Celebrating Black Alumni Leaders

Columbia’s thriving alumni community is one of the university’s greatest assets, and it is all made possible by the efforts of individual alumni who give their time, expertise, and passion. 

In honor of Black History Month, we’re spotlighting five Black GS alumni leaders who, from the GS Board of Visitors to the Black Alumni Council (BAC) of Columbia University, have made immeasurable contributions to ensuring that Columbia thrives today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.

Alicia Graf Mack ‘03GS

A world-renowned ballet dancer, Alicia Graf Mack is the outgoing Director of Dance at the Juilliard School and the incoming Artistic Director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. At GS, Graf Mack studied history and graduated magna cum laude. A longtime member of the GS Board of Visitors, she was awarded the Columbia University Medal of Excellence in 2008.

Keith J.D. Hightower ‘09GS

Also sitting on the GS Board of Visitors, Keith J.D. Hightower has spent his career as a leader in law and policy, including being part of multiple Nevada governors’ leadership teams. He manages government affairs and corporate relationships at Teach for America Las Vegas. Hightower graduated from GS in 2009 with a degree in political science. Alongside his commitment to GS, Hightower has advocated for diversity in the legal sphere through his work with the Las Vegas National Bar Association.

Isaiah Walker ‘12GS

A career educator and Harlem native, Isaiah Walker has served on the Black Alumni Council (BAC) as the Director of Community Engagement. “His background as a school leader and respected changemaker is very well needed as we think about how we work with the Harlem community,” said the BAC of Walker’s appointment in 2023. 

Walker himself has cited his experiences growing up with Dyslexia and ADHD, and his single mom’s dedication to centering and supporting his school journey, as the source of his passion for education. He has held teaching positions in Harlem and Newark, educational leadership roles in Philadelphia and New York City, and served as the Chief Program Officer for the Common Ground Foundation, a youth development organization founded by Grammy and Oscar award-winning artist Common.

Menlee Mansue ‘16GS

Menlee Mansue graduated from GS in 2016 with a degree in political science, but that was only the start of his Columbia engagement. He has served on the BAC as vice president, as well as the lead of the BAC Archival Committee, and is currently the Executive Director of Operations and Systems at Columbia Housing. Additionally, as an undergraduate, Mansue was a founding member of the Black Student Group Consortium (BSGC) and still advises the group.

Serengeti Timungwa ‘22GS

Before coming to GS, Serengeti Timungwa had already amassed significant policy and organizing expertise, from interning for then-Manhattan Borough President and current NYC City Council Member Gale A. Brewer '97GS, to working with the Center for Reproductive Rights. Timungwa brought all her expertise and passion to student leadership at Columbia, serving in a variety of roles on the General Studies Student Council (GSSC), including as 2021-2022 Student Body President. She graduated in 2022 with a degree in political science and was awarded the 2022 Dean’s Citation in recognition of her impact at GS. 

As an alumna, Timungwa has been active as part of the GS Alumni Association (GSAA); She currently serves as co-chair of the GSAA Programming Committee. Shared Timungwa, “before coming to GS, my educational journey was quite the trek. Having to flee my home country due to conflict, the responsibility of supporting my undocumented family, surviving domestic violence, and dealing with my depression—all at a very young age—took away from my ability to entirely focus on school. Nevertheless, these difficult experiences gave me a lens that I will always carry.” Reflecting on finding her way to GS, she continued, “Throughout all this, I've learned that, although a path may be winding (sometimes to a dizzying degree!), it all eventually makes sense.”