Melanie Robertson

Melanie Robertson of Cedarville, N.J. is a senior Law and Society major with a minor in Crime and Justice Studies. She has a 3.78 GPA and has been recognized on the Dean’s List throughout her academic career. As a first-generation college student, Melanie is proud to be graduating with her bachelor’s degree in just three years, rather than four.

At Ramapo, Melanie has founded and presided over the Law School Prep Club and was the editor-in-chief of the Ramapo Journal of Law and Society. She also served as a Resident Assistant for two years, winning the Overlook Staff Member of the Year award for the 2022-23 academic year. Additionally, Melanie was an involved member of the E-Board for the InterVarsity Christian Fellowship.

Melanie gained valuable off-campus experience through an internship at Robinson & Robinson, LLC, a law firm in Millville, NJ. Here, she served as a legal assistant, which led to her to be offered a paid position for her gap year.

Following graduation, Melanie will take a gap year to further gain hands-on skills while applying to law schools. Her goal is to begin law school in Fall 2025 and ultimately become an attorney specializing in Elder Law.

Ashley Gomez

Ashley Gomez is a senior Law and Society major with a Human Rights and Genocide, and Civic and Community Leadership minor. She is a proud first generation college student with a 3.8 GPA and has made the Dean’s List several times.

Ashley has been a Resident Assistant since her sophomore year. Additionally, she has served as the School of Social Science and Human Services (SSHS) School Senator for three years, and is currently serving as Senate President for the Student Government Association. Ashley enjoys being a voice for the student body. She is also the Chapter President for Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity.

After graduating from Ramapo, Ashley hopes to travel to different parts of the world. She hopes to attend and graduate law school, to eventually become an immigration attorney.

Brianna Curto

Brianna Curto from Staten Island, N.Y. and majors in Law and Society with minors in Sociology and Crime and Justice Studies with a cumulative 3.79 GPA. 

At Ramapo, Brianna has been active in several organizations and activities including Rally Cap Sports Club, Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity, and a member of the Women’s Lacrosse Team. She holds a chair position as the chair of philanthropy in Phi Alpha Delta and she is one of the captains of the lacrosse team. Brianna is also a part of three honor societies including, Alpha Lambda Delta, National Society of Leadership and Success and National Society of Collegiate Scholars. 

Post graduation, Brianna plans to work as a paralegal and possibly attend law school.

Kristen Menzella

Kristen Menzella of Dumont, N.J. is a Social Work major with a 3.963 GPA. She has earned a consistent spot on the Dean’s List.

When her daughter was born in 2010, Kristen was determined to go back to school. She completed her Associate’s degree in Applied Science at Bergen Community College and transferred to Ramapo. “My daughter gives me the motivation and perseverance to conquer and achieve all my goals.”

Kristen has an off-campus internship at New Pathway Counseling Services, where she learns how to help adolescents with mental health, behavioral, and substance abuse issues.  She is also a fitness coach who helps others strive to accomplish healthy minds and healthy body goals.

After graduation, Kristen plans on applying to Ramapo’s Social Work Master’s Degree.  She would like to work in the Mental Illness and Substance Abuse field or with children with disabilities.

Tiffanie Coleman

“Growing up in foster care, my teachers were always there for me. If I can make a difference in just one student’s life, then I will feel like all my hard work paid off,” says returning adult student Tiffanie Coleman. Tiffanie is an American Studies major with a concentration in Elementary Education. She has a 3.3 GPA.

At Ramapo, Tiffanie has been active in several organizations including Weekend Events Committee, Future Teachers of America and NJEA. She also volunteers with special needs adults, and has been a caretaker for special needs children. She hopes to find a teaching position in a local urban area and also plans to coach volleyball.

Tiffanie is from Ridgewood, N.J.

Michael Danenberg

Michael Danenberg is from Livingston, New Jersey. He is a Sociology major with a concentration in Criminology, and holds a 3.88 GPA.

At Ramapo, he is the head student coordinator of RASA, where he helps facilitate all the open houses and admitted student days for Ramapo.  He is also an admissions student aide, and a member of Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity. Michael co-founded and serves as president of the Ramapo Wrestling Club.

Off campus Michael is an intern at the Essex County Superior Court.  He plans to attend law school.

Vanessa Loren Mirasola

“I ultimately hope to work within the civil rights arena, representing those without a voice who have been abused or oppressed,” says Vanessa Loren Mirasola of Teaneck, N.J.

The Sociology major hopes to attend law school, a career she became interested in at her job with the Bergen County Ethics Committee, where she interacts with attorneys every day. On campus she’s involved in Ramapo Pride, InQlusive, and GEAR.

The Sociology major, with a concentration in Criminology, has a 3.5 GPA. She was inducted into Alpha Lambda Delta, Ramapo’s first year honor society.

Heather Dunn

Heather Dunn of Sussex, N.J., is a social work major with a minor in substance abuse.

She has a 4.0 grade point average. Heather was also inducted into Psi Beta Honor Society for two year colleges, Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society, Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society, and Golden Key International Honor Society.

At Ramapo, Heather has been active in several organizations and activities, including the Social Work Club.

Heather has also been involved in off –campus activities and organizations, including Wallkill Valley Rotary and Sussex County Board of Health.

Jackie Culbertson

Jackie Culbertson of Tenafly, NJ was a Pre-med student. “I learned I had a different passion and am now majoring in Social Work,” she said. “I hope to earn an additional degree in Psychology and to minor in Substance Abuse and Gerontology.” Energetic and passionate, Jackie is a member of the Social Work Club. She is an intern at West Bergen Mental Healthcare and spends time attending a variety of seminars regarding social work. Jackie is an advocate for more awareness about Lyme disease and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and fighting the stigma of mental illness. She is active in fundraising events for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the American Cancer Society. Jackie plans to attend graduate school to earn a master’s degree in Social Work. She would like to work with people who face challenges from severe and persistent mental health issues. “I am truly honored to be receiving this scholarship,” she said. “It enables me to focus more and work even harder on my studies and my internship to become the social worker I dream of becoming.” Jackie has a 3.57 grade point average.

Rachael O’Brien

“To have the ability to empower individuals to advocate for themselves or to create programs and policy for the benefit of the public are just two of many ways I will be able to impact the world around me,” said Rachael O’Brien, a senior in the Social Work major who has earned a 3.71 grade point average. Internships at Bergen Regional Medical Center and at Northwest Bergen Senior Center helped Rachael put her goals into action. In addition to internships, Rachael worked as a publicist for the Women’s Center on campus and volunteered at Bergen County Jail and a drug rehabilitation center in art therapy group sessions. On campus, she is a member of the student clubs NORML and 1Step, as well as the Yoga Club. Rachael is from Seaside Park, NJ.