EXECUTIVE BOARD
cate LONGO
PRESIDENT
Cate Longo is a second year MAIR student with a functional focus of States, Markets, and Institutions and a regional focus in the Middle East. She is originally from Omaha, NE and graduated cum laude from the College of the Holy Cross in May of 2022 with a degree in International Studies and Environmental Studies. During her time at Holy Cross, she spent a semester in D.C. where she worked as a research intern at Green Cross International/The Arms Control Association doing research on the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons, which was also the topic of her undergraduate thesis. She served as a member of SGA’s cabinet as the Title IX Liaison and as a Relationship Peer Educator where she worked on sexual assault prevention initiatives across campus. She’s also spent time working at the Alliance for Citizen Engagement as a Research Fellow and PR Coordinator on their Human Rights and Equality Team, and Nuclear Nonproliferation Team. She is passionate about human rights and women’s rights issues and has a particular interest in the intersection of human rights, international law, and nuclear weapons policy. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, spending time at art museums, and traveling with friends and family.
Purva Khanna
VICE PRESIDENT
Purva is a first-year MAIR student and a Public Service Fellow focussing on Development, Climate and Sustainability with a regional focus on Asia. Hailing from India, she received a Bachelor of Technology in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Arts in Political Science in India. Before SAIS, Purva was working as an Executive Officer in the Parliament of India. In her role, she made significant contributions to financial management and government efficiency. During her tenure, she streamlined financial decision-making and expanded the scope of the Vice-President of India’s discretionary grants to support COVID-19 relief measures. Her leadership saved approximately $10 million through financial austerity measures and streamlined engagement with the Ministry of Finance. Purva is passionate about working in the development sector, especially on women and child development. At SAIS, she also serves as an Admissions Fellow, guiding prospective students through the application process. As the Vice President of Global Women for Leadership (GWL), she hopes to empower women and foster leadership skills among SAIS students.
Nina Simone Davis
TREASURER
Nina is a first-year MAIR student concentrating in the intersection between Development, Climate, and Sustainability & Governance, Politics and Society. A Jersey girl at heart she grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, receiving her Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies with a concentration in Colonialism and State Regimes from Johns Hopkins University in 2023. She enjoys making and looking at art as well as listening to music and reading in her free time.
Maggie toole
CO-DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Maggie Toole is a first-year MAIR student focusing on Security, Strategy and Statecraft in Europe/Eurasia with an emphasis on Conflict Management. She received her undergraduate degree in International Studies, minoring in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies and French Language and Culture in 2021 from American University. During her time at AU, Maggie co-led a study trip to Northern Ireland on Brexit’s impact on the island and studied abroad at ICP in Paris. Upon graduation, she served as an AmeriCorps VISTA Member for Raise Montana, a nonprofit focused on increasing the accessibility, quality and affordability of childcare in the state. Her assignment included working in communications, outreach, advocacy and policy. Maggie has experience in the educational field as well. She is very passionate about the intersectionality in conflict, specifically the role of gender in genocide and education in peacebuilding. In her free time, Maggie loves baking, hiking and watching Pride and Prejudice (2005).
SylviA HU
CO-DIRECTOR OF MARKETING
Sylvia is a first-year MAIR student focusing on Development, Climate, and Sustainability. Originally from Guangzhou, China. She received her undergraduate degree in International Studies in 2023 from American University. During her undergraduate studies, Sylvia participated in various research opportunities and interned at Becky’s Fund to support domestic violence survivors. Sylvia is interested in women’s rights in a transnational context, and conducted her capstone project on sexual violence during armed conflicts. She believes in the importance of educational opportunities and the access to sexual and reproductive healthcare. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, watching musicals, and going to art museums.
Sima Beitinjaneh
CO-DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS
Sima is a MIPP student. She obtained her undergraduate degree, a BSc in Computer and Electrical Engineering. Sima has also received an MBA focused in Finance. She has worked in engineering and finance for more than 12 years, especially in the energy and utilities industry. Sima decided to come to SAIS for a career shift to follow her passion about political science/culture/international policy. She is a mother of two, 14- and 10-year-old. Growing up in Syria she went to the French school and has lived in Syria, Lebanon, Greece and the US. In her free time she enjoys hiking, reading, listening to Brazilian music and trying new restaurants.
Nandita Singh
CO-DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI RELATIONS
Juliette Verlaque
CO-CONFERENCE COORDINATOR
Juliette Verlaque is a first-year MAIR student concentrating in Security, Strategy and Statecraft and African Studies. Prior to attending SAIS, she was a program coordinator for PEN America’s Artists at Risk Connection (ARC), where she provided support to persecuted artists from around the world and helped them secure emergency funding, legal assistance, and artistic residencies. She is the author of PEN America’s report, Art Is Power: 20 Artists on How They Fight for Justice and Inspire Change. Juliette graduated cum laude from Barnard College with a degree in political science and human rights. While at Barnard, Juliette wrote numerous front-page investigative stories as a senior news reporter for the Columbia Daily Spectator. She also studied abroad in Chile during her junior year and served as a research assistant for a critically acclaimed book about international peacebuilding during her senior year. At SAIS, Juliette is also a first-year representative for the Africa Club and an assistant media editor for the SAIS Review of International Affairs.
Nibba Ahmed
CO-CONFERENCE COORDINATOR
Nibba Ahmed is a first year MAIR student with functional focuses of Government, Politics, and Society and a regional focus in the Middle East. She is originally from Connecticut, and graduated from the George Washington University with a degree in International Relations and Affairs with a minor in Arabic. She served as an intern on the White House Gender Policy Council, where she assisted in policy issues focused on gender-based violence and issues pertaining to ensuring women’s economic, peace, and security across the globe. Nibba focuses her studies of international security at the intersection of gender, particularly focused on the regions of South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. Ensuring that women are at the table in security spaces is at the forefront of her passions. She is excited to be a part of this team.
Sandrine Mugenga Irankunda
CO-CONFERENCE COORDINATOR
Sandrine Mugenga Irankunda is a PhD student in African Studies at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). Her research is centered on genocide and other forms of large-scale violence within the African context, delving into the historical, political, social, economic, and cultural dynamics that contribute to these conflicts, with a commitment to shedding light on often overlooked narratives.Sandrine earned her MBA from Georgia State University, specializing in international organization management, further enhancing her capacity to navigate and understand global challenges. Beyond her academic pursuits, Sandrine contributes significantly to SAIS Women Lead, a pivotal hub for advancing and amplifying women’s leadership globally. As a research and program assistant, she has orchestrated several notable talk series, conferences, and workshops, featuring distinguished thought leaders such as Chimamanda Adichie and Dr. Geeta Rao Gupta. Deeply committed to her Rwandan heritage and community, Sandrine's dedication to effecting positive change has been recognized through various awards for her impactful community work. Her expertise extends to serving as an esteemed panelist alongside notable figures, including the President of Rwanda. Moreover, she spearheads workshops focused on genocide education and prevention, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding.
Maggie Spence
CO-DIRECTOR OF EVENTS
Maggie Spence is a first-year MAIR student. Her functional area is Security, Strategy, and Statecraft focusing on diplomacy and intelligence with a regional focus on the United States and Europe and Eurasia. She's also very passionate about volunteer work and making space for women throughout International Relations. She is a recent graduate of Butler University where she obtained her undergraduate degree studying International Studies with a minors in International Business and French. Outside of school, she enjoys reading, horse-back riding, and knitting.
Alexandra Trudeau
CO-DIRECTOR OF EVENTS
Alexandra Trudeau is a first year MAIR student focusing on Development, Climate, and Sustainability in the Americas. She hails from Minnesota where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Global Studies at Concordia College in 2023. During her undergraduate studies, Alexandra participated in various research opportunities and interned at the Department of State with the US Mission to the Organization of American States. Her current academic and professional interests include the impact of climate change on human migration patterns and state security in the Americas, and the unique struggles associated with being part of a minority group as a migrant. In her free time, Alexandra enjoys hiking, photography, and traveling with her family.
Aija Tighe
SAIS BOLOGNA-NANJING LIAISON
Aija Tighe is a second-year MAIR student who spent her first year in Bologna, Italy. Her functional area is development, climate, and Sustainability focusing on renewable energy markets and technology with a regional focus on the United States. She's also very passionate about sustainable agriculture and food systems. She is part of a 3-2 cooperative degree program between SAIS and Dickinson College, where she obtained her undergraduate degree studying International Studies with a focus on global security. In her free time, she enjoys crocheting, gardening, and reading all the books she impulsively buys.