Office of Student Success | Colin Powell School
Office of Student Success | Colin Powell School
Around the world, we see cases of human rights violations — most visibly in the wars between Israel and Hamas, and in Ukraine, Sudan, and Congo. Moreover, across scores of countries, the rights of women and girls, refugees and migrants, journalists, and other vulnerable groups have been suppressed. Many governments still fall short of providing clean and safe environments and access to healthcare.
In response to these global injustices, the International Human Rights Fellowship at the Colin Powell School trains students to become advocates, organizers, and policy leaders in movements for the universal rights of people worldwide. We want you to be at the center of these movements.
The fellowship starts in November 2024, will run through the spring semester, and consists of monthly workshops, mentorship, and paid internships at organizations like:
Amna is a first generation Pakistani American who firmly believes that none of us are free until all of us are free. In the last 6 years Amna has dedicated her time to dismantling unjust systems by interning at organizations like the Bronx defenders and also by working as a Project Manager in Washington DC to build the first National Asian Pacific American Museum on the National Mall.
Bariya Mosnu is a junior majoring in political science and psychology with a minor in economics at The City College of New York for the 2024-2025 academic year. Raised in a family of immigrants, Bariya Mosnu draws inspiration from her parents’ experiences in Bangladesh, which has sparked her commitment to advocating for human rights and social justice. She is especially passionate about issues impacting marginalized groups worldwide, including the refugee crisis and the right to safe living conditions. Bariya Mosnu actively participates in social movements, attending protests and raising awareness on social media about various causes. In her free time, she enjoys singing, a skill developed through her years in choir, and volunteering and connecting with her community. Following graduation, Bariya Mosnu hopes to work with organizations focused on global human rights and equity initiatives and go to law school to become a lawyer.
Brenda Ojeda is a first-generation college student who was born and raised in Queens, New York, and comes from a Mexican and Dominican background. She is currently a junior studying political science and international studies to learn more about government institutions, policies, and diverse issues impacting communities globally. Brenda is passionate about advocating for minority communities and global issues such as Indigenous and environmental rights and hopes to attend law school after her undergraduate studies to become an international lawyer. By becoming an international lawyer, she hopes to address the current issues surrounding these topics through policy. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her family.
Carlos is a third-year economics major with keen passion for macroeconomic policy and development economics. He dreams of becoming an economist who conducts research in developing countries, where he hopes to play a role in shaping effective policies that lead to real change. With a deep interest in tackling issues like poverty alleviation and sustainable development, Carlos is excited to use his education to help create policies that promote economic growth and social mobility.
Fahlovi Noman is a junior at the City College of New York, majoring in political science and biology on a pre-med track. Originally from Bangladesh, He is driven by a passion for humanitarian work and community health, aspiring to merge a career in medicine with global health advocacy. Fahlovi is dedicated to understanding the social determinants of health and advocating for underserved communities. In addition to academic pursuits, Fahlovi enjoys volunteering, engaging in outdoor activities, and discovering the city’s hidden culinary gems. Fun fact: when not studying or volunteering, Fahlovi loves to spend time at the gym.
Huda is pursuing a degree in Psychology at the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership at City College of New York (CCNY), where they are currently in their junior year. They bring a unique international perspective, having lived and studied in five different countries. Huda’s academic focus centers on understanding trauma and its neurological impacts as well as its interpersonal impacts, with aspirations to further their education through a master’s program in psychology, and then finally pursuing a mental health counseling license or going into psychological research work. They also love learning languages and getting accustomed to different cultures around the world.
Hussam Mohammad is an undergraduate anthropology major at The City College of New York. Having fled Darfur as a child, his family experienced the challenges of displacement from Sudan, victimized by political persecution, exile and genocide. Today, his purpose is centered on aiding refugees, immigrants and anti-extractivism advocacy. “The arc of humanity is long but it bends towards justice” – Theodore Parker.
Layal Balaghi is a senior majoring in psychology, with a strong passion for advocacy. She is highly dedicated to her education, and continues to make it her top priority. Layal is from Lebanon, however she was born and raised in New York City and grew up in Queens with her parents and two siblings. While Layal has a creative nature to her, expressing herself through art, music and vocalism, she also has an analytic niche that drives her problem solving abilities. She aims to become a policy specialist to further implement positive change that touches the lives of many.
Mame Diarra, a driven senior majoring in International Studies and minoring in Public Policy and Women and Gender Studies, has always been captivated by the complexities of global affairs. Growing up in a multicultural household, her fluency in French and passion for languages have fueled her curiosity about international diplomacy. Inspired by her family’s experiences navigating different cultures, Mame is dedicated to advocating for human rights and advancing women’s rights globally. She’s particularly interested in how international policy impacts marginalized communities, especially in Africa. Beyond her academic pursuits, she enjoys volunteering, learning new languages, and spending time with her nephews. Post-graduation, Mame plans to pursue a master’s degree and work with international organizations to help shape policies that uplift underrepresented communities worldwide.
