THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
President
URVI CHOWDHURY
Arzoo Paracha is a third year Bioengineering major on the Biotechnology and Therapeutics Engineering track with a minor in General Business. Careerwise, she hopes to eventually develop life changing therapeutic solutions to common healthcare issues. Her commitment to working with UNICEF started in high school, where she had the opportunity to lead her high school club for multiple years and advocate for UNICEF on Capital Hill. She is specifically drawn to UNICEF’s commitment to improving all aspects of a child’s life, ranging from providing education to bettering sanitation practices. She wants to be a part of giving these children the happiness they deserve. She restarted this chapter to utilize the opportunity to make a difference in another child’s life. On campus Arzoo is involved in the Flexus Community for Women Engineers, creates change in Penny Appeal which has similar goals, organizes for the world’s biggest all women and non binary hackathon Technica, and mentors for the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) as well as Clark Communities. She is also an active member of the Biomedical Engineering Society, Pakistani Student Association, and Muslim Student Organization. Off campus, she enjoys photographing landscapes and candids, cooking new exotic dishes, and traveling to new sites.
Arzoo Paracha is a third year Bioengineering major on the Biotechnology and Therapeutics Engineering track with a minor in General Business. Careerwise, she hopes to eventually develop life changing therapeutic solutions to common healthcare issues. Her commitment to working with UNICEF started in high school, where she had the opportunity to lead her high school club for multiple years and advocate for UNICEF on Capital Hill. She is specifically drawn to UNICEF’s commitment to improving all aspects of a child’s life, ranging from providing education to bettering sanitation practices. She wants to be a part of giving these children the happiness they deserve. She restarted this chapter to utilize the opportunity to make a difference in another child’s life. On campus Arzoo is involved in the Flexus Community for Women Engineers, creates change in Penny Appeal which has similar goals, organizes for the world’s biggest all women and non binary hackathon Technica, and mentors for the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) as well as Clark Communities. She is also an active member of the Biomedical Engineering Society, Pakistani Student Association, and Muslim Student Organization. Off campus, she enjoys photographing landscapes and candids, cooking new exotic dishes, and traveling to new sites.
Vice President
ALAA SHARAF
Laraib Zia is a third year student majoring in Information Science. She hopes to pursue a career in data science, and some of her strongest interests include data visualization and UX/UI design. She was excited to help start this chapter of UNICEF at UMD because she has prior experience working with them. Laraib founded a UNICEF chapter at her high school and was able to organize a number of projects to both fundraise and advocate for important issues. She is eager to continue along that journey and spread UNICEF’s mission. Part of what she loves about UNICEF is the transparency in its efforts and how it strives to improve the lives of vulnerable people in so many ways – whether that is by helping to eradicate the cause of the issue at its root or sending immediate humanitarian aid. Besides UNICEF, Laraib is also a part of the Executive Board of the UMD Pakistani Student Association, where she hopes to help engage students in Pakistani culture as well as expand the organization’s community service and advocacy work. Outside of school, Laraib enjoys making art in her free time. Her passion lies in portrait drawing, painting, and most recently, digital art.
Laraib Zia is a third year student majoring in Information Science. She hopes to pursue a career in data science, and some of her strongest interests include data visualization and UX/UI design. She was excited to help start this chapter of UNICEF at UMD because she has prior experience working with them. Laraib founded a UNICEF chapter at her high school and was able to organize a number of projects to both fundraise and advocate for important issues. She is eager to continue along that journey and spread UNICEF’s mission. Part of what she loves about UNICEF is the transparency in its efforts and how it strives to improve the lives of vulnerable people in so many ways – whether that is by helping to eradicate the cause of the issue at its root or sending immediate humanitarian aid. Besides UNICEF, Laraib is also a part of the Executive Board of the UMD Pakistani Student Association, where she hopes to help engage students in Pakistani culture as well as expand the organization’s community service and advocacy work. Outside of school, Laraib enjoys making art in her free time. Her passion lies in portrait drawing, painting, and most recently, digital art.
Amisha Kunvar is a second year Computer Engineering major with minors in Public Policy and Global Engineering Leadership. She hopes to work in data and politics to foster sustainable development and engineer for change while promoting data-driven policy regarding education, socioeconomic equity, and climate change. Her high school journey with UNICEF taught her the subtle yet powerful ways we can all transform the futures of children globally. Through this university chapter, Amisha strives to provide an effective platform for passionate students to create impactful global change toward the bright futures that lay ahead of many children who lack vital resources. On campus, Amisha is a Global Fellow in science diplomacy, Society of Women Engineers (SWE) mentor, Clark School Ambassador, a member of Engineers Without Borders, SGA (Diversity & Inclusion Committee), Maryland Mauj dance competition, and Mortar Board. Outside of school, she enjoys freelance photography, hiking, and traveling.
