NYC 2025

Degree: Bachelor of Commerce
Country: Australia

My name is Joel, and I am currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and a Bachelