meet  the  board.

PRESIDENT (She/Her/Elle)

Eliza Jo Varghese is a student of MA International Relations/Political Science. She holds a BA in History and Political Science from the University of Delhi. With experience working in the domains of public policy and institutional reforms, she is currently exploring the intersection of health, security and decision-making. She hails from Kerala, a state on the south-west tip of India.

As GISA President, Eliza is committed to building a connected and supportive environment for students. With several parts of the world becoming increasingly hostile, she is working to ensure that university experience at IHEID remains welcoming, inclusive, fulfilling and enjoyable. By building bridges with the institute administration, she emphasizes on improving transparency frameworks and developing opportunities that facilitate the academic and professional growth of students of the institute.

Outside of academic and professional work, Eliza enjoys reading fiction, listening to music, going on long walks and exploring new cuisines. 

VICE PRESIDENT OF MASTER’S PROGRAMMES (She/Her/Elle)

Bronwyn Beatty is a second-year Master's student in the MINT program, specializing in Sustainable Trade and Finance. Originally from Seattle, Washington State, she got her BA at Scripps College, a women's college in Southern California associated with the Claremont colleges. Bronwyn is very interested in behavioral policy in relation to climate adaptation and sustainable finance research. 

Before moving to Geneva, Bronwyn lived in Washington, D.C. and worked in public opinion research. Literally staying up late to listen to people in her job, Bronwyn learned a lot about perspective. As Vice-President of Master's Programmes, she sees it as her mission to be the translator of the student perspective to the administration to effectively get advocate for better academic experiences. Partnership building and curiosity are at the core of how she conducts her work; emphasizing academic resources, improved learning and peer-to-peer networks, and recognition for student accomplishments. 

Beyond the classroom, you can typically find Bronwyn at the various indoor and outdoor rock climbing locations that Geneva has to offer. She is very comfortable falling off a wall. Bronwyn enjoys biking, swimming in the river and lake, and making people laugh. 

VICE PRESIDENT OF PHD PROGRAMMES (She/Her/Elle)

Kanikka is a PhD Candidiate (2021-2026) in Anthropology and Sociology at the Geneva Graduate Institute. Her research interest lies at the interface of labour and technology studies with a focus on platform economy, software studies and digital infrastructures. Previously, she has contributed to research on digitalization and the future of work at ILO Geneva, and Oxford Fairwork Project at IIIT-Bangalore and National Labour Institute of India. 

She holds MPhil (2018-2020) and MA (2016-2018) degree in Sociology from the Delhi School of Economics. She had also completed her BA (Hons) in Economics at the Delhi University.

TREASURER (She/Her/Elle)

Panthini Trivedi is a masters student in the Interdisciplinary Course, majoring in Sustainable Trade and Finance. She graduated in business finance from St. Xavier’s College in India.  After working in core finance roles and investment banking she is now working at catalytic roles of finance in development. She places her work at the intersection of financial injustice and expressions. 

As a treasurer, this is the challenge she wishes to take on as how working finances can facilitate and support people, and students especially, to show up and grow beyond the conventional systems. 

Always ready for an adventure or chat over a good robusta! Give her a holler and she’s (mostly) quick to reply! 

ADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR (She/Her/Elle)

Hamna is a MINT student specialising in Migration, Mobilities, and Borders. With a background in international research and administrative roles, she is passionate about creating more efficient and transparent processes within GISA.

Outside academics, Hamna is deeply connected to community service, having volunteered with organizations focused on refugee support and youth empowerment. She enjoys finding tech solutions to everyday challenges and believes in making things simpler, not more complicated.

Hamna loves exploring new cultures through food and traditions. She enjoys cooking, tech podcasts, and long walks in her free time.

EVENTS COORDINATOR (He/Him/Il)

Moisés Juárez is a Master’s candidate in International Development specializing in Trade and Finance at the Geneva Graduate Institute.

Serving as the Events Project Coordinator for the GISA Board, Moisés is dedicated to supporting student initiatives, streamlining campus space coordination, and creating engaging, inclusive experiences across the Institute. With a background spanning international project management and student leadership, he focuses on ensuring student organizations have the tools, guidance, and venue access needed to turn their ideas into reality.

Beyond event logistics, Moisés is passionate about development banking, environmental policy, and transboundary diplomacy.

​Outside of academics and campus life, Moisés is an avid traveler who loves wandering around new cities, finding cute local spots, and immersing himself in the culture and history of every place he visits. A passionate multilingual communicator, he loves learning and speaking languages, connecting with people from diverse backgrounds along the way. Feel free to reach out to him for event planning guidance, campus initiative ideas, or simply to chat over coffee about travel and languages!

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR (He/Him/Il)

Arko is a second-year MINT candidate, specialising in Human Rights and Humanitarianism. He is from Kolkata, a city in the eastern part of India. Before coming to the Institute, he was working as a communications consultant with India’s Ministry of External Affairs, responsible for public diplomacy initiatives.

