WiNS Co-Director of Mentoring

Berelyne Chalas (She/Her) is a current third-year undergraduate student at the City College of New York pursuing a double major in Biology and Psychology. Berelyne is the Co-Director of Mentoring of CCNY Women in Science. She is a pre-medical student and an aspiring physician who hopes to matriculate into medical school upon the completion of her undergraduate studies. Berelyne is in the Pre-med Program and regularly volunteers at the Hospital for Special Surgery where she aids in the pre-operative process for patients. She engages in tasks such as preparing patients for surgery, explaining procedures, and offering emotional support. Her responsibilities include ensuring that patients are informed about what to expect, assisting medical staff with necessary preparations, and fostering a calm, reassuring environment for those about to undergo surgery. As a first-generation Latina she is committed to bridging the gaps between underserved communities and quality healthcare resources. Additionally, she is passionate about addressing the significant underrepresentation of Latina female doctors in healthcare and hopes to inspire more Latinas to pursue their goals in the sciences.

As Co-Director of Mentoring in the Women in Science Organization, Berelyne hopes to foster an environment where young women can thrive and excel in their scientific pursuits. By providing mentorship, guidance, and resources, Berelyne aims to empower these women to overcome challenges and break barriers in male-dominated fields. Berelyne hopes that through personalized support, students will gain the confidence, skills, and network necessary to succeed not only academically but also as leaders in their respective fields. Ultimately, Berelyne envisions a future where women are equally represented in science and medicine, contributing innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing problems.

Outside of her academic pursuits, Berelyne tutors high school students on various subjects from Spanish to mathematics and helps to prepare them for the school year and any standardized tests such as the SAT and ACT. In her free time, Berelyne enjoys exploring new cafes and restaurants, reading a good book and attending a new workout class.