Our Mission
“To ensure that all students have a rich and fulfilling experience throughout their years as a student at IHEID”
Meet the Board
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Angello A. Leon Mejía
PRESIDENT (He/Him/Il)
Angello Leon is a Honduran-American student in the MINT program, where he specialises in the human rights and humanitarianism track. In his role as a class representative, he focused on bringing up the concerns and suggestions of his peers during discussions with the program director and other faculty members. Angello is committed to enhancing student engagement, support and improving the overall lifestyle of students at IHEID.
Throughout his term, Angello seeks to contribute to solutions for housing challenges, increase student involvement, and help foster a secure and supportive environment for everyone.
Outside of his academic pursuits, Angello enjoys many activities. He practices martial arts and gymnastics, enjoying the discipline and physical challenges they bring. He also engages in music and dancing, which allows him to express his creative side and maintain a balanced lifestyle.
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Rami Alexandre Mottu
VICE PRESIDENT OF MASTER’S PROGRAMMES (He/Him/Il/Lui)
Rami is a second-year MINT student specialised in Conflict, Peace and Security. He was born and raised in the US but his origins are Swiss-Egyptian. His academic interests are causes and forms of violence, decoloniality, and the MENA region. He completed his BA in Human, Social, and Political Sciences at the University of Cambridge.
As VP of Master's Programmes, Rami's focuses are on reforming the MINT and disciplinary programmes to give students more choices and opportunities. He is also deeply passionate about Decolonizing the Curriculum.
In his free time, Rami sings in the IHEID Choir and plays Dungeons and Dragons.
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Tommaso Fonti
VICE PRESIDENT OF PHD PROGRAMMES (He/Him/Il)
Tommaso is a first-year PhD student in IRPS, originally from Milan, Italy. His research focuses on the intersection of international political economy and climate change. With an interdisciplinary academic background spanning political science, economics, and international relations, Tommaso has pursued studies at institutions such as Pompeu Fabra, the University of Milan, and Sciences Po.
In addition to his academic work, he is actively involved in politics and currently serves as the chair of the Social Policy and Mobility Committee in Milan's City Council.
In his free time, Tommaso enjoys rap and trap music, running, and experimenting in the kitchen. He is intellectually curios and open to multiple activities and interests.
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Anthony Toscano
TREASURER (He/Him/Il)
Anthony Toscano is a second-year MINT student specialising in Human Rights and Humanitarianism. He comes from Geneva and holds a bachelor’s degree in International Business Management from the Haute École de Gestion of Geneva.
Within the diverse IHEID student community, he has previously served as the Treasurer and Vice-President of the Professional Development Committee (PDC).
Beyond academia, Anthony enjoys playing football, going for challenging hikes around Switzerland, and spending time with friends. With Italian origins, he is always up for a cappuccino and loves cooking dishes from various cultures (“I won’t lie, Indian food is so good!”). His dream is to create a YouTube channel to support the development of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
He is fluent in English, French, Italian, and Spanish and is about to start learning German. Anthony is committed to contributing to future on-field projects aimed at improving living conditions and addressing immediate priorities.
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Hamna Chohan
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. -
James Nyumu
EVENTS COORDINATOR (He/Him/Il/Lui)
James Nyumu, is a MINT student in the Mobilities, Migrations, and Boundaries track. He comes from Kenya and is fluent in four languages: English, French, Swahili, and Kamba. He holds two bachelor's degrees, one in International Relations and another in Political Science.
Passionate about connection and community, James envisions GISA events as spaces for celebration, learning, and inclusivity. He aims to create engaging and worthwhile experiences for all members of the IHEID community, ensuring that every student feels seen and valued.
Outside of the institute, James enjoys singing, and exploring different cuisines from around the world. He is always eager to connect with people he has not met before.
James is here for an IHEID where cultures connect, memories are made and everyone is engaged.
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Arkoprabho Hazra
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.
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Ann Tressa Pearlju
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE PRESIDENT (She/Her/Elle)
Currently diving deep into the world of Conflict, Peace, and Security in her Masters in International and Development Studies, she's on a mission to bridge the gap between academic brilliance and real-world impact. With backgrounds in Business Administration and Public Administration, coupled with experience in Recruiting Operations at a global PEO, Ann brings a blend of academic rigor and practical know-how to the student committee.
She's an advocate for equal opportunities, determined to equip her peers with the necessary tools for success. She's happiest grooving to good tunes or unleashing her inner Rocky in the boxing ring (okay, maybe just trying to stay upright!).
Got something on your mind? Drop Ann a line at gisa.pdc@graduateinstitute.ch for a chat about anything from career conundrums to coursework quirks!
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Sandra Thachirickal Prathap & Sanket Somnath Bhokre
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!
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Leïla Joutet & Shubhika Tagore
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.
Who else makes up GISA? You.
All students registered in a two-year master’s programme or in a doctoral programme at the Graduate Institute are Members of the Association.
As a member, you are welcome to:
Attend all events and participate in discussions surrounding GISA activities at our weekly board meetings and in General Assemblies.
Propose a new student initiative and apply for funding.
Represent the interests and concerns of your peers by running to become a Class Representative.
Represent the interests of your peers as a GISA Board Member.
Our Activities
In accordance with our statutes, the main activities of our association are to:
represent students in front of the various bodies in and out of the IHEID
promote friendly relations between the students and IHEID
promote intellectual debate
promote cultural and athletic activities
support the activities organized by various autonomous student associations
manage the facilities of the association and those collectively entrusted by IHEID to the students
communicate with our members frequently and in a transparent manner
This means we work together to make sure that:
academic concerns of students at the Institute are adequately addressed
a diverse array of social and cultural activities are available for all students
we communicate effectively and constantly with all Institute officials, faculty, and staff
we promote student exchange as much as possible to foster a collegial and fun environment in and outside of the classroom