testimonials
Photo Credit: Naima Penniman
"When I met Marie, she was an energetic and motivated undergraduate student at Rutgers University-New Brunswick, where I was a faculty member. Even back then, Marie already demonstrated the charisma, compassion, and insightfulness that continues to characterize her today. She and I stayed in touch during her time at Columbia and as she continued to build amazing community and mentoring relationships with a number of students and activists over the years. I have witnessed Marie grow in her activist, scholarly, and community-building practices for over two decades, and feel privileged to consider her, not only a former student, but a close colleague and friend."
Ana Y. Ramos-Zayas, PhD, Professor at Yale University - American Studies, Ethnicity, Race, and Migration, and Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies
“I am eternally grateful for Marie standing for me as I applied to graduate school at Gallatin School of Individualized Study at NYU. Her recognition of the gems in my personal statement gave me confidence in my ability to write something powerful. The encouragement and stretching she provided gave me the wherewithal to submit my personal statement without hesitation or doubt. But the best part was her facilitating an exploration that enabled me to clearly define a vision for my life. While I did in fact get into Gallatin, it was the exercise in articulating my future that ultimately meant more than the admission requirement. The words she helped me craft led to a job that enabled me to skip graduate school – at least for the time being – and purse the dream I put forth. Now, I am getting paid to live out the dream that only she could help me define and share with the world.”
“I had a vision. To create a multi-media production in Fort Tryon Park that would travel through five centuries of New York City history. In 2012, I asked Marie Varghese to be my dramaturg. That was the best decision I could have made! Over the course of 9 months, she contributed research material and personal insights with a thoughtful and culturally sensitive approach, nurturing the project and everyone involved with her unique and generous spirit. The vision came to life and I could not have followed through on this dream without Marie!”
“I have had the pleasure and good luck of having Marie Varghese as my mentor since my freshman year at Rutgers University in 2000. When I was assigned to Marie as my freshman mentor, I had no idea that our relationship, and now friendship would continue for over 20 years. I have never met someone so dedicated to helping, not only her friends and family, but communities in need. Marie has an amazing ability to see situations with clarity, providing guidance on many levels whether academically or emotionally. She is an innovative educator, a passionate activist, and a brilliant leader!”
Alicia Piller, Visual Artist, MFA graduate from the California Institute of the Arts (2019).
"Some of the most engaging discussions I participated in at Columbia University were in Marie's class. Not only is she in serious command of her material, she is an extraordinary facilitator. Years later, the questions she raised continue to inform my work as a writer and influence how I perceive the world."
“Marie first entered my life in 2009 as the main administrative contact for the Rashawn Brazell Memorial Fund Scholarship. Her characteristic supportiveness and warmth were immediately apparent and consistent throughout every step of the process, from promptly responding to my frantic emails about my application materials to following up with me to make sure that I received the funds in a timely manner. And ever since then, Marie has been a constant source of encouragement and confidence; every time we check in I am left feeling renewed and moved to accomplish and grow. Moreover, she is not afraid to share her personal experiences in order to foster growth and teach others. I recently completed a PhD in Clinical Psychology at the University of Michigan and I’m constantly reassured and inspired by Marie’s bold and fearless pursuit of the common good and commitment to enriching the lives of others through her work.”
Isaiah Sypher, PhD., Winner of the 2009 Rashawn Brazell Memorial Scholarship.
In the spring of 2015, I had the great honor to have Marie Varghese as my Advisor in CUNY Start. When I first arrived to Bronx Community College, I had a lot of uncertainty about college. How will I determine my academic major? What are the most helpful resources for me on campus? What do I need to know to transfer to a senior college after I obtain my Associates Degree? I scheduled an appointment with Marie and it took only one day for her to help clear me of my doubts. She is extremely dedicated to her role as an Advisor. I’ve never met anyone who was so passionate and diligent in counseling students until I met Marie. Marie was always open to responding to student concerns and questions that arose in our weekly College Readiness Seminar. She is a person who transmits peace and is willing to provide help no matter what. Even though she is no longer my counselor, we still keep in touch, and she is always available to collaborate with me when I am in need of help. She inspires people daily to reach their full potential. We need more people like Marie so that we can have a world rich of encouragement and peace.”