meet  the  board.

PRESIDENT (She/Her/Elle)

Vayunamu is from Abuja, Nigeria, and is a student in the International Relations and Political Science (IRPS) program. She got her BA in International Relations at the University of San Diego and is focusing on resource governance in Nigeria for her MA.

Her mission for her tenure as President is to make students feel more connected and supported. This means creating a conducive environment for genuine connections and active involvement and making the campus more usable and comfortable for all.

Beyond her professional life, Vayunamu likes to take photos, read fiction, travel, and watch the same shows over and over. 

VICE PRESIDENT OF MASTER’S PROGRAMMES (she/her/elle/ella)

Inés is a MINT student specializing in Gender, Race, and Diversity. She holds a triple master's degree in International Relations from Sciences Po Bordeaux (France), University of Stuttgart (Germany), and LUISS Guido Carli (Italy). 

Born and raised in Reunion Island, she is French and Spanish, and speaks English, German, and Italian fluently on top of her two mother tongues - and is currently learning Mandarin!

As an intersectional feminist activist and youth advocate, Inés' mission as a VP of Master's Programmes is to foster inclusive participation and exchanges among the student community in order to champion policies and reforms that are needed by the students - one application of this is the continued advocacy efforts following the Master's Forum. Emphasizing on intersectionality, decolonizing the curriculum, and cultivating trust are central to her mandate. 

Academics and advocacy aside, Inés is a passionate dancer and musician, finds home in movie theaters, and feels her best when connecting and sharing in community. 

VICE PRESIDENT OF PHD PROGRAMMES (He/Him/Il)

Robert D. Smith is a PhD candidate in the Department of Anthropology and Sociology. He holds a BSc (Hons) in Global Health and Social Medicine from King’s College London (2019), and an MA in Anthropology and Sociology from the Geneva Graduate Institute (2022). During his Bachelor’s, Robert conducted research on the history of cancer in India. This concerned how cancer came to be seen as a valid priority for private-philanthropic investment and public health systems’ planning in (post)colonial India. This research drew his attention to the relationship between politics and health, and he chose to further investigate this relationship in his MA research through the case of the Delhi Government’s Mohalla Clinics.

In his PhD, Robert is continuing his work on the Mohalla Clinics in Delhi. Specifically, Robert’s PhD work attempts to understand the relationship between politics and health by asking how health is governed and experienced in Delhi. Ethnographically, his work moves between the clinic, political offices, and public spaces, and draws upon literatures in medical and political anthropology to comprehend these sites.

Before his PhD, Robert worked in professional roles that aimed to bring social science perspectives to public health discussions, including ‘digital health’ and sexual and reproductive health and rights. Robert was the co-coordinator of Medical Anthropology Young Scholars, a sub-network of the European Association of Social Anthropologist, from 2022-2024.

TREASURER (She/Her/Elle)

Jackie is a second-year MINT student specializing in Mobilities, Migration and Boundaries. She was born and raised in the United States and studied in Queensland, Australia during her undergraduate program. Her academic interests center on anti-Black racism, social injustice, and intersecting forms of inequality. She is a former business professional and earned her BA and MBA degrees in accounting from Baldwin-Wallace College. 

In her role as treasurer, Jackie seeks to support student initiatives at the Institute by providing timely and useful financial assistance and guidance, and expanding the pool of available GISA funds by developing mutually beneficial external partnerships with organizations throughout Geneva.

 Outside of academics, Jackie enjoys listening to (and sometimes singing) gospel and r&b music. She is also an avid reader, world traveler and sports fan (and former épée fencer). 

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 (She/Her/Elle)

Shilpa is a Master’s student in the International Economics programme, with a specialisation in sustainable development and finance. Her academic interests include development economics, sustainability and environmental economics. She was born and raised in the UAE and is originally from Kerala, India. She completed her undergraduate degree in Economics at the University of Delhi.

As GISA Events Coordinator, she aims to create accessible, inclusive, and collaborative spaces where student-led ideas are not only supported but celebrated. Whether it’s cohort socials or academic events, she’s committed to streamlining the planning process, improving event resources, and supporting a culture of participation across the Institute.

Outside of academics, Shilpa enjoys writing, painting, and exploring new places with a curious eye. She’s always happy to hear new ideas or collaborate on creative event concepts; feel free to reach out at gisa.events@graduateinstitute.ch.

