Scholars

Aishani Jaiswal is a New Delhi based research analyst. Having graduated from the University of Delhi with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, her areas of interest lie in gender, minority rights, and public health. She has previously worked in research and media spaces focusing on South Asian issues and tackling online hate speech. In addition to her professional goals, she is also passionate about mental health issues.

Alexandra Bakiewicz has years of experience in communications and engagement, and she has earned her degree in Business Administration from the State University of New York, Polytechnic Institute. In 2018, Alexandra founded the digital communications firm AM Bakiewicz Consulting. Having been employed at a variety of companies and international non-profits across the United States, Alexandra has worked tirelessly to amplify her clients’ voices in the digital world. While working at international non-profits, she has developed digital media strategies to further her clients’ missions on an international level. Alexandra strives to uplift the voices of emerging social sector leaders worldwide. It is her personal passion and mission to make sure their stories are continuously told.

Anna Goltermann has two years of experience in the non-profit, government, and legal sectors. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Affairs from the George Washington University. Currently, Anna works for the Center for International Private Enterprise as a Program Associate for Europe and Eurasia. Anna’s work focuses on facilitating cohesion in a rapidly growing department, supporting projects in Europe and Eurasia that promote healthy economic environments, and assisting the Regional Director with a wide-range of programmatic responsibilities on a global scale. Anna’s interests involve promoting women’s economic empowerment, advancing human rights and civil liberties in Europe and Eurasia, and conducting research on regional political trends. Prior to her experience at CIPE, Anna received a Fulbright-Hays Scholarship to study in an intensive language immersion program in Moscow, Russia where she gained proficiency in Russian and participated in cross-cultural exchanges with Russian university students. During her time at George Washington University, Anna interned at Capitol Hill with Congress-member Karen Bass and worked for the Institute of European, Russian, and Eurasian Studies. With these experiences, Anna cultivated a strong skill set in research, project management, and interpersonal communication.

Bayu Ramadhan Putra has years of experience in both the private sector and government, which all of which are related to finance, economics, and education. After graduating, Bayu gained experience in marketing and sales at Prime Blue International, LLC then Corporate Banking at KEB Hana Bank, specializing in analysis and feasibility on Indonesian corporate accounts. With the knowledge and experience, he decided to serve in the government where he is currently posted at the Ministry of Trade of The Republic of Indonesia. Bayu’s previous proved to be influential in government work, utilizing it in helping to formulate regulations, increase Indonesia’s trade balance, enhance international trade cooperation, maintain stability in the domestic market especially on basic goods, and elevate local small to medium enterprises to be financially feasible and export worthy. For over the last two years, Bayu has seen first-hand the importance of how information on trade regulation and the economy is evenly spread in the country, also how education plays a huge part in shaping the economy. From previously working with multi-national companies to serving in the interests of the economy of all classes, it was obvious that the level of education and access to information influenced people’s ethics, determination, and mindset. This experience, together with organizational and social activities throughout high school and university, developed Bayu’s passion for fair trade, education, and the development of society, determined to continue working and studying in order to best serve the economy.

Benjamin Shako has over three years of experience in the social change sector and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences from the University of Lubumbashi in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. While working as the Communications Chair for the Union for Democracy and Social Progress/Youth League in Congo, Benjamin helped establish and maintain the strategic direction of the organization, develop communication plans and messages for various youth league activities, and raise awareness about the league platform as a networking hub for youths. Benjamin is also a Thought For Food (TFF) Ambassador, where he raises the reputation of the food and agriculture industry to create a sustainable food system nationally and globally. Previously, Benjamin worked with a community-based organization, where he conducted an awareness campaign on Ebola prevention and ending child marriage in Congo. Benjamin has volunteered for several nonprofits, including the YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa, the Center to Support Marginalized and Exploited Youth, International Youth Fellowship, and AIESEC in support of Sustainable Development Goals 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 13, and 16. Through these experiences, he developed strong communication, planning, volunteer management, and advocacy skills. Benjamin deeply values empathy, team work, and global collaboration. In the future, Benjamin plans to serve in an elected position to effectively promote solutions to address the social issues facing his country. He enjoys focusing on the topics of leadership, marketing, governance, and agriculture, and has a strong passion for youth and community development.

Chaima Chaouachi started her own social enterprise, Tela.tn, during the pandemic with one objective: Economic relief for the vulnerable professionals affected by the global pandemic COVID-19. Chaima graduated from the prestigious Tunis Business School, Tunisia with a Professional Master’s degree in Management of Non-Governmental Organizations and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Analytics and Marketing. Chaima held several positions as Project Manager and Communication Manager in both the non-profit and the private sector on a multinational level, where she succeeded to form new partnerships and long-lasting relationships with various local and international stakeholders. Chaima believes in the power of social and economic gender equality, that is why one of her life’s missions, is to create empowerment opportunities for Tunisian women and young people. Chaima aspires to be one of the Tunisian leaders who create change in the world.

Cyndi Natalia has over 10 years of experience as a Legal Analyst for the Ministry of Finance in Indonesia. Upon receiving the Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education (LPDP), she pursued a Master of law (LLM) degree from the Pennsylvania University in the USA. Cyndi’s primary duty as a civil servant in the Ministry of Finance of Indonesia is to enforce bureaucracy reformation and finance professional development through her expertise in drafting national laws. Cyndi has contributed to many legal drafting of the statute. Her recent work is drafting the omnibus law for the Financial Reporting Law of Indonesia, which will reform all the governmental organizations of submitting a financial report to establish a uniform and transparent report with the support of digital technologies. Cyndi has been involved in many international affairs diplomacy and agreements to develop regulations and programs for accountant professionals in Indonesia. Specifically, during the ASEAN Economic Community, to ensure the free trade and services in the ASEAN region fairly implemented for all member states. She was appointed by the Minister of Finance of Indonesia to hold a position as the Head of ACPACC Secretariat. With this position, she is trusted to liaise and coordinate with relevant authorities and or parties regarding accountant professionals within ASEAN member states and facilitate mobility of accountancy services professionals across ASEAN.

Daniel Worku Demissie serves as an Assistant Professor, Social Worker, and Career Center Coordinator at the University of Gondar. He has experience taking part in community service projects, training, and research activities. Daniel ran the office of the career center since 2018 and he has been working to create jobs for youth. While working in this office, he prepared various training manuals for students and faculty members. Additionally, Daniel provided soft skill training for youths and recent graduates, so as to let them find jobs or create their own. As the Project Coordinator, he has been running the Debate and Public Speaking/dialogue for Sustainable Peace Club at the University of Gondar since 2019. Besides this, he provided counseling services and training for members of the community based organization Orphan and Elderly Support. Lastly, he also provides psychological and mental health support for isolated individuals due to COVID-19 since August 2020.