Cyra Alesha is passionate in using technology, data, and education for social impact. She has hosted an educational TV program reaching 6 million households weekly, led free technology programs for over 1,000 youths, and collaborated with UNICEF to empower young people through innovation. Cyra has spoken at conferences across multiple continents and has been recognized by Indonesia's Ministry of Education for her contributions through an award-winning NGO. Awarded as a lifetime RISE fellow by Schmidt Futures & the Rhodes Trust, Cyra has received awards for her social-impact projects across the US, UK, Brazil, and more. She is an Honors student at Georgia Tech, where she studies Industrial & Systems Engineering with a focus on Analytics & Data Science.

I’m Emma, a freshman at Stanford, originally from Los Angeles. I’m all about making a difference, which is why I started GenZCrusade—a movement to boost voter engagement and tackle gun violence. Over the years, I’ve worn a lot of hats, working with nonprofits, venture capital, private equity, and some amazing campus organizations. At Stanford, I’m part of groups like Stanford Women in Business, ASES VC3, and the Stanford Marketing Group, where I get to mix my love for business, social impact, and leadership. When I’m not busy with that, I’m probably on the field or court—I’m a huge sports fan and love staying active, whether it’s soccer, basketball, or trying something new. And of course, I’m all about quality time with friends and family.

I am Chun Ming Xu, a CIF Spring ‘24 Fellow and a Year 1 student from HKU SPACE Community College studying biomedical sciences. I'm passionate about education, public health, community development, and social policy. During my time in CIF, I learned so much, particularly with urban planning and housing, and bonded with so many amazing people who became my besties and carved a safe space for me. I particularly involved myself with addressing low youth voter turnout in North Carolina and vaccine hesitancy in the Philippines through a youth-led radio program, which was recognized by the SPRING group as well. Outside of CIF, I wrote numerous proposals addressing social issues like rural maternal healthcare and access to clean water and engaged in various social involvement activities like visiting a juvenile detention center and preparing public school classrooms.

My name is Luiza Brant, I’m 19 years old, from Belo Horizonte, Brazil, and next fall, I will begin my freshman year at Bowdoin College. As an enthusiastic learner and world explorer, I have studied in 15+ countries and love immersing myself in new cultures. Although adventuring outdoors is somewhat new to me, one of my favorite memories is building my own shelter to spend the night in the Okavango Delta in Botswana. As a Global Guide, I hope to share my international experiences and multicultural knowledge to foster global perspectives during our Fellowship. Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or suggestions!

My name is Anushka Sashidhar. I’m a current freshman at the University of Michigan studying Neuroscience and Economics on a premedical track. A few fun facts about me;I have moved over 7 times to over 3 different countries, and therefore have a very diverse cultural background. Additionally, I am both Sri Lankan and Indian. As for my hobbies, I competitively rode horses for almost 9 years, and am an Eagle Scout!! One of my biggest passions is interdisciplinary research, looking at various aspects of how policies can have impacts on various parts of the medical field. As of right now, I am interested in research relating to neurodegeneration and genetics, and I currently work with a few clubs on campus as a mentor for teaching high school students how to write research papers and grants. I am lucky to have participated in a CU program myself, and I love meeting new people from a variety of backgrounds!

Rachel Cooper is a first-year from Denver, CO, studying Global Affairs, Korean, and International Security Studies at the University of Notre Dame. She is interested in matters of security, peacebuilding, and human rights, especially in East Asia and Latin America. Rachel is currently working under Dr. Diane Desierto in the Global Human Rights Clinic at the Notre Dame Law School to help represent victims of human rights violations. At Notre Dame, Rachel has also researched China-Latin America relations with the Atlantic Council think tank, harnessing her Spanish fluency. Rachel has additional formal experience analyzing diverse topics such as foreign policy and AI in the U.S. Department of State, as well as public transportation for the city of Austin, TX, as part of invaluable Civics Unplugged programming.

I'm Bhairavi, a freshman at the University of California, Berkeley majoring in Political Economy and minoring in Public Policy and Data Science. Immersed in community-centered work, I’m passionate about using policy and advocacy to create social impact, particularly in the fields of civic engagement, education, and economic access. Currently, I serve as a consultant at The Berkeley Group, UC Berkeley Haas' student-run consulting firm, where I provide pro-bono services for nonprofits. In student government, as a Legislative Associate, I encourage students to become civically involved. I’m also a dancer on UC Berkeley’s competitive bollywood-fusion team, Azaad, and enjoy graphic design and trying new sweet treats in my free time! I joined the Civics Unplugged community in 2022 through the Fall Civic Innovators Fellowship and loved it so much that I continued on to CU Georgetown ‘23 and CU Austin ‘23. I’ve met some of my closest, most inspiring friends through CU, and am so excited to bring the community spirit to this fellowship.

I'm a freshman at New York University with a prospective double major in Public Policy and Social and Cultural Analysis. I am also a proud Vietnamese-Chinese American from San Diego, California who integrates my love for storytelling, art, culture, and history into community and legislative action. I spent my high school years as a youth intern with a climate organization, working for a fossil fuel-free California through legislation and community action. I also introduced anti-racist, diverse curricula into classrooms as vice president of my Diversify Our Narrative chapter.
In college, I've channeled the same passion into new opportunities. I’m fortunate to work at the Asian/Pacific/American Institute at NYU, helping run programming centered on building solidarity through political and cultural education. I'm also a fellow with NYU LGTBQ Center’s First Year Queers and Allies program, expanding my understanding of LGBTQ+ leadership, education, and local history. Additionally, I’m a writer for the Arts and News sectors of NYU's student newspaper, Washington Square News. As a member and media lead with NYU Student Union, I help build a mass movement of students who democratically unite for action, transparency, and equity from our administration.

I’m originally from just outside Auckland, New Zealand, but I’m currently a freshman at Barnard College of Columbia University. While I haven’t decided on my major just yet, I’m interested in economics and policymaking! At Barnard, I’m involved with the Columbia University Policy Institute’s Democratic Access Center, where we’re currently working on initiatives to get CU involved with the upcoming mayoral elections and supporting third-culture students to register to vote! I’m also a part of the First Year Class Council, where I write the bi-weekly newsletter promoting on-campus events and connecting freshmen. I love working with my communities to spread knowledge and make a wider impact, no matter which part of the planet I’m located in!