Can you tell us a little bit about the decision to create the new role for “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator”? 

The role was envisioned by members of the previous GISA Board, who recognised the need for someone dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion at the Institute. Previously, responsibilities that now fall under the DEI Coordinator were shared among several board members, which made it harder to sustain and coordinate those efforts.

Student initiatives already do a great deal to create inclusive spaces, celebrate diversity, and start important conversations about equity and accessibility. The Board also saw a need for a stronger connection between those student-led efforts and institutional action. The DEI Coordinator role was created to help bridge that gap and support more consistent communication and collaboration between students and the administration.


What is your mission as DEI Coordinator? 

As the first DEI Coordinator, my mission is to build a strong foundation for the students who will hold this role after me. In my first few months, I’ve learned that institutional change takes time, even when there is real enthusiasm to move quickly. I want to create momentum that lasts beyond my term.

That starts with listening to students. My role is to advocate for an inclusive student experience, so the priorities I bring forward need to reflect students’ voices and needs. I also want to connect the work of regional and identity-based student initiatives with GISA and the Institute’s DEI efforts, so that student concerns can inform institutional conversations and action.


What are some specific projects you hope to accomplish this academic year? 

One priority is a campaign to hear directly from students about their needs and what DEI should look like at the Institute. We understand DEI in broad terms, but I want to ask what it means for our community specifically. Their answers can help shape the work we take forward.

I’m also excited to work with the Institute’s leadership on training to help professors make their classrooms more accessible. Our discussions have made clear that this will take longer than one academic year: a voluntary pilot would need to come before any mandatory training. During my term, I hope to help bring students, faculty, and accessibility experts into its development so the training reflects classroom realities and has broad support.
 

Is there an easy way for students and other members of the Institute community to keep up with your work or to reach out to participate in the campaign?

The easiest way to reach me is by email at gisa.dei@graduateinstitute.ch. I’d welcome ideas from students and other members of the Institute community, as well as anyone interested in taking part in the campaign.

The campaign is still in development, so we’re working out the best ways to share updates and invite participation. As the role grows, I’d like to introduce a monthly DEI newsletter that everyone in our community can access. I also hope to create a shared communication space for regional and identity-based student initiatives, making it easier for us to collaborate on projects. Whatever form these channels take, I want it to be easy for people to stay informed and get involved.

Finally, can you tell us a little about yourself, your journey to the Institute, and your studies? 

I’m originally from the United States, where I studied communications with a minor in political science. My studies sparked an interest in international development and human rights, and I decided to pursue a master’s degree to explore those fields more deeply.

I knew I wanted to study abroad, ideally somewhere I could also improve my French. The Geneva Graduate Institute became a top contender due to its  proximity to international organizations. Here, I’ve concentrated on human rights and humanitarianism, and I’ve become especially interested in business and human rights. It’s an area I hope to explore further in my thesis and, eventually, in my career.