March 2025

Intercultural Connections

Intercultural Virtual Exchange

Meet the participants!

2025 Cohort of Youth Changemakers

Amin

Hello! I am Amin Jan, a 21-year-old from Pakistan. I'm currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in English at Islamia College University, Peshawar. Exploring diverse cultures and inspiring others through leadership has been my passion since a very young age. This passion was recognized by the U.S. Department of State when I was selected for the Study of the United States Institutes (SUSI) exchange program for student leaders and nominated as a Young South Asian Leader through my membership in the Young South Asian Leaders Initiative (YSALI). I also collaborate with various organizations to drive positive change in society, including Feel Worldwide Foundation, Youth Parliament Pakistan, Global Green Forum, and Aspire Institute Pakistan.

Aqsa

My name is Aqsa Zakir from Rawalpindi Pakistan, a student doing Bachelors in Anthropology. I am in 6th semester of my Bachelors and I have great interest in studying the diversity of cultures, I am blogger, have written research papers. Recently I am a part of Social Impact Leader Program by CSR Forum Pakistan, I am also doing a virtual internship with Accuro Finance.

Asma

This is Asma Hamad, a PhD researcher in Zoology from Pakistan. I have been class representative throughout my academic journey and I am the eldest in siblings which impacted me in a positive way and led me to be a leader in general and a good person in specific. I have been an organizer in my departmental International Zoological Conferences. Being an ambassador of Youth Empowerment Society in Lahore shaped my leadership skills a lot. Beyond Academics, I am an entrepreneur and content creator, managing my own page @asmaas_essence and @tajjali.pk on instagram. Creativity fuels my work whether through calligraphy or product design. I am also writing a book which will be published by next year. My diverse pursuits reflect my passion for interdisciplinary learning and cultural exchange. Intercultural Connections 2025 is a unique opportunity for me to engage with global perspectives. I look forward to contributing my experiences while learning from others.

Awais

Hi! I am Awais Qasim (AQ), born in Swabi a remote town in Pakistan. In college, I fell in lovewith biology and especially opted for microbiology. Today, I hold master degree in Microbiology from Quaid-I-Azam University (QAU), Pakistan. Since my school days, I havebeen interested in traveling and exploring. During bachelor’s I participated in various nationaland international events across Pakistan. Alongside, I led awareness campaigns, served as General secretary of youth volunteer task force where we worked in collaboration with district administration to spread awareness, distribute food and mobilize community during Covid-19 pandemic. Furthermore, I have been a science communicator/advocate. In 2023, I travelled to Singapore to deliver a talk at Global Young Scientists Summit. In 2024, I travelledto Philippines for international conference. During these international trips, I explored places,met new people and enjoyed exploring about their cultures. In May 2025, I will be moving to Germany for PhD, that’s why I am excited to be part of the Connections 2025. I am studying science as I believe the world need leaders with a scientific background. I am an internationally certified trainer of biosafety and biosecurity. I aim to work for a peaceful andhealthy globe. I love to learn and share.

Ayesha

I am Ayesha Ehsan, a final-year Human Nutrition and Dietetics student. My interest in nutrition comes from my desire to improve public health and making a difference toward a better society. Apart from academics, I have a keen interest in intercultural exchange, as I believe understanding different cultures is an essential conduit toward global harmony and peace. I see the program as a unique chance for me to interact with other people with diverse perspectives, learn from others and to build meaningful connections. My goal is to work in favor of humanity, bridging cultural gaps and generating peace with understanding toward one another.

Aziza

Aziza El Aazizi is a Moroccan human rights activist and intersectional feminist with an unyieldingcommitment to social justice and equality. As the Program Coordinator at Project Soar, she leads initiatives that empower young girls and youth, focusing on issues such as genderequality, child marriage, and education. Through her work, Aziza is creating spaces of inclusion and resilience, ensuring that marginalized voices, especially those from rural Morocco, are heard and celebrated.A passionate member of Amnesty International, Aziza is at the forefront of global human rights advocacy, championing the rights of all people with determination and courage. As a CorpsAfrica Alumna, she has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of communityservice, and is a firm believer in the power of collective action to create lasting change. Aziza is deeply motivated by a vision of a world where justice, equality, and human dignity are accessible to all. With relentless focus and a heart for empowerment, she strives to inspire and equip future generations to challenge societal norms, fight for human rights, and lead effortstoward systemic transformation. Her work is a testament to the belief that true change happens when individuals and communities are empowered to break through barriers and realize their full potential.