Mona Alzokri is a Senior studying International Relations and Financial Economics at the Colin Powell School for Civic and Global Leadership. She is a first generation college student interested in assessing the relationship between the rich and the poor, and each political power’s interests within its country alongside its economic goals. During this fellowship, Mona will work to amplify the voices of those oppressed by the Israeli Regime (eg. the Palestinian Genocide), as well as the genocide in Sudan. She will conduct research that she hopes to later on publish and raise awareness on the importance of protecting all human rights. In the long-term future, Mona’s objective is to manage her own non-profit organization, which will be focused on providing food, clothes, education, and medical services to those in need within the MIDDLE EAST and AFRICA. Having taken classes and internships related to advocacy and nonprofit organization, Mona aspires to work in companies/organizations whose services are efficient, eco-friendly, and promise to improve people’s quality of life. As a current CCNY student, she is already a human rights advocate that loves to network and collaborate across campus clubs and organizations to plan events and increase student engagement on and off campus. In her free time, Mona enjoys walking by Riverside park, observing nature with her headphones on, and exploring the diversity of New York City.
Raky Sy is a senior majoring in Political Science and International Studies at The City College of New York. A strong believer in social justice, Raky hopes to one day start an organization dedicated to teaching young girls about challenging beauty standards and ending skin bleaching in their community. Influenced by powerful stories in African literature, the books she enjoys reading the most include Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Stay With Me by Ayobami Adebayo, and Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi; such influences have taken her notion of identity and culture a notch higher. Raky also deeply loves music. With a keen commitment to voicing the underprivileged people, Raky envisions building such a career that will inspire self-confidence and resilience among young women toward meaningful societal change.
Safina is a senior at CCNY, majoring in Political Science and International Studies. Born in New Rochelle, NY, and raised in Nairobi, Kenya, she aspires to be a recognized human rights advocate for marginalized groups. A pressing issue for her is gender-based violence, especially the rights of young girls and women. Growing up in Kenya, she witnessed firsthand the profound inequalities women face, which fuels her commitment to champion their rights and dignity.
As a young Black Muslim woman, Safina feels a deep responsibility to advocate for others. Through her Human Rights Fellowship, she aims to deepen her understanding of fundamental human rights principles and develop strategies to address global challenges. She also seeks to enhance her skills in advocacy, research, and campaigning.
In her free time, she enjoys arts and crafts, listening to music, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Shafia is a rising junior majoring in International Studies with a focus on international human rights and healthcare equity. When visiting her family in Bangladesh, Shafia was deeply moved by early experiences witnessing gender-based violence and human rights abuses, which sparked a lasting commitment to advocacy. Over the next decade, Shafia hopes to work in crisis zones, addressing both physical and psychological trauma in areas affected by conflict, natural disasters, and systemic inequality. In their free time, Shafia enjoys reading memoirs, research, and historical fiction and hopes to bring compassion, resilience, and global awareness to their future career. Shafia envisions a world where every individual, regardless of circumstance, can live with dignity and access essential healthcare and human rights. Through resilience and compassion, they are determined to be a voice for the unheard and a healer in times of crisis.
Tarannum is a rising junior currently pursuing a dual degree in Psychology and International Studies at the City College of New York. With a passion for social justice and a background in psychology, Tarannum aims to bring a unique perspective to the field of human rights, focusing on the intersection of mental health and advocacy.
Her work as a teaching assistant and experience in leadership roles has strengthened her commitment to developing inclusive and supportive environments. Through the fellowship, Tarannum is dedicated to deepening her understanding of human rights issues and empowering communities to achieve equity and justice.
Outside of academics, Tarannum enjoys time out in nature. Her favorite thing to do all year round is find a quiet spot in the park and be present in the sunshine.
Yasmin is a BA/MA Credited Alcohol and Substance Use Counseling (CASAC) major who is a senior as of the 2024-2025 school year. She is a first-generation Sudanese-American student who has family that was directly affected by famine, racism, and forced emigration due to Sudans ongoing conflict. She has been very vocal about the persistent negligence of Sudanese people in their struggle to be treated equitably and fairly as tensions have risen with bordering countries, sparking her interest in human rights not only in Sudan, but all over the world. Yasmin has worked with organizations within the community to educate, support, and uplift both the Sudanese and non-Sudanese diaspora. She has immersed herself in the realm of social, political, economic, and cultural history of Sudan, and how to cope with the loss of life in the region.