International Human Rights Fellowship

Amanda Miranda is a junior majoring in Political Science with a minor in International Relations. Born in Ecuador, she moved to the United States at the age of eleven, an experience that allowed her to develop a unique perspective on both cultures. From a young age, she has been passionate about advocating for others and serving as a voice for those who cannot be heard. One of her deepest concerns is the lack of access to education for children. She believes that every child deserves the opportunity to learn and grow, regardless of their socioeconomic background. Amanda aspires to work with nonprofit and non-governmental organizations in the future to help ensure that education is treated not as a privilege, but as a fundamental right.

Karen is a rising junior majoring in International Studies with a concentration in Global issues and minors in Spanish Linguistics and Human Rights. Raised in a mixed status Mexican household, she is deeply interested in helping new arrivals in their own legal journey. Currently, Karen works alongside Break Through New York and Teach for America to mentor and tutor, and hopefully correct educational inequalities. Her goal is to become an educator for new arrival youths in the future and work closely with their parents to understand the political instability they are fleeing from. She hopes to understand how to change human rights initiatives to better center the voices of those actually being impacted. In her free time, Karen likes to bead loom and upcycle clothing.

Kazi Mehzabin is a Computer Science major at The City College of New York, a junior. She was raised in Bangladesh in a science-oriented family where she was instilled with a passion for learning and critical thinking. Her life experiences and work with multiple human rights groups since high school have encouraged her to fight for social justice and women’s rights. She has worked with SAHAARA, an organization for mental health, and the Lal-Sobuj Society, mentoring students, conducting mental health projects, and raising awareness on major social issues. Through the international human rights fellowship, she hopes to improve her public speaking skill and amplify her reach. During free time, she enjoys reading manhwas, listening to anime, and exploring different genres of music.

Leila is a junior majoring in Political Science with a passion for international human rights and the pursuit of equality. Originally from South Africa, Leila was inspired early on by her parents’ commitment to equality, peace and security. They instilled in her a resolute dedication to justice and advocacy. Having traveled extensively and immersing herself in diverse cultures, she has developed a deep appreciation for cross-cultural exchange.

On campus, Leila has continued to build a concrete foundation in human rights and international law. Her studies and personal experiences have motivated her to explore complex issues such as the challenges faced by child combatants and the dynamics of mass atrocities for areas in her future work. Looking ahead, she hopes to channel her experiences into a future career that advances global equity and fosters meaningful change.

Nancy Palomino is a senior at City College, pursuing a major in International Relations alongside a pre-med track. Born and raised in Peru, Nancy’s deep-rooted passion for helping others has shaped her life, especially through her work with Kusiuya, a nonprofit she’s been involved with for over 16 years. The organization focuses on supporting vulnerable children and elderly people in remote communities, a cause that fuels Nancy’s drive for change. She’s determined to combine her love for medicine with her interest in diplomacy, envisioning a career that tackles global health challenges while fostering international cooperation. Outside of her academic and volunteer work, Nancy is an avid tennis player, enjoying the mental challenge and strategy the game requires. With a heart committed to service, Nancy’s ultimate goal is to create lasting, positive change in the world.

Mohammad is an Economics Major. He is expected to graduate in May of 2026. Mohammad’s parents are originally from Pakistan who immigrated to America in the late 1990s. Mohammad has three sisters. Mohammad is interested in Global Politics, specifically issues surrounding the Middle East and in America. Mohammad likes to make political predictions for America elections like the general elections and midterms. He also likes to go hiking in his free time.

Saad is a senior at City College majoring in Economics with a minor in Philosophy, and he expects to graduate in December 2026. Originally from Yemen, his background has given him a global perspective that shapes the way he approaches his studies and professional goals. He is especially interested in the connections between economics, social justice, and policy, and he hopes to pursue a career that allows him to contribute to economic development and equitable opportunities for communities worldwide. Outside of academics, Saad enjoys playing soccer, reading books across different genres, and practicing strategic thinking through chess. His Muslim faith is an important part of his life, grounding his values and aspirations for the future.

As a member of the Macaulay Honors College, Shabnam is double majoring in Philosophy and Political Science and minoring in Human Rights. Shabnam was born to Afghan immigrant parents and has always been inspired by their resilience and determination. She is passionate about tackling social justice issues and hopes to pursue both graduate school and law school in the future. Her professional aspirations include earning a doctorate and working in law or policy, where she can advocate for marginalized communities. Outside of her academic pursuits, Shabnam loves to read, spend time in the sun, attend concerts, and write.

Twyla Joseph is a senior at the City College of New York (CUNY), double majoring in Political Science and International Relations. Raised in a mixed-status Caribbean and Asian immigrant household, her early experiences and interactions inspired a commitment to justice, equity and sustainable development. Through community organizing with Make the Road NY, voter registration campaigns, and advocacy for restorative justice and humane immigration policies, she has actively worked to empower marginalized communities. A passionate history lover, she often draws lessons from the past to understand and address today’s global and domestic challenges. Through organizing, lobbying, and participation in international diplomacy simulations like ‘Youth Council for World Diplomacy’, and the ‘National Model United Nations’, she is preparing to work and influence international human rights policy at a senior level. Twyla’s goal is to ensure that the voices of marginalized communities are amplified in conversations around sustainable development and global justice, and are prioritized in transnational decision-making. Her work reflects a passion for building more just, participatory systems. Outside of her academic and advocacy work, she enjoys cooking, painting, and reading and watching documentaries as a means to explore and reflect on social justice themes.