From the president
Tamanna Chhabra is a student whose commitment to building community and fostering connection stands out across every aspect of her involvement at Juniata College. Whether working as a Campus Tour Guide, supporting her peers as a Title IX Student Coordinator, or serving as a Student Advocate in the SPoT, Tann consistently demonstrates a deep dedication to helping others feel seen, supported, and empowered. Her experiences span a wide range of communities and causes, from volunteering with the Pennsylvania Prison Society to supporting students academically as an FYS Writing Associate. Through each role, she has strengthened her skills in collaboration, advocacy, and public leadership, always seeking to lower barriers to access and increase awareness of critical resources. Tann’s natural warmth, interpersonal ease, and drive to connect people have made her a trusted and visible presence on campus. She brings a rare combination of energy, empathy, and initiative to her work, qualities that position her for future leadership in any community she serves. Tann embodies the spirit of the Newman Civic Fellowship through her commitment to creating inclusive, supportive environments where individuals and communities can thrive.
Personal Statement
My work is rooted in the belief that every individual deserves to feel seen, supported, and safe. As a double major in Psychology and Criminal Justice, I’ve spent my time at Juniata navigating the intersection between research and human connection—whether that meant comforting a child in distress while interning at Spectrum Care in New Zealand, guiding a first-year student through uncertainty, or sitting beside someone as they found the courage to speak their truth.
Growing up between cultures, I learned early on how silence can carry pain and how empathy can be a powerful language. That’s why I strive to approach every project—with children, athletes, students, or survivors—with humility and heart. I see public problems not as abstract issues, but as deeply human stories waiting to be heard and held with care.
In each of my roles—mentor, advocate, researcher, community builder—I aim to listen first, and act with intention. I believe real change is built through compassion, collaboration, and the courage to challenge what’s broken. My dream is to continue creating spaces where people feel they matter—where we heal together, grow together, and reimagine what’s possible.