Global Engagement Fellows

Alaa Abhari

Al-Quds Bard College (AQB)
Ala’a Abhari is a junior majoring in Human Rights and International Law, with a minor in Urban Studies at Al-Quds Bard College in Palestine. He has a profound interest in the environment and its different aspects in Palestine and is passionate about civic work and volunteering. This interest stems from his curiosity about helping his community in unique ways. He founded the Green Society initiative, which offers workshops, training sessions, and field visits for students to learn about greening Palestine. He is invested in spreading awareness about slow environmental violence, lack of awareness, and potential ecocides. He is the leader at the Human Rights newsletter, as he believes in the impact of sharing students’ voices creatively. He wants every individual in his community to be oriented to actively making the change,and building knowledge toward greener spaces.

Christina Anastas 

Lead Global Engagement Fellow
Al-Quds Bard College (AQB)
Christina is a genetics student from Bethlehem, Palestine studying at Al-Quds Bard College in East Jerusalem. She is also a trombonist with a diploma from the Edward Said National Conservatory of Music. Christina is a member of the Palestine National Orchestra and the Palestine Youth Orchestra, which have performed in many renowned places around the world, including the Dubai Opera and the Royal Concertgebouw. Passionate about implementing change in the world, Christina founded “Melodies For Palestine”, an initiative dedicated to empowering Palestinian children to overcome the trauma and violence they endure by using music to resist, express their pain, and build resilience.

Dareen Alhajaref

Lead Global Engagement Fellow
Al-Quds Bard College (AQB)

Sabawoon Durrani 

American University of Afghanistan (AUAF)
Sabawoon Durrani, from Jalalabad, is a 22-year-old Political Science student at the American University of Afghanistan (AUAF). In 2018, he founded Fekri Raghoon (Intellectual Development), a youth organization dedicated to modernization, women's rights, intellectual growth, and public awareness. The organization engages through seminars and online initiatives, making a positive impact in the community. His passion for education and public speaking led him to establish Dream Academy in 2021, where public speaking and English are taught. In 2022, he authored a comprehensive book on public speaking in Pashto. He has actively participated in national events, including the 2019 peace conference organized by the President’s Office of The Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. As a Doha Debates Ambassador for 2024, Sabawoon is committed to fostering dialogue and debate. His research article, "Reimagining Afghanistan: From Despair to Hope," which explores the intersection of education and politics in Afghanistan, was published in the Global Commons. Through his work, he aims to contribute significantly to Afghanistan's progress in education and modernization.

Haneen Jarrad

American University of Beirut (AUB)
Haneen Jarrad, from Palestine, is a sophomore at the American University of Beirut, majoring in English language and English literature. Haneen has always been engaged in her community and passionate about finding opportunities to contribute to her hometown of Tulkarem. She served as the vice president of the Al Nakheel Group for four years in Palestine, supporting youth in civic engagement. She participated in the Global Reading Challenge for two years in high school and graduated from the Access Program. Haneen was also an intern with the SSSE NGO, teaching English to Syrian refugees. Haneen's project, SHIELD, is a virtual storytelling platform for wounded healers and people who have experienced trauma after war. She is currently working on expanding SHIELD and spreading awareness about the importance of storytelling in Tulkarem and hopes to globalize SHIELD. As a Global Engagement Fellow, she aims to learn from others' experiences and inspire people worldwide, starting with her own community.

Hussein Al-Ameri

Lead Global Engagement Fellow
American University of Beirut (AUB)

Roya Maliky

Lead Global Engagement Fellow
American University of Beirut (AUB)
Roya Maliky, from Afghanistan, is enrolled in the Education for Leadership in Crisis (ELC) scholarship program and is a graduate of the American University of Beirut (AUB) with a bachelor's degree in public administration and a minor in political studies. Roya has built a robust career in civic engagement and education. As a Global Engagement Fellow with OSUN, she has been instrumental in assisting Afghan women’s education through the English Seminar Language (ESL) & Mindfulness Mentorship Program.  She volunteered as an educational mentor at a Syrian refugee camp in Lebanon, providing critical support and guidance to displaced students and served as an Experienced Program Manager (EPM) at AIESEC Lebanon. At the Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship at the American University of Beirut, Roya's internship focused on enhancing civil society initiatives. As secretary of the AUB Afghan Club she spearheaded projects that supported the Afghan community. She also initiated the ETESAL DANESH project, which provides online education for Afghan women. 