Having spent a large time in policy communications, he is very interested in the field of advocacy and hopes to learn more about the practice of advocacy in international Geneva. Additionally, he looks forward to implementing his past professional experiences into the role of communications director at GISA, ensuring the voices of the student body at the Institute are amplified.

A big backpacking and photography enthusiast, you will often find Arko out and about with his rucksack and camera, attempting to capture some of most scenic landscapes any place has to offer. Otherwise, he is busy writing on issues of Indian foreign policy and international organisations, having written for various international and Indian media outlets which can be found here.

DEI COORDINATOR (She/Her/Elle)

Chelsea is a student in the MINT program, specializing in Human Rights and Humanitarianism. Originally from the United States, she holds a BA in Communication from the University of Tampa. Her academic and professional interests span human rights, business and human rights, and questions of equity and inclusion within institutions.

As GISA’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Coordinator, Chelsea is committed to making student life at the Institute more equitable, accessible, and representative of its diverse community. Her priorities include addressing financial and accessibility barriers to student participation, advancing efforts to decolonize the curriculum, and creating meaningful opportunities for students to raise concerns and shape the policies and practices that affect them. She hopes to foster a culture in which DEI is approached not only as a principle, but through concrete and responsive action.

Outside of academics and GISA, Chelsea enjoys traveling to new places, painting, dancing salsa, trying new recipes, and spending time with her pet bunny, Charlie Beans.

WELFARE COMMITTEE PRESIDENT (She/Her/Elle)

Vania is a second-year MINT student specializing in Human Rights and Humanitarianism. As Advocacy Coordinator this past year, she led campaigns like the Respect Campaign and learned that the best welfare work happens when you listen first, act with purpose, and follow through consistently.

Her approach is grounded in empathy, structure, and the belief that small actions like a genuine conversation, a well-timed check-in, or a space to breathe can make all the difference. She's warm, direct, optimistic, and perhaps a bit too literal sometimes. She loves bright colors and believes welfare works best when it's visible, reliable, and rooted in care.

As President, Vania aims to create spaces where students feel seen, supported, and genuinely at home, whether through her planned Cultural and Heritage Festival or everyday acts of compassion. Outside student life, you'll find her hiking Switzerland's trails, swimming, cooking, or exploring new places.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE CO-PRESIDENTS

Annie Renny (she/her/elle) is a student of International Relations/Political Sciences. Hailing from Kerala, India, she holds a previous Integrated Master’s in Development Studies from IIT Madras. At the Graduate Institute, her research interests involve exploring the dynamics of conflict and development in the postcolonial world, with a keen interest in bridging academic theory with practice. She also brings experience in communications, having worked across roles focused on bringing creative ideas to life and making initiatives more visible and accessible to student communities.

As Co-President of PDC, Annie is committed to making professional development opportunities more accessible, inclusive, and visible to the Institute’s diverse student body. By advocating strongly for students’ needs and concerns, she hopes to make building their careers feel less overwhelming and more approachable. Outside of PDC, Annie enjoys hiking, playing a range of instruments, and firmly believes that autumn is the best season of all.

Navami (she/her/elle) is a second-year International Relations/Political Science student at the Graduate Institute. She completed her undergraduate studies with a triple major in History, Economics, and Political Science from Christ University, India. Having served as an Events Coordinator for the Professional Development Committee over the past year, she has worked closely on planning and executing a wide range of professional development events, including professional photoshoots, workshops, and student forums. 

As Co-President of PDC, Navami is committed to building on the work of the team and creating professional development opportunities that are accessible, practical, and responsive to the needs of the students. Outside of PDC, Navami is a professional classical dancer and an avid consumer of all things crime-related. Together with Annie, she hopes to make the PDC a community that listens to students, encourages collaboration, and helps make navigating career opportunities feel less overwhelming.

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE CO-PRESIDENTS

Malak (she/her/elle) is a second-year Environment and Sustainability MINT student from Egypt. She graduated from the American University in Cairo with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, and a minor in Global Affairs and Public Policy. Her academic and professional passion lies in the intersection between sustainable social empowerment, poverty alleviation, and agriculture. On a personal level, Malak is a dog person (but loves cats), loves kayaking, basketball, and reading under the sun.

As Co-President of the Environmental Committee, Malak works to broaden the Institute’s understanding of environmental impact through consistent and meaningful collaborations, as well as highlighting diverse perspectives throughout all Environmental Committee work. She is committed to amplifying the voices of fellow students, advocating for their needs, and creating opportunities for skill-building and engagement across the community.

Akansha (she/her/elle) is a second-year MINT Environment and Sustainability track student from India. She holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from the University of Delhi and has worked with environmental justice and conservation NGOs in India, focusing on climate adaptation, legal research, and rights advocacy. Her academic interests lie in circular economy, water pollution, and corporate responsibility for environmental harm.

As Co-President of the Environmental Committee, Akansha strives to ensure that EC's work is inclusive for students outside the E&S track, recognizing that sustainability affects every discipline and every aspect of our lives. Her approach is rooted in the belief that environmental challenges cannot be solved without addressing social justice.

Outside of EC and academics, Akansha enjoys going to concerts, travelling, and watching horror movies.