Administrative Coordinator
NICOLA SARAUSA
Shayan is a Senior majoring in General Biology with hopes of pursuing dentistry. He was drawn to UNICEF UMD due to his expressed interest in combatting poverty amongst children. He believes that UNICEF provides the opportunity to increase community engagment and thus efficiently contribute to solutions for humanitarian crises that affect children. Outside of UNICEF UMD, Shayan is involved with UMD Predental Society, Intramural Flag Football, and TerpsForChange. His hobbies include swimming, landscaping, hiking, cars, working on small engines, and fitness.
Shayan is a Senior majoring in General Biology, with hopes of attending dental school in the future. He was drawn to UNICEF UMD because of the ability of the organization to contribute effective solutions to crises that affect children. Shayan is also involved with UMD Predental Society, Intramural Flag Football, and TerpsForChange. His hobbies include swimming, landscaping, hiking, cars, working on small engines, and fitness.
Shayan Khanlarbeik is a third year student majoring in General Biology. He is hoping to pursue a career in dentistry. Knowing that poverty among children is one of the greatest issues present in today’s world, he joined UNICEF to to be involved and contribute to the much needed solution of this crisis. Shayan is also a member of the UMD Predental Society, and is involved with intramural flag football and TerpsForChange. His hobbies further include swimming, landscaping, hiking, working on cars & small engines, and fitness.
Shayan Khanlarbeik is a third year student majoring in General Biology. He is hoping to pursue a career in dentistry. Knowing that poverty among children is one of the greatest issues present in today’s world, he joined UNICEF to to be involved and contribute to the much needed solution of this crisis. Shayan is also a member of the UMD Predental Society, and is involved with intramural flag football and TerpsForChange. His hobbies further include swimming, landscaping, hiking, working on cars & small engines, and fitness.
Outreach Coordinator
RONA OKOJIE
Urvi Chowdhury is a third year student majoring in Neurobiology & Physiology. She hopes to pursue a career in medicine and public health in order to combat health inequities, increase access to preventative services, and attain cultural competency. She joined UNICEF UMD because her personal desire to empower children implicated in domestic and global crises aligns with the UNICEF’s mission to promote humanitarian education, advocacy, and fundraising efforts. She firmly believes that this work is vital in reducing the collective despair and hopelessness felt by these children. Her additional hope is to counter sentiments of desensitization and learned helplessness by involving and engaging the UMD community with UNICEF initiatives. On campus, Urvi is a member of the Integrated Living Sciences Program, Project Lead for the Humans of College Park student-run photojournalism organization, and is interning with United Against Inequities in Disease to implement sustainable community-based projects that combat local health inequities. Outside of school, Urvi enjoys painting, reading thrillers, singing, and making playlists.
Urvi Chowdhury is a second year student majoring in Neurobiology & Physiology. She hopes to pursue a career in medicine and public health in order to combat health inequities, increase access to preventative services, and attain cultural competency. She joined UNICEF UMD because her personal desire to empower children implicated in domestic and global crises aligns with the UNICEF’s mission to promote humanitarian education, advocacy, and fundraising efforts. She firmly believes that this work is vital in reducing the collective despair and hopelessness felt by these children. Her additional hope is to counter sentiments of desensitization and learned helplessness by involving and engaging the UMD community with UNICEF initiatives. On campus, Urvi is a member of the Integrated Living Sciences Program, Project Lead for the Humans of College Park student-run photojournalism organization, and is interning with United Against Inequities in Disease to implement sustainable community-based projects that combat local health inequities. Outside of school, Urvi enjoys painting, reading thrillers, singing, and making playlists.
Fundraising Chair & Co- Public Relations Chair
ANH NGUYEN
Renad Alhabashi is a fourth year student majoring in Public Health Science, and hopes to pursue a career in medicine. She is passionate about UNICEF because its mission to ensure that children have the opportunities necessary to reach their full potential aligns with her desire to make a positive, lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable children around the globe. On campus, she is a counselor for Camp Kesem, where she supports children whose parents have been affected by cancer. She is also the Engagement & Events Coordinator for Students Engaged in Public Health. During her free time, Renad likes reading, baking, exploring new places, making videos, and hiking.
