United Nations Partnerships

Kareem Hargrove, Lehigh University, College of Health

Kareem Hargrove is a senior at Lehigh University, pursuing a degree in Population Health and minors in Biostatistics and Economics from Stamford, CT. As the Lehigh University - College of Health United Nations Youth Representative, Kareem advocates for global health initiatives. His previous research experience spans public health decision-making, biostatistics, and autism screening tools in West Africa. Kareem is passionate about leveraging community engagement and policy to drive impactful health outcomes, aiming to foster inclusive, sustainable solutions on a global scale.

Maria Gregoire, Lehigh University - Gender Equity/Youth Empowerment

My name is Maria Wang Gregoire and I am currently a senior double majoring in Psychology and HMS and double minoring in Cognitive Science and Chinese. I represent Lehigh University as the UN Representative for Gender Equity and Youth Empowerment. Being from the Mariana Islands, advocacy was instilled in me at an early age. To represent those who may not always have a platform is an honor that I take very personally. I want to enact real change and reflect the wishes of those I speak on behalf of. Following my graduation here at Lehigh, I hope to pursue a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology to further my mission of helping those who have not always received what is necessary.

Shirina Rong, American Association of University Women

Kyra Szabo, American Association of University Women

My name is Kyra Szabo and I am from Tucson, Arizona. I am majoring in Global Studies with a double minor in business and anthropology. I serve as a UN Youth Representative for American Association of University Women, an NGO fighting for fairness and equality for all women and girls through federal, state, and local policies. Additionally, I am a global social impact fellow, working on food production to fight malnutrition and stunted growth in Sierra Leone. I am dedicated to ensuring that every person, no matter their gender or socioeconomic status, is given equal access and opportunities for success.

Anna Van Riesen, American Association of University Women

My name is Anna Van Riesen and I am a first year student from the Bay Area, CA. I am pursuing a double major in Political Science & History on a pre-law track, and am particularly passionate about the intersection between equity, education, and the criminal justice system. In March, I represented AAUW at the NGO-CSW 69 and led the parallel event "Empowering Women in Peacebuilding & Leadership through Policy Advocacy". As a Research Assistant in the Office of International Affairs, I designed and edited the journal "Voices of the UNfolding Future: LU/UN Youth Representatives' Research and Advocacy Initiatives". Outside of the LU/UN program, I serve as President of Phi Alpha Delta, Vice President of the World Affairs Club, and am a member of the Women's Legal and Business Alliance.

Katie Blomkvist, Caring and Living as Neighbours

My name is Katie Blomkvist, and I am from Clinton, New Jersey. I am a second-year Master of Public Health student in the College of Health. I serve as one of the UN Youth Representatives for Caring & Living As Neighbours (CLAN), an Australian non-governmental organization that aims to maximize the quality of life for children in resource-poor settings living with chronic diseases so they can achieve a quality of life comparable to children in wealthier countries. In addition to being a Youth Representative, I am a Graduate Research Assistant focusing on qualitative research on various aspects of mental health and its stressors. I am also the founding President of the Graduate Student Advisory Council at the College of Health.

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.

Nicole (Nikki) Pasterczyk, Caring and Living as Neighbours

My name is Nicole (Nikki) Pasterczyk and I am part of the Class of 2025 studying Molecular Biology on the pre-med track. I am part of the SEA-PHAGES research program, am currently training to be an EMT to serve for LUEMS, and was a reporter for the Brown and White paper at Lehigh. I was inspired to serve as a United Nations Youth Representative for CLAN due to my passions for medicine, leadership, and service. In addition, my brother has a rare genetic disorder, so my personal experience with his hardships has encouraged me to spread awareness and advocate for those with NCDs, especially those from disadvantaged areas and backgrounds.

Reeza Chaulagain, Centre for Public Health

My name is Reeza Chaulagain, and I am from Nepal. I am a junior and I plan to major in Economics. I serve as a UN Youth Representative for the Center of Public Health, an organization based in Nigeria to promote women’s health and support people living with HIV/AIDS. My role is to advocate for these topics at the UN on behalf of the university. Additionally, as a Global Union Ambassador, I am responsible for planning events and activities to promote global awareness and cultural understanding within the Lehigh community.

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

Chioma Chigozie-Okwum, Centre for Women Studies and Intervention

I am a resourceful individual and a promoter of inclusion, diversity and lifelong learning; I support and champion these causes. Passionate about globalization, I  traveled over 5000 miles from Nigeria to Lehigh University in Bethlehem Pennsylvania to pursue a Doctorate Degree in the Department Computer Science and Engineering. My area of research is exploring the intersection between Cybersecurity, Human Computer Interaction and Psychology; to solve the endemic human factor Security Issues plaguing cyberspace today. I work as a Research Assistant in the Digital, Algorithm and Society Lab, a Research Lab committed to Human Computer Interactions and Participatory Design Research and Development, within the P.C. Rossin College of Engineering and Applied Science.
I Joined the UN rep program because gender related issues have been a cause I have championed for so long and this opportunity to represent an NGO that promotes the cause of women at the United Nations is one I treasure and hope to leverage to its full potential. 

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.

Sameen Basha, Confederation of NGOs of Rural India

My name is Sameen Basha and I am from Overland Park, Kansas. I am a second-year student in the College of Health majoring in Community and Global Health. I am on the Pre-Med track and am focused on healthcare equity across all dimensions of health. I am a current Youth Representative for the Confederation of NGO’s of Rural India.

Mary Highland, Confederation of NGOs of Rural India

My name is Mary Highland, and I am from Connecticut. I am currently pursuing a double major in Economics and Business Information Systems, with a minor in Community Health. I serve as a Youth Representative to the United Nations for the Confederation of NGOs of Rural India (CNRI). In this role, I advocate for sustainable economic development and improved living conditions for rural communities. I am passionate about sustainability, economic empowerment, and global health equity. I look forward to continuing my work in global advocacy and contributing to meaningful, long-lasting change in rural communities worldwide.

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.

Rhema Hooper, Medical Women's International Association

Native to the Inland Empire in Southern California, Rhema Hooper is a sophomore at Lehigh University studying Community and Global Health with a Minor in Molecular Biology. She is a Certified Medical Assistant and a passionate advocate against modern-day child slavery, specifically within global artisanal and small scale mining practices. She has been featured at the United Nations' 75th Commemoration of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in regards to this cause, and has represented Lehigh University during the Youth Manifesto publishing of "Youth Against AMR." Aspiring to utilize her undergraduate education as a key lens in which she further pursues medicine, her ultimate pursuit is to become a practicing physician among conflict zones in South West Asia and North Africa. Rhema is honoured to be a Medical Women's International Association's Youth Representative as an aspiring future physician and advocate of global health.

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.

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.

Vitalii Martinyak, Tarumitra

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.

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.