Dyson Council for Impact and Community Engagement (DICE)

Supporting both the ethos of the Dyson School, Our Business is a Better World, and the principles of Belonging @ Cornell, the Dyson Council for Impact and Community Engagement (DICE) works to strengthen meaningful connections, campus involvement, and social responsibility across the school, college, alumni network, and industry through a variety of events, initiatives, and professional development opportunities. DICE collaborates with sister councils in Johnson and Nolan to promote cross-college community and sense of belonging.

Graduate DICE Members

Dana J. Smith, PhD candidate

My research interests lie at the intersection of labor and development economics, with a primary focus on immigration and labor migration. I explore the determinants of migration, the impact of policy on immigrants and migration decisions, the experiences of agricultural workers, and the role of migration in connecting cross-border and international communities.

I’m passionate about teaching and have served as a teaching assistant for several popular undergraduate courses in the Dyson School. In 2021, I received the Dyson Graduate Teaching Assistant Outstanding Service Award. Outside the classroom, I volunteer as an English tutor with the Cornell Farmworkers Program, serve on the executive board of Diversity in Cornell Economics, and chair the Graduate Students for Gender Equity in Economics committee.

I came to Cornell in 2018 after graduating from Lafayette College in Easton, Pennsylvania, where I double majored in Mathematics & Economics and International Affairs, minored in Spanish, and played four years of Division I women’s lacrosse. At Lafayette, I helped lead our campus chapter of Athlete Ally and interned for Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman. I also volunteered as a coach with the Trenton Bridge Lacrosse Program, working with elementary and middle school girls from the Trenton metropolitan area to build skills, confidence, and teamwork.

When I’m not working, I enjoy skiing, running, and exploring the natural beauty of Central New York.

Molly Doruska, PhD candidate

My research interests lie at the intersection of development, environmental, and resource economics. My current work centers around how households interact with available surface water sources, with a particular interest in health and poverty outcomes. I’m also interested in how anthropogenic climate change is altering current patterns of water availability and how household adapt to climate change.

Before coming to Cornell in 2019, I graduated from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin, where I double majored in Economics and French & Francophone Studies. I studied abroad in Dakar, Senegal as part of the Francophone Seminar in Spring 2017, and was a George Washington Carver Intern at the World Food Prize Foundation in Des Moines, Iowa. At Lawrence, I was a member of the varsity women’s cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track teams.

Outside of work, I enjoy running marathons and half marathons and exploring the trails around Ithaca.

Undergraduate DICE Members

Zaira Paredes (President)

Class of 2023, Concentration: Strategy
Hometown: Tulsa, Oklahoma

Why are you a part of DICE?
I joined DICE in order to help further cultivate diversity and inclusion within Dyson and to be an agent of change that represents Dyson students, faculty and alumni.

Sierra Brewer (Vice President)

Class of 2025, Concentration: Food Industry Management
Hometown: Haleiwa, Oahu, Hawaii

Why are you a part of DICE?
I joined DICE to find a community and help make Dyson a more inclusive and welcoming environment.

Joshua R. Lora (Finance & Operations Director)

Class of 2023, Concentration: Strategy
Hometown: Manhattan, New York

Why are you a part of DICE?
To me, DICE means family. I wanted to do my part in support of a community that has uplifted me throughout my time at Cornell. Serving on the executive board is a way I can pay it forward to further enhance the experience for the next generation of Dyson students.

Christian Deleg (Undergraduate Programming Director)

Class of 2025, Concentration: Finance
Hometown: Westchester, New York

Why are you a part of DICE?
I joined DICE to give back to a community that has fostered my personal and professional growth during my first year at Cornell.

Amy Escalante (Social Media Co-Director)

Class of 2024 , Concentration: International Trade and Development
Hometown: Pharr, Texas

Ashley Qiu (Social Media Co-Director)

Class of 2026, Concentration: International Trade and Development
Hometown: Poughkeepsie, New York

Why are you a part of DICE?
I joined DICE to help foster an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity within Dyson. I hope to work with my peers, faculty, and advisors to promote initiatives and create a community where people feel like they belong.

Angelique Peregrina (Marketing Co-Director)

Class of 2023, Concentration: International Trade & Development
Hometown: Gulfport, Mississippi

Why are you a part of DICE?
While at Dyson, I want to make sure that I give back to my community and help facilitate an inclusive community amongst peers. And so, I felt that the DICE was a great opportunity with a powerhouse of a team to work with to build community.

Melanie Abreu (Marketing Co-Director)

Class of 2023, Concentration: Finance
Hometown: Bronx, New York

Why are you a part of DICE?
I joined DICE to help make Dyson a more inclusive community. Being a PA for Dyson’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion, I feel passionate about making a difference in Dyson and creating a safe space for all students.

Robert Greenberg (Logistics Co-Director)

Class of 2023, Concentration: Finance
Hometown: Manhattan, New York

Why are you a part of DICE?
I joined the DICE because of the amazing people that I have met at the Dyson school. I have many fond memories spending time together with my peers in the Diversity and Belonging room, which has been such a valuable resource and support system for me. I want to give back to the Dyson community by addressing any necessary changes to the Dyson curriculum while offering alternative perspectives.

Haley Qin (Logistics Co-Director)

Class of 2025, Concentration: Marketing and Strategy
Hometown: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Why are you a part of DICE?
I wanted to join a community dedicated to promoting Diversity and Inclusion within an environment that usually overlooks this topic. I am passionate about communicating my peers’ concerns in hopes of increasing growth within the Dyson curriculum.

Tyler Senzon (Event Coordinator)

Class of 2026, Concentration: Strategy
Hometown: Haworth, New Jersey

Why are you a part of DICE?
I joined DICE to help educate the Dyson community on DEI within business. I aim to host both informational and stress relieving events to allow my peers to find their place within the Dyson community.

Joshua Li (Event Coordinator)

Class of 2026, Concentration: Strategy
Hometown: Brooklyn, New York

Why are you a part of DICE?
I want to take part in promoting and being involved in a community that fosters belonging. Diversity and inclusion has always been topics that are important to me, and I hope I can find ways within Dyson to help my peers grow.

Chandra Jebodh (DUC Liaison)

Class of 2024, Concentration: Accounting
Hometown: Cypress, California

Why are you a part of DICE?
I want to be a part of promoting diversity and inclusion at Dyson, creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and supported. As part of the DICE e-board, I am happy to be a representative and resource for my peers.

Sam Straus (SC Johnson/Nolan School of Hotel Administration Liaison)

Class of 2024, Concentration: Business Analytics
Hometown: Los Angeles, California

Why are you a part of DICE?
I want to help highlight and embrace the incredible backgrounds of Dyson students.