Meet Rachael and Elle, Co-Chairs of the WAVES ERG

Dennelle (Elle) Clarke and Rachael Lubetkin are the inaugural chairs of the CUFO Women Achieving Victory through Endurance and Strength (WAVES) Employee Resource Group (ERG). In this interview, they share women who inspire them and how they hope to promote confidence and career growth through the ERG.

The ERGs, first introduced to all staff at an expo in December 2024, bring staff together around a variety of cultures and interests to provide networking and mentorship opportunities, facilitate educational programming, and foster an overall sense of community and belonging. All CUFO staff are welcome and encouraged to participate.

Sign up for ERGs on CUFOnet, check out some of the recent event highlights, and read on to get to know Elle and Rachael.

What's your role within CUFO and how long have you worked at Columbia? 

Elle: I work as the right hand to the Vice President of Operations, providing high-level executive support, driving seamless team coordination, ensuring operational efficiency and strategic alignment. Beyond my primary role, I am also a member of the Equity and Inclusion Council (EIC). We are working on a number of initiatives, including the ERGs, that promote equity and inclusion across CUFO. I have been a part of Columbia University for five years, and I am dedicated to contributing to a more inclusive, supportive, and growth-oriented environment within CUFO.

Rachael: I’m the Associate Director of Student Leasing for Columbia Residential. My journey at Columbia started in 2012 in Business School admissions, but I found my passion for housing and transitioned to Columbia Residential five years ago, in December 2020. It’s been an incredibly rewarding experience to help shape the student housing experience and work with such a dedicated team.

What sparked your interest in co-chairing the WAVES ERG? 

Rachael: I’m truly excited about this opportunity to support the incredible women of CUFO in their professional growth. Women remain underrepresented in senior leadership, and I want to be part of the effort to change that by helping women in our community step into leadership roles with confidence.

Columbia Business School professor Adam Galinsky’s research has shown that women are great at advocating for others but often struggle to advocate for themselves. That deeply resonates with me because I’ve faced that challenge too. I want to help create a space where women feel empowered to celebrate their accomplishments, take ownership of their strengths, and make their voices heard when key decisions are being made.

Elle: My passion for women’s advancement and empowerment has been a driving force throughout my career. As a leader and an active member of multiple women’s groups, I have had the opportunity to advocate for strategic decision-making, leadership development, and workplace equity.

Speaking on a Women Builders Council (WBC) panel about the benefits of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)—before CUFO had even considered one—was a defining moment for me. It reinforced the importance of creating spaces where women can connect, grow, and support each other. When the opportunity arose to chair the Women’s ERG, it felt like a natural next step—a chance to formalize my dedication to building a supportive, empowering, and transformative community for women at CUFO. I created the acronym WAVES—Women Achieving Victory through Empowerment & Strength—to reflect the vision of resilience, progress, and collective success that I hope this group will inspire.

What do you hope this ERG will accomplish, and how do you hope it will support CUFO staff? 

Elle: By fostering collaboration and leadership, I hope this ERG not only uplifts individuals but also strengthens the overall CUFO community. My goal is to create a space where women feel empowered, heard, and valued, with access to mentorship, professional development, and networking opportunities that help them advance in their careers. I hope this ERG will serve as a support system and a foundation for growth, opportunity, and advancement for women within CUFO.

Rachael: I envision WAVES helping women at CUFO grow professionally by setting clear goals, creating a roadmap to achieve them, and preparing for new opportunities with strong resumes and interview skills. I want this group to be a place where women feel supported and equipped to take the next step in their careers.

As a mother, I also understand how challenging it can be to balance personal and professional responsibilities. Having a community that provides encouragement, shares experiences, and offers practical advice can make a huge difference. I hope WAVES becomes that space—a place where we uplift each other, set boundaries with confidence, and prioritize our well-being.

What's something you worked on at Columbia that you're proud of?

Rachael: I’m incredibly proud of the culture we’ve built at Columbia Residential. Our work goes beyond housing logistics. It’s about creating a positive and supportive experience for our residents. We approach every interaction with kindness and respect because we know that housing plays a huge role in someone’s well-being.

Of course, making meaningful changes isn’t always easy. It takes teamwork, trust, and a shared commitment to excellence. I feel so fortunate to work with colleagues who embody those values every day. Their dedication to fairness, transparency, and hard work inspires me and makes our team truly special.

Elle: One of my proudest accomplishments at Columbia is being an Expert Coach with the CU Grow Program for over four years.  Through this role, I mentor women, minority entrepreneurs, and local business owners from Upper Manhattan and the Bronx, helping them scale their businesses and navigate challenges. Coaching talented female entrepreneurs has further solidified my commitment to empowering women professionally.

Additionally, my dedication to advocating for CUFO’s staff inspired me to run for the University Senate, where I was honored to become a top qualifying candidate. Although my time at Columbia has been relatively brief, I am resolute to making a meaningful impact. Finally, I take great pride in being a founding co-chair of WAVES, I strive to uplift our members, amplify our voices, and ensure our contributions are recognized.

Who is a woman who inspires you or has been a mentor to you?

Elle: Ruth Bader Ginsburg (RBG), a Columbia Law alum, is a profound source of inspiration to me. Known for her tireless advocacy for gender equality and civil rights, she broke barriers as the second woman and first Jewish woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. Her legacy of strength, perseverance, and strategic leadership continues to inspire my own commitment to empowering women and driving change. I’ll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from her: “Fight for the things that you care about but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”

Rachael: One of the most inspiring women I can think of is Ida B. Wells. Her moral courage as a civil rights advocate, investigative journalist, and feminist is truly remarkable. She stood up for what was right, even in the face of enormous challenges, and her legacy continues to inspire me. She’s a powerful example of resilience, determination, and using one’s voice for change.