Meet the 2022 SVYM GSL India Team!

Annika A., ILR '24 

Hi, my name is Annika and I am a sophomore majoring in Industrial and Labor Relations at the ILR School. I am pursuing minors in Computer Science and Business. On campus, I am the Co-Treasurer of the Community Partnership Funding Board and a Policy Analyst for the Undergraduate Labor Institute. I am interested in the intersection of labor and politics in the modern era, and the way this is reflected in working classes across the world. Structural reinforcements of class-based inequality, such as urban planning, environmental degradation and policing are of particular concern to me.

My hometown is Boulder, Colorado and in my free time, I like to drive to the mountains and hike! A fun fact about me is that I am passionate about geography and I know every country in the world as well as their capital cities. My parents are from Kerala, a state in Southern India, and I look forward to discovering the similarities and differences between Kerala and Karnataka’s cultures and societies. I have visited Kerala many times, during which I have grown more interested in the unique social landscape of India. For example, I have personally experienced the implications of the caste system’s remnants on educational attainment, the importance of religion in many aspects of Indian life, and burgeoning economic development projects, to name a few. I am excited to explore my many interests culminating in a concrete project at SVYM that will allow me to learn on the job and immerse myself in Karnataka’s society.

Shruthisri (Sri) R., ILR '25

Hello! My name is Shruthisri (Sri), and I am from San Jose, California. I am a freshman in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University. On-campus, I am involved with the ILR Women’s Caucus, ILR Ambassadors, and Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity. I became interested in the ILR India Global Service Learning Program at SVYM because I wanted to actively engage with diverse communities and learn about building human and social capital at a grassroots level. ​​I am beyond excited and honored to be a part of this program and address issues of significant social relevance. Looking forward to working with the GSL team and SVYM!

Ruth A., ILR '24

Hi! My name is Ruth, and I am from Long Island, NY. I am a sophomore in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations pursuing a minor in Law & Society and Business. I am particularly interested in mediation and arbitration and hope to go to law school after Cornell. 

On campus, I am involved with Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity, Cornell Sitara, and The Cornell Daily Sun. Outside of school, some of my favorite hobbies include playing tennis, baking/cooking, and traveling. 

I am excited to work with SVYM and participate in the India GSL program. I can’t wait to experience a new culture, broaden my global perspective, and learn more about the work of the labor movements and labor organizers in India. Moreover, I look forward to using the knowledge I learned from the ILR School and applying it to the real world.  

Cianna H., ILR '23

Hello! My name is Cianna and I am a junior in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations, pursuing a minor in Business, Law and Society, and Inequalities Studies. I am interested in human resources as well as labor law and human rights. On campus I am involved with The Wardrobe, GrubVentures, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, and the Undergraduate Labor Institute. I am from right outside Philadelphia and enjoy spending time with my family and friends, exploring the city, and traveling. I look forward to broadening my global perspectives and am both grateful and excited to partner with SVYM this summer! 

Mohona G., ILR '25

Greetings! My name is Mohona, and I am a Freshman from Pasadena, California, studying at the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. I am planning on minoring in Economics and Law and Society. I was drawn to the ILR school because of my passion for Human Rights advocacy. Its focus on the rights of migrants and workers would be the perfect base of knowledge for my dream to go into Human Rights law.

Outside of the classroom, I am an Indian Classical dancer, practicing the dance form Odissi. I am a Girl Scout Life member, and I received my Girl Scout Gold Award through my work at Crittenton, an organization which serves refugee children. Many children at Crittenton suffer from poor mental health as a result of escaping from traumatic circumstances, and thus have counselors who can help them to work through these issues. In order for the children to have a tranquil place where they could work with their counselors, or simply relax, I helped to build a sensory garden at the organization. Although I was very proud of my Gold Award, I was even more grateful to be able to help the children at Crittenton. I am also a Fencer, and was the captain of my high school’s Varsity Saber Women’s team. In my free time, I like baking, reading, and playing the cello. 

On campus, I am involved in Cornell Asha, the Scheinman Conflict Resolution club, Cornell Red Cross, Cornell HEART, and Cornell Shakespeare.

I am so excited and honored to be a part of the SVYM program this summer, and to expand my cultural horizons while learning about important local issues. As an Indian-American who was raised within a Bengali culture, as my family is from Kolkata, I am so thrilled to explore a completely different region of India, with its own unique culture and language. I am also very eager to explore the various service projects, specifically those which deal with health, education, and women’s issues, and to create one of my own. I feel very grateful and fortunate to have this wonderful opportunity.

Kadin M., ILR '24 

Hi! My name is Kadin, and I am from Los Angeles, California. I am currently a sophomore at the ILR School with intended concentrations in Inequality Studies and Law and Society. I am particularly interested in employment law and have recently focused on learning how to resolve conflicts within the field. I took on a mediation internship this past summer, which allowed me to sit in on mediations, observe both the plaintiff and defendant sides of discussions, and hear firsthand accounts of experiences of discrimination and harrassment in the workplace. I also recently involved myself in the Scheinman Conflict Resolution Club on campus to further learn about this aspect of law. These experiences have helped solidify my interests in law, my desire to work with people, and my hope to help those who suffer from intolerance for the rest of my life. I am extremely excited to work with SVYM in this India Global Service Learning Program and look forward to using the skills I have developed in any way needed. I am also very fortunate for this amazing opportunity to further improve my skills and learn from a global perspective.  

Samantha C., CALS (Global Health Major) '24 

Hello! My name is Samantha, and I am a sophomore in CALS majoring in Global and Public Health Sciences. On campus, I am involved in research at the Kellogg Lab, DEBUT, CAPSU, and the SDS office. Because I am passionate about working with minority and underserved groups, I wanted to work with SVYM to facilitate and develop programs that improve the quality of life for people in India not only in healthcare but in social entrepreneurship such as empowering tribal women. I am really excited to join the India GSL team and work with SVYM!  I can’t wait to experience new cultures and learn more about different models of healthcare.

