Gabriele Silver (he/him), President
With experience in leadership and an outgoing personality, Gabriele is enthusiastic to bring his skills to the role of President of SUMASA. As he enters the final semester of the SUMA program, he is aware of the importance of student body and is eager to keep the high standard of student life and collaboration that was set in the previous years.
Sydney Braun (she/her), VP of Communications
Sydney is passionate about the environment and believes that effective environmental communication is key to a sustainable future. She is excited to join the SUMASA Board and work to connect students with each other and with various opportunities within the SUMA program and across Columbia University.
In her free time, she loves going to concerts and sports events and plans to pursue a career in sustainable event management.
Sara Kerdsolos (she/her), VP of Communications & Social Events
Sara (Thanisara) is passionate about creating a warm and inclusive community for SUMA students. Before joining SUMA, she worked at Accenture Thailand in ESG and sustainability transformation, where she learned how communication can inspire collaboration and change.
As VP of Communications & Social Events, Sara aims to connect students, alumni, and faculty through meaningful conversations and memorable gatherings. She believes that when people feel seen and supported, they can bring their best energy to make a positive impact together.
Elaine Lok (she/her), VP of Academic & Public Affairs
Elaine Lok is passionate about working with communities to develop sustainable solutions. Her previous experiences are in the real estate and housing sectors. Having lived in three countries, she champions inclusive academics. As the VP of Academic and Public Affairs, she aims to build community and belonging. In her free time, she’s hosting a dinner party, playing board games, or exploring the great outdoors.
Nathan Cheng (he/him), VP of Social Events and Finance
Nathan is a second-semester SUMA student interested in how business can drive positive social and environmental impact. As Vice President of Social Events and Finance, he will be responsible for maintaining budget and operations while also fostering engagement across the sustainability community in SUMA and the city at large. He looks forward to developing opportunities for students to connect their interdisciplinary passions with their professional goals through networking, social events, and more.
Kailynn Williams (she/her), Symposium Co-Chair
Kailynn Williams is a proud southern belle from Louisiana and Texas. She brings a diverse background across multiple sustainability sectors. Kailynn is also the founder of Breathe4All, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing environmental justice and public health equity through education, storytelling, and community advocacy.
She loves bringing people together to create meaningful, engaging events that connect students and the wider community. Kailynn believes that community collaboration and sustainability are at the heart of the supply chain for a better future. In her free time, she enjoys taking walks in nature, exploring new foods and coffee or tea shops, visiting museums, and spending time with family and friends.
Guy Liechty (he/him), Symposium Co-Chair
Guy brings nearly a decade of experience supporting triple-bottom-line startups tackling plastic waste, last-mile clean energy distribution, and climate-resilient pro-poor housing models.
Guy joined the SUMASA board as a first-year SUMA student interested in circularity and private-sector solutions to the climate challenge. Hailing from Denver, CO, he has lived in five countries and speaks several languages
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