Meet our nine new Student Ambassadors: Alejandra, Amy, Divya, Emelie, Isabella, Jasmine, Johana, Sharanya and Sofia, who will provide mentorship to incoming students for the new 2021/22 academic year. You can reach out to our Ambassadors via our intdev.mentors@lse.ac.uk email account. To contact an Ambassador directly, please add the Ambassador’s name in the subject of the email:

Full name: Alejandra Finotto Villena

Programme: MSc Development Management

Optional courses taken: DV490: Economic Development Policy I: Applied Policy Analysis for Macroeconomic Development | DV491: Economic Development Policy II: Microeconomic Analysis | GY473: Economic Development and the Environment | DV483: Information Communication Technologies and Socio-economic Development

Home country: Spain

Social: Twitter: @finottoale | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/alejandra-finotto-villena

Hi everyone! My name is Alejandra, but you can call me Ale! I’m a half-Spanish, half-Italian girl. I did my undergrad in International Studies, studying in Madrid, Berkeley and Brussels.  

In 2019 I did an internship at the Spanish Embassy in Israel, and I had the chance to visit Palestine many times, which really impacted me and made me think about the potential for development policies to alleviate the consequences of a war – this being the main reason why I chose to do the MSc in Development Management.  

Since then, my main interest has been studying the intersection between development and peace-building. I am also really interested in the use of ICTs in post-conflict settings and in the link between environmental issues and development!  

The main reason why I chose LSE is because I have always loved meeting people from all around the world to exchange views and ideas, and I knew this was the most multicultural university in London and a place where I would be challenged by others. In addition to that, I was really looking forward to doing the Applied Economics Specialism to expand my economic knowledge, and I am loving it so far!  

Looking forward to meeting the upcoming cohort and don’t hesitate to contact me for any questions or concerns you may have!

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Full name: Amy Haven

Programme: MSc Health and International Development

Optional courses taken: DV444: Global Health Challenges: Epidemics, Disease, and Public Health Response | DV453: International Development Consultancy Project | DV462: Forced Migration and Refugees | MY405: Research Design for Policy and Programme Evaluation

Home country: USA

Social: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/amy-haven-2646a714a/

I am from the United States and graduated with a BA in Sociology from Union College, NY in 2019. After completing my degree, I moved to Lwengo District, Uganda and worked with a local NGO on healthcare and education initiatives. After returning to the US in March 2020 due to Covid-19, I began working with Partners in Health on contact tracing and Covid-19 relief efforts throughout my home state of Massachusetts.

I chose LSE for the strength of the ID department, variety of course options, and passion of professors. I am interested in health equity and the effects of conflict and peace-building on well-being.

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Full name: Emelie Johansson

Programme: MSc Development Studies

Optional courses taken: DV428: Managing humanitarianism | DV413: Environmental Problems and Development Interventions | GI420: Gender, Development, and Globalisation: Theorising Policy and Practice | DV462: Forced Migration and Refugees

Home country: Sweden

Social: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/emelie-joh/

I am currently doing a Master’s Degree in Development Studies. Before coming to LSE, I graduated from Middlesex University with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Politics & Law. During my undergraduate studies, I developed a strong interest in issues of development, humanitarianism and conflict, and this interest inspired me to pursue a degree in Development Studies. So far, my time at LSE has been enriching, challenging, and inspiring and I am excited to share my experiences as a Mentorship Ambassador!

My main research interests are centred around issues of gender and development and female empowerment.  This interest inspired me to begin a career in the non-profit sector and for the past two years, I have worked as a volunteer for The Circle, an NGO dedicated to empowering women and girls globally.

Outside of studying I enjoy painting, photography, and long walks along the streets of London.
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Full name: Divya Sugand

Programme: MSc International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies

Optional courses taken: DV455: Advocacy, Campaigning and Grassroots Activism | DV420: Complex Emergencies | EU485: Transitional Justice and Post-conflict reconstruction

Home country: India

Social: Instagram: @divzperspectives

Hello! Coming from the law background, I am pursuing MSc in International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies at the LSE. Before coming to LSE, I have received opportunities to participate in sponsored internships and programmes in India, Germany, UAE, USA, Indonesia and the UK. I chose LSE and this masters programme as I aspire to enhance my learning curve by impacting not just communities and organisations but contributing to international peace processes and security issues. I speak Hindi and English. I am a certified Reiki practitioner and love to talk and explore about meditation, law of attraction and spirituality. In my free time, I turn into a travel buff and dance my heart out.

I was in the same shoes as you last year, so I know the importance of early guidance and on-ground advice from current students. So if you have any question about the modules, living in London, studying in LSE, extracurricular in LSE, and anything else about LSE/London then please feel free to reach out. I am planning to stay in London after I graduate, so I am more than happy to meet over a coffee as well. Best wishes, Cheers!

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Full name: Isabella Imbriaco

Programme: MSc Development Management

Optional courses taken: PP403: Public Management: Theory and Doctrine, Economic Development Policy I |DV491: Economic Development Policy II: Microeconomic Policy Analysis | DV429: Economic Development Policy III: Government Policy Analysis

Home country: Italy

Social: Instagram: @isabella.imbriaco | Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/isabelladiezimbriaco | Facebook: Isabella Imbriaco

At 18 years old, I left my beloved Naples (Italy) and moved to London to study International Relations at University College London. From that moment onwards, my life became a rollercoaster of experiences, allowing me to live in three different countries over four years and meet amazing people along the way! London became my second home and LSE was the natural choice: getting a world class education in London made everything else second-best. Now, six months into my MSc Development Management, I couldn’t be more glad I stayed!

