GCA Stories

The GCA aims to celebrate our alumni and help them enhance their reach and networks. This initiative, the GCA Stories, creates a mutual space for alumni to showcase their work in the field of human rights and connect with each other.

Each profile in this list has accepted being contacted by others and is interested in connecting and expanding their networks.

If you have previously participated and wish to update the information provided here, please contact the GCA team at hazem.mizyed@globalcampusalumni.org

You can always visit LinkedIn and search for #gcastories to explore directly. There you will see the posts in a random order.

Meet the alumni- presented randomly:

Samrawit Getaneh

Samrawit is immersed in Ph.D. research on international accountability for climate change-induced children’s rights violations in Africa. Her focus is to shed light on historical and ongoing injustices, emphasizing human rights violations caused by climate change, particularly affecting African children. Her research critically analyzes international human rights law structures from a Global South child-rights perspective. For Samrawit, being a part of the Global Campus means joining a rich, diverse, and inspiring network of individuals dedicated to making the world a better place. In a time where human rights face unprecedented challenges, Samrawit emphasizes the importance of strengthening solidarity within the human rights community and reimagining the renaissance of human rights based on diverse, inclusive, and truly global ideals and structures. Samrawit is eager to connect with researchers and practitioners sharing her passion for human rights implementation in Africa, climate change and human rights, and broader areas of development and human rights. She is particularly interested in connecting with TWAIL scholars working on these subjects. Reach out to Samrawit: [https://lnkd.in/d82rgcEW]

Maria Alcidi

Maria is a Research Fellow at the Max Planck Foundation for International Peace and the Rule of Law. She works with grassroots civil society in hashtag#Afghanistan and Afghan legal scholars in the diaspora to explore creative avenues for operating in the challenging environment inside the country resulting from the Taliban takeover in 2021. “One thing I’ve learned that has changed how I see my human rights career – Maria explained about her journey in human rights – is to think of human rights as a locus of academic discussion, a project that can (and should) be challenged to make space for people holding different views. I am honored to be part of this initiative, which I believe is very valuable”. Maria wants to connect with people interested in gender justice, queer theory, critical theory, restorative justice, and feminism.

Hedme Sierra-Castro

Meet Hedme Sierra-Castro from GCLatinAmericaCaribbean. As someone who comes from an engineering background, Hedme brings a unique perspective to human rights. In Hedmes view, “Human rights are not exclusive to lawyers!” And indeed, they are not. Hedme is a seasoned Human Rights Defender and Digital Rights Activist with over 10 years of experience. She specializes in safeguarding the right to privacy and freedom of expression on the Internet. Hedme’s expertise spans Digital Rights, Security, and Cyberactivism, where she actively collaborates with civil society and social movements in LATAM and the Caribbean. With a background as a Systems Engineer, holding a Master’s in Human Rights and Democratization, and a Postgraduate in Research Methods for Internet Policies, Hedme brings a unique blend of technical proficiency and human rights advocacy. She focuses on the intersection between human rights and digital communication technologies, with an emphasis on technologies, gender, and digital violence. Hedme mentions that “My best experience while studying has been meeting, sharing and learning from my classmates. We are still good friends from different countries”.

Jean Linis-Dincó

Meet and connect with Jean Linis-Dincó from GCAsiaPacific. “I firmly believe that technology can be a powerful tool for promoting the common good. For this reason, I am currently dedicating myself to my doctoral studies in Cybersecurity, where I am crafting a framework to assist nations in the battle against disinformation and propaganda, particularly in the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar”. “As a passionate advocate for the working class, my ultimate goal is to use my expertise in AI and cybersecurity to promote social justice and to combat the forces of oppression that seek to silence the voices of the people. Specifically, through my PhD research and beyond, I hope to ensure that emerging technologies are deployed in ways that respect human rights and dignity, and that they do not reinforce existing inequalities. In the end, my hope is to make a real difference in the lives of working-class people around the world like myself”. “By prioritizing the perspectives and input of the working class and marginalized sectors, we can guarantee that technology serves the general welfare and not just the upper 1%”. Reach out to Jean! https://lnkd.in/eVV7vMG6