Viktoria Nikolova

American University in Bulgaria (AUBG)
Viktoria Nikolova (she/her) is a senior at the American University in Bulgaria, majoring in Political Science and International Relations & Journalism and Mass Communication, and minoring in European Studies & Film and Theater Studies. An activist and a board member of the Bulgarian Family Planning Association, she passionately defends human rights, especially sexual and reproductive health rights. She has advocated before the European Parliament and the Albanian Parliament. Viktoria is the Co-Creator of the platform One Click Away, which provides free mental healthcare consultations and consultations regarding sexual and reproductive health. She is a part of the Lobbying and Advocacy Taskforce within YSAFE, the youth network of the International Planned Parenthood Federation. She is a Junior Media Analyst at Commetric.

Abdullah Nazari

American University of Central Asia (AUCA)
Abdullah Nazari is a senior majoring in Software Engineering at the American University of Central Asia (AUCA). He is recognized for his commitment to civic engagement and leadership, demonstrated through his involvement in various impactful initiatives. As the founder and Community Lead of Jasha.life since January 2022, Abdullah has headed a team of 10 volunteers across two universities. He developed a platform featuring 20 active blogs, consistent daily user engagement, and four annual campaigns. Jasha.life has become a vital platform for youth activism, promoting sustainable practices and raising climate awareness. In addition to his environmental efforts, Abdullah co-founded and serves as the Operations Lead at KaajEducation since September 2022. This organization has empowered over 100 young girls through education, with a team of 15 volunteers. He has tutored more than 50 students, many of whom were admitted to regional and international universities, reflecting his dedication to educational equity and social change.

Navruzmo Khayolbekova

Lead Global Engagement Fellow
American University of Central Asia (AUCA)
Navruzmo Khayolbekova  is a graduate student at the American University of Central Asia (AUCA) in Bishkek. Navruzmo is deeply interested in promoting civic engagement and empowering students to become active, responsible citizens. She has dedicated herself to enhancing the student experience at AUCA; serving as Chair of the Student Senate highlights her commitment to addressing critical issues, such as securing feminine hygiene items for female students, organizing shuttle services for commuters, and improving campus facilities. Navruzmo also mentors and guides students, helping them navigate their academic and personal development. She founded the Girls Empowerment Bootcamp, where she leads workshops focused on strategic thinking and practical skills, empowering participants to create successful projects. She is excited to continue her impactful work as a Global Engagement Fellow in the 2024-2025 program.

Nurbolot Piridinov

American University of Central Asia (AUCA)
Nurbolot Piridinov is a third-year student majoring in Software Engineering at the American University of Central Asia in Kyrgyzstan. He identifies himself as a dedicated leader committed to serving his community through various digital, civic, and educational initiatives. Nurbolot started the United Network (UNET) project with his team, aiming to implement initiatives in digital, civic, and educational spheres. His dedication and leadership in this project earned UNET the title of "Best SIDP Project" of the 2022-2023 academic year, awarded by the Student Initiative Development Program (SIDP) office. During his freshman year, Nurbolot was one of the 25 finalists in his country for the Leadership Program, ProKG, where he worked in small groups for 10 months, honing his leadership and teamwork skills. Additionally, he represented his university at the OSUN Summit on Mobility & Immobility in Kenya. Motivated by his experiences growing up in the border zone between Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, Nurbolot is passionate about improving the education system in his community. He and his team are working on projects aimed at enhancing educational opportunities for youth and school teachers, with the goal of showcasing the potential for youth empowerment through education. As a Global Engagement Fellow, Nurbolot aims to collaborate with other fellows, embrace new responsibilities, and further develop his leadership skills to build a civically engaged community.