Bailack

Bailack Joiceline is an accomplished advocate for cultural preservation and peacebuilding, currently serving as the Executive Assistant to the President of REGARTLESS, an NGO dedicated to preserving, protecting, and promoting all forms of Artistic expression. With a strong commitment to empowering artists and fostering community engagement, Bailack has been instrumental in driving initiatives that celebrate cultural diversity and facilitate meaningful dialogue among communities. Her work not only enhances social cohesion but also contributes to peacebuilding efforts by bridging divides and promoting understanding. Through her leadership and passion, Bailack Joiceline continues to inspire positive change and empower future generations to value and cherish their cultural heritage thereby building peace and promoting social cohesion.

Bukamuso

She has a year of experience volunteering as a mentor for first-year students to help them adjust to university life. She was a tutor at the Rhodes University School of Journalism for first-year students, helping break down complex study materials and enforce positive study habits. She has experience as a copywriter, having worked with a leading B2B digital marketing agency, producing website content, and writing press releases and company-wide emails.Bukamuso is passionate about intercultural dialogues because it’s personal to her. Having grown up in a different country as a child and moving back to South Africa as a teenager and having to adjust to the new ways of speaking, different languages and cultures, she is passionate about learning how to have conversations that can help someone adjust in an unfamiliar environment.

Chit Zin Win

I’m Chit Zin Win, from Myanmar. I am pursuing the Bachelor of Computer Science program at the University of The People while majoring in mining engineering at Mandalay Technological University. Holding a strong passion for technology, quantum technology, education, and leadership, I have actively volunteered with various organizations to make a positive impact. As a lifelong learner, I enjoy reading, writing, and composing poems, and I also work as a freelance content writer. For my fitness, I also play badminton.Growing up in a remote ethnic village in Myanmar, I witnessed the challenges faced by underprivileged communities. These experiences ignited my volunteer spirit and inspired me to co-found a project to support those facing educational barriers due to war and financial hardship and create accessible learning opportunities for underprivileged youth.As an open-minded person, I am eager to connect, collaborate, and grow through this program.Let's work together to make a change!!🤝

Diana

Diana Koppelt is an intercultural communication specialist, trainer, and journalist passionate about fostering meaningful dialogue across cultures. She holds a Master’s in Intercultural Communication, Coaching, and Consulting and a Bachelor’s in Slavic Studies and German as a Foreign Language. Her academic focus on migration, integration, and transformative coaching shapes her work in social impact and education.She has designed empowerment programs for young girls, supported refugees as a Language and Cultural Mediator, and served as a Board Member of the Foundation for Fundamental Values and International Understanding, facilitating dialogue between young leaders and decision-makers. As a freelance journalist for *Firstlife*, she covers topics like social engagement, integration, and politics.Diana has extensive public speaking experience through Toastmasters International and has represented Viadrina University as an ambassador. Fluent in seven languages, she bridges linguistic and cultural divides, supported by certifications in Intercultural Training, Diversity Management, and Conflict Resolution. She thrives on projects that promote personal growth, education, and cross-cultural understanding.

Diyaa

Diyaa Essouissy is a Master's student in Digitalization of Educational Processes and Competency Engineering from Morocco. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics and Computer Science. Diyaa is deeply interested in artificial intelligence, education, and digital transformation, with a focus on developing intelligent learning solutions.With a strong background in development and AI, Diyaa is also passionate about mentoring, having contributed to programs such as DigiGirls. She is a language enthusiast, currently learning Japanese and planning to explore Chinese next. Additionally, she enjoys gaming for its social and cultural aspects.A dedicated volunteer, Diyaa actively supports causes that promote education, technology, and cross-cultural exchange. She firmly believes in the power of networking and cross-cultural collaboration to drive innovation and create valuable opportunities.Her favorite quote is: "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." – Eleanor Roosevelt.

Epiphanie

She is called Ngasoh Epiphanie, from the North West Region of Cameroon but currently living in Yaounde since the sociopolitical crisis started in her hometown. She is an Open Dreams Scholar, passionate about psychology, a photographer/ Videographer, a climate activist, a trainer at DeWise foundation which aims to empower IDPs and it was also founded by an Open Dreams Scholar who is also an IDP.
She volunteered as a trainer to work with orphans and IDPs, in which she had to train them on beads making and it was free. It was a 2-week project which she spent a week in Yaounde-Cameroon “which took place at the Open Dreams center” and Bamenda-Cameroon. Each day she had to teach them something new, they were so quick to learn and they were doing an amazing job. There were about 30 students in each of the regions, at the end what they produced were given to them as a compensation for their hard work, patience and consistency.
As a climate change activist she was motivated by the effects of climate change in her community and environmental degradation. She participated in conferences and seminars to learn more and discover new strategies to tackle climate change in her community. This has led her to volunteer in several environmental organizations, such as the Game Changers Initiative and the Let's Do It Center region, to keep the environment clean, plant trees, and sensitize the population about the dangers of climate change.