Erjola Shaka

Erjola, who also holds an MA in Gender and Women’s Studies, teaches young people emotional and physical self-defense and empowering techniques: “the goal is to prevent violence, to know how to react in situations of assault and immediate violence, how to set healthy boundaries and build healthy relationships… prevention is better than intervention!” She trains teachers who then develop extracurricular programmes on these topics in high schools in Albania. Erjola is interested in connecting with people on gender issues, human rights, nationalism and state building processes: https://lnkd.in/dMqnnSuq

Saw-Lin Htet

Saw-Lin spent time as a political prisoner in Myanmar. “My story is simple; I want to end the military rule (visible dictatorship) and chauvinism (invisible dictatorship) that hinder our country’s (Myanmar) ability to exercise Human Rights and Democracy. Since their actions go against human rights and democratic norms, I have a moral obligation as a citizen to raise my voice against these atrocities of the military coup. I joined the peaceful protest as a frontline defender by seizing the opportunity as a student of Human Rights and Democratisation”. “Since I believe everyone should enjoy their rights to life with dignity, all my work and actions are guided by this philosophy. Follow your passion and be bold for change. Currently, I am completing my thesis writing, which I was supposed to finish two years ago. Additionally, I offer tips and advice to some of the family members of political prisoners since most are still in prison”.

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Dr Parvez Pirzado

Meet and connect with Dr Parvez Pirzado from GCAsiaPacific. “With a background in education, I have realised that there is a need for human rights education in countries like Pakistan. I am currently working with UNICEF in Pakistan on education projects. My goal is to develop my career in the field of international education development and child and human rights education”. “The Global Campus Alumni is a great network of wonderful professionals from around the world who are committed to protecting and promoting human rights in their respective regions. My Master’s in Human Rights and Democratisation degree provided me with the motivation to pursue doctoral studies. I earned a doctoral degree in Education with a focus on Human Rights Education”. Reach out to Parvez on LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/e-3vSKgq

Tatev Baldrian

Meet and connect with Tatev Baldrian from #GCCaucasus. “Currently, I am conducting independent research focusing on women’s rights, Armenian women’s magazines, and militarization. I plan to apply for a Ph.D. program to continue studying human rights and political science. In the future, I would like to advocate for the human rights of people living in armed conflict areas, higher education, and women’s rights”. What does being a Global Campus alum* mean to you? “I am very happy and honored to be a Global Campus alumna. I believe it offers many benefits, such as networking and the opportunity to engage with professionals and academics in the human rights field. It also provides a chance to participate in various projects and help motivate new or potential students to study human rights”. “I would like to connect with people who have expertise in refugee and displaced people’s rights, higher education, and international humanitarian law”. Reach out to Tatev!: https://lnkd.in/eVWVCYpx

Ana Mata

Meet and connect with Ana Mata from GCLatinAmericaCaribbean🌟. “One of my rewarding experiences was creating a documentary about a groundbreaking female basketball team that secured victory in their local tournament on the coast of Guerrero in Mexico. In a region where basketball was traditionally dominated by men, these women astonished the entire community. Their success not only challenged preconceptions but also sparked discussions on the hurdles women face in continuing to play after becoming mothers or caregivers. Reflecting on the impact of human rights issues on individuals, I’ve discovered that addressing the aftermath takes various forms, often extending beyond legal aspects to encompass both reparations and overall well-being. Being part of a broad network of individuals working towards a brighter future holds tremendous value.” “I am eager to connect with individuals engaged in fieldwork, especially those involved in projects exploring psychosocial interventions through art”. Connect with Ana: https://lnkd.in/dAvFBjez

Angel Zapata

Angel is currently engaged in academic management as a tutor for the GC Latin America & Caribbean Master’s programme (hashtag#LATMA). His aspirations include completing his PhD in Social Sciences and collaborating with NGOs and International Organizations, particularly in the field of civil and political rights, with a focus on freedom of expression and social protest. For Angel, joining LATMA was not just an academic pursuit: “It offered me the chance to continue my education and escape the serious humanitarian crisis in my home country, Venezuela’ […] Having the opportunity to connect with hundreds of individuals who share common interests but bring different tools for the promotion and defense of human rights is a valuable aspect of being part of the Global Campus community. This collective effort consistently adds to and encourages all GCA members”. Connect with Angel on LinkedIn: [https://lnkd.in/dtXj_PKg]

