Ala'a Abhari
Al-Quds Bard CollegeAla’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.
Roya Maliky
Lead Global Engagement FellowAmerican University in Bulgaria
Roya Maliky is a civic leader and social impact advocate pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy at Arizona State University. With a background in Public Administration from AUB, she works as a Refugee Case Manager at Cherokee Federal, supporting resettled families. Roya co-founded Etesal Danesh, offering virtual education to over 200 Afghan women, and leads Bridging the Gap, connecting displaced youth to opportunities. Her personal initiative, Bridges of Belonging, fosters healing and leadership among marginalized students.
Sabawoon Durrani
American University of AfghanistanSabawoon Durrani, a 23-year-old Political Science student at the American University of Afghanistan, is a youth leader and founder of two educational initiatives: Fekri Raghoon and Dream Academy, focused on modernization, women’s rights, and public speaking. He has trained over 1,000 students, authored two books, and is a published writer with a forthcoming article on political exclusion in Afghanistan. An alumnus of the Aspire Leaders Program and a Global Engagement Fellow, Sabawoon is committed to civic education, youth empowerment, and Afghanistan’s intellectual development.
Hussein Al-Ameri
Lead Global Engagement FellowAmerican University of Beirut
Hussein Al-Ameri is a graduate of AUB with a bachelor's degree in business administration with a dual concentration in marketing and business information decision systems. He currently interns with Executive Education at OSB and works as a research assistant with the Undergraduate Research Volunteer Program. Hussein is also a co-founder of Technology & Education for Change, where he continues to lead impactful projects that bridge technology and education in Yemen that suffers a lot in these areas. His work has included empowering youth through computer skills training, supporting youth-led initiatives, and fostering creative projects like Yemen Bright Comics, Yemen’s Iconic Podcast, Programmah, and finally Tamkeen.
Haneen Jarrad
American University of BeirutHaneen Jarrad is a 20-year-old English Literature student at the American University of Beirut, originally from Tulkarem, Palestine. Passionate about civic engagement, she led the Nakheel Community Service Club for two years, promoting youth empowerment in conflict zones. After relocating to Lebanon, she founded Shield, an art therapy initiative that has supported over 200 individuals affected by war and trauma in both Lebanon and Palestine. She is now working with SSSE NGO to expand Shield globally by incorporating mental health professionals. As a returning Global Fellow, Haneen hopes to continue learning, advocating, and building connections through shared experiences and compassion.
Nurbolot Piridinov
American University of Central AsiaNurbolot Piridinov is a third-year Software Engineering student at the American University of Central Asia. A committed leader, he co-founded the United Network (UNET) project, which won “Best SIDP Project” for 2022–2023. He was also a finalist in the ProKG Leadership Program and represented his university at the OSUN Summit in Kenya. Inspired by his upbringing near the Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan border, Nurbolot is passionate about improving education in his community. As a Global Engagement Fellow, he seeks to collaborate, grow as a leader, and promote civic engagement through education.
Nahida Qasimi
American University of Central AsiaNahida Qasimi, a student of International and Comparative Politics at AUCA, is a passionate civic leader from Afghanistan. As a Returning Global Engagement Fellow with the Get Engaged program, she mentors peers and supports student-led initiatives across the OSUN network. Nahida has led several youth-focused programs, including the MODEL C5+1, Youth Towards Leadership, and the Central Asian Youth Vision Debate Tournament, supported by the U.S. Embassy. She has also served in multiple leadership roles at AUCA, including Student Senator, Writing Center assistant, and peer advisor. Fluent in English, Persian, and Pashto, Nahida is committed to international diplomacy, gender equality, and education for marginalized communities.
Freda Agyeman
Ashesi UniversityFreda Agyeman, a first-class Business Administration graduate from Ashesi University in Ghana, is dedicated to civic engagement, youth development, and social impact. She has experience in research, project management, and community work, contributing to national and university initiatives. Freda founded Photo4Her, a project that empowers vulnerable girls through photography, and serves on the Mastercard Foundation Ghana Youth Advisory Board. As a returning Global Engagement Fellow, she aims to mentor OSUN students in civic leadership and global opportunities.
Splendour Kalu
Lead Global Engagement FellowAshesi University
Splendour Kalu is a senior at Ashesi University in Ghana and the founder of Communities Will Connect, an initiative that equips rural youth with tech skills. He is a recipient of the African Design Challenge Award (2021) and one of the first Ashoka Young Changemakers in Nigeria. Splendour has served as a World Literacy Foundation ambassador and as a peer mentor for the #CovidUnder19 initiative. His work has been featured in both local and international media, and he has positively impacted over 1,000 people through his community-driven efforts.
Vishal Parkash
Bard College BerlinVishal Parkash is a rising junior at Bard College Berlin from Karachi, Pakistan, and a dedicated advocate for inclusive innovation, entrepreneurship and civic empowerment. He leads Emprende Berlin, which equips underserved communities with entrepreneurial and financial literacy skills, Now, he is also working on the NextGen Incubator, a GHEA21-wide accelerator supporting student-led startups and nonprofits across climate tech, financial inclusion, and social impact. Vishal is also the founder (European) and Program Director of REM and Company, a global student-run strategy consultancy that works at the intersection of innovation, impact, and policy. He has previously run NGOs and grassroots programs in Pakistan focused on accessibility, minority rights, interfaith dialogue, and sustainability. Now building his own ventures, working professionally in development, investment, private equity, and social impact while mentoring others, Vishal is deeply interested in deep tech for good, labor market integration for refugees, impact investing and democratic innovation, and believes in using education, technology, and strategic capital to empower communities and bridge global opportunity gaps.
Nafira Nayeem Ahmad
BRAC UniversityNafira Nayeem Ahmad is an English and Humanities major at BRAC University, Bangladesh, with a strong focus on literature, social justice, and gender advocacy. She is the founder of Amplitude, a youth-led nonprofit working to dismantle discrimination and societal taboos through sustainable education and DEI initiatives. A Legacy Award and Diana Award recipient, Nafira has represented Bangladesh at global platforms such as the Get Engaged Conference in Berlin and is the youngest Bangladeshi to serve as a Diana Award judge. With extensive experience in civic engagement across borders, she remains committed to building inclusive, community-driven change.
Ata Ullah
Hubs for Connected Learning InitiativesAta Ullah is a Rohingya refugee youth advocate, writer, and community organizer from Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. He is the Founder and Executive Director of the NextGen Rohingya Network, a youth-led initiative focused on education, digital literacy, and leadership. As a 2024–25 RhEAP graduate and Global Engagement Fellow, Ata has led and participated in multiple international workshops and conferences, amplifying the voices and dreams of displaced youth. Ata has served as a Green Fellow at the Green Institute, a CAYA Advocacy Fellow promoting youth political participation in Asia, and a One Million Leaders in Asia (OMLAS) Fellow. He also works as a LIT Facilitator with Bard College and BRAC University, helping refugee youth build skills in critical thinking, project development, and ICT. His advocacy work includes collaborations with Theirworld, Plan International, and the International Rescue Committee (IRC), focusing on refugee rights, early childhood development, and education. Ata has been published in Global Commons and Global Fellows 2025 Annual Magazine, and trained in trauma-sensitive support, cybersecurity, and project management. Passionate about political science and justice, Ata uses his lived experience to empower refugee youth and work toward a more inclusive and equitable world.
Robert Aharanya Claudio
Lead Global Engagement FellowParami University
Robert Aharanya Claudio is a South Sudanese refugee living in Kakuma Refugee Camp. He is a sophomore at Parami University, where he intends to pursue a major in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, to create a holistic model for self-reliance in refugee camps in Kenya. He is an early career researcher, having published a blog on climate change with the mentorship of the Rift Valley Research Institute. He is also an alumnus of the Young African Leadership Initiative, Civic Leadership track, and the founder of the Community Upright Project. This initiative focuses on combating drug abuse among students in Kakuma Refugee Camp, where he resides. As a Lead Global Engagement Fellow, Robert aims to leverage his network and experiences to inspire students toward civic engagement.
Pone Nyet Aung
Parami UniversityPone Nyet Aung is a rising senior at Parami University, majoring in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics. As a Global Engagement Fellow, she brings extensive experience in leadership and community advocacy. Pone Nyet was a former President of the EvolveMinds Mental Health Support Club, where she worked to advance mental health awareness and foster peer support among students. Her commitment to civic engagement has led her to participate in international programs such as the 2024 Get Engaged: Student Action and Youth Leadership Conference in Berlin and the 2024 CEU Summer Course for Civic Engagement in Budapest. Pone Nyet is also a recipient of the Parami University Civic Engagement Award. In addition to her academic and leadership roles, Pone Nyet volunteers with community projects focused on multiculturalism, information literacy, and education, aiming to empower youth through education and collaboration. She aims to empower fellow students in their community projects by providing necessary skills and fostering an environment of collaborative growth.
Myat Kywe Moe
Lead Global Engagement FellowParami University
Myat Kywe Moe is a senior student of Politics, Philosophy and Economics from Parami University with a strong interest in civic engagement and community work. Her civic interests lie around in women empowerment, civic education, and youth engagement. She is a co-founder of Lead with Her, a regional initiative that equips young women across Southeast Asia with leadership training and mentorship opportunities. She believes in the power of community coming together to make a change, and that is what she loves most about the global engagement fellowship, where she can create meaningful projects together with other fellows. As a Lead Global Engagement Fellow, she is excited to support and collaborate with new student leaders who are passionate about addressing community challenges through civic initiatives.
Itumeleng Mabotse
Lead Global Engagement FellowUniversity of the 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 anticipated to complete his law degree from the University of the Witwatersrand within the coming months. Itumeleng held 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. In 2024, Itumeleng served as the Chairperson of the Student Society for Civic Engagement at Wits (SSCEW) and he is currently 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 CoordinatorBard College
Zarlasht Sarmast is an educator, program coordinator, and business manager with over a decade of international experience across academia, media, and humanitarian sectors. She currently serves as the Business Manager for Bard NYC and Program Coordinator for the Global Engagement Fellows at the Bard College Center for Civic Engagement. She holds a BA in International and Comparative Politics from the American University of Central Asia (AUCA) and two Master’s degrees, in International Relations & Security, and another in Applied Psychology. Her early career includes roles with GIZ Kyrgyzstan, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Afghanistan, and the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA). She played a central role in evacuating Afghan students from Kabul to Bishkek, an experience that led to her photo story books A Journey from Kabul to Bishkek and Our Journey to Bard. She has spoken internationally, including a TEDx talk and at the World Bank Spring Meetings, advocating for Afghan women's right to education.
