The author of several scholarly books and numerous articles on contemporary American politics, Sharyn O’Halloran teaches political economy and international and public affairs at New York City’s Columbia University. In addition to her writing, research, and instructional duties, Professor Sharyn O’Halloran belongs to the board of directors of Community Impact at Columbia University.
Founded in 1981, Community Impact at Columbia University (CI) has become the university’s primary interface with the New York City communities of Harlem, Morningside Heights, and Washington Heights. An integrated service organization with a strong emphasis on education, its student and faculty volunteers identify areas of need within the community where CI can reasonably have an impact.
Independent of the university, CI operates on a not-for-profit basis in the operation of programs that serve more than 8,000 area residents annually. About 900 volunteers from Columbia and Barnard College participate in CI’s 27 community service programs that cover a broad swath of areas, including emergency services, adult education, health and environment, and youth programs. Another area, leadership, provides volunteers the opportunity to learn and experience management of a non-profit enterprise.
CI is governed by a combination of a board of directors, made up of professionals from Columbia and the community, and four student representatives. CI’s day-to-day operation, though, is guided by a group of seven elected student executives who work in close collaboration with the board of directors.