Mariia Koltsova

Maria is a freelance journalist and media specialist covering human rights issues in Russia and neighboring countries. “I am really thankful to all my classmates who shared with me stories about human rights situations in their countries and inspired me to continue working. I also appreciate the support and dedication of my thesis supervisor Yuliana Melkumyan. A new idea that changed how I see my human rights career is to do something that I truly believe in and brings happiness.” 🙏 Maria has also been a regional correspondent for the GC Human Rights Preparedness blog; she remembers fondly one of the editors, Rosemary Cowan, for her kind words and gentle guidance through her journey. 🌟 Maria is eager to connect with colleagues from Human Rights and Media fields, particularly those involved in advocacy and representation of vulnerable groups and migration. ✊

Anna Hakobyan

Meet and connect with Anna Hakobyan from GCCaucasus. “I organise educational programs in the regions of Armenia and Yerevan. Through game-based education, we motivate children to see education as an enjoyable and interesting process. Simultaneously, it helps children recognize the role and importance of the environment in their lives, awakening their ecological consciousness. My goal is to establish new connections with people who value human rights, equipping myself with new knowledge”.

Flávia Villela

Flávia is a journalist currently completing a master’s degree in Public Policy and Human Rights in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. She serves as the Press/Communication Manager at the Association of Public Defenders of Rio de Janeiro. Flávia’s primary goals include pursuing further studies and a doctorate related to communication and human rights. Additionally, she aspires to contribute actively to a group, movement, or network addressing causes intertwined with human rights and communication. Flávia states “I firmly believe in the importance of producing and disseminating decolonizing and counter-hegemonic epistemologies and initiatives to promote human rights. This approach is essential to dismantle the status quo that justifies and naturalizes injustices, violence, and the exploitation of masses, enabling a small, dominant privileged group to concentrate means and power in their hands”. “The opportunity to connect with colleagues from different parts of Latin America during the program has been incredible and unique. Learning about their realities, challenges, and dreams in the fight for an inclusive, just, and diverse society has been enriching. The exchange of ideas and thoughts about human rights in a critical and anticipatory manner has contributed significantly to my understanding of the field”. Reach out and connect through LinkedIn: [https://lnkd.in/dkH6JzFr]

Nastasia

Nastasia Thebaud B. Njenga from GCAfrica. Nastasia, reachable at nastasia.tbn@ujasirihumanrights.org, has dedicated over a decade to advancing human rights, focusing on gender equality, climate justice, children’s rights, and economic and social rights, especially the right to food, with a special emphasis on the African continent. Operating through her consultancy practice, Ujasiri Human Rights, Nastasia collaborates globally, providing advocacy, training, and research services. A lifelong commitment to challenging intersectional injustices drives Nastasia, who actively collaborates with NGOs, community-based organizations, child rights networks, and academic institutions. She seeks connections with individuals working on human rights, particularly in Africa. Nastasia’s approach involves being a megaphone for others to speak up, supporting young people’s actions, training individuals for self-advocacy, and co-designing research in gender equality, children’s rights, climate justice, and human rights. As a Global Campus Alumna, she envisions herself as part of a multi-continental chain, contributing to a united front in the fight for human rights. Connect with Nastasia to enrich your perspectives and collaborate: LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/drwiceZp

Bruce Portugal Amoroto

Bruce is currently working towards doctoral studies with a project on critically understanding both the changed/changing location of Christianity in (post)postmodernity and the political agency of religious LGBTIQAs who continue to struggle against neocolonialism, neoliberalism, historical inequity, injustice, and systemic-structural-cultural violation of human rights. In the last 20 years, he has been involved in social justice and human rights movements in Asia and globally. What does being a Global Campus alum* mean to you? “It means being part of a global fight for a more just and sustainable world for all, and about championing a fragile human rights system amidst shrinking democratic spaces and the ongoing structural, systemic and cultural violence of neocolonialism, neoliberalism, and historical inequity and injustice.” Bruce is keen on connecting with activists, academics, and practitioners working on development justice, gender and SOGIESC justice, climate justice, as well as religion and spirituality, and the implications of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies on human rights and democracy: https://lnkd.in/dUugSY_W

Alejandro Palacio Arévalo

Alejandro is a Peace and Reintegration Specialist at UNDP Colombia, dedicating his professional journey to the development and execution of socio-economic and educational projects that are designed to benefit vulnerable populations and victims of the armed conflict in Colombia. He is eager to connect with individuals who can share experiences and provide advice or guidance. Alejandro mentions that his firsthand experiences in the GC masters programme have broadened his cultural horizons and, as an alumnus, have provided him with more opportunities to work in his preferred field, and advocate for human rights.

