Student Ambassadors

OGA ambassadors at orientation panel

The Graduate Affairs Student Ambassadors Program is a peer education program providing the graduate student community with tips and strategies about making the most out of graduate school at Brandeis. Our ambassadors are knowledgeable guides and thoughtful facilitators who provide graduate students with information and resources focused on transitioning to graduate school, holistic success, and personal and professional development. They also advocate for graduate students and are excellent sources of advice and support.

Look for announcements about our Navigating Graduate School workshop series that Ambassadors lead throughout the year. You can also stop by the Graduate Center Monday through Thursday between 5 and 10PM or Fridays between 5 and 8PM to meet with one of the Ambassadors.

2025-2026 OGA Ambassadors

Antares Brown
Antares Brown
OGA Ambassador (GSAS)
Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs

Antares is a Master’s student in philosophy at GSAS.  After completing a BA in philosophy in Utah, they came to Boston to pursue their dream of research and education in philosophy.  Their academic interests focus primarily on examining traditional philosophical puzzles through the lens of disability, and in particular, mental illness.  Their current work explores the notion of free will in relation to obsessive-compulsive disorder.  When they’re not thinking through these big ideas, they can be found enjoying a video game at home with their cat, exploring the city on weekends, or going out for a night on the town with their cohort. 

They’re also passionate about giving back to their community—they have a firm belief that each of us depends on the aid and compassion of others every day, and they are dedicated to providing that aid and compassion to others wherever possible.  They are a vocal advocate for queer, disabled, and immigrant rights, and they are excited for the opportunity to support these communities and their graduate student community at large in their role as OGA ambassador.

 Adwoa Adobea-Owusu
Adwoa Adobea-Owusu
OGA Ambassador (Heller)
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Adwoa is a communications and media professional whose work bridges racial justice, technology governance, and investigative journalism across Africa and the United States. At the Heller School, she serves as a Student Program Administrator for the Racial Justice and Tech Policy program. She also serves as the Director of Communications (Graduate Research Assistant) for the Relational Coordination Collaborative.  Before joining Brandeis, Adwoa spent nearly a decade in Ghana's media and development sectors. She helped expose procurement fraud, corruption in school admissions, and regulatory failures in the health sector, earning several local and international awards. She enjoys reading, watching movies, and traveling.

Wimbayi Mugayi
Wimbayi Mugayi
OGA Ambassador (IBS)
Pronouns: He/Him/His

Wimbayi is a passionate and motivated graduate student currently pursuing a master’s degree
in International Economics and Finance at Brandeis International Business School. He holds a
Bachelor of Science Honors in Economics from the University of Zimbabwe, where he built a
strong foundation in analytical thinking and economic research. Before starting his graduate
studies, Wimbayi gained valuable experience in both the private and public sectors. He served
as a Business Development Strategist at Escola Emanuel in Mozambique, where he played a key
role in developing growth strategies and supporting educational initiatives.

Prior to that, he worked as an Analyst at the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe, contributing to macroeconomic policy research and financial sector analysis. Aside from his academic and professional achievements, Wimbayi is deeply committed to helping others, especially fellow students. He has a natural gift for motivation that allows him to connect personally with individuals, offering guidance and encouragement that help them overcome challenges and pursue their goals confidently. He is known for his empathetic approach and ability to understand student concerns, providing thoughtful support and practical solutions.

In his free time, Wimbayi enjoys listening to gospel music, drawing inspiration from motivational literature, and watching movies that showcase the human spirit and resilience. He is excited about building a strong, supportive community at Brandeis and is eager to help graduate students access the resources and opportunities they need to succeed both academically and personally.

Cali McKenzie
Cali McKenzie
OGA Ambassador (GSAS)
Pronouns: They/Them/Theirs

Cali is a second year Joint Anthropology and Women’s and Gender Studies Master’s student in GSAS. Their research interests are focused on genderqueer narratives and experiences, sex, sexuality and intimate practices, and relationality. Outside of school, you can find them ice skating, watching reality TV, and hanging out with their cat. 

Rowena Sandy
Rowena Sandy
OGA Ambassador (Heller)
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Rowena is a master’s student at Brandeis University’s Heller School for Social Policy and Management, pursuing a degree in Global Sustainability Policy and Management. Originally from Guyana, she brings nearly a decade of experience in government research and policy analysis, with a background in poverty measurement and data-driven decision-making. Her academic interests focus on environmental justice, climate adaptation, and sustainable development, particularly in the Global South. Rowena is passionate about community-building and enjoys supporting fellow graduate students as they navigate life at Brandeis.