Dorcas Boakye Acheampong, a Master of Development Practice (MDP) student at the Balsillie School of International Affairs, is deeply passionate about how finance can be used as a force to drive rural development, reduce poverty, and promote environmental sustainability. Her MBA in finance research examined the impact of Rural and Community Banks on the socio-economic […]
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Abdirisak Ali is a graduate student in the Master of Development Practice (MDP) at the University of Waterloo. His interest of Development Practices stems from professional journey, lived experience and commitment to fostering equitable and sustainable world. His Bachelor of Business Administration and Diploma in Community Development provided him with a strong foundation in analytical
Ema Oro is a current graduate student at the Balsillie School of International Affairs pursing her master’s degree in International Public Policy. Ema graduated from Queens University in 2024, earning an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in History. Throughout her time at Queens, Ema had the opportunity to take classes
Adrienne Kuntz is a graduate student at the Balsillie School of International Affairs in the Master of Development Practice (MDP) program. She holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture with a Certification in Environmental Citizenship from the University of Guelph, where she has explored the interconnection of ecological systems and human wellbeing. Her undergraduate thesis examined
Shirin Akter is a researcher specializing in food security, agricultural economics, and governance. She is currently pursuing her PhD in the Global Governance program at the Balsillie School of International Affairs, with a research focus at the intersection of urban food security, sustainable development, migration, gender, and governance. Her academic interests particularly emphasize governance strategies
Emily (Millie) Hannan is a PhD candidate in the Global Governance program at the BSIA through Wilfrid Laurier University, specializing in Global Social Governance. Her research hopes to analyze climate change as a threat multiplier as it pertains to forced migration while critically exploring exclusionary border practices and discourses. Millie is driven by a commitment
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Emma Gaffney-Ladd is a current student at the Balsillie School of International Affairs, completing her Masters in Global Governance. She graduated from the University of Toronto in 2024, earning an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, with a double minor in Indigenous Studies and Critical Studies of Equity and Solidarity. During her studies, she
Ekam is a PhD student in Global Governance at the Balsillie School of International Affairs. Her research focuses on the intersections of political ecology, global political economy, and migration studies, with a particular emphasis on how structural adjustment programs (SAPs) have reshaped agricultural systems in the Global South. She produced the concept of agricultural devaluation,
Wisdom is a dynamic and interdisciplinary scholar whose academic and professional journey reflects a deep commitment to sustainable development, inclusive economic policy, and organizational effectiveness. He is currently enrolled in the Master of International Public Policy Program at the Balsillie School of International Affairs, Waterloo, ON, Canada. His research explores the intersection of sustainable development,
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Isabella Mena is a student at the Balsillie School of International Affairs, pursuing her Master’s degree in International Public Policy. She graduated from Wilfrid Laurier University in 2025, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science, specializing in public policy with a minor in economics. Isabella’s areas of interest include environmental policy and international
Sarah Harvey (she/her) is from Mississauga, Ontario, and holds a Bachelor of Environmental Studies with a specialization in International Development (Honours) from the University of Waterloo. A recent graduate with a strong passion for advancing global equity and sustainability, she has experience working with NGOs in East Africa and Canada, engaging in cross-cultural collaboration and
Farhad Khosrojerdi earned his Ph.D. in Information Technology and Computer Science from Université du Québec en Outaouais (UQO). Pursuing a new research interest at the intersection of AI and policymaking, he is currently enrolled in the Master of International Public Policy program at the Balsillie School of International Affairs. He also holds an M.Sc. in
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