MPA in Development Practice

Student Biographies

Class of 2019

MARIA DESPOINA ARGYROU University Attended: University of Athens Degree(s) Awarded: B.S. Economics Country of Origin: Greece Maria was born and raised in Santorini. She studied Economic Sciences at the University of Athens, where she graduated with honors and as the first of her class. Studying economics in a country during its financial meltdown helped her to understand their direct impact on society and everyday life. She has spent the last three years working as a research assistant at the University of Athens participating in a variety of research projects (Industry 4.0, Determinants of the profitability of Greek enterprise, European Startup Ecosystems, etc). She worked for 7 years in the tourism industry and has visited 38 countries.

SUNG EUN ANN (ANNIE) University Attended: Sejong University Degree(s) Awarded: B.S. Business Administration, B.S. Tourism Management Country of Origin: Korea, South Sung Eun has a goal to develop communities as sustainable destinations through the tourism industry. She worked as a marketing assistant at the destination marketing department of the Turkish Ministry of Culture and Tourism located in Seoul. Then she moved to Korea Foundation, one of the two branches of South Korea’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as a program officer, arranging various events with over 50 countries on cultural exchange, sustainable cities, etc. She is very dedicated to community service, volunteering to work with North Korean escapees and Korean adoptees and visiting countries such as Thailand and U.S. to help the poor.

DANIEL AHO University Attended: Southeastern University Degree(s) Awarded: B.A Church Ministries/Communications Country of Origin: USA Hailing from NYC for the past 12 years as a video producer within both private and public sectors, Daniel enters SIPA in the midst of a transition into the field of international development. Utilizing his undergraduate work in Church Ministries-Communications, through teaching English in Morocco and Philippines; documenting the effects of overfishing in South America; and rebuilding schools in earthquake ravaged areas of Nepal, Daniel developed his aspiration to specialize in the implementation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. SIPA was the desired and logical next step. He looks forward to learning and contributing to the practice of sustainable development.

FERNANDO ARMENDARIS PUENTE (FEZ) University Attended: Mercer University Degree(s) Awarded: B.A. in International Affairs, Political Science and Economics Country of Origin: Ecuador Fernando moved from Ecuador to the US for college on a tennis scholarship. Originally interested in public service in his country of origin, Fernando became passionate about development during a trip to South Africa working with disenfranchised youth. Upon graduating in 2011, Fernando joined the World Bank in Washington D.C. where he worked until starting graduate school. During his time at the Bank, Fernando was exposed to various issues related to cities. Since 2015, Fernando focused on urban resilience, working on Ethiopia and Ghana in addition to handling communications and corporate requirements as part of a program on resilient cities.

RYAN BALLARD University Attended: The University of California, Berkeley Degree(s) Awarded: B.A. Anthropology and Global Poverty & Practice Country of Origin: United States Ryan is Midwest American by his roots, Californian at heart, and global by nature--having lived on five continents and traveled to over thirty countries. Most recently he resided in Mexico City, working as an executive team member of a financial inclusion startup where he co-developed and launched Mexico's first mobile wallet targeted at the unbanked. Ryan has also managed programs at a leading nonprofit for first-generation at-risk youth in Oakland, California, evaluated the impact of public health projects of indigenous tribal communities in India with Tata, organized at the grassroots level in rural Ghana, led business and program development for the leading youth skills development NGO Magic Bus as an AIF Clinton Fellow for Service in India, and collaborated on a multi-billion dollar urban development project in an emerging market. He is passionate about sustainable urban development, speaks five languages and is a certified yoga instructor.

LAURA BARRERA VERA University Attended: Javeriana University Degree(s) Awarded: Bachelor in Social Communications Country of Origin: Colombia Laura Barrera Vera was born in Cali, Colombia and started her career in the media industry working for a production company in Bogota, Colombia. In 2004 she relocated to New York City, motivated by her adventurous spirit and intercultural curiosity. In 2006 she joined Upwardly Global, a non-profit focused on immigrants’ inclusion and workforce development, where she worked for seven years. Laura also worked for Standard Chartered Bank as Learning Program Coordinator for the Americas’ HR Team. Based on her passion for international development, she joined the Institute for Economics and Peace, where she works as Program Coordinator for the Americas. Laura holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Javeriana University, Colombia. She loves traveling and practicing Ashtanga Yoga.

JENNIFER BRADSHAW (JEN) University Attended: University of San Diego Degree(s) Awarded: B.A. International Relations, B.A. Spanish, Minor in Business Administration Country of Origin: United States Originally from Reno, Nevada, Jennifer holds dual degrees from The University of San Diego. Living close to the US-Mexico border, she volunteered at Southwest Key shelter for unaccompanied immigrant children and chose to study Latin American politics in Argentina, where she worked at a foster care home. Jennifer worked for an NGO called Zulufadder in rural Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa, where she educated low-income children and established an after school language and mentorship program. She also worked as a researcher focusing on early childhood education for the University of Western Cape. Jennifer moved to New York City, where she taught English at an international school. She also worked for an education technology company. Most recently, she has worked at the Aspen Institute as a research and communication assistant at the Center for Native American Youth.