Aytek Çingitaş

As a Project Manager at the Council of Europe, Aytek manages projects in the areas of human rights, access to justice and anti-discrimination. He hopes to further contribute to the protection of human rights through internationally funded projects. What does being a Global Campus alum* mean to you? “Whom you work with matters more than where you work. Being a Global Campus alumnus means to be a part of a bigger family in which each member has the same values and is working for a common goal: a better world”. Aytek wishes to connect with people working in international organizations, civil society and academia to further discuss new opportunities: https://lnkd.in/dzJRy8nx

Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz

As Deputy Director of the Africa Division at Human Rights Watch, Ashwanee oversees human rights research and advocacy in ten African countries, addressing issues such as human rights during conflict, shrinking civic space, democracy threats, enforced disappearances, extra-judicial killings, forced evictions, and the rights of indigenous peoples, women, children, LGBT, persons with disabilities, and older persons. “The GCA network is amazing. As I worked at the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria on GC Africa Master’s programme for quite some time, I had the opportunity to meet alumni from all over the world. I know that if I have a question about human rights in Latin America, the Balkans or Asia, it will be easy to connect to someone to discuss the same.” With her work, she hopes to bring positive change to human rights in Africa. “Africa faces many human rights challenges, and I hope that my work contributes to overcoming these challenges. A new idea I learnt that changed how I see my human rights career is that human beings are at the center of the work that we do, and that there should always be consultation with the target group before embarking on any research/advocacy”. Connect with Ashwanee at https://lnkd.in/embspyX2

John Paul Amah

John Paul is Children’s Rights Officer at the Global Camps of Human Rights: “I hope to accomplish transformational change in the domain of children’s rights… always putting my feet in the shoes of others.” For John Paul, being an alumnus means “I am able to connect with a global pool of experts who can readily inform and assist me professionally.” Connect with John Paul at https://lnkd.in/dyy6AwAe

José Arévalo

As a dedicated university professor deeply involved in fostering change, José Alexander Arévalo Carvajal is on a mission to educate and inspire. Not only does he teach at the university level, but he also collaborates with civil society organizations, imparting knowledge on the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs to officials and university students. Currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy with a goal to complete it in the short term, José’s journey is marked by meaningful achievements. One highlight from José’s journey includes successfully completing his thesis—an experience that contributed significantly to his personal and professional growth. José expresses gratitude to CIEP and the Global Campus of Human Rights for their instrumental role in his academic and professional journey. José is eager to connect with individuals globally, particularly those with experience in human rights and democracy. His commitment to academic investigation and understanding the Inter-American human rights system reflects a profound dedication to working in the sphere of human rights and strengthening democracy in the region. Connect with José to share insights and collaborate on initiatives driving these critical causes forward. Reach out to José 👉 [https://lnkd.in/dVdF97CG]

Majd Owda

Owda has recently embarked on a new career as a human rights trainer and legal researcher (MUSAWA) in Palestine. She is also a Legal editor of the Annual Report of Human Rights in the oPt issued by the (PLO). “I am working on various researches related to different fields of human rights. I’m looking for opportunities to work with NGOs concerned with human rights and especially refugees, children and women. I’m also a volunteer with Palestinian municipalities to develop cultural programs for children, youth and women”. My research interests include human rights and gender, international law, humanitarian law, the Palestinian question in international law, and constitutional law. I’m interested in connecting with researchers and practitioners interested in human rights, international law and international humanitarian law”. Reach out to Majd! https://lnkd.in/ezMf3y6Z

Mariam Muradyan

Mariam works as a Child Rights Regional Officer at the Global Campus of Human Rights. She strives for engagement, equality, welfare and protection of rights of the children in her region and in the world in general. “I was very much inspired by the professors and professionals who have been engaged in teaching MA courses at CES (Center for European Studies, Yerevan State University). It has been and still is the best collection of professors and experts who inspire, teach and mentor you in your studies of human rights”. 👩‍🎓What does being a Global Campus alum* mean to you? “It has impacted significantly on my career path. It helped me to understand my future aspirations and professional goals. As an alumna, I took advantage of many opportunities and eventually was invited as an expert in the field of children’s rights. I continue engaging my fellow alumni in all possible activities”. Reach out to Mariam here: 👉 https://lnkd.in/eGhyDFdG

