My name is Perpetua Senatus. Originally from Haiti, I was forced to flee my home country for safety reasons in my twenties, leaving behind my cherished law studies to start over in the United States. Arriving with no financial support, guidance, or easy access to aid, I had to navigate an entirely new system. Driven by a determination to continue my education, I enrolled at Kingsborough Community College, earning an AAS in Computer Systems, before transferring to Columbia University to pursue my bachelor’s degree in Information Sciences. While pivoting away from law was difficult, it allowed me to reconnect with a lifelong passion for technology. I have always been fascinated by data organization, system architecture, and practical problem-solving. Today, this passion drives my career ambition to become a database developer. My resilience is deeply rooted in my faith in God, which gives me the strength to look forward rather than dwell on past trauma. Outside of my studies, I am dedicated to being the guide I never had. As a trilingual speaker of Haitian Creole, French, and English, I actively support fellow immigrants and students navigating language barriers, translating resources, and helping them find their footing. Receiving your support would significantly ease the financial burden of completing my degree. As an immigrant student, my immigration status makes me ineligible for federal aid. I have been unable to work due to current immigration policies, and my savings have been exhausted.

• IT Support Technician

  Technology · Seamless Shifts

  Jan 2025 – Jan 2025

• Wheelchair agent

  Airlines/Aviation · Pax Assist

  Jan 2022 – Jan 2023

• Direct Support Professional

  Hospital & Health Care · CARES

  Jan 2024 – Jan 2025

• Advocacy
• Volunteering
• Philanthropy
• Entrepreneurship

• Volleyball

  2014 – 2016

• Tennis

  2007 – 2008

• Collaborated on a 4-person team to analyze real-world datasets and build 10+ interactive Tableau dashboards. Presented findings through executive-style reports and designed dashboards for clear, non-technical stakeholder use.

  Columbia University · Data Science

  2026 – 2026

  Research topic:

  Exploratory Data Analysis - Bechdel Test

• Developed a Quarto report analyzing NYC homeless shelter trends using R. Cleaned and visualized 1,800+ records, identified demographic shifts, and built a reproducible data pipeline with missing value analysis and Git/GitHub.

  Columbia University · Computer and Information Sciences, General

  2026 – 2026

  Research topic:

  NYC Department of Homeless Services Shelter Census (2021-2026)

• Lead Researcher and Developer: conducted user surveys to identify students’ study preferences, designed the app’s user interface (UI/UX), and helped prototype matching algorithms to enhance collaboration and academic productivity.

  Columbia University — Group Project · Science, Technology and Society

  2025 – 2025

  Research topic:

  Study Buddy Matchmaking App

• Student Researcher : collaborated with a team to collect and analyze data on the effects of climate change, contributed to writing the final report, and presented findings to the class and faculty.

  Kingsborough CC- Grou[p Research Project · Environmental/Environmental Health Engineering

  2022 – 2022

  Research topic:

  The social and environmental impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities

• Student Participant: studied major musical works, attended live performances, and wrote essays analyzing composition, style, and historical context.

  Columbia University — Music Humanities Course · Music

  2025 – 2025

• Student Participant: attended museum exhibitions, operas, and concerts, and wrote analytical essays reflecting on artistic themes, techniques, and cultural significance.

  Columbia University — Humanities/Arts Coursework · Painting

  2025 – 2025

• Volunteer Technology Instructor: teach basic computer and phone skills, assist with account setup, and promote digital independence.

  Volunteering · Independent Community Volunteer

  2024 – Present

  Mission:

  To help adults improve their digital literacy by teaching them how to use smartphones, fill out online forms, upload documents, check emails, and download useful applications.

• Family Caregiver and Babysitter: ensured children’s safety, provided supervision, and supported family stability through reliable assistance.

  Volunteering · Personal / Family Support

  2021 – Present

  Mission:

  To assist working parents by providing childcare for young relatives during evening and night shifts.

• Volunteer and Logistics Supervisor: assisted in food distribution, coordinated logistics across multiple areas, and helped draft contracts with supermarkets and depots to ensure sufficient food supplies.

  Volunteering · Non-profit food distribution organization (Haiti)

  2020 – 2020

  Mission:

  To provide food assistance to families and communities most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in Haiti.

• Volunteer Application Assistant: guided individuals through the completion of forms, ensured accuracy of documentation, and provided follow-up support.

  Volunteering · Independent Volunteer Service

  2023 – 2024

  Mission:

  To help Haitian citizens complete I-134 applications free of charge, enabling them to benefit from U.S. humanitarian and parole programs.