KATHERINE BREHM (KATIE) University Attended: The University of Texas at Austin Degree(s) Awarded: BBA in Business Honors, Marketing Country of Origin: United States Katherine joins SIPA after an extensive career in Technology Consulting and Digital Marketing. Most recently, she ran the Digital Marketing organization for a specialty retailer. Prior to that role, she consulted with CPG, luxury & fashion brands on eCommerce strategy & digital platforms. She began her career at Deloitte Consulting. Her true passion lies in the intersection of economics, food systems, and public policy. She is thrilled to join SIPA in pursuit of that passion.

GRAYSON CALDWELL University Attended: University of Georgia Degree(s) Awarded: Bachelor of Arts, International Affairs Country of Origin: United States Grayson graduated from the University of Georgia with her Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs. After graduation, Grayson worked for Ashoka in Seattle helping youth start small businesses with social impact. Grayson then served in the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic, where she trained women and youth to be health promoters and established a provincial savings bank with the promoters to support women launching small businesses. Most recently, Grayson has worked at Hot Bread Kitchen in East Harlem developing a women-owned worker cooperative and managing a program that trains low income and immigrant women how to bake bread.

QIAN CHEN (AMY) University Attended: Hebei University of Science and Technology Degree(s) Awarded: B.S. Bioengineering Country of Origin: China In 2015, Qian earned a Bachelor’s degree in Bioengineering from Hebei University of Science and Technology in China. Upon her graduation, the Norman Macrae Foundation selected Qian to serve as a youth fellow. In this capacity, Qian participated in and organized forums, conferences, meetings, and field investigations across 6 countries and 16 cities to support the development of social enterprises, and promote collaboration among the public, private and social sectors. Throughout this time, Qian also served as an E-marketing and TV production assistant for the Emerald Planet International Foundation, a liaison for the Hunan Kaidi educational company, a workshop facilitator through Open Space Technology, and a volunteer for the Monessen Senior Center in rural Pennsylvania. She hopes to become a practitioner in the field of education and economic development through the MPA-DP program.

LOUISE CONTINO University Attended: University of Vermont Degree(s) Awarded: B.A. Geography and Studio Art Country of Origin: U.S.A. A Maine native, Louise moved around the Eastern Seaboard throughout her childhood and currently lives in Harlem. Over the past decade, Louise has designed therapeutic programs for people with disabilities; founded an arts journal; trekked across Peru; and worked as a social worker, urban farmer, project director, fundraiser and wilderness guide—among other exploits. In 2014, Louise moved to Uganda to produce a participatory photography project, Picturing Wanteete, she designed for two NGOs, Spark MicroGrants and BESO. This July, Louise completed an 800-mile bicycling expedition around Malawi for Partners In Health. Now she’s ready for her next adventure: SIPA!

THOMAS DEMAIO (TOM) University Attended: Franklin & Marshall College Degree(s) Awarded: B.A. History and Government Country of Origin: United States Thomas earned his B.A. in History and Government from Franklin & Marshall College. As an undergraduate, he discovered his passion for development through sport when he traveled to Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa. After graduation, Thomas moved to Nigeria to explore this interest via MTN Football Scholar. Based in Lagos, he helped soccer players from poor financial backgrounds earn scholarships to study in America. Since 2014, Thomas has worked for South Bronx United, a non-profit organization using soccer as a tool to positively impact immigrant youth living in Harlem and the Bronx. During his studies at SIPA, Thomas is excited to deepen his skills and expand his areas of expertise, particularly in relation to urban development.

CORI FAIN University Attended: The University of Alabama Degree(s) Awarded: B.A. International Studies; B.A. Spanish Language Country of Origin: United States Cori holds degrees in International Studies and Spanish Language from the University of Alabama. After graduation, Cori served as a Fulbright English Teaching Assistant in Sabah, Malaysia where she focused on equitable educational opportunities alongside the indigenous Dusun people. During that time Cori organized an international fundraiser in order to build the Kids of Kundasang literacy center as well as host language education camps for secondary students. Following her work in Malaysia, Cori lived in Navajo Nation where she taught 5th grade and spearheaded the implementation of a rigorous, human rights-based curriculum with the guidance and support of community members.

BIANCA FLAMENGO University Attended: NOVA School of Business and Economics; FCUL School of Science of the Lisbon University Degree(s) Awarded: B.S. Molecular Biology and Genetics; Master in Management Country of Origin: Guinea-Bissau Bianca grew up in Guinea-Bissau in a multicultural home. Her family comes from Portugal, Guinea-Bissau and Cape-Verde. Bianca holds a B.S. in Molecular Biology and Genetics and a Master’s degree in Management. Bianca has been working in Guinea-Bissau as a consultant for development projects and programs. For four and a half years she has worked for different steps of the development process, from designing project strategies to project implementation and monitoring and evaluation. She has worked for national and international NGOs, for United Nations agencies in Guinea-Bissau and more recently as the local partner for a European Union technical assistance.