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Full name: Jasmine Birmingham

Programme: MSc Health and International Development

Optional courses taken: DV453: International Development Consultancy Project | DV456: Population, Health and Development: Evidence and Projections | DV457: Sexual and Reproductive Health Programmes: Design, Implementation and Evaluation | MY405: Research Design for Policy and Programme Evaluation

Home country: United Kingdom

Social: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jasmine-birmingham-3a005312b/

I graduated from the University of Manchester in 2017 with a BSc in Cognitive Neuroscience and Psychology. Following graduation, I lived and worked in both Canada and Australia, travelling and being outdoors whenever possible! I chose this programme as I’m passionate about the intersection of health, development, and policy. I was also drawn to the opportunity of getting hands-on, professional experience within development through the consultancy project, which has been a rewarding learning curve. My specific interests are infectious diseases, global health security and the strengthening of health systems, which I tie in throughout my studies. 

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Full name: Johana Bretou-Klein

Programme: MSc International Development and Humanitarian Emergencies (Part-time student)

Optional courses taken: DV420: Complex Emergencies | DV455: Advocacy, Campaigning and Grassroots activism

Home country: France/Luxembourg

Social: Instagram: @jobretou | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/johana-bretou-klein495063190

Hi I’m Jo! I’m originally from Paris (most beautiful city in the world, but maybe I’m biased), but I’ve done my undergrad in Canada at McGill University (the coldest city in the world, but maybe I’m biased). I’ve come to LSE straight from my bachelors’, so I have unfortunately less tips to give on professional path. However, I’m doing my programme as a part-time student and work in a French boulangerie in London on the side, so I do have tips on baking!

What has impressed me the most about the IDHE programme is that it is so rich in content and that there is about a million opportunities to take as a student there -even online. It can be a little bit overwhelming sometimes, but everyone is here to help us and that truly makes a difference! If you feel lost there will always be someone you can talk to -us ambassadors especially!

I’m mostly interested in researching the intersection between climate change and humanitarian action, which I’m lucky to research on for our consultancy project.

Overall, I just want to say a huge congratulations to offer-holders and I’m excited to be part of your cohort next year! Don’t hesitate to reach out 😊.

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Full name: Sharanya Jha

Programme: MSc Development Studies

Optional courses taken: DV407: Poverty | DV413: Environmental Problems and Development Interventions | DV421: Critical Perspectives on Global Health and Development | DV458: Key Issues in Global Health and Development | LN995: Academic Writing

Home country: India

Social: Instagram: @sharanyajha | Twitter: @SharanyaJha | LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/sharanya-jha-726724202 | Facebook: sharanya.jha

I am Sharanya, from New Delhi, India and I did my undergraduation in Political Science from University of Delhi. I have interned with political parties, government bodies, think tanks and NGOs in different capacities across varying development issues. My interests lie in public policy and health governance. The ID department at LSE offers a multidisciplinary and critical approach to understand development processes while providing a vibrant academic space that fosters open and democratic learning.

Outside of LSE, you’d find me exploring London and finding food joints and the best places to read, work and take pictures! (as and when the covid rules allow) As an international student who moved to another continent in the middle of a pandemic to pursue higher education, I recognize that starting University is both an exciting and daunting experience. So, feel free to reach out to me on any platform and I’ll try my best to make this process easier for you!

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Full name: Sofia Kellogg

Programme: MSc Development Management

Optional courses taken: DV480: Revolution and Development | DV472: Covid-19 and Development | GV444: Democracy and Development in Latin America | DV455: Advocacy, Campaigning and Grassroots Activism

Home country: USA

Social: Instagram: @sofkellogg | Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/sofia-kellogg-277b31bb

Favorite spot in London: Primrose Hill- I love catching the sunset here, especially on a warm spring day. Best place to picnic and catch a great view of the entire city.

About me: Hi everyone! I am originally from just outside of Washington, D.C. and am passionate about politics, traveling, and creating positive change in the world. Before coming to LSE, I graduated from William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia with a B.A. in Government. After learning more through my courses at LSE, I find myself extremely interested in the intersection of technology and development. I am currently conducting research on the digital divide amongst smallholder farmers in developing countries and how we can bridge this gap. My favorite parts about my program are my course mates! Everyone has such diverse and interesting backgrounds and I feel like I learn just as much from them as I do my courses. Their stories and experiences inspire me to learn more and to be a better person. I know that I have truly made lifelong friends.

Other than studying, I enjoy strolling around London and taking in all the sights. I love exploring new parks, trying foods from all around the world, and just soaking in all that London has to offer. I pass the London Eye every day on my walk to school and it still doesn’t feel real that I’m here. If you want to chat more about London life, living abroad, or my experience at LSE in general, please feel free to reach out 🙂.

The views expressed in this post are those of the author and in no way reflect those of the International Development LSE blog or the London School of Economics and Political Science.