Favour

I am Mankah Favour Tumasang, a passionate advocate for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially Good Health and Well-Being (SDG 3), Quality Education (SDG 4), and Gender Equality (SDG 5). I love volunteering, connecting with people from diverse backgrounds, and contributing to projects that create a positive impact in my community.

Currently, I’m on a personal development journey where I focus on improving my communication skills, leadership abilities, and knowledge in various fields. I'm passionate about music and enjoy playing the piano, learning the guitar, and singing. Through this program, I hope to build meaningful connections, exchange ideas, and learn more about different cultures.

I'm excited to be part of Connections2025 and can't wait to embark on this transformative journey of intercultural exchange!

Fazila Abbas

I am an enthusiastic Environmental Science graduate with a strong commitment to sustainability and climate action. My experience includes leading teams, managing projects, and engaging with communities. I am eager to join the Intercultural Connections program to deepen my understanding of intercultural communication, sustainable development, and leadership for Society 5.0. I look forward to collaborating with diverse individuals and contributing to a more inclusive and sustainable future.

Harvey

Harvey is a transformation leader with experience in strategy and operations, particularly with an online marketplace company, where he played a pivotal role in driving business transformations across the Asia-Pacific region. He is passionate in the intersection of people and strategy and believes people are the building blocks for any strategy to succeed. Outside of work, he has established the Change Management Philippines community where he advocates how change management is integral to help people navigate change. He hopes the community can be a place where change practitioners can come together and collaborate on all things change management.

Hsu Mon

Hello, everyone. I'm glad to know with you all. My name is Hsu Mon Mon Thant, and I am a 20-year-old junior who is majoring in computer science at the University of the People. I'm from Yangon, Myanmar. AI has become so powerful these days, so as a CS student, I keep updating my knowledge in this Technology field. In my free time, I do research on the history and politics of my country, listen to music, and sometimes just look at the sky and feel nature. I'm really fond of learning new courses in different fields and languages. Currently, I'm learning Spanish and deep diving into AI and digital marketing. I hadn't joined any virtual programs yet until I joined this program. I'm so proud to be part of this community. I always wanted to share my thoughts on history, politics, and nature. I'm also a nature lover. These days, our earth is getting warmer and warmer, and we are facing a lot of natural disasters. I can't wait to share my perspective with all of my peers in this program. Hope you all are having a wonderful day!

Jaimin Parikh

Jaimin Parikh is a young changemaker from Ahmedabad, Gujarat - the land of Mahatma Gandhi. As the founder of PeaceVerse, an emerging digital platform focused on youth empowerment in peacebuilding, Socio Emotional Learning (SEL) and sustainable development, Jaimin strives to shape young adults into global citizens. Having utilized Gandhian values of Ahinsa (Non-violence) and Satyagrah (Truth and Righteousness as fundamental pillars of change), he has actively worked to counter discrimination based on gender, caste and religion. He holds his Bachelors (Hons.) in Science from the University of Delhi and is presently pursuing Masters (Hons.) in Political Science. A dedicated volunteer, Jaimin engages in capacity-building initiatives to combat misinformation, hate speech, and extremism. Beyond his activism, he is an avid reader and likes to write and deliberate on contemporary issues affecting youth, society, geopolitics, and ethics.

Malaika

Malaika Azam is a passionate educationist, researcher, and community development advocate committed to transforming Pakistan’s education system. A gold medalist with a Bachelor of Science in Education from BUITEMS, Quetta, she was selected as a Global UGRAD exchange student in Spring 2022, where she studied at Minnesota State University, Mankato, United States, on a prestigious scholarship.

Her research focuses on intercultural competence, exploring the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to navigate and compete in today’s globalized world. Her work has been recognized on international platforms, with research selected for presentation at the World Congress of Undergraduate Research (World CUR 2023) at the University of Warwick, United Kingdom, and the 17th Global Studies Conference in Poland. She was also among a selected group of UGRAD alumni invited to the Global UGRAD Alumni Convocation in Thailand, further strengthening her global network and leadership in education.

Beyond research, Malaika has led community development initiatives aimed at improving school enrollment, reducing dropout rates, and fostering environmental responsibility among students. She has conducted student engagement programs, and educational awareness workshops, directly impacting marginalized communities.

Her leadership journey includes participation in the NextGen Leadership Program, where she enhanced her expertise in networking, project management, and strategic leadership. She has also been actively involved in helping students and young professionals explore opportunities in education.