Samantha I., ILR '24

Hey everyone! My name is Samantha and I'm from Albany, New York. I am a current sophomore majoring in Industrial and Labor Relations and pursuing a minor in Africana Studies. 

I am always passionate about uplifting and empowering people everywhere. On campus I love doing this through the power of storytelling as a team member with TEDxCornell. I am also a member of the People's Organizing Collective of Cornell where we work for economic empowerment through the fight for labor rights at Cornell and in the general Ithaca community. I also work at Mac's Cafe where I can make you one of the best smoothies on campus! In my free time, you can find me running around Beebe Lake, doing yoga, or reading on the slope when it’s sunny out. 

I’m so excited to start working with SVYM and get to know everyone in the program! 

Leio K., ILR '23  

Hi everyone! My name is Leio (she/hers) and I am from Long Island, New York. I am a junior in the ILR School, pursuing minors in French and Law and Society, as well as a candidate for the ILR Global Scholars Program. Some of my passions and professional interests include international human rights, investigative journalism, law, sustainable development, and gender and security. On campus, I am involved in clubs and organizations that allow me pursue other non-academic interests. I write for The Revival Zine, am the Head of Public Relations for The Collective X Liberation, a member of the Japan US Association (JUSA), and a research assistant for the Gender and Security Sector Lab.

I am excited to travel to India and have the opportunity to learn about a region I have never been to before. I look forward to working with the people at SVYM, being immersed in the culture, and learning how to create an impact by working with a grassroots movement.

Eric G., A&S (Global Health Minor) '24  

Hey everyone! My name is Eric and I’m a sophomore in the College of Arts and Sciences majoring in Biological Sciences with a concentration in computational biology. I’m from a northern suburb of Chicago, Illinois! I really enjoy hanging out with friends and family and eating good food :). My family loves hiking and visiting places that somehow always end up with us alone on a trail.

I hope to pursue a career in healthcare in the future specifically targeting healthcare disparities through becoming a physician while also learning more about people and issues in healthcare. Ever since I was young, I’ve wanted to become a doctor, but it wasn’t something that I really understood until I started taking classes on medicine and actually applying abstract science to real-world problems. In school, I’m a TA for CHEM 2070 and CS 1112 as well as treasurer of Splash!, a club dedicated to hosting events for high school students to learn about anything! I am really excited to pursue the projects and work with the people in SVYM and really make a difference halfway across the world!

Dina R., CALS (Global Health Minor) '22

Hello! My name is Dina and I am a Senior in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences majoring in International Agriculture and Rural Development (IARD) and minoring in Global Health. Growing up in Ithaca, NY, I developed a passion for human-environment interaction through my experience as a student, and later instructor, with the outdoor nature education program, “Primitive Pursuits.” I became interested in the effect of human engagement with nature on human health and agricultural practices, and how this effect differs across cultures. 

If not in classes, studying, or traveling, I can most likely be found at Cornell’s Reis Tennis Center. As an avid tennis player I currently compete with and serve as co-captain on the Cornell Club Tennis Team and teach both private and group tennis lessons. When not on the courts I enjoy playing the guitar, singing, writing music, and helping care for the animals at my family’s farm and Wildlife Rehabilitation Non-Profit, “Turtle Crossing”—ranging from cows to porcupines to squirrels. 

My specific interest in IARD are the sociological aspects (primarily health) related to agriculture and development, and I was fortunate to find a program that encompasses so many of my interests. During my time studying abroad in France, and through my other international travels, I have experienced the tremendous benefits of international learning and cultural immersion in my own life and for our global community. I am very excited about this opportunity and look forward to meeting and working with everyone at SVYM! 

Abigail G., CHE (Global Health Minor) '23

Hello! My name is Abby. I am a sophomore in Human Ecology majoring in Human Biology, Health and Society and minoring in Global Health and Human Development. On campus I am involved with YOURS (youth outreach undergraduates reshaping success) and CHI (Cornell Health International), and am a member of the club rugby and hockey teams. I also do research in the Early Childhood Cognition Lab and am part of the Rho Psi Eta pre health sorority. I enjoy hiking, crocheting, playing tennis, and hanging with friends and family. I can not wait to participate in the India GSL program working with SVYM this summer!

Aarthi A., A&S (Global Health Minor) '24

Hello! My name is Aarthi, from Bethesda, Maryland, and I am a sophomore in CAS majoring in Statistical Science and minoring in Global Health. On campus, I am involved with research at the Bass lab, the Cornell Healthcare Review, and the Association of Women in Mathematics. During my free time, I love hanging out with my friends, watching movies, and dancing.

I have always been passionate about global health due to my various healthcare related volunteering experiences and my interest in health policy. Last year, I interned at the Maryland state council for health and wellness and was able to gain firsthand experience in global health. I look forward to using my experiences to further develop my knowledge in the field through this global opportunity!

Liana M., CHE (Global Health Minor) '24  

Hello! My name is Liana and I am from Highland Park, NJ and currently a sophomore in Human Ecology majoring in Human Biology, Health & Society and minoring in Global Public Health and Health Policy. As someone with a passion for biology and health, I hope to eventually pursue a career in the medical field. Outside of my academic interests, I enjoy playing basketball, baking and spending time with friends and family. 

I am thrilled to be participating in the India GSL program and to work hand in hand with SVYM. This opportunity will enable me to expand my worldview and learn more about Indian culture all while collaborating with outstanding people and mentors towards this great cause.