Student Associates
Erica Belfi '21
Erica is from just outside of Cleveland, Ohio and she is pursuing a Political Science major, Health Studies minor, and Peace, Justice, & Human Rights concentration at Haverford. She is a curriculum developer at the CPGC for the Global Solidarity, Local Actions toolkit. Outside of the CPGC, Erica is also involved as a member of Quaker House, the Food Co-op, the Quaker Bouncers, ALAS, and she is currently interning with Cultural Survival. As far as her future career goes, she is considering impact litigation with a focus on public health, the environment, and human rights law. Some of her other many (too many) interests include disability justice, sustainable agriculture, Indigenous rights, and decolonization in practice.
Arshiya Bhayana '22
Arshiya is from New Delhi, India. She is a double major in Political Science and Psychology, with an academic concentration in Peace, Justice and Human Rights. In addition to working at the CPGC as the newsletter editor, Arshiya loves photography and works with the Communications Office as a student photographer. She is also part of Haverford’s independent newspaper, The Clerk, as the Senior Media Editor. Arshiya has always loved traveling, something that has shaped her into eagerly learning more about the myriad of experiences people have had from different cultures and backgrounds around the world.
Anna Garrison-Bedell '23
Anna is from the Bronx, NYC and plans to major either in Sociology or Political Science with a concentration in Peace, Justice, and Human Rights and a minor in Spanish. She is part of an abolition group on campus called Rethink Incarceration, and a current member of the Philly Socialists. Anna likes to play frisbee, cuddle with her adorable dog, drink 10 cups of tea a day, and bake likes there's no tomorrow.
Alexa Horkava '22
Alexa is from Kosice, Slovakia. She is working towards a double major in Economics and Political Science, and is thinking about declaring a Statistics minor. She is involved with international students events and as a sophomore, she lived in the International House. In addition to creating a database for the CPGC summer fellowships, she also works at the Quaker and Special Collections. She is staying remote in fall 2020 in Bratislava, Slovakia. She loves ice skating and ice hockey, and cares deeply about healthcare and education reforms in the US and Slovakia (and everywhere else that needs it).
Jorge Paz Reyes '24
I was born and raised in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, and immigrated to New York City eight years ago. As a Honduran immigrant and a New Yorker, I dedicated much of my high school year in fighting the segregated NYC department of education and providing my high school multiple extracurricular opportunities. I was also a Model UN nerd and through my position as Secretary-General in my high school, I fought to get the same resources found in white affluent institutions for my predominantly black/Hispanic high school. I was involved with different community organizations such as Yaya Network, Integrate NYC, and PRYHLI focused on social justice and educational integration. In terms of academic interest, I most likely plan to major in Political Science but I'm still debating it as I have an undying passion for Biology. I also have an interest in Honduras' history and although it's pretty early to tell I will most likely dedicate my senior thesis to Honduras and its presence as a Banana Republic. I'm super excited to be part of the CPGC and I hope that I can continue to provide more equal opportunities to my community and create an equitable and safe space for everyone.
Soha Saghir '21
Soha (she/hers) is a senior from Karachi, Pakistan majoring in Political Science and minoring/concentrating in Economics and Peace, Justice, and Human Rights respectively. She hopes to work in international affairs long term, specifically in mediation and reconciliation work. Working at the CPGC is one form of continuing that aspiration throughout college, engaging and learning beyond our Haverford bubble. Other than the CPGC, you may see her involved with Customs, Honor Council, The Clerk, the Admissions Office, and the Libraries over the course of the year. Feel free to say hi whenever – she loves making new friends and building community!
Sydney Woods '21
Sydney is majoring in Math at Bryn Mawr and minoring in Spanish at Haverford. She will graduate this December, starting work as a Healthcare Actuary in January. She loves to listen to music and watch telenovelas, as well as go on walks with her dog. She works closely with Janice Lion surrounding Haverford House and serves on the Civic Engagement and Social Responsibility Council (CESR).
Caroline Young '23
Caroline is from Rome, GA and is unsure of her major, but definitely plans to minor in education. In addition to being a Student Associate at the CPGC, she works at the Extended-Day Program at the Haverford Friends School with the little ones! She is very passionate about voter registration and has worked with the League of Women Voters to get her fellow students registered to vote in her hometown. She also enjoys roller skating, playing volleyball, watching Marvel movies, and being a mother to her cat, Boots Young. She also has two dogs that she loves just as much as Boots.
Valentina Zavala-Arbelaez '21
Valentina is from Long Island, NY, majoring in Anthropology, with a minor in Educational Studies and a concentration in Latin American, Iberian, Latino/a studies. Her family's experiences are central to her identity, driving her commitment to migrant rights. In addition to working at the CPGC work, she also works in the Admissions Office as an Access and Diversity Intern and Senior Interviewer. Valentina co-founded Haverford's Skate Club and is very enthusiastic about making skateboarding accessible to anyone who would like to try.