Rinku Sen
Revson Fellow 2004-2005
Communications Director
Applied Research Center
Rinku Sen is Communications Director of the Applied Research Center and Publisher of ColorLines magazine. Ms. Sen began her organizing work as a student activist in 1984, fighting race, gender, and class discrimination on campuses. From 1988-2000, she worked at the Center for Third World Organizing, a national network of organizations of color. As a staff member and later as Co-Director of the Center, she trained new organizers of color and crafted public policy campaigns around poverty, education, racial and gender equity, health care, and immigration issues. In 1996 she was recognized by Ms. Magazine as one of 21 feminists to watch in the 21st century, and was awarded the Ms. Foundation for Women’s Gloria Steinem Women of Vision award. Her book, Stir It Up: Lessons in Community Organizing, a guide for community organizations of all orientations, was released in Fall 2003 by Jossey-Bass. Born in Calcutta, India, Ms. Sen is a graduate of Brown University. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree at Columbia University’s School of Journalism. During her Revson year, Ms. Sen took courses in journalism and South Asian studies.
(The Revson Fellow’s biography that appears above was last updated in 2004. Revson Fellows may update their biographies on this site by sending email to: revson@columbia.edu)
The program helped not only by enhancing my skills as an advocate, but also by plugging me into a dynamic community for social change. Sitting on the Revson selection committee, I have had a unique perspective. I know the incredible quality of the people applying to be Revsons and what they are contributing to the city. A generation of activists has been refreshed and energized and sharpened by the Program.