SHAGORIKA GHOSH University Attended: Tata Institute of Social Sciences; St. Xavier's College, Mumbai Degree(s) Awarded: M.A. Development Studies, B.A. (Hons) Economics Country of Origin: India Shagorika is from Mumbai, where extreme wealth co-exists with extreme poverty, driving her to be interested in inequality of access and inclusion. Shagorika comes to SIPA after spending over two years working at a development consultancy firm, Samhita Social Ventures, where she designed and oversaw implementation of CSR projects. She also liaised with multiple stakeholders to negotiate consensus and drive impact. Shagorika believes that inclusion of diverse narratives is critical to sustainable impact, which is best achieved through collaboration of supportive stakeholders contributing their insights and strengths. At SIPA, Shagorika is excited to further her journey to create inclusive impact.

NATASHA GOEL University Attended: Hindu College, University of Delhi Degree(s) Awarded: Bachelor of Arts (B. A.) Honors Economics Country of Origin: India Born and brought up in Delhi, India, Natasha completed her Bachelors in Economics in 2013. Post that she worked at Google India for two years, as a digital advertising consultant. Her additional work with the CSR team motivated her to enter the social sector full time. She taught middle school students from an underprivileged community for two years as a Teach For India Fellow. She worked closely with various stakeholders like parents, teachers, the principal and community members to bring about long-term changes in the class and school. She is also passionate about traveling and exploring new cultures.

POORVI GOEL University Attended: London School of Economics; St. Stephen's College, University of Delhi Degree(s) Awarded: MSc Economics; BA (Honours) Economics Country of Origin: India Prior to joining SIPA, Poorvi spent two years working as a trade economist at the Commonwealth Secretariat, London. In her role, she worked with policymakers from Caribbean, Asian and Pacific regions, providing technical assistance to their development programs focused on trade. She has published research papers on topics spanning global value chains, trade slowdown, Sustainable Development Goals and Brexit. Poorvi has previously worked with the United Nations Development Program and Planning Commission of India in policy research and practice roles. She is from Lucknow, India.

CAROLINA GOMES University Attended: Brown University Degree(s) Awarded: B.A. in Economics and International Relations Country of Origin: Brazil Carolina is originally from Belo Horizonte, Brazil. She attended the United World College in India when she was 17, and later went on to Brown University where she earned a B.A. in Economics and International Relations in 2014. After graduation, she joined the Latin American team at J.P. Morgan in New York, assisting Brazilian clients in finding investment opportunities globally. In 2015, she joined the J.P. Morgan team in São Paulo, Brazil. Carolina has been involved in voluntary work in Brazil and India, and while working in financial markets, she has developed a passion for impact investing. At SIPA, she hopes to specialize in this field and use her finance background to help change the investment framework in Brazil.

ZACHARY HANSON (ZACH) University Attended: University of Minnesota - Twin Cities Degree(s) Awarded: B.A. Economics and Political Science Country of Origin: USA Zach is a Texan turned Minnesotan turned East Coaster turned World Traveler who has visited more country capitals than U.S. state capitals. He has spent the last few years working for the U.S. Department of State – including one year in Baghdad from 2015 to 2016 – where he focused on economic issues. This will be Zach’s first time living in New York, and he is excited about the MPA-DP program at SIPA and intends to focus on energy and finance. He loves tennis, is addicted to coffee, hates puns, and is trying (desperately and unsuccessfully) to learn how to cook.

NIGORA ISAMIDDINOVA University Attended: Drexel University Degree(s) Awarded: B.S. Chemical & Biological Engineering Country of Origin: Uzbekistan Growing up in post-Soviet Uzbekistan, Nigora has witnessed the challenges that a country faces in the transition period between different economic and social systems. This experience has spurred her desire to work in the development field. After obtaining her Chemical Engineering degree, she worked in the pharmaceutical engineering industry in the US and France for various investment projects. The last project she participated in was the building of a new production plant in China. Nigora would like to utilize her engineering background to help nations around the world develop industrial capacity in a sustainable fashion. In addition to her native Uzbek and Russian, she is fluent in English and French, and is learning Spanish.

LINDSAY HORNE University Attended: Binghamton University Degree(s) Awarded: B.A. Economics & Sociology Country of Origin: United States Born and raised in New York to Caribbean parents, Lindsay graduated from Binghamton University in 2013 with her BA in Economics and Sociology. A year later, she joined the Peace Corps where she served as an English Teacher in Costa Rica for 27 months. Lindsay worked on various English language projects including Costa Rica's first National English Festival. After completing her Peace Corps service, she did another service year with AmeriCorps NCCC as a Team Leader in the Southwest region. For ten months, Lindsay managed a team of ten individuals ranging from 18-24 years old. By July 2017, Lindsay and her team had worked on projects focusing on Youth Development, Food Security, and Community Development in four states. Lindsay also speaks fluent Spanish.

SARAH JOHNSON University Attended: University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne; Montpellier Business School Degree(s) Awarded: B.A. International Management / B.ScM Management Country of Origin: United Kingdom Sarah is a qualified Chartered Accountant and member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland with 10 years of professional experience working for Ernst & Young in the UK, United Arab Emirates and United States. Sarah’s passion for international development was sparked as a volunteer with Madventurer in Tanzania in 2002, and strengthened as a volunteer accountant with AfID in India for 3 months in 2011, through a 6 month secondment with EY’s not-for-profit Enterprise Growth Services program in West Africa in 2014 and a 3 month secondment with Acumen, a leading impact investor, in New York last year.

