QuestBridge Alum, UChicago ‘17
MSW Candidate, Columbia University '20
Natalia Renae Delery hails from Queens, New York and is currently pursuing her Masters in Social Work at Columbia studying Social Enterprise Administration with a concentration in Contemporary Social Issues. As a first-generation and low-income student, she completed her undergraduate degree in Human Development at the University of Chicago. Here, she was President of the QuestBridge chapter and a member of the board for all four years. In addition, she was awarded multiple student leader awards for her outstanding contributions to the campus community and her advocacy for low-income, first-generation, and undocumented students. Post-graduation, she worked for Chicago Public Schools as a Postsecondary Coach at Simeon Career Academy, supporting students of color in reaching their postsecondary goals and helping them secure over $15 million in scholarships and grants. She spent her first year of graduate school at Columbia as a Social Work Intern for Pathways to Graduation – an alternative school program under the NYC Department of Education. She provided individualized support and led socio-emotional learning initiatives for 17-21 year old students from diverse backgrounds.
As an administrative student, her focus is on bettering opportunities and outcomes for people of color through large-scale reform and re-allocation of resources. This summer, Natalia is interning in the Philadelphia Mayor’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion to further this goal. She has a drive for uplifting communities, storytelling, and innovation. Outside of school, Natalia is a hip hop dancer and works as an Ambassador for Columbia’s Office of Admissions. As she advances her career, Natalia aspires to combine her passion for sports, the arts, and youth justice.