Freda Agyeman

Lead Global Engagement Fellow
Ashesi University
Freda Agyeman is a final-year Business Administration student at Ashesi University in Ghana. She is passionate about civic engagement and empowering students to become active citizens. With a strong background in research, project management, and community engagement, Freda has contributed significantly to various initiatives, including the Census Project organized by the Ghana Statistical Service and the Community Impact Survey at Ashesi University. As the founder of Photo4her, she has trained young vulnerable girls in photography, fostering their creativity and self-expression. Freda is also the MasterCard Foundation Outreach Committee Chairperson at Ashesi University and has served as a Global Engagement Fellow for two years, where she has demonstrated her dedication to social responsibility and active citizenship. As the Lead Global Engagement Fellow at Ashesi, Freda aspires to support students in accessing international opportunities and advancing their projects, furthering their development and impact. She looks forward to continuing her impactful work as a returning Global Engagement Fellow for the 2024-2025 program.

Leeroy Magora

Ashesi University
Leeroy is a junior studying Mechanical Engineering at Ashesi University. He is dedicated to ensuring access to modern forms of energy in remote communities by leveraging renewable energies, which he believes can address deficits with minimal environmental impact. Leeroy founded a conglomerate startup comprising three initiatives: Bio-Answer Initiative (biogas), KubikaNice (bioethanol), and H2ENERGIES (hydrogen). He recognizes that grassroots challenges are complex and require context-specific solutions, community engagement, and innovative approaches.
Through KubikaNice, he has fabricated and distributed ten bioethanol cookstoves in the Tsanzaguru Community as of September 2023. This initiative has directly benefited 50 people, and awareness and demonstration campaigns have reached an additional 100 people. Leeroy aims to drive sustainable energy access by raising awareness, educating, and inspiring action within indigenous communities, with the goal of establishing a leading energy conglomerate in Zimbabwe by 2030.

Splendour Kalu

Lead Global Engagement Fellow
Ashesi University
Splendour Kalu is a junior at Ashesi University in Ghana and the founder & CEO of Communities Will Connect, an initiative that empowers girls and boys in rural communities with tech skills. Splendour won the African Design Challenge Award at the Ellen MacArthur Foundation in 2021 and was among the first elected Ashoka Young Changemakers in Nigeria. He has served as an ambassador to the World Literacy Foundation, where he helped promote literacy and impacted the lives of many children and young people in his community. Splendour served as a peer mentor of the #CovidUnder19, an initiative by the Terre des Hommes Foundation that meaningfully involves children in responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. His  story and his impacts have been featured by various local and international media outlets. Splendour is helping to create a world where problems will not outrun solutions, and he has impacted the lives of over 1000+ people within and across his community.

Emilia Cooper

Lead Global Engagement Fellow
Bard College
Emi Cooper finished her last year of an undergraduate degree in economics at Bard College in 2024, and is starting her first year of the Master of Science in Economic Theory and Policy at the Levy Economics Institute. Emi’s research interests are in the labor market and public policy, with a focus on the communities impacted by incarceration. She intends to write her master’s thesis about the criminalization of poverty, and propose a policy solution to this issue through publicly guaranteed employment. As a Black person and the daughter of a formerly incarcerated man, Emi is passionate about studying the prison industrial complex, the atrocities of mass incarceration and systemic racism, and the labor situation for formerly incarcerated individuals. Emi has also been an OSUN Global Fellow since 2022, serving as a leader of civic engagement on Bard campus and within the international network. During her gap year, Emi volunteered as a primary school teacher at a rural primary school on the Coast of Kenya. Since then, Emi has been independently fundraising to support the village, where poverty rates are high and employment opportunities are next to none. Emi is currently a research assistant for a quantitative analytics tech lead at Freddie Mac, conducting a study of discriminatory lending and credit practices.

Vishal Parkash

Bard College Berlin (BCB)
Vishal Parkash is a dedicated advocate for civic engagement and social entrepreneurship. Originally from Karachi, Pakistan, Vishal is a rising sophomore at Bard College Berlin, where he founded Emprende Berlin, an initiative providing entrepreneurial skills and financial literacy to diverse communities. Back in Pakistan, he has successfully run different NGOs and initiatives, addressing various fields such as PwDs, minority rights, financial literacy, cultural promotion, and sustainability. His civic engagement efforts include organizing financial literacy, accessibility, and interfaith programs, conducting research on socioeconomic and educational challenges, and participating in and leading sustainability projects. He sees education and financial literacy as vital tools for empowerment, believing they are key to unlocking potential and fostering resilience in underserved populations. Vishal envisions a future where innovative financial & entrepreneurial solutions and strategic initiatives empower communities and bridge economic gaps globally.

