United Nations Partnerships

Mai-Chi Vu, Lehigh University, College of Health

My name is Mai-Chi Vu, and I am a part of the Class of 2028 at Lehigh University, pursuing a dual degree in Population Health and Health, Medicine, and Society with a minor in Biostatistics. My interest in public health began when I taught myself sign language to communicate with my Deaf uncle and witnessed the barriers he faced in education, employment, and healthcare. That experience sparked my interest in advancing accessibility and equity in health. On campus, I conduct research on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Bethlehem, collecting data and assessing community awareness to help inform future interventions. I also serve on the executive board of the American Sign Language Club, promoting Deaf awareness and sign language learning across campus. As a UN Youth Representative for Lehigh’s College of Health, I continue this work by advocating for inclusive systems that allow everyone to live healthy lives, regardless of language, background, or circumstance.

Dhyana Abeysinghe, Lehigh University - Gender Equity/Youth Empowerment

My name is Dhyana Abeysinghe, and I am a freshman at Lehigh majoring in Population Health. I serve as the Youth Representative for Lehigh University Gender Equity & Youth, where my work revolves around advocacy for gender equality and issues affecting women across the globe. As a Sri Lankan American, my heritage has inspired my passion for women’s health and equality. I am also a member of Break the Silence, where I bring awareness to gender violence. Through my work, I intend to take action to support women’s goals and equality.

Shirina Rong, American Association of University Women

Mariana Roldán, American Association of University Women

Mariana Roldán is a pre-law student at Lehigh University, double-majoring in Political Science and International Relations with a minor in Latin American and Latino Studies. She was born and raised in Santiago de Cali, Colombia, and now serves as a UN Youth Representative for the American Association of University Women (AAUW), participating in UN meetings and engaging with global conversations on gender equity. On campus, Mariana is deeply involved in academic life and student governance. She serves on the University Disciplinary Council and the Faculty Senate’s Educational Policy Committee, and represents the College of Arts and Sciences as a Student Ambassador. She also holds key leadership roles, including chair of Diversity and Inclusion in Student Senate and executive positions within Phi Alpha Delta, Lehigh’s pre-law professional fraternity. In addition to her governance and advocacy work, Mariana competes on Lehigh’s Mock Trial team as both a character witness and attorney.

Lizzie Freehill, American Association of University Women

My name is Lizzie Freehill, and I am a sophomore from Palo Alto, California. I am double-majoring in Global Studies and Psychology with a minor in Spanish. As a United Nations Youth Representative for the American Association of University Women, I advocate for gender equality in the classroom, the workplace, and beyond. My other involvements include serving as the Chapter President of my sorority and a member of Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity.

Tara Chelvam, Caring and Living as Neighbours

My name is Tara Chelvam, and I am from Singapore and the San Francisco Bay Area. I am part of the class of 2028 studying Population Health in the College of Health. I am one of the UN Youth Representatives for Caring and Living as Neighbours (CLAN). This role enables me to advocate for greater awareness of the resources needed to support children and families in overcoming chronic health conditions despite socioeconomic challenges. In addition to being a Youth Representative, I am training to become an EMT for LUEMS. Additionally, I am currently involved in a global health research project where my team and I are working to reduce sodium consumption and improve nutritional labeling in Kazakhstan while overcoming its traditional food culture. I am also a member of the College of Health Student Advisory Board. Being a voice to support young children with chronic health conditions is essential to raising awareness of their health challenges, and I hope to make a difference as a representative for CLAN.

Samiha Islam, Caring and Living as Neighbours

My name is Samiha Islam and I am a freshman at Lehigh studying Biology and Community Health. My passion for making healthcare more accessible to vulnerable populations is what inspired me to become a UN Youth Representative for Caring and Living with Neighbors (CLAN). Specifically, my experiences at an autism center in Bangladesh allowed me to firsthand witness the challenges faced by children with chronic health conditions, and I look forward to advocating for this demographic at the UN. On campus, I’m an associate editor at The Brown and White and involved in the Student Senate.

Rejoice Obiora, Centre for Public Health

Rejoice Obiora, MPH is a health management consultant with extensive experience in designing and implementing health programs across local and international contexts. She earned a first-class degree in Health Education from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and holds a Master of Public Health degree from the American University of Beirut. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Population Health at the Lehigh University College of Health, USA. Rejoice’s works and interests cut across critical areas of public health, including sexual and reproductive health, social determinants of health and maternal and child health. She has leveraged her expertise in research, grant writing, and strategic partnerships to support numerous public health initiatives and research projects in Nigeria, Cameroon, DR Congo, Sierra Leone, Lebanon and Canada. She has worked with several organizations, including the Population Council, UNICEF, Médecins Sans Frontières, Policy Innovation Centre, Corona Management Systems, Real Initiative, and the United Nations Population Fund. Currently, Rejoice serves as a Co-mentor at the Mothers of Sierra Leone, a maternal health initiative supported by Lehigh University that aims to reduce maternal mortality rates in Sierra Leone. She is also an active member of the Lehigh University Graduate Student Senate, where she serves as the External Affairs Officer.
 