GRACE KIM University Attended: Syracuse University Degree(s) Awarded: B.A. International Relations Country of Origin: America While pursuing her degree at Syracuse University, Grace took a year off to do humanitarian work in the Philippines, where her interest in slum development was ignited. Upon returning to Syracuse, Grace was a two-time Foreign Language and Area Studies fellow and studied South Asian slum rehabilitation and Hindi both during the school year and summer in Jaipur, India. She later interned at JCAP, a slum development NGO in Jaipur. After graduating, Grace went back to work at JCAP, focusing on education for slum women and children as well as headlining comprehensive healthcare. Grace’s passions lie in innovative and personalized approaches to participatory slum development through grassroots organizations. She speaks Korean, English, and Hindi.

NAUSHER KHAN University Attended: York University Degree(s) Awarded: B.A Honours Political Science Country of Origin: Pakistan Nausher is a development worker and activist originally from Pakistan. He graduated from York University in 2012 with a degree in Political Science & International Development. His experience in the development sector started as a consultant in Pakistan with Akhuwat, the world’s largest interest-free microfinance provider, and continued with his role at the helm of a national transgender welfare program. Nausher spent a majority of 2016 working with the Chilean Ministry of Education as an English language teacher in a rural public school and travelling around South America, where in turn he also learned Spanish. A world music enthusiast and pursuer of experience, he perpetually aims to translate obsession into impact.

(YOONYOUNG) KRISTINE KIM University Attended: Cornell University Degree(s) Awarded: B.S. Industrial Labor Relations and International Relations Country of Origin: USA Kristine is from Los Angeles, California and holds a B.S. in Industrial Labor Relations and International Relations from Cornell University. Upon graduating, she worked as an international arbitration paralegal for four years before eschewing a career in law and transitioning to fashion. After working within design, R&D, sourcing, and now in sustainable sourcing strategy at Banana Republic/Gap, inc., Kristine has returned to her original academic passion of labor rights, specifically within the garment sector. She hopes to merge her professional and academic experiences to ameliorate labor rights protection for garment workers and to pursue a much overdue upgrade for the entire global value supply chain. Kristine speaks Spanish and Korean.

AMELIA KNUDSON University Attended: Harvard University Degree(s) Awarded: B.A in Social Studies Country of Origin: United States Amelia has worked on financial inclusion and community education projects in Latin America for the last two years, specifically in the Dominican Republic, Haiti, and Colombia. Her work focused on training and capacity building for local promoters of community self financed groups. Before becoming involved in development, Amelia worked with youth in her hometown of Saint Paul, where she developed college access and success programs with a local non-profit. With Teach for America, Amelia worked as a middle school social studies educator, and she has also led international social justice trips for high schools students for the last two summers.

JONATHAN KUMARESAN (JON) University Attended: University of Maryland, College Park Degree(s) Awarded: B.S. Finance; B.S. Accounting Country of Origin: Botswana; India by descent Jonathan Kumaresan holds a B.S. in Finance and B.S. in Accounting from the University of Maryland, College Park and is a development professional with working experience in rural community development, banking, and humanitarian aid. Prior to joining Columbia, Jonathan served Peace Corps Cameroon as an economic development volunteer, Farm Credit East (a cooperative bank) as an analyst, and the World Food Programme as a field monitor in Guinea. In addition to agriculture and food security, Jonathan also has experience developing construction projects and sensitization initiatives. In his free time he enjoys playing soccer, playing the violin and reading.

JUSTINE LAVOYE University Attended: Boston University Degree(s) Awarded: B.S. Health Science Country of Origin: United States Justine is a Massachusetts native and holds a Bachelors in Health Science from Boston University. As an undergraduate, she had various experiences working with international organizations on public health projects in Panama, Honduras, and the Dominican Republic. Upon completing her studies, Justine joined the Peace Corps and served as a community health volunteer in rural Nicaragua from 2015-2017. Her independent projects focused on HIV prevention, sexual reproductive health education, gender equity, maternal child health and women's empowerment. Most recently, Justine has been working closely with healthcare professionals at Boston Medical Center on patient safety and disease prevention. At SIPA, she is looking forward to advancing her passions in human rights and gender work.

YIFAN LI University Attended: Fudan University Degree(s) Awarded: B.S. Environmental Science Country of Origin: China Yifan dedicates herself to municipal solid waste reduction. Academically, she studied food waste sorting behavior change in Shanghai and introduced her findings on a key motivator, the Xinku concept, through her undergraduate thesis. Professionally, she helped develop recycling programs from scratch at 30+ universities and 350+ communities in 8 major Chinese cities as an outreach manager at social enterprise TerraCycle. The experience of volunteering at local schools in rural Tibet and Anhui, studying economics and sustainable development in Mexico, and raising funds for an Indian e-waste reduction startup, helped her understand waste and environment in a broader context.

