GPIA Alumni by Sector: Gender
Sector: Gender, Latin America
Name: Sofia Zur
Degree: MA International Affairs 2022
Title: Fulbright COMEXUS Research Scholar at CIESAS (Center for Research and Higher Studies in Social Anthropology)
Sofia Navarrete Zur is currently a COMEXUS Fulbright Research Scholar at CIESAS making a multi-media documentary about women’s resilience in Mexico amidst gender-based violence. She has previously worked on research projects for The International Rescue Committee, National Geographic, and the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
Sector: Gender, UN, Latin America
Name: Natalia Vega Varela
Degree: MA International Affairs 2020
Title: Senior Researcher, The Gender Equity Policy Institute
Natalia Vega Varela is currently Senior Researcher for the Gender Equity Policy Institute, where she carries analyses from a gender lens perspective. Her experience includes development policy, macroeconomics, and feminist economics analysis. Previously, she has collaborated with international institutions such as UNDESA, non-profits, and think tanks in the U.S. and Mexico.
Sector: Non Governmental Organizations, Gender
Name: Molly Koh
Degree: MA International Affairs 2019
Title: Global Organizer & Membership Coordinator at Huairou Commission
Molly has over five years experience working with grassroots and community integrated organizations internationally in the areas of community resilience, leadership development, peer learning, global organizing, and youth and women’s empowerment. At the Huairou Commission Molly contributes to the governance processes of HC’s member elected Governing Council & committees, coordinates 100 members across 42 countries, and supports the implementation of member led initiatives which elevate and scale grassroots women’s good practices.
Sector: UN, Gender, Non Governmental Organizations
Name: Lina Castellanos
Degree: MA International Affairs 2017
Title: Programme and Coordination Specialist, UN Women
Lina’s work focuses on programme development and stakeholder engagement to foster intergenerational and multi-stakeholder allyships with civil society organizations (CSOs) and grassroots organizations, as well as strengthening civil society contribution, participation, and influence in intergovernmental fora, policy discussions, and decision processes. Originally from Colombia, Lina has also worked on peace and security, particularly on policy and advocacy to advance the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. Prior to that work, Lina worked for the Colombian government on security and protection for populations at risk.
Sector: UN, Gender
Name: Leyla Sharafi
Degree: MA International Affairs 2004
Title: Gender and Youth Specialist, UNFPA, New York
Sharafi’s work is centered on global initiatives that support women and girls’ empowerment, specifically in the context of sexual and reproductive health, as well as the engagement of men and boys for the promotion of gender equality. Prior to joining UNFPA, she worked at the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UN Women).