Group photo of Leslie and student coordinators

Our Team

Breaking Barriers focuses on creating, enhancing, and sustaining mentorship, programming and, support for first-generation, low-income and, undocumented students. Since its creation, we have developed new resources, hosted events and workshops aimed to create a supportive and welcoming environment. We are located under the Pensby Center for Community Development & Inclusion which ​implements programs and activities ​that address issues of diversity, power, and privilege​ with a goal of improving the campus climate ​and enhancing community life at Bryn Mawr College

Join Our Team

The application season to be considered for the Breaking Barriers team is typically in March. However, we occasionally hire for our short-term position on an ongoing basis. Check out the position descriptions below to learn more.

APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2023-2024 ACADEMIC YEAR ARE NOW OPEN ON THE STUDENT EMPLOYMENT PORTAL!

DEADLINE TO APPLY: FRIDAY MARCH 31ST 11:59PM

Search on Student Employment Portal For:

Title: 801 Student Coordinator | Job ID: 3457 | Openings: 2

For instructions on accessing the application click here!

Overview of Duties

Supervised by the Assistant Dean for Student Support & Belonging, the Coordinator will work alongside three other coordinators and the Assistant Dean in planning events and workshops focused on community building and informational resources. The BBC may assist in coordinating support services such as the Dorm Drive, Winter Clothing Drive and Storage Transportation. Additionally, they will present to prospective and admitted students on the BB program on occasion.


Roles and Responsibilities

  • Plan and host social events including reserving a space, creating, and posting flyers on social media and campus locations, and submitting a list of event materials (if applicable) and catering request to the Assistant Dean for approval.
  • Learn and share information to resources and support services offered through Breaking Barriers and other campus departments including, referring students to appropriate staff, and encouraging students to check out the Breaking Barriers & Navigating Pathways moodle pages.
  • Assist the Assistant Dean with coordinating and marketing First-Gen Week, the Winter Clothing Drive, Storage Boxes, Storage Transportation service and Dorm Drive.
  • Serve as the Breaking Barriers representative at Admissions Group Tour Visits by presenting on Breaking Barriers and/or serving on a student panel.

Terms of Employment

  • Breaking Barriers Coordinators are expected to uphold College policies and the Honor Code.
  • Must participate in weekly team meetings.
  • Coordinators may be asked to be available for special events throughout the year.
  • The Breaking Barriers position is considered an appointment for one complete academic year, subject to review and evaluation.
  • Breaking Barriers Coordinators will be paid at an hourly rate and are expected to work an average of 2-4 hours per week. This estimate is provided as a guideline, and weekly fluctuations are expected to occur throughout the year.

Qualifications

  • Must demonstrate a willingness and enthusiasm to develop relationships with peers and supporting a positive community experience.
  • Undergraduate students must have completed at least two full semesters prior to beginning the position (rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors only). This role is open to graduate students as well.
  • A valid U.S. driver’s license and willingness to become Bryn Mawr Van Certified is a plus but not required.
  • Because this is an employment opportunity, students must be U.S. citizens or have an employment authorization document (EAD) in addition to a valid social security number (SSN).

Search on Student Employment Portal For:

Title: 801 Student Coordinator | Job ID: 3456 | Openings: 3

For instructions on accessing the application click here!

Overview of Duties

Supervised by the Assistant Dean for Student Support & Belonging, the Resource Coordinator is a temporary role that will work alongside the Breaking Barriers team in coordinating support services such as the Dorm Drive, Winter Clothing Drive and Storage Transportation.

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Create and post flyers on social media and campus locations on the Winter Clothing Drive, Storage Boxes, Storage Transportation service and Dorm Drive.
  • Assist the Assistant Dean with organizing, taking inventory and distributing Dorm Drive materials, may include driving and moving items over to our off-campus storage unit.
  • Assist the Breaking Barriers team & SGA with managing and distributing storage boxes to students.
  • Learn and share information to resources and support services offered through Breaking Barriers and other campus departments including, referring students to appropriate staff, and encouraging students to check out the Breaking Barriers & Navigating Pathways moodle pages.

Terms of Employment

  • Breaking Barriers Coordinators are expected to uphold College policies and the Honor Code.
  • Must participate in team planning meetings related to the support service they are assigned to.
  • Coordinators may be asked to be available for support services occurring over a weekend.
  • The Resource Coordinator position is considered an appointment for one semester, subject to review and evaluation.
  • Coordinators will be paid at an hourly rate and are expected to work an average of 2-4 hours per week. This estimate is provided as a guideline, and weekly fluctuations are expected to occur.

Qualifications

  • Must demonstrate a willingness and enthusiasm to develop relationships with peers and supporting a positive community experience.
  • Undergraduate students must have completed at least two full semesters prior to beginning the position (rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors only). This role is open to graduate students as well.
  • A valid U.S. driver’s license and willingness to become Bryn Mawr Van Certified is a plus but not required.
  • Because this is an employment opportunity, students must be U.S. citizens or have an employment authorization document (EAD) in addition to a valid social security number (SSN).

Search on Student Employment Portal For: Title: 821 Van Driver | Job ID: 3458 | Openings: 10

For instructions on accessing the application click here!

Overview of Duties

The Pensby Student Driver will support the Pensby Center across a variety of programs and events including, the Breaking Barriers program, the Enid Cook’51 Center and, International Student activities as a driver. This position is open to both undergraduate and graduate students and is supervised by the Assistant Dean for Student Support & Belonging.

