New Chairperson Announced for Double Discovery Center Board of Friends
New York, NY - The Double Discovery Center (DDC) is thrilled to announce the appointment of Ms. Grissel Seijo as the new Chair of the Board of Friends, effective March 25, 2024. With a rich background in legal advocacy, psychological counseling, and a steadfast commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, Ms. Seijo is poised to lead the DDC into a new chapter of growth and impact.
Ms. Seijo brings over 20 years of unparalleled expertise in employment, labor, and DEI counsel, primarily serving in Florida and New York. In her role as Associate General Counsel, Head of Labor & Employment at S&P Global, she has honed her skills in global strategy on crucial business aspects such as hiring, retention, training, and company operations. Her experience is broad; encompassing the drafting, negotiation, and implementation of key employment-related documents and practices, as well as being a respected lecturer and writer on various legal and DEI topics.
Born and raised in the South Bronx with Puerto Rican heritage, Ms. Seijo’s roots have deeply influenced her commitment to civil rights and education. As a founding board member of the Líderes Board of LatinoJustice PRLDEF and Vice President of Programs for Su Futuro at the Hispanic National Bar Association, she has dedicated herself to diversifying the legal profession and supporting first-generation and low-income students in their educational journeys.
"I am thrilled to have Grissel serve as the next Chair of the Board of Friends,” said Sasha Wells, Executive Director at DDC, “A BIPOC Bronx native with a deep commitment to civil rights, education, and DEI and a long history with the Double Discovery Center, Grissel brings invaluable insight and strategic leadership that will help propel the DDC into the next 60 years!”
Ms. Seijo's appointment is a testament to the DDC's commitement to leadership, excellence, and its vision for a future where diversity, equity, and inclusion are at the forefront of education. "We're grateful to have an alumna with such deep roots at Columbia stepping into the role of chair of the DDC Board," said Josef Sorett, Dean of Columbia College. "I am excited to see how DDC will continue to impact the lives of our students and community under Grissel's leadership." The DDC community welcomes Ms. Seijo and looks forward to her guidance and inspiration for years to come.
About the Double Discovery Center
Established in 1965, the Double Discovery Center (DDC) at Columbia University works with first-generation, college-bound youth from low-income communities in the NYC areas of Harlem, Washington Heights, and Inwood to help ensure their success to, through, and beyond college. We envision a world where all students can access the resources they need to achieve their academic aspirations and beyond. DDC reflects the University’s mission to “advance knowledge and learning at the highest level.” The Center is one of the few college access and success programs in the country that leverages the expertise of an Ivy League institution and offers reciprocal benefits through its double discovery approach, which cultivates growth for all through the shared experiences of our high school students and the college students who work with them. We are partnered with several local schools and serve over 1,000 students across the New York City area annually. Since its founding, we have helped over 25,000 NYC youth enter and graduate from college.
Contact Information:
Annalisa Leite, Director, Development & Marketing | [email protected] | 212-854-1737