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR (He/Him/Il)

Arko is a first-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.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE CO-PRESIDENTS

Ashwathy (she/her/elle) is a second-year MINT student, from the Graduate Institute specializing in Environment & Sustainability. Transitioning from her previous role as a legal consultant, she brings her experience in building teams at a start-up in Bengaluru and promoting career opportunities for law graduates to her current position as the Co-President of PDC.

Her leadership skills were further honed through her roles as Team Lead for the National Service Scheme in India and as a class representative during her law studies. Ashwathy is passionate about youth engagement, sustainability, and creating inclusive spaces for student development. In her free time, Ashwathy enjoys cooking, vlogging and having fun conversations.

Nivitha (she/her/elle) is a second-year Master's student in the MINT program specializing in Gender, Race, and Diversity. With a foundation in Psychology and training in the Indian Civil Services, she brings a dynamic blend of analytical insight and practical experience to her role as Co-President of the Professional Development Committee (PDC). 

Passionate about inclusivity, gender equality and mental well-being, Nivitha is dedicated to making professional development more accessible and fulfilling for all students. She leverages her experience with various committees and her knowledge in organizational psychology to support her peers in navigating their career paths.

When she's not advocating for student success, you might find Nivitha enjoying a cup of coffee, singing along to her favorite tunes (occasionally with the wrong lyrics), swimming in Perle du lac or sharing a laugh with friends. 

Always approachable, They are here to chat about your future goals and address any uncertainties in your career path. Feel free to reach out to Nivitha and Ashwathy at gisa.pdc@graduateinstitute.ch for a thoughtful conversation.

WELFARE COMMITTEE CO-PRESIDENTS

Sandra (she/her/elle) is a 2nd-year MINT specialising in Conflict, Peace, and Security. Born and raised in Kuwait in India, she completed her Bachelor in Political Science from the University of Delhi. She brings her passion for global governance and social equity to her role as Co-President of the GISA Welfare Committee. Known for her warm, approachable nature, Sandra is dedicated to fostering an inclusive campus where every student feels supported. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Malayalam, and learning Arabic and French, she believes in the power of collaboration. Outside of work, Sandra loves dancing, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, and sharing meaningful conversations with friends. 

Sanket (he/him/il) is a 2nd-year MINT student specialising in Conflict, Peace, and Security. Originally from India, he completed his Bachelor’s degree in Economics from Fergusson College, Pune. As Co-President of the GISA Welfare Committee, Sanket is dedicated to representing student voices and enhancing well-being on campus. Drawing from his experience as the President of the Student Initiative on Asia, he has a strong commitment to fostering community and addressing social issues. Fluent in English, Hindi, and Marathi, and currently learning French, Sanket is always eager to engage with fellow students. Outside of academics, he enjoys trying out new cuisines, and going to the gym, playing badminton, and having meaningful conversations over a cup of chai.

Feel free to connect at gisa.welfare@graduateinstitute.ch!

ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE CO-PRESIDENTS

Shubhika (she/her/elle) is a second-year MINT Environment and Sustainability. She is from India and graduated with her bachelor’s degree from the University of Delhi in Political Science. She also has experience of working in the development sector for two years. Her academic interest lies in food systems and agroecology.

As Co-President of the Environmental Committee (EC), Shubhika is committed to fostering a collaborative platform for environmental advocacy within the institute. She envisions the EC as a bridge connecting local and global sustainability concerns, enabling meaningful discussions for all students.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Shubhika loves baking, watching true crime, climbing and anything outdoorsy!

Leïla (she/her/elle) is a second-year MINT student in Environment and Sustainability. Born and raised in Geneva, she holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences from the University of Geneva, with a focus on Sociology of consumption. Her academic interests center on environmental and climate justice, with a particular emphasis on the links between climate change and colonization. Her favorite approach is Political Ecology. 

As Co-President of the Environmental Committee, Leïla strives to promote inclusivity by advocating for meaningful dialogue and forging connections between the student community and Geneva’s sustainability ecosystem. Fluent in English, French, and several other languages, she is passionate about driving sustainable change while remaining open and collaborative. In her free time, you’ll likely find her at the gym, learning a new language, or enjoying conversations with friends in a café.