Nafira Nayeem Ahmad

BRAC University
Nafira Nayeem Ahmad is a rising Sophomore at BRAC University, Bangladesh, from the department of English and Humanities, and the founder of Amplitude, a non-profit dedicated to eradicating discrimination and promoting social justice by abolishing social taboos and sharing privilege. Over the past several years, Nafira has been actively involved in initiatives with significant social impact. Started in 2019, Amplitude, through Nafira's leadership has hosted over 50 events and has benefitted over 10000 people, some of whom have now joined the team to share their privilege. From taking full responsibilities of two underprivileged schools, to ensuring financial and food safety of several hundreds of families, to hosting awareness seminars and webiners on mental health, focusing especially on men's mental health, menstrual hygiene, and sex education. Amplitude has been hosting 10+ events each year. Nafira has led and been an integral part of several protests dedicated to issues including the Road Safety protests in 2018 and the Quota Reform Movements in 2024. Her work was recognized by HRH Prince William and Prince Harry, and lauded by Malala Yousafzai. Her accolades include a nomination for the International Children’s Peace Prize, the Diana Award in 2022, and the Legacy Award in 2024.

Jazmin Velenczei

Central European University (CEU)
Jazmin Velenczei is a sophomore studying philosophy, politics, and economics at the Central European University (CEU) in Vienna, Austria. Jazmin is the founder and project manager of the “English Tutoring Project” which is a civic engagement initiative that helps Hungarian students from disadvantaged backgrounds rise to their full potential in society by learning a foreign language. Jazmin is passionate about being involved in local communities through active listening, civic engagement, and teamwork. Thus, she volunteered to facilitate the integration of homeless people in Vienna through workshops and community cooking events and helped a Viennese NGO that focuses on female empowerment increase its member base. As a Fellow, Jazmin is immensely motivated to share her experience which she hopes will encourage other students from all around the world to initiate or further improve their civic engagement projects.

Nguyên Dang

Lead Global Engagement Fellow
Fulbright University
Nguyên is a dedicated core member of YUU Organization, a youth-led non-profit, and serves as a Wellness Ambassador at Fulbright University Vietnam (FUV). Her work focuses on poverty reduction, sustainable development, and civic engagement by empowering youth through cultural preservation programs, job orientation, educational initiatives, and training camps. On campus, she organizes monthly well-being initiatives and weekly teatimes to promote the health and well-being of Fulbright students. As a Global Fellow, Nguyên is committed to supporting Fulbright students and those across the Open Society University Network (OSUN) in developing and sustaining their social projects.

Ata Ullah

Hubs for Connected Learning Initiatives
Ata Ullah, originally from Myanmar, now resides in the world’s largest refugee camp in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. On August 25, 2017, Ata fled his homeland amidst a humanitarian crisis, seeking refuge in Bangladesh escaping violence and persecution in Myanmar. Through the OSUN Hubs for Connected Learning Initiatives and the Refugee Higher Education Access Program, he has continually strived to expand his knowledge and skills.  Ata has collaborated with local and international NGOs, such as the Center for Social Integrity (CSI), and has worked with Plan International Bangladesh, focusing on Early Childhood Development (ECD) initiatives. His work emphasizes the importance of access to education in the refugee camps. As the founder of the "Project RRDAI" Rohingya Refugee Deficiency Advocacy Initiative, Ata aims to implement a Community Engagement Project addressing critical issues like education, healthcare, equity & equality, and social integration. His vision is to create sustainable solutions that uplift his community, demonstrating the transformative power of education and advocacy.

Myat Kywe Moe

Lead Global Engagement Fellow
Parami University
Myat is a rising junior at Parami University, majoring in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics. She has an extensive background in civic engagement and community service projects. As a rising star of Wedu and an alumna of the YSEALI Academic Fellowship Program, she has demonstrated enormous passion for youth development, women’s leadership, and gender inclusion. Myat co-founded "Lead with Her" with her friends from ASEAN to provide leadership development and capacity-building training for emerging women leaders in the region. As a Lead Global Engagement Fellow, she is dedicated to empowering fellow student leaders committed to solving community issues by providing them with the necessary tools, resources, and support through the OSUN network. She believes that when students are nurtured, encouraged and equipped to add meaningful and positive contributions to the communities around them, the world will become a better place.