Amelie Fry, Centre for Public Health

My name is Amelie Fry, I am a sophomore from Seattle, WA, and I serve as a youth representative for the Centre for Public Health. As an IDEAS student concentrating in bioengineering and philosophy, I am committed to interdisciplinary thinking and strive to apply my technical knowledge through an ethical and philosophical lens to develop innovative and accessible medical technologies to improve the health of global communities. I am also a Global Social Impact Fellow with the SicklED team, through which I am working to develop a low-cost point-of-care diagnostic device for sickle cell disease for implementation in Sierra Leone.

Vincent Jordan, Centre for Public Health

Avneet Kaur, Centre for Women Studies and Intervention

My name is Avneet and I’m from Punjab, India. I’m a student in the class of 2028, majoring inBusiness Information Systems with double minors in Product Design and Film. I’m honoured torepresent the Centre for Women Studies and Intervention (CWSI), a non-governmentalorganization based in Abuja, Nigeria, dedicated to empowering women and girls to live withfreedom and dignity.Growing up in India, I witnessed societal prejudices firsthand, but I also saw the resilience ofwomen like my mother, who taught me that determination knows no bounds. My passion forstorytelling allows me to amplify the voices of women and share their stories of courage andperseverance. Through my work with CWSI, I aim to inspire others and contribute to creating amore just and equitable world.

Demi Moore, Centre for Women Studies and Intervention

Driven and conscientious, I have dedicated my education to understanding equality, justice, and the contemporary forces that challenge those values through my experience as a double major in Political Science and Global Studies. While much work remains to be done to realize the full dignity and worth of every human being, governments and organizations worldwide have made invaluable progress in that regard. I appreciate the incredible work the Center for Women Studies and Intervention (CWSI) has done in uplifting women in Nigeria, which is why I am honored to represent this NGO at the United Nations. I am confident that my communication skills and leadership ability will help ensure that CWSI can continue to promote gender equality. Participating in this program allows me to join the long legacy of those championing human rights.

Lorraine Rwasoka, Centre for Women Studies and Intervention

My name is Lorraine Rwasoka (College of Health, premed class of 2026). I am an international student from Zimbabwe. I am passionate about healthcare research and delivery. I am currently working on Maternal health and cervical cancer research in Sierra Leone. I am also passionate about women's issues and gender equity and equality.

Diya Narayan, International Public Relations Association

My name is Diya Narayan and I am a sophomore from Roxbury, New Jersey. I am currently in the business school, majoring in Marketing with a minor in Methodical Psychology. I am extremely interested in human rights and addressing issues that emerge from the current media. I am the current Youth Representative for the International Public Relations Association (IPRA). Recently, I presented for NGO CSW on The Role of Media in Gender Bias within the Healthcare Industry. Through this panel, I developed further knowledge on the gender discrepancies not just in healthcare, but worldwide issues.

Tasfia Ahmad, Nadam Foundation

My name is Tasfia Ahmad (she/her) and I am a sophomore from South Jersey majoring in Political Science at Lehigh University. I am a youth representative for the Nadam Foundation based in India which focuses on women and children's rights and gender equality. My goal is to dedicate myself to women and children around the world and give them the opportunities to succeed.

Elizabeth Ehrhardt, Nadam Foundation

My name is Elizabeth Ehrhardt and I am from Valparaiso, Indiana. I am a Population Health student pursuing a Master’s of Public Health on an accelerated 3+1 track. As a youth representative of the Nadam Foundation, I am looking forward to raising unheard voices and working to create change in many spheres including environmental sustainability, human rights, and nuclear disarmament. As a dedicated varsity student-athlete with experience in global health, I am ready to use my discipline and initiative to bridge gaps and promote unity.

Amelia Chandless, Nadam Foundation

Amelia Chandless is a junior from the Bay Area, California studying Environmental Studies and Economics. The ongoing efforts of her home state to protect vulnerable plant and animal species inspired her to focus her education on conservation and restoration policy. She is a United Nations Youth Representative for the Nadam Foundation of India, which promotes environmental protection and social equality. In addition to her Youth Rep position, Amelia is the President and Founder of Epsilon Delta Pi, the Environmental Honor Society of Lehigh University; Vice President of Programming for the United Nations Association - USA; and Match Secretary and Fly Half for the Women’s Club Rugby Team.

Montserrat Escobedo, Nor Luyce

My name is Montserrat Escobedo and I am a junior from Chicago, Illinois. I’m majoring in International Relations and Economics here at Lehigh. This summer, with the help of the Lehigh Iacocca Internship Program I got the opportunity to intern in Armenia at Nor Luyce. I loved seeing the impact this organization had on the confidence of young women in Armenia as well as the motivation towards higher education. I am thrilled to continue working with them as a Youth Representative for Nor Luyce at the United Nations. Nor Luyce is a three-phase mentorship program for girls in the Shirak region,  committed to providing the necessary resources to help the mentees on becoming financially stable and world-minded young women. I hope to continue spreading their mission and the i,pact of their work through the Lehigh-UN partnership.

