Assistant Dean for Graduate Student Life, Division of Student Affairs, gendick@echo.rutgers.edu
Graduate Student Intern: Zoey Eddy (she/her/hers), Ph.D. student, Psychology, ze26@scarletmail.rutgers.edu
Staff Mentors
Staff mentors hold experiential, professional, and/or academic knowledge in the affinity group topic area with which they’ve been matched. These mentors support facilitators in planning and implementing their groups, from developing content and facilitation strategies to troubleshooting challenges. Facilitators and their designated faculty/staff mentor should meet twice per semester at a mutually agreed upon time.
Keywuan Caulk (he/him), Director, The Center for Social Justice Education and LGBT Communities (Affinity Group for BIPOC LGBTQIA2S+ Graduate Students)
Dr. Mohini Mukherjee (she/her/hers), Executive Director of International Student Services, Rutgers Global (Affinity Group for International Graduate Students)
Jakora Thompson (she/hers/sis), Director, Paul Robeson Cultural Center (Affinity Group for African Graduate Students)
Dr. Ayanna Towers (she/her/hers), Counseling Psychologist, Counseling, Alcohol and Drug Assistance, and Psychiatric Services (CAPS) (Supporting Neurodiversity at Rutgers)
Yang You (she/her/hers), International Student Advisor, Rutgers Global (Affinity Group for Chinese Graduate Students)
Ji Lee, Director, Asian American Cultural Center (Affinity Group for Southeast Asian Graduate Students)
Roseilyn Guzman (she/her/hers), Director, Center for Latino Arts and Culture (Latinx and Caribbean Affinity Groups)
Stephanie Acuna (she/her/她), Sr. Assistant Director Career Pathways, Career Exploration and Success (Multicultural Affinity Group)
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Additional Affinity Group Resources
GSA-Affiliated Groups
Visit the Graduate Student Association GSO Directory for the following groups organized around social identity and life experience:
- Christians on Campus
- Council of Black Graduates
- Rutgers GRADient
- Rutgers Graduate Christian Fellowship
- Rutgers Graduate Students for RAR NORD Chapter
- Rutgers Korean Graduate Student Association
- Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native American in Science (RU Chapter)
- Supporting Parents and Caregivers at Rutgers
- Women’s Leadership Coalition
- Rutgers Hillel
Cultural Centers
The Cultural Center Collaborative, within The Division of Student Affairs, is committed to supporting the needs of Rutgers’ campus communities by creating a welcoming and holistic learning environment for all community members, inclusive of all identities and allies.
The Paul Robeson Cultural Center, the Center for Latino Arts and Culture, the Center for Social Justice Education & LGBT Communities, and the Asian American Cultural Center come together to form the Cultural Center Collaborative
This webpage was last updated July 24th, 2026.