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Is expected to transport the group/individual to/from the listed destination address within the hours designated.
  • Abide by the Transportation Department’s Van Rental guidelines and procedures.
  • Report any incidents and damages to the Transportation Department and the Pensby Center Staff member coordinating the event.

Terms of Employment

  • Student Drivers are expected to uphold College policies and the Honor Code.
  • This position is considered an appointment for one full academic year, subject to review and evaluation. 
  • Drivers will be paid at an hourly rate.

Qualifications

  • Must have a valid driver’s license and be van certified through Bryn Mawr’s Transportation Department.
  • Must be a full-time student having completed at least two full semesters prior to beginning the position (rising sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduate students only).
  • Must be in good academic standing with the College.
  • Because this is an employment opportunity, students must be U.S. citizens or have an employment authorization document (EAD) in addition to a valid social security number (SSN).

Our team consists of four Breaking Barriers Student Coordinators who support the Assistant Dean for Student Support & Belonging in planning events and workshops focused on community building and informational resources. In alphabetical order, the Breaking Barriers Student Coordinators for the Academic Year of 2022-2023 are listed below.

Breaking Barriers Student Coordinators

Francis Arellano’25

Why did you want to become a coordinator?

Watching Breaking Barriers cultivate a community environment for the First-Generation, Low-Income, Undocu+ community during my first year was pivotal for myself as I was trying to find support and belonging on campus. Our mission is personal to me as a child of immigrants who grew up preserving a cultural space of joy, dance, music, and food with my Oaxacan immigrant community in Los Angeles, California. As we have navigated life together, we constantly collaborate as a community to cultivate a space we belong in despite being a community that has been underserved. Similar to Breaking Barriers, I have the desire to connect people in hopes of having a sense of belonging in an institution like Bryn Mawr. In the setting of an educational institution, it can be intimidating and overwhelming to find this sense of community. My work with Breaking Barriers has helped me see the larger picture and my potential role in improving this. I am grateful to have met and continue meeting so many people across campus. I look forward to continuing learning, growing, and sharing so much through Breaking Barriers!

What is one thing not many people know about you?

I have been dancing Oaxacan folklorico for 10 years now! We have participated in la Guelaguetza, Oaxaca’s biggest festival, across California at Los Angeles, Fresno, Oxnard, Santa Cruz, and Santa Rosa. Last year, we were invited to dance on the east coast for the first time in Washington, D.C.!

Veronica Ramirez’23

Why did you want to become a coordinator?

I'm interested in working with FGLI because I want all FGLI students to thrive at Bryn Mawr and beyond. I'm passionate about connecting students with resources and increasing access to opportunities. I am here to share what I've learned on my journey as a FGLI Mexian American student from Los Angeles, California. As well as provide a listening ear when you need it.

What is one thing not many people know about you?

Something not many people know about me is...I love traveling and going to places on my own! I've been to four Romeo/Aventura concerts in different states (LA, NJ, DC, & FL); I went to two of them by myself!

Estefania Torres’23

Why did you want to become a coordinator?

I am constantly finding ways to support my community here at BMC. Being offered the opportunity to work as a student coordinator using my knowledge from my Pensby Fellowship on Undocu+ Undergraduate Support was the perfect means to continue to support others on campus that I care about. While also allowing me a means of ensuring that Bryn Mawr is a better place for students that come after me. BMC has connected me with so many wonderful people and experiences, and my hope, through my student coordinator position, is to ensure that this same sentiment can be felt for other students through the resources and programming that Breaking Barriers provides. I have had a wonderful growing and learning experience in my one year working for the Breaking Barriers program, and I am excited to see what is to come this year! 

What is one thing not many people know about you?

I love learning about herbology and plant medicine for fun! I usually study these things as a side hobby, but now, I have been taking more classes that apply this knowledge! I recommend to everyone to take Dr. Wilson’s Botany class and Haverfarm as a PE class! 

Iniya Vensel’25

Why did you want to become a coordinator?

Arriving at a predominantly-white institution (PWI) such as Bryn MawrI, was my first experience being in a majority white space as the public schools I attended were mostly Black, Indigenous, people of color (BIPOC), and I really struggled finding those dealing with the similar culture shock, homesickness, and struggle of the cost of living that most lower-income, BIPOC students face. I want to serve as a resource and a point of leadership for students like me, that incoming First-generation, Low-Income (FGLI) first-year students can approach, be themselves around, and have their identity and problems understood. I contribute to the activities, conversations, and outreach of the Breaking Barriers program through my social background as a child of immigrant parents, a child who grew up in a chaotic family, and as a child who grew up poor, as well as my cultural background as a dark-skinned, queer Thamizh woman. I know that there is very little representation of low-income students who are South Asian, and it is difficult to find peers coming from unprivileged backgrounds as a Brown student. It is important to me to increase the perspectives and cultures presented in our on and off-campus activities and events, nurturing de-colonial, cultural healing practices in white-centered spaces like Bryn Mawr. I hope to continue spreading the excitement and relief of finding peers to share experiences and culture with on campus, as well as continue spreading knowledge, love, and support to my FGLI peers coping with navigating a PWI and the oppressive society beyond.

What is one thing not many people know about you?

I really love participating in and learning about the vibrant immigrant cultures and community of Philly, and I recommend everyone to take at least one of Professor Veronica Montes’ classes at Bryn Mawr! Being in the Tri-Co Philly program, and being an immigrant of Indigenous background myself, I’ve especially loved learning about the rich, ancestral Mexican traditions and communal practices of food, music, and dance that is present in Philly. It is so refreshing and healing to find and take part in cultural celebration and freedom so far away from home, and it has encouraged me to continue reconnecting with my Tamil heritage as well.