Scholars

Adriana Benitez holds a professional degree in communication, graduating Summa Cum Laude from Universidad Privada Boliviana (UPB). She has three years of experience in development project management and public policy. She has worked for governmental institutions and international NGOs. In her current position, she has worked with more than five projects managed by organizations such as UNICEF and Oxfam International, supporting the development of strategic plans, gender and child protection policies, and youth empowerment. In her time with state/ public organizations, she has contributed to the development of projects that promote alternative energies in Bolivia. In a cross-cutting manner, she has supported the generation of content and communication strategies in all her jobs. Adriana is also a feminist activist in her community, having been part of collectives that promote women’s rights. She has managed projects to support women who have suffered physical, economic, and psychological violence in her department. She is passionate about gender equality and children’s issues, academic research, and the management of development projects.

Ahsan Hayat is a graduate of the College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering, NUST, majoring in computer systems. He’s currently enrolled in an EMBA program at NBS. He has more than 6 years of professional experience, mainly in the telecommunications sector, where he gained hands-on experience in various industries in areas such as telecom operations, service delivery and customer care, governance and standards. Recently, he has been working as an IT Audit Manager, ensuring compliance with global best practices and standards. During his work experience, he learned the methods to comply with global standards and practices, document and design processes, and ensure customer satisfaction through timely service delivery. The operational aspect of the telecommunications sector continues to be his forte, as that is where he gained much of his experience. He also enjoys spending his time reading and participating in writing competitions. He has qualified for the selection exams twice (CSS and PMS). He recently completed the McKinsey Forward Learning Program and is also a member of the Youth Parliament of Pakistan. He follows the issue of climate change and its impact on Pakistan with great interest, as recent events have shown that it’s a matter of life and death for his country in particular and the world in general. It’s time to act now, otherwise the socio-cultural and economic impacts of climate change will threaten our collective existence.

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.

Aitzaz Ali pursues law degree at University of the Punjab in Pakistan. He is the founder of a welfare organization called Qadar Bashar. Throughout his career, he has worked at the national and international levels as a Global Youth Ambassador at Theirworld and as the Country Director of IYAP. He’s an education and climate activist, a speaker, and an advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals. His vision is the “deference of mankind.”

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.