With a deep-rooted passion for educational policy, research, and leadership, Malaika is dedicated to building an equitable education system in Pakistan one that empowers students and educators to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world.

Martha

My name is Martha, and I’m originally from Germany. I graduated in languages and intercultural communication in Italy, and currently work as a German teacher at the Goethe-Zentrum Coimbatore (India). Besides teaching, I support my colleagues, translate, give workshops and try to learn as much as possible about South Indian culture and languages. My interest in intercultural communication goes beyond my studies – it also comes from personal experience. I have lived in different countries, worked with people from diverse cultural backgrounds, and have been involved in refugee support on the island of Sicily, Italy. What fascinates me most is how language and culture shape the way we think and interact and how we can build bridges between different perspectives. Apart from that, I'm also very interested in geopolitics, decolonial studies, gender studies, and social sciences, all of which I had the pleasure to explore a bit during my studies (and beyond). I’m looking forward to exploring intercultural communication with you here, discussing its challenges and opportunities, and hearing about your experiences!

Natalia

Natalia Arana Baena is a 26-year-old passionate about languages and cultures. Currently, she’s studying a technical degree in International Trade, but her academic background is in languages. Before starting this new path, she earned a bachelor’s degree in Modern Languages and Literatures, specializing in Chinese and Japanese. During her studies, she had the opportunity to spend a year as an exchange student at Ritsumeikan University in Kyoto, Japan, where she immersed herself in the language and culture. Her love for East Asia didn’t stop there. Natalia continued her journey with a master’s degree in East Asian Studies, diving deeper into the region’s history, culture, and languages. Now, she’s balancing her international trade courses with writing her master’s thesis, combining her previous interest in Asia with a new field of study. When she’s not studying, Natalia enjoys exploring new cultures, learning languages, watching anime and series, taking photos, and traveling. These hobbies reflect her love for discovering the world and broadening her horizons. With a blend of academic dedication and personal curiosity, Natalia is always looking for new ways to grow and embrace fresh experiences.

Sajjal

Hi! My name is Sajjal Arif and I was raised in Nowshera Pakistan. With my Background in Behavioral sciences, I am a thinker first and a feeler always. I am drawn to understanding the intersection of work, psychology and human behavior. I have a passion for volunteer work and thus worked in many student-led organizations during my Bachelors. Currently, I am navigating my path towards Applied psychology and wat to learn a global perspective regarding it. Outside academia, I find my solace in Classic literature. Fyodor Dostoevsky is my favorite author and I enjoy a good existential crisis his books give.

Taonga

Hi! I’m Chibuye Banda (AKA Taonga Volume), a 20-year-old undergraduate pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science at Copperbelt University in Zambia. Beyond academics, I am passionate about media and technology. I work as a radio presenter at Hype FM, where I engage audiences on diverse topics, and I serve as the Media Director for the Debate Society at my university. I’m also a web developer for NAI-ZM, which allows me to combine creativity with problem-solving. I’m particularly interested in how technology and media can shape society, and I’m eager to learn from diverse perspectives. In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, writing stories, singing, and learning new skills—currently, I’m teaching myself how to play the guitar!

Tayyabba

Hi! I’m Tayyaba Atiq, an educator, researcher, and advocate for gender equality and women’s empowerment from Pakistan. I believe that "true change happens when women have a voice in decision-making." I’m passionate about promoting gender equality not just through awareness, but by focusing on policies that create equal opportunities for everyone. I’m actively involved in various local & global advocacy and leadership programs to challenge inequalities and push for changes that support women within and beyond borders. My goal is to use every opportunity and platform to highlight women’s potential and make sure that gender equality is at the forefront of policy discussions. I'm really excited to be part of Connections 2025, where I can learn from innovative minds, exchange ideas, and build meaningful collaborations to ensure a more inclusive world for all.

Waiyan

Naing Wai Yan Aung is a 24-year-old community leader and aspiring digital enthusiast from Myanmar with a strong passion for intercultural exchange, digital literacy, and youth empowerment. As the founder of T&P Social Community, he collaborates with local schools, social enterprises, and nonprofits to provide educational resources and workshops for marginalized youth. His understanding of cultural diversity stems from his years at SAG Taunggyi, a community school where he studied alongside students from diverse ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. This experience shaped his commitment to fostering inclusivity and bridging cultural gaps. Additionally, during a humanitarian mission to Inle Lake, he provided supplies to refugee camps and taught young refugee children at a local monastery, further deepening his appreciation for cultural resilience and the power of education. Through this intercultural exchange program, Naing Wai Yan Aung hopes to engage in meaningful cross-cultural dialogue, exchange knowledge, and contribute to initiatives that promote inclusivity and social impact.

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