Julia Runte

Julia is working on projects at the Global Campus HQ that support human rights defenders in exile. One of them is a new “Reconceptualising Exile programme”, through which she has met many ‘non-traditional’ human rights defenders: artists, journalists, film makers – those who do not necessarily consider themselves defenders. “I get to remind them that they are. To remind how inter-disciplinary human rights are.” What does being a Global Campus alum* mean to you? “Being a Global Campus alumna means having access to a wonderful network of professionals. I would like to connect more with those associated with the humanitarian aid side, especially regarding conflict refugees and the Afghanistan context.” Reach out to Julia! https://lnkd.in/dDBPy4Kt

Kristina Eger

“In India, more than 90% of construction workers are informal workers and more than 50% of these are women. I hope to improve OSH in India, especially for informal and women workers. I work on promoting occupational safety and health (OSH) in the Indian construction sector”. A new idea that I recently learnt and that changed how I see my human rights career is that children can be the best human rights ambassadors when it comes to occupational safety and health (OSH). When promoting OSH in kindergartens, we found out that children not only developed a safety mindset, but also shared it with their families, therewith reaching the workforce more powerfully than our training. This is what being a Global Campus Alumna means to me: being connected, supported, inspired. Currently, I am working in the field of business & human rights and would therefore be very interested to connect with people working in this field.” Reach out to Kristina!: https://lnkd.in/emq4tMDq

LATMA Alumni

Flávia Villela

José Arévalo

Bruce Portugal Amoroto

Ana Mata

Angel Zapata

Alejandro Palacio Arévalo

Hedme Sierra-Castro

ARMA Alumni

Ahmed Samy Lotf

Ahmed is a PhD candidate in Sociology and Political Science at the Scuola Normale Superiore in Florence. His research focuses on the learning process of revolutionary movements while facing several types of state violence in the regional context of the Arab world: “I want to be a part-time lecturer while working on publishing my poetry as the main profession. Let’s see how realistic or ambitious this is!”. What changed the way you see your human rights career? “I’ve realised we need to focus on the micro-level to bring about change. I can’t change the whole world myself, but we can change the ‘small worlds’ around us collectively… All we need is to work on our knowledge, pick our battles and stand by our principles in the small circle we are part of.” Ahmed is interested in connecting with people who have became lecturers or have managed to combine art with an academic profession https://lnkd.in/d-CG4p58

Majd Owda

APMAA Alumni

Dr Parvez Pirzado

Jean Linis-Dincó

HRDA Alumni

Ashwanee Budoo-Scholtz

Nastasia Thebaud B. Njenga

Meet and connect with Nastasia Thebaud B. Njenga from GCAfrica. Nastasia, reachable at nastasia.tbn@ujasirihumanrights.org, has dedicated over a decade to advancing human rights, focusing on gender equality, climate justice, children’s rights, and economic and social rights, especially the right to food, with a special emphasis on the African continent. Operating through her consultancy practice, Ujasiri Human Rights, Nastasia collaborates globally, providing advocacy, training, and research services. A lifelong commitment to challenging intersectional injustices drives Nastasia, who actively collaborates with NGOs, community-based organizations, child rights networks, and academic institutions. She seeks connections with individuals working on human rights, particularly in Africa. Nastasia’s approach involves being a megaphone for others to speak up, supporting young people’s actions, training individuals for self-advocacy, and co-designing research in gender equality, children’s rights, climate justice, and human rights. As a Global Campus Alumna, she envisions herself as part of a multi-continental chain, contributing to a united front in the fight for human rights. Connect with Nastasia to enrich your perspectives and collaborate: LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/drwiceZp

Samrawit Getaneh

EMA Alumni

Julia Runte

Kristina Eger

John Paul Amah

Maria Alcidi

Do not hesitate to tag the Global Campus Alumni on LinkedIn whenever you share updates about your career in human rights. Celebrating the accomplishments of our alumni and giving them visibility is one of our main objectives.

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