Cindy Liu is a second year student majoring in bioengineering and minoring in nanoscale science and technology. She is passionate about medical experimentation and eventually wants to work as a physician in the cancer field while developing novel drug delivery systems for cancer therapeutics. She is very interested in the health and well-being of children, which is a big part of why she chose to join UNICEF UMD. She is super excited to work with the other officers to try and make as big of an impact on the local community as possible. On campus, Cindy is a part of Gemstone honors college, where she’s doing research on nanoparticle-integrated implants for glioblastoma treatment, a club member for Engineers Without Borders, and works at the Huang Lab in the Bioengineering Department.
Website Developer & Co- Public Relations Chair
DIALO DIOP
THE COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Shayan Khanlarbeik is a third year student majoring in General Biology. He is hoping to pursue a career in dentistry. Knowing that poverty among children is one of the greatest issues present in today’s world, he joined UNICEF to to be involved and contribute to the much needed solution of this crisis. Shayan is also a member of the UMD Predental Society, and is involved with intramural flag football and TerpsForChange. His hobbies further include swimming, landscaping, hiking, working on cars & small engines, and fitness.
Advocacy Co-Chair
MOUMITA AFRIN
Urvi Chowdhury is a third year student majoring in Neurobiology & Physiology. She hopes to pursue a career in medicine and public health in order to combat health inequities, increase access to preventative services, and attain cultural competency. She joined UNICEF UMD because her personal desire to empower children implicated in domestic and global crises aligns with the UNICEF’s mission to promote humanitarian education, advocacy, and fundraising efforts. She firmly believes that this work is vital in reducing the collective despair and hopelessness felt by these children. Her additional hope is to counter sentiments of desensitization and learned helplessness by involving and engaging the UMD community with UNICEF initiatives. On campus, Urvi is a member of the Integrated Living Sciences Program, Project Lead for the Humans of College Park student-run photojournalism organization, and is interning with United Against Inequities in Disease to implement sustainable community-based projects that combat local health inequities. Outside of school, Urvi enjoys painting, reading thrillers, singing, and making playlists.
Urvi Chowdhury is a second year student majoring in Neurobiology & Physiology. She hopes to pursue a career in medicine and public health in order to combat health inequities, increase access to preventative services, and attain cultural competency. She joined UNICEF UMD because her personal desire to empower children implicated in domestic and global crises aligns with the UNICEF’s mission to promote humanitarian education, advocacy, and fundraising efforts. She firmly believes that this work is vital in reducing the collective despair and hopelessness felt by these children. Her additional hope is to counter sentiments of desensitization and learned helplessness by involving and engaging the UMD community with UNICEF initiatives. On campus, Urvi is a member of the Integrated Living Sciences Program, Project Lead for the Humans of College Park student-run photojournalism organization, and is interning with United Against Inequities in Disease to implement sustainable community-based projects that combat local health inequities. Outside of school, Urvi enjoys painting, reading thrillers, singing, and making playlists.
Renad Alhabashi is a fourth year student majoring in Public Health Science, and hopes to pursue a career in medicine. She is passionate about UNICEF because its mission to ensure that children have the opportunities necessary to reach their full potential aligns with her desire to make a positive, lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable children around the globe. On campus, she is a counselor for Camp Kesem, where she supports children whose parents have been affected by cancer. She is also the Engagement & Events Coordinator for Students Engaged in Public Health. During her free time, Renad likes reading, baking, exploring new places, making videos, and hiking.
Advocacy Co-Chair
ANCA BOUVIER
Shayan Khanlarbeik is a third year student majoring in General Biology. He is hoping to pursue a career in dentistry. Knowing that poverty among children is one of the greatest issues present in today’s world, he joined UNICEF to to be involved and contribute to the much needed solution of this crisis. Shayan is also a member of the UMD Predental Society, and is involved with intramural flag football and TerpsForChange. His hobbies further include swimming, landscaping, hiking, working on cars & small engines, and fitness.
Fundraising Co-Chair
SUHA HASSAN
Urvi Chowdhury is a third year student majoring in Neurobiology & Physiology. She hopes to pursue a career in medicine and public health in order to combat health inequities, increase access to preventative services, and attain cultural competency. She joined UNICEF UMD because her personal desire to empower children implicated in domestic and global crises aligns with the UNICEF’s mission to promote humanitarian education, advocacy, and fundraising efforts. She firmly believes that this work is vital in reducing the collective despair and hopelessness felt by these children. Her additional hope is to counter sentiments of desensitization and learned helplessness by involving and engaging the UMD community with UNICEF initiatives. On campus, Urvi is a member of the Integrated Living Sciences Program, Project Lead for the Humans of College Park student-run photojournalism organization, and is interning with United Against Inequities in Disease to implement sustainable community-based projects that combat local health inequities. Outside of school, Urvi enjoys painting, reading thrillers, singing, and making playlists.
Urvi Chowdhury is a second year student majoring in Neurobiology & Physiology. She hopes to pursue a career in medicine and public health in order to combat health inequities, increase access to preventative services, and attain cultural competency. She joined UNICEF UMD because her personal desire to empower children implicated in domestic and global crises aligns with the UNICEF’s mission to promote humanitarian education, advocacy, and fundraising efforts. She firmly believes that this work is vital in reducing the collective despair and hopelessness felt by these children. Her additional hope is to counter sentiments of desensitization and learned helplessness by involving and engaging the UMD community with UNICEF initiatives. On campus, Urvi is a member of the Integrated Living Sciences Program, Project Lead for the Humans of College Park student-run photojournalism organization, and is interning with United Against Inequities in Disease to implement sustainable community-based projects that combat local health inequities. Outside of school, Urvi enjoys painting, reading thrillers, singing, and making playlists.
Renad Alhabashi is a fourth year student majoring in Public Health Science, and hopes to pursue a career in medicine. She is passionate about UNICEF because its mission to ensure that children have the opportunities necessary to reach their full potential aligns with her desire to make a positive, lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable children around the globe. On campus, she is a counselor for Camp Kesem, where she supports children whose parents have been affected by cancer. She is also the Engagement & Events Coordinator for Students Engaged in Public Health. During her free time, Renad likes reading, baking, exploring new places, making videos, and hiking.
Fundraising Co-Chair
AMIN SHEHATA
Shayan Khanlarbeik is a third year student majoring in General Biology. He is hoping to pursue a career in dentistry. Knowing that poverty among children is one of the greatest issues present in today’s world, he joined UNICEF to to be involved and contribute to the much needed solution of this crisis. Shayan is also a member of the UMD Predental Society, and is involved with intramural flag football and TerpsForChange. His hobbies further include swimming, landscaping, hiking, working on cars & small engines, and fitness.
Social Co-Chair
EMILY HAI
Urvi Chowdhury is a third year student majoring in Neurobiology & Physiology. She hopes to pursue a career in medicine and public health in order to combat health inequities, increase access to preventative services, and attain cultural competency. She joined UNICEF UMD because her personal desire to empower children implicated in domestic and global crises aligns with the UNICEF’s mission to promote humanitarian education, advocacy, and fundraising efforts. She firmly believes that this work is vital in reducing the collective despair and hopelessness felt by these children. Her additional hope is to counter sentiments of desensitization and learned helplessness by involving and engaging the UMD community with UNICEF initiatives. On campus, Urvi is a member of the Integrated Living Sciences Program, Project Lead for the Humans of College Park student-run photojournalism organization, and is interning with United Against Inequities in Disease to implement sustainable community-based projects that combat local health inequities. Outside of school, Urvi enjoys painting, reading thrillers, singing, and making playlists.
Urvi Chowdhury is a second year student majoring in Neurobiology & Physiology. She hopes to pursue a career in medicine and public health in order to combat health inequities, increase access to preventative services, and attain cultural competency. She joined UNICEF UMD because her personal desire to empower children implicated in domestic and global crises aligns with the UNICEF’s mission to promote humanitarian education, advocacy, and fundraising efforts. She firmly believes that this work is vital in reducing the collective despair and hopelessness felt by these children. Her additional hope is to counter sentiments of desensitization and learned helplessness by involving and engaging the UMD community with UNICEF initiatives. On campus, Urvi is a member of the Integrated Living Sciences Program, Project Lead for the Humans of College Park student-run photojournalism organization, and is interning with United Against Inequities in Disease to implement sustainable community-based projects that combat local health inequities. Outside of school, Urvi enjoys painting, reading thrillers, singing, and making playlists.
Renad Alhabashi is a fourth year student majoring in Public Health Science, and hopes to pursue a career in medicine. She is passionate about UNICEF because its mission to ensure that children have the opportunities necessary to reach their full potential aligns with her desire to make a positive, lasting impact on the lives of vulnerable children around the globe. On campus, she is a counselor for Camp Kesem, where she supports children whose parents have been affected by cancer. She is also the Engagement & Events Coordinator for Students Engaged in Public Health. During her free time, Renad likes reading, baking, exploring new places, making videos, and hiking.
Social Co-Chair
JUNE HUA