Pone Nyet Aung

Parami University
Pone Nyet Aung is a rising junior at Parami University, majoring in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. As a Global Engagement Fellow, Pone brings a wealth of experience from various roles, including serving as the President of the EvolveMinds Mental Health Support Club, promoting mental health awareness and peer support among students. Pone has also participated in the 2024 Get Engaged: Student Action and Youth Leadership Conference in Berlin, Germany, and the 2024 CEU Summer Course for Civic Engagement: Student as Citizen in Budapest, Hungary. Additionally, Pone received the Parami University Civic Engagement Award and has volunteered for the Multiculturalism and Information Literacy Community Project for youths in her community. Pone is passionate about mental health advocacy and community building, she aims to empower fellow students in their community projects by providing necessary skills and fostering an environment of collaborative growth.

Robert Aharanya Claudio

Lead Global Engagement Fellow
Parami University, Hubs for Connected Learning Initiatives

Sofia Santamaria Garcia

Universidad de los Andes
Sofía Santamaría is a Political Science student at Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá, Colombia, with a minor in Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences. As an active member of the Raíces volunteer program, she has contributed to impactful projects like Mujer Artesana, focusing on women's empowerment, cultural recovery, and sustainability. Her involvement with Raíces also extends to diverse projects with Indigenous communities in Colombia, where she has gained direct interactions, deep insights into their needs, and the foundation to develop future action plans. Passionate about exploring diverse cultures and immersing herself in various perspectives, Sofía is dedicated to understanding and preserving the rich narratives of different communities. As a Global Fellow, she aspires to inspire cultural appreciation and pride among students within the OSUN network, ensuring that these invaluable stories and traditions are cherished and maintained for generations to come.

Itumeleng Mabotse 

Lead Global Engagement Fellow
University of Witwatersrand
Itumeleng Mabotse is an alumnus of the University of Pretoria, where he earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Studies, majoring in International Relations and minoring in Philosophy. He is currently pursuing an LLB degree at the University of the Witwatersrand. Itumeleng holds executive positions in several organizations, primarily non-profit, focusing on civic engagement activities, political activism, environmental advocacy, and community and national services. During his time at the University of Pretoria, he was an active member of the Pan-Africanist Student Movement of Azania (PASMA), which aimed to assist students facing financial exclusion due to historical student debt. He was also a member of UP-Enactus, a non-profit student organization that is part of an international community committed to transforming lives and shaping a sustainable, poverty-free environment. Currently, Itumeleng serves as the Chairperson of the Student Society for Civic Engagement at Wits (SSCEW) and he is also the Project Manager of the Uniform-Drive campaign, which donates uniforms to schools with learners unable to afford their own. Additionally, he serves as the Treasurer of Green Asbonge Community Environmental Projects, a non-profit organization advocating for environmental health and justice through organized seminars in South African Township areas.

Zarlasht Sarmast

GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT FELLOWS PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Bard College
Zarlasht Sarmast completed her undergraduate degree at the American University of Central Asia in the Department of International and Comparative Politics in 2020. While studying at AUCA, Zar worked for Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) in Bishkek as a communications specialist. Previously, Zar served as spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross in Afghanistan. She also worked with United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and was part of many different peace building projects. Zar finished her first Master’s degree at the Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe (OSCE Academy), department of International Relations and Security. She recently finished her second Master’s at AUCA in the Department of Applied Psychology. Zar played an important role in the evacuation of Afghan students from AUCA and AUAF from Kabul to Bishkek, which inspired her to author her first photo story book, A Journey from Kabul to Bishkek, followed by a second  titled Our Journey to Bard. She has spoken at the World Bank Spring Meetings on the importance of education for Afghan women. Currently Zar works as the Business Manager for the Bard NYC program and she is the Program Coordinator of the Global Engagement Fellows at Bard's Center for Civic Engagement.