Zohal Akbari is a graduate student in the Balsillie School of International Affairs. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science with a minor in Psychology from the University of Waterloo, as well as a Biotechnology Diploma (Co-op) from Mohawk College. Her scientific training, combined with experience across both the provincial and federal public
Zeena Abdi Omer is a graduate student in the Master of International Public Policy program at the Balsillie School of International Affairs. She graduated from Brock University in 2025, earning an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a minor in Gender Studies. During her time at Brock, Zeena completed a co-op placement with
Rielle Miller is a graduate candidate in the Master of Arts in Global Governance program at the Balsillie School of International Affairs. She completed her 4-Year Bachelor’s degree in Human Rights at the University of Winnipeg, minoring in Conflict Resolution Studies. Throughout her undergraduate studies, Rielle developed a strong interest in the intersection of human
Noah Mrdovic is from Milton, Ontario, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Global Studies with a specialization in Peace and Conflict Studies and a minor in Political Science from Wilfrid Laurier University. Driven by a commitment to addressing international security and governance challenges, he brings a background in multilateral communications, municipal policy, and community-level
Taslimat Adeogun is a graduate student at the Balsillie School of International Affairs whose journey has been shaped by her passion for art, education and creating meaningful change. Her liver for the arts began at a very young age and eventually led her to Carleton University, where she earned her undergraduate degree in Art History.
Dr. Dawn Buzza brings expertise and leadership in human development, higher education, teacher education, and policy analysis. She received an MA in Education (Counselling) and a PhD. in Educational Psychology from Simon Fraser University. Dawn joined Laurier in 2007 as a founding member of the Faculty of Education. Her work included undergraduate and graduate teaching,
Etsubdink Addis Kasu is a graduate student in the Master of International Public Policy at the Balsillie School of International Aff airs. She is a 2026 graduate of the University of Waterloo, where she earned a Bachelor of Environmental Studies in International Development with a minor in Urban Studies. During the final year of her
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Anoosha Rahim, a Master of Development Practice (MDP) student at the Balsillie School of International Affairs and University of Waterloo, is passionate about building livelihoods that are sustainable, accessible and safe for families – particularly women. Her path here began in grassroots welfare work across social risk mitigation and social safety net portfolios, where she
Shelly Eh is pursuing a Master of Development Practice (MDP) at the Balsillie School of International Affairs (BSIA), exploring plural and gender-inclusive perspectives on international development, sustainability, and public policy. Through the Leadership and Democracy (L&D) Lab, a student-led think tank, Shelly has gained experience in policy research and analysis, examining how governance, geopolitics, and
Greg Woods is a Master of International Public Policy (MIPP) candidate at the Balsillie School of International Affairs. He recently graduated from the University of Waterloo, earning an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies with minors in Sociology and Political Science. Greg’s educational background provides him with a unique lens to examine the institutional
Aidan Goulart is a graduate student in the Master of International Public Policy program at the Balsillie School of International Affairs, specializing in Human Security and Digital Policy Innovation. Prior to attending BSIA, Aidan graduated from the University of Western Ontario, earning an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Politics and International Relations, and a certificate
Samuel Ameh is a graduate student in the Master of International Public Policy program at the Balsillie School of International Affairs. He is a public policy and community engagement professional with a Master of Arts in Political Science from the University of Waterloo and extensive experience in community leadership, governance, stakeholder engagement, and organizational development.