ZHIDI LIANG (MISCHA) University Attended: University of Hong Kong Degree(s) Awarded: B.S. Computer Science Country of Origin: China Mischa studied Computer Science at the University of Hong Kong and Utrecht University in the Netherlands. During her undergraduate studies, Mischa worked at a local NGO, Beyond the Pivot, where she managed a student volunteer program in the Upper West Region of Ghana. After graduation, she moved to Singapore, then New York, while working as a business analyst in compliance data analytics at Credit Suisse. Mischa is an avid traveler, and is sometimes intrigued and perplexed as she contrasts the development paths of the countries she visits with seemingly comparable endowments. She hopes to find answers at SIPA and beyond.

SHAMIRA LUKOMWA University Attended: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Degree(s) Awarded: BA Global Studies and BA Communication Studies Country of Origin: United States Shamira is an Ugandan-American that calls Atlanta, GA (among other places) home. She graduated with dual degrees in Global Studies and Communication Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. While studying abroad in Kenya, she researched the prevalence of sugar-daddy relationships amongst female university students in Nairobi. Her post-graduate work experience includes managing, developing and leading programs for an international experiential education non-profit and heading the communication and marketing department of an ARTivism hub in Nairobi that fosters transformative social change through the arts. She is particularly interested in the intersection of race and socioeconomic class in humanitarianism, education and development practice in sub-Saharan Africa.

NITIN MAGIMA (MAJJU) University Attended: St. Stephen's College, Delhi University Degree(s) Awarded: B.Sc Mathematics Hons Country of Origin: India Nitin is deeply passionate about digital literacy and technology. He worked as a trainer for unHack, a school based initiative that sensitizes students, teachers and parents about digital literacy and cybersecurity. He also worked as a Business Analyst at CISO Cybersecurity where he acted as the bridge between the software team and development team. As a YLAC fellow, he co-wrote a policy brief for an Indian Member of Parliament (Mr. Anurag Singh Thakur), which involved critiquing the National Encryption Policy Draft 2015. After his undergraduate studies, he gained valuable experience working for Blue Lotus Advisory and S&P Global Market Intelligence.

CAROLINE MCHEFFEY University Attended: Suffolk University Degree(s) Awarded: B.A. History Country of Origin: United States Caroline graduated from Suffolk University with a B.A. in History, minors in English and religious studies, and a love for geography. After school Caroline interned with the Tanzanian Children’s Fund. She later joined the International Operations team at Partners In Health (PIH) at the height of the Ebola epidemic, where she coordinated logistics and purchasing for Ebola effected countries. Afterwards, Caroline transitioned to work on the PIH Haiti supply chain team, where she stayed for over two years. Caroline feels like the MPA-DP program was made for her, and is so excited to get started.

RACHITA MEHROTRA University Attended: Brandeis University Degree(s) Awarded: B.A. International & Global Studies, East Asian Studies Country of Origin: India Rachita graduated from Brandeis University with a double degree in International & Global Studies and East Asian Studies. Originally from India and having lived in Hong Kong for over 10 years, she has always had a keen interest in sustainable, inclusive economic growth and social integration. After graduating from Brandeis, Rachita worked at Amnesty International USA before returning to Asia to join the Global Institute For Tomorrow (GIFT), a Hong Kong based independent think tank and executive education provider working to address some of the key challenges of the 21st century. At GIFT, Rachita developed consulting reports addressing critical socio-economic development issues across the region, rethinking business models which were customized and catered to the country’s specific challenges. She has worked on projects in the health and hygiene, ICT, housing and agriculture sectors in countries across Asia including Indonesia, Iran, Cambodia, China, India, Vietnam, and Malaysia.

JIEUN E. PARK (JI / LIZ) University Attended: Hankuk University of Foreign Studies Degree(s) Awarded: B.A. International Studies / B.A English Literature (dual degree) Country of Origin: Thailand (birth place)/ Republic of Korea (nationality) With her background born in Thailand and grown up in Indonesia, Jieun has worked to finance and train social entrepreneurs in Asia and Africa. She has pursued this job as a founding member of a social enterprise, The Bridge International, headquartered in Republic of Korea. She also initiated and has managed a social venture, The Catalyst, which provides a social entrepreneurship platform for women in rural areas of Indonesia, with a sponsorship of Samsung Electronics. She has been involved in developing both social impact analysis frameworks and an automated system for water supply and payment.

SHREYA MURALI University Attended: National Law School India University; Christ University Degree(s) Awarded: Postgraduate Certificate in Human Rights Law; B.A. in Economics, Political Science and Sociology Country of Origin: India Shreya is a political consultant and an aspiring strategist with over three years of on-the-ground professional engagements along with a holistic understanding of various areas of public affairs. She has previously worked as the Country Manager of India and Indonesia for a project commissioned by BBC World Service and has engaged in women entrepreneurship development in the Indian states of Karnataka and Telangana. Over the years, Shreya has worked closely with the Indian political system and other key stakeholders to effect sustainable development in their constituencies, especially on health and sanitation parameters. She is a passionate advocate of several causes, which find its agency in her research, writing and work.

RAVINA PATTNI University Attended: University of California, Berkeley Degree(s) Awarded: B.A. Economics and Development Studies Country of Origin: Tanzania Ravina is joining SIPA right after completing her undergraduate studies at UC Berkeley. While at UC Berkeley, Ravina was a double major in Economics and Development Studies. She has close ties to her country Tanzania and her continent. She has previously worked as an intern at Barclays Banks, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Twaweza (Tanzania) and One Acre Fund (Tanzania). Ravina has strong interests that lie in governance and education in Sub-Saharan Africa. She hopes to work in the development field that combines her interests along with sustainable implementation and measurable impact.

CLAUDENE PETRICCA University Attended: Wilfrid Laurier University Degree(s) Awarded: Bachelor of Business Administration Country of Origin: Canada Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Claudene’s passion for development began when she embarked on a mission trip to the Dominican Republic. Claudene has been volunteering since the age of 15 to help Haitian refugees in the Dominican Republic year round, specifically to give students access to university, as she believes education is the way out of poverty. Claudene holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Wilfrid Laurier University and has had a few years of work experience with Canadian Tire in experiential marketing. In her spare time Claudene enjoys spending time outdoors as well as with family and friends.

JI QI (QIJI) University Attended: Mines ParisTech, Peking University Degree(s) Awarded: M.S. Industrial Economics, B.S. Theoretical Physics, B.A. Economics Country of Origin: China Ji Qi found his passion in international development during his internship with Agence Française de Développement when pursuing his master degree in France. He began his career with Veolia Energy as a business developer and power plant construction manager. During the last 5 years, he worked as an investment officer at the Asian Development Bank, and helped approve debt or equity investment for 9 environmental infrastructure projects with total financing exceeding $2 billion. Ji Qi is a CFA charter holder, and is fluent in Mandarin, English and French. He has traveled to more than 30 counties in 6 continents.

JIARU QIN University Attended: Nanjing University Degree(s) Awarded: B.A. Political Science and Public Administration Country of Origin: China Jiaru graduated from Nanjing University with a B.A. in political science. Having grown up in China, she has experienced great changes in this country as well as social problems during the decades, and therefore has started to focus on potential solutions of challenging issues in development. Her experiences in TNC with projects in rural China gave her ideas about how to minimize conflicts between economic development and environmental protection. Later on, she furthered her studies in water fund models and social enterprise. At SIPA, she wants to explore more the feasibility of social enterprise and its application in sustainable development.

TYLER QUILLICO University Attended: United States Military Academy at West Point; American Military University Degree(s) Awarded: B.S. Comparative Politics; M.A. Military History Country of Origin: United States Originally from Appleton, Wisconsin, Tyler comes to Columbia from the US Army where he served as an Infantry officer. He held numerous leadership and staff positions, culminating in leading a 165-person organization. Tyler also deployed multiple times with the Army. He worked in Afghanistan under NATO as an advisor to Afghan National Security Forces. He also worked in Jordan as a liaison to the US Embassy-Amman. Tyler transitioned to off active duty in February 2017, and is currently serving part-time with a Civil Affairs unit in the Army Reserve. Tyler is excited to enter the MPA-DP program and for the challenges ahead.

USMAN RANA University Attended: Lahore School of Economics Degree(s) Awarded: BSc. Double Major in Economics & Political Science Country of Origin: Pakistan Usman, born and raised in Lahore, Pakistan holds a double bachelor degree in Economics & Political Science from the Lahore School of Economics. He has worked as Research & Policy Associate for the Dubai Cares project, targeting enrollment of out-of-school children especially those belonging to vulnerable groups in Pakistan. Prior to that, Usman interned for the Procurement Efficiency project under JPAL, which aimed to incentivize procuring officers in the Education, Health and Agriculture departments of Punjab to make procurement procedures more efficient. At SIPA, Usman is looking forward to develop innovative and strategic management solutions to sustainable development challenges.

ERICK JESUS REGALADO MARTINEZ University Attended: Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico (UNAM) Degree(s) Awarded: B.A. International Relations Country of Origin: Mexico As a Mexican, Erick acknowledges the defying conditions inequality imposes on the majority of people in his country. For that reason he graduated from the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico with a B.A. in International Relations, for he strongly believes in how other countries’ successful experiences can be applied to Mexico. During his studies, Erick interned at Mexico City’s Human Rights Commission, were he decided to devote his professional career to improving the living conditions of the most vulnerable. After graduating, he worked managing Corporate Social Responsibility campaigns and for the last two years has worked in a Private Equity Fund dedicated to boosting and fostering underprivileged communities' capacities through investment in real estate.

ALESSANDRA RICHTER ELIAS University Attended: Universidad del Pacifico Degree(s) Awarded: B.A. Economics Country of Origin: Peru Alessandra was born and raised in Lima, Peru. She earned a bachelor degree in Economics with a minor in Public Economics. After graduation, she worked as an advisor for the Peruvian Agriculture Minister, and after 2 years she was designated advisor for the Peruvian Housing & Sanitation Minister. Her roles comprised, among others, work travels to Taiwan and Thailand to learn the best practices of rural development. For the past two years, she worked for the Inter-American Development Bank in Peru under the Housing and Urban Development Division, where she led the Emerging and Sustainable Cities Program implemented in two cities of the Peruvian Andean region: Huancayo and Cusco. She also has participated in urban development, local government fiscal and financial management, and fiscal decentralization projects.

JENNIFER RILAND University Attended: Chapman University Degree(s) Awarded: B.S. International Business with a minor in Sociology Country of Origin: USA A California native, Jennifer comes to SIPA from the Silicon Valley Education Foundation, a leading education nonprofit in the Bay Area working to close the achievement gap in education. In her role as Development Director, Jennifer worked closely with corporate partners to leverage investment for social change. With SVEF, she gained keen insight into the role advocacy and policy change play in creating sustainable change. Prior to SVEF, Jennifer worked with a teacher training organization in Cambodia, providing training and certification to educators in rural parts of Cambodia. Jennifer is passionate about increasing access to critical resources for vulnerable populations.

SIERRA ROBBINS University Attended: UC San Diego Degree(s) Awarded: BA International Studies: Political Science Country of Origin: USA Sierra’s most recent experience has been with a reproductive health nonprofit, focusing on the expansion of effective contraceptive methods globally. Through this role she manages an M&E platform in Malawi and a website promoting safe sex among Zambian youth. In early 2017 she was part of a team invited to the World Food Programme’s offices in Munich, Germany to take part in an Innovation Accelerator, where she was exposed to technological innovation in the humanitarian aid sector. While at SIPA, Sierra is looking forward to learn how to best implement impactful programs, while also expanding her knowledge of humanitarian aid.

JOHANNA SANCHEZ University Attended: Hamilton College Degree(s) Awarded: B.A. World Politics Country of Origin: Dominican Republic and United States Johanna is a proud Dominican-American who upon graduating began working on the Presidential Commission on the Millennium Development Goals for the Dominican Republic. In this role, she coordinated the monitoring of the MDGs in the country and served as representative for the UN Global Compact Network. In 2011 she departed for Paraguay in pursuit of her dream to serve as an Education and Youth Development Volunteer for the Peace Corps. She facilitated the coordination and implementation of a Service Learning curriculum that emphasized civic participation and leadership to Paraguayan high school students and faculty. Since returning from service, Johanna has worked as a Diversity Recruiter for the Peace Corps.

MAUD SCHMITT University Attended: Concordia University Degree(s) Awarded: B.Comm. International Business Country of Origin: France Born in France with roots in Eastern Europe, Maud obtained a B.Comm in International Business at Concordia University in Canada while also training in contemporary dance, her lifelong passion. During her undergraduate studies, she interned at Emmaüs Défi, a social innovation lab that develops inclusive business models for France’s homeless population. After graduation, Maud moved to Togo for nearly a year, joining Mivo Energie, an African access-to-energy social entrepreneurs association with a focus on vulnerable women. Maud hopes to parlay her SIPA, social business and international experiences into a career that is focused on resolving human and ecological crises.

CULLEN SEATON University Attended: University of Chicago Degree(s) Awarded: B.A. Mathematics Country of Origin: USA After graduating from the University of Chicago in 2013, Cullen worked as a Peace Corps volunteer teaching math and English in Guinea; however, his program was evacuated the following year due to the rapidly spreading Ebola epidemic. Subsequently, Cullen took a post as a Peace Corps Response Volunteer in Namibia before eventually accepting a position as a program specialist with the CDC Ebola Response in Guinea. As the epidemic wound down, he transferred to a position in the Center for Global Health at CDC headquarters in Atlanta.

CLARA TESSLER University Attended: McGill University Degree(s) Awarded: B.A World Religions; B.A Italian Studies Country of Origin: United States Clara Tessler graduated from McGill University with degrees in World Religions and Italian Studies. During her time at McGill University she interned with Afrique Au Féminin, a women’s center that works to facilitate the integration of immigrant women and their families to Quebec, Canada. Post-graduation she traveled to Cameroon where she worked with local communities to develop projects focused on waste recovery and management, and income generation. From 2015 to 2017, Clara was a Community Economic Development Peace Corps Volunteer in Burkina Faso where she partnered with women's groups to develop income generating activities based on the use of local resources, and effectuated various food security and nutrition-related projects.

CLAIRE THIBAULT University Attended: Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne Degree(s) Awarded: Bachelor in Economics / MA in Sociology and Economics Country of Origin: France After a Master degree in both economics and sociology in France, Claire taught social science and economics at the high school level for six years. Five of those years have been dedicated to teach underprivileged children in a suburb close to Paris, a very challenging experience that enhanced her will to work for the benefit of others. She also took part once in a volunteer program in a NGO based in Madagascar. There, she worked with locals on an environmental project to help fight against deforestation. Her two main passions are travels and rock climbing.

VLADIMIR TLALI (VLAD) University Attended: National Autonomous University of México Degree(s) Awarded: B. A in International Affairs Country of Origin: Mexico Vladimir Tlali is a young Mexican human rights defender. For the last seven years he has designed, implemented and evaluated development initiatives with several nonprofits working with indigenous communities, transgender women, victims of the war on drugs, children living in violent contexts, migrants and refugees, among other groups. Vladimir has developed a comprehensive experience that includes grassroots initiatives and high-level national and international advocacy processes in México and Europe like the 6th High Level Dialogue in Human Rights between the European Union and México. He completed an undergraduate exchange program in Sciences-Po Paris and he speaks Spanish, English and French.

JHALAK TRIVEDI University Attended: University of Richmond Degree(s) Awarded: B.A. International Studies, Political Science, and Arabic Studies Country of Origin: United States of America Jhalak Trivedi received her Bachelor degrees in International Studies, Political Science and Arabic Studies with a minor in Latin American and Iberian Studies from the University of Richmond. As an undergrad, she volunteered with Refugee Resettlement and Immigration Services as a ESL teacher, researched the cultural bias in history education in Jordan, Israel, and Palestine, volunteered in India, studied Arabic through the Critical Language Scholarship in Oman, and studied abroad in Morocco. Prior to SIPA, she was a Community Health Volunteer with Peace Corps in Mozambique, working primarily with HIV/AIDS program development and adolescent health.

JULIE TUMASZ University Attended: University of Virginia Degree(s) Awarded: BS in Architecture Country of Origin: USA After graduating from the University of Virginia with a Bachelors in Architecture, Julie Tumasz served in the Peace Corps in a small village in Macedonia from 2011-2013. She worked at the local school, wrote five successful and co-founded a NGO for Roma girls. After Macedonia, she moved to Mandalay, Myanmar where she taught 4th grade at an international school and started an English program at a local Buddhist orphanage. In 2015, Julie started teaching 5th grade in Marrakech, Morocco where she created a student-run film festival and volunteered in the Atlas Mountains. Most recently, Ms. Tumasz worked with a D.C. think tank, the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

JIMENA VALLEJOS University Attended: Washburn University Degree(s) Awarded: BSW – Bachelor of Social Work Country of Origin: Paraguay Jimena Vallejos is from Asunción, Paraguay and holds a Bachelor in Social Work from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas. Her professional experience has focused on programs of women entrepreneurship, poverty metrics and interventions for families to improve their quality of life. At Fundación Paraguaya, Jimena facilitated the creation of a new metric and methodology to address poverty at household level. She coordinated the program “Inclusive Microfinance Opportunities” to promote access to financial services for low-income people with disabilities. As an MPA-DP student, Jimena hopes to enhance her skills and develop strong connections for creating new solutions to current poverty challenges.

KELLY WARD University Attended: Northeastern University Degree(s) Awarded: B.A. International Affairs, Minors in Social Entrepreneurship and Psychology Country of Origin: United States Kelly hopes to leverage her family background in farming to design and manage agricultural technology programs. At Northeastern, Kelly interned for Muhammad Yunus at Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, helped design an urban farming and aquaponics pilot in South Africa, studied primate parasitology in the Peruvian Amazon, and studied in Indonesia and Jordan. Prior to SIPA, Kelly worked as a Planning and Development Officer at ICAP, Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health, working with doctors across 33 African and Asian countries to develop programmatic strategies to improve public health systems. In her free time, Kelly enjoys outdoor adventures and fiddling.

ANNE-LOUISE VERNES (ANNIE) University Attended: University of Exeter Degree(s) Awarded: B.A. Geography Country of Origin: United Kingdom Brought up a French citizen in London, Anne-Louise was raised with a multicultural outlook. Her upbringing inspired her to study Geography at Exeter University, and to challenge those normalities sewn into society’s structure that impact the way people interact with each other and the environment. Since graduating, Anne-Louise has sought to challenge reproduced actions that have negative social and environmental effects. To that end, she worked for the environmental think tank Forum for the Future, analyzing global markets for examples of systematic change, and for the charity Accounting for Sustainability, encouraging global CFOs to embed sustainability within finance processes.

CHING-TSUNG WEI (ALAN) University Attended: National Taiwan University of Science and Technology Degree(s) Awarded: MBA in Technology Management, B.B.A. Industrial Management Country of Origin: Taiwan Ching-Tsung is originally from Taiwan. Upon college graduation, he joined an early-stage venture capital firm and worked closely with entrepreneurs in AI application investments. After more than six years of industry experience, Ching-Tsung was then invited to join the Taiwanese government to provide policy advice regarding the development of cultural and creative industries. In 2016, he left the government with the outgoing administration and joined Tzu Chi, an international humanitarian NGO. Ching-Tsung is also the Founding Director of Centre for Humanitarian Affairs and Community Development (CHACODEV), a Kenyan NGO that helps vulnerable communities in Africa.

MINGYI XU University Attended: China Foreign Affairs University Degree(s) Awarded: B.A. English & International Studies Country of Origin: China After graduating from China Foreign Affairs University, Mingyi Xu worked in the Foreign Affairs Office of the People’s Government of Guangdong Province, China’s largest economic province, for 8 years, and was responsible for advancing Guangdong’s foreign exchanges and cooperation. During his diplomatic career, he received more than 50 high-level foreign delegations, visited 35 countries across 5 continents, organized over 20 international events, drafted important official documents and facilitated 2 cross-border cooperation projects. Born and raised in rural China, he was concerned about the emerging development challenges, such as poverty, increasing income gap, decreasing land productivity, deteriorating environment, etc. By joining SIPA, he is looking forward to learning development knowledge and skills to address these challenges and help create a better rural China.