Ana Sofia Mendoza, Nor Luyce

My name is Ana Sofia Mendoza, and I am from Lima, Peru. I am part of the class of 2027, double majoring in Sociology and Political Science in the Pre-Law track. I am passionate about social justice and creating awareness about social issues - locally and globally. To do this, I am part of the Diversity Peer Educators on campus and most recently became a new representative of Nor Luyce at the United Nations. One of my main goals is to shed light on issues Nor Luyce addresses - the social and financial vulnerability young girls experience and how that impacts their personal and career goals. I would also like to further the ideas of female success and promote helpful resources to achieve it!

Risa Nkululeko, Nor Luyce

My name is Risa Nkululeko, I am a senior double majoring in Political Science and Africana Studies with a minor in Global Studies from Oakland, California. Social justice and community engagement has been a strong foundation in my life, influencing the opportunities I have pursued in the Lehigh community and beyond. This summer, I had the privilege of interning with Nor Luyce NGO through the Lehigh Iacocca Internship Program where I gained invaluable knowledge regarding the power of womanhood and nonprofits advocacy. Connected with a network of admirable professionals providing emotional, educational and financial support to girls in Gyumri, Armenia. Witnessing the profound impact this organization has had on equipping adolescent girls with resources inspired my willingness to continue such meaningful work to amplify the organization's objective and goals.

Ruth Ebubechukwu, Widow Development Organization (WiDO), Nigeria

Ruth Ebubechukwu is a graduate student at Lehigh University, pursuing a Ph.D. in Chemistry with a research focus on developing biomimetic materials. Her work centers on the synthesis of spider silk mimics for biomedical and environmental applications. Passionate about empowering the less privileged and advocating for social equity, Ruth serves as a UN youth representative for the Widow Development Organization (WiDO). This role demonstrates her commitment to supporting marginalized communities and fostering sustainable solutions. Through both academic and advocacy efforts, Ruth aims to drive meaningful, lasting change in society.

Sophie Mallek, Widow Development Organization (WiDO), Nigeria

Annabelle Parker, Widow Development Organization (WiDO), Nigeria

My name is Annabelle Parker, and I am a member of the class of 2028. I am double majoring in History and International Relations, and I plan to pursue a law degree after completing my undergraduate studies. I am originally from Houston, Texas, but I grew up in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and Amman, Jordan. Those experiences have shaped in me a desire to see people from different cultures and backgrounds working together for good in the world. I am honored to be serving as a youth representative for the Widows Development Organization (WiDO), an NGO that works to address issues widows face globally. My position as a youth representative will give me the opportunity to advocate for the rights of widows all around the world. I hope to make my community more aware of the human rights violations widows oftenface and join with others in tackling these challenges.

Olivia Lundquist, World Corrosion Organization

My name is Olivia Lundquist, and I am from Pennington, New Jersey. I am pursuing a dual degree in Materials Science and Engineering and Environmental Studies through Lehigh University's Integrated Degree in Engineering, Arts and Sciences (IDEAS) honors program, along with a certificate in Global Citizenship. I am particularly interested in how sustainable materials can be improved to reduce environmental impact in an equitable and socially responsible way. I serve as a youth representative for the World Corrosion Organization (WCO), where I advocate for increased awareness, education, and prevention of corrosion. On campus, I am a tour guide coordinator for the Office of Admissions, a TRAC (Technology, Research and Communication) Writing Fellow, a Rossin Junior Fellow, and a co-founder of the Lehigh Arts & Crafts Club. I am also a fellow in the Martindale Student Associates Honors Program and conduct biomaterials research with Dr. Lesley Chow, focusing on the development of artificial corneal membranes.

Ayushka Dhakal, World Corrosion Organization

Ayushka Dhakal is a junior in the IDEAS program concentrating in Industrial & Systems Engineering and Political Science. As a United Nations Youth Representative for the World Corrosion Organization, she hopes to explore how policymakers can effectively address the consequences of industrial development on people and the environment.

Judijoy Jeter, World Corrosion Organization

Judijoy Jeter is a sophomore at Lehigh University studying Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering with a minor in International Relations. Her academic interests center on sustainability, resource efficiency, and how technical solutions can be scaled equitably across different political and economic contexts. Judijoy strongly believes that young people deserve a meaningful voice in conversations that shape their futures. This belief guides her work as a debate mentor, where she supports students in researching and engaging with issues such as environmental policy, economic systems, and international governance. On campus, she is involved in the Society of Chemical Engineers and the Lehigh Echoes. As a Youth Representative, Judijoy is eager to contribute both an engineering-informed and policy-conscious perspective to global conversations on corrosion prevention and sustainable infrastructure.

Chidi Nwaogbo, World Corrosion Organization

My name is Chidiebere Nwaogbo. I am currently a Ph.D. student in the department of Physics at Lehigh University. My research focuses on 2D materials and material heterostructures, and I double as a teaching assistant here at Lehigh. I have accepted to work as a UN youth representative under the umbrella of the World Corrosion organization to fast-forward the control of corrosion within my immediate community and the world at large. My passion for nature and environmental safety, coupled with my curiosity about creating reliable and more efficient industrial materials, will spur me to preach the message of corrosion across different locations, especially in countries that are greatly affected by its effects.