From answering prospective students’ questions to supporting peers on campus, the Graduate Ambassadors in GW Engineering’s Office of Graduate Admissions and Student Services (OGA) play a vital role in creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for all graduate students. For the 2024-2025 academic year, ambassadors Takudzwa Kawadza, Mobolade Olawale, Shrishail Terni, Bengisu Sisik, Nisha Chauhan, Arsalan Bin, Parisa Rafiee, and Winnie Namunoonya lent their time, insight, and leadership to help OGA enhance the student experience at every stage.
OGA’s Graduate Ambassador Program trains current students to serve for an academic year, with the option to continue throughout their time at GW. A standout example is Sisik, who joined the program in 2019 as a master’s student and is on track to graduate this year with her doctoral degree. In a new structure this year, each ambassador was assigned to either the admissions or advising team, allowing for more focused support.
These engaged and highly motivated students also help organize and participate in activities that encourage research participation, innovation, and community building. Their involvement was especially evident during key events like the New Student Welcome Happy Hour.
“From the early stages of organizing the happy hour to on-the-ground support, the ambassadors were actively engaged. They welcomed attendees at check-in, ensured the food line ran smoothly, captured moments by taking photos with fellow students, and most importantly, encouraged meaningful conversations and connections among new members of the GW Engineering community. Their enthusiasm and leadership were key to the event’s success,” said Matt Hansen-Kudar, Director of Graduate Enrollment & Student Services.
Kawadza also loved this event, saying, “Meeting so many amazing people, bonding over shared experiences, and staying in touch throughout our GW journey made a lasting impact. The friendships and support from that night have been a constant source of encouragement.”
This year’s ambassadors hail from all over the world, including Zimbabwe, Nigeria, India, Turkey, Pakistan, Iran, and Uganda. This reflects the global reach of GW Engineering’s graduate population and helps ambassadors to better connect with and support fellow graduate students as they navigate experiences like visa applications and adjusting to life in the U.S.
“The most rewarding part of serving as a GW Engineering Ambassador has been connecting with prospective and incoming students from around the world. I’ve had the privilege of helping and mentoring many students, especially from my home country of Zimbabwe, through their journey of pursuing a U.S. education,” said Kawadza. “Knowing I’ve played a small part in helping others pursue their dream is incredibly fulfilling. This role has also deepened my sense of community and allowed me to grow personally and professionally.”
As we bid farewell to this exceptional cohort, we recognize how each ambassador has meaningfully enriched the graduate student experience at GW Engineering. Thank you to the 2024-2025 Graduate Ambassadors for all of your hard work!