Global Brandeis

My name is Reya Aggarwal, and I’m a sophomore majoring in Economics and Business and minoring in Psychology. I grew up in India, and most of my favourite memories are cooking Indian food with my mother, watching Bollywood movies with my family, and spending quality time with my entire family on festivals. As a passionate advocate for nurturing inclusivity and collaboration, I aim to build a supportive community by connecting with peers from all backgrounds. I love learning about different cultures and languages, and I speak Hindi, Punjabi, and English. As an international student at Brandeis, I'm excited to experience the diverse cultures here and make new friends!

My name is Ali Arshad, a freshman and Wien International Scholar studying Economics and Business. I’m from Chakwal, a rural city on the Potohar plateau in Pakistan, known for being home to the world’s second-largest salt mine and the sacred Hindu temple, Katas Raj. Chakwal is also known as a 'Marshal area,' with a large portion of its population serving in the military. Back home, I volunteered as a teacher, working with the marginalized beggar community. As a peace activist, I contributed to Rotary's peace mission, fostering dialogue between India and Pakistan at the Kartarpur Corridor. I have a deep love for nature and adventure, having grown up near the Salt Range where I often hiked. I enjoy phone photography, write occasionally on Medium, and am fluent in Urdu, Hindi, Punjabi, and English.

Nino Baramia is a specialist on International Relations with a 7 year experience of working in public service and diplomacy; She speaks 4 languages and is from Georgia, Tbilisi. Nino is a first year student at the COEX program who is also a board chair member of the Brandeis Outdoor Club; Furthermore, Nino has been working in the field of peacebuilding for years and represented Georgia in various states including Germany, (George C. Marshall European Center of Security Studies (Institution of U.S State Department of Defense) Switzerland (Geneva Center for Security Policy) and Estonia (Estonian School of Diplomacy) as an official government representative emphasizing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in occupied regions of Georgia. Nino aspires to continue her career in peacebuilding and dedicate her life to helping people in conflict affected areas.

My name is Elijah Benson and I am a first year Master of Science Graduate student. A native of Ghana, I was born and lived in Accra all my life before schooling in the America. I speak Akan and English fluently. I love to listen to music and sing as well. I am super excited to be a Global Fellow this year and get to know and share different cultures.

My name is Kyra and I'm a junior majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry & Studio Arts. I was born in London but have lived all my life in India. I speak Hindi and English fluently. I took French for 6 years but I would say I have partial fluency in it. I'm a trained Kathak dancer, and love music, drawing, and traveling. I am excited to be a Global Fellow this year and get to know and share different cultures.

I am an junior here at Brandeis majoring in psychology and math. Outside of academics, I have a deep interest in food and music, and I’m currently learning Cantonese and Japanese. I'm really passionate about cultural exchange and love bringing people from different backgrounds together.

Kamila Haieva is a Master of Business Administration student at Brandeis International Business School, concentrating on Innovation, Strategy, Data Analytics, and Social Impact, with an expected graduation date of May 2025. She also graduated from the National Transport University with a Bachelor's degree in Tourism and a Master's in Project Management. She is originally from Kyiv, Ukraine, but she loves traveling and has visited 28 countries. Kamila has 7 years of experience in project management, 11 years in volunteering, and did fundraising for children with deficiency cerebral palsy. Before coming to Brandeis she worked at the International Organization for Migration, the United Nations agency, and helped people affected by war. Also, she worked on strategy and transformation for Ukrposhta National Postal Operator, for 4 years. Her hobbies include running, reading, exploring, trying new things and food.

My name is Bhanu Prakash Immanni and I am a Graduate student majoring in Business Analytics in Brandeis International Business School. I spent initial years of my life in a small village called duddukuru with my grandparents. I was brought up in Hyderabad went to a diverse school with people from different backgrounds. I wanted to explore different perspectives and places so I went far away from my home to complete my undergrad in Chandigarh. I experienced best times of my life when I came out of my comfort zone. It inspired me to come to US and grow at a personal. I’m super excited to interact with the diverse cultures here at Brandeis and make some incredible memories!

My name is Akanchhya Khanal and I’m a master's student currently studying MS in Biotechnology. I am born in Nepal and was raised in many different countries like Thailand, New Zealand and back to Nepal. I have experienced many different cultural environments and met people from different nationalities that have formed how I look at the world. As Chuck Palahniuk said “Nothing of me is original. I am the combined effort of everyone I've ever known.” So I am very excited to meet new people and form new memories with everyone as a Global Fellow.

My name is Lily, and I am a freshman majoring in psychology and education. I am from Shanghai, China, and I grew up there since I was born until I started my college journey in America as an international student. I love to play chess and billiards. I am super excited to be a Global Fellow this year, and I look forward to promoting cultural appreciation and understanding.

Hi! My name is Emily and I’m a rising sophomore studying Environmental Studies. I was born in Miami, Florida, and I moved to Italy when I was 11. As the co-president and founder of the Italian Club, I love sharing my culture with people! I love exploring Boston, particularly Chinatown and the North End. I also enjoy listening to music and meeting new people!

I received a B.A degree in law and fluently speak Arabic, Pashto, English, Persian and Urdu. I've written, translated, and edited several publications, such as "Tolerance: The Need of the Current Age," "Peace Education," and strategic study magazines that have helped to raise awareness of important topics and foster discourse. After carefully reviewing several relevant degrees courses in conflict resolution and coexistence, I quickly discovered that the Heller School at Brandeis University is the best placed to help me fulfill my educational goals. I firmly believe that the educational experience I will gain at the Heller School will enable me to address many of these challenges. I enjoy reading books, magazines, play volleyball, traveling, visiting historical and ancient places, and exercise.

Hi everyone, my name is Akosua Opare and I am a sophomore with an intended major in IGS and Economics and a minor in Legal Studies. I am Ghanaian and grew up in Ghana my whole life. My favorite things about my country is definitely our food and dances. My favorite artists at the moment is Asake and I look forward to learning from and sharing the diverse cultures of Africa, especially Ghana, with others!

Eric Wononuo Osman is a Master’s student in Sustainable International Development at Brandeis University. With extensive experience in public administration and social development, he excels in organizational management, multitasking, and communication. He is dedicated to fostering positive change and contributing to efficient, well-coordinated systems.

My name is Param Shah. I am currently a first year MS in Finance student at the International Business School, expecting to graduate in December 2025. I have also completed the first year of my MBA at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur and I am here as part of a dual-degree collaboration. I am excited to be a Global Fellow this year and I look forward to learning about different cultures.

Hi I'm Katie, a junior majoring in Psychology and Creative Writing. I was born in Shanghai, China. I love reading, writing stories, trying different food and getting to know people from various culture backgrounds. Cannot wait for I am Global Week!

My name is Lulu and I'm a sophomore majoring in Environmental Studies. I was born in Hong Kong but have spent most of my time living in Guangzhou, China. I speak Mandarin, Cantonese and English fluently, and I'm currently taking French at Brandeis. I am super excited to be a Global Fellow this year and to get to interact with the diverse community at Brandeis!

I am Emma Marie Uwimana, a graduate student at Brandeis University, pursuing a Master of Science in Global Health Policy and Management. I was born and raised in Rwanda, a country of thousands of hills and I enjoy spending time with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. As a young leader trained through the Young African Leaders Initiative, I am excited to be a global fellow and explore our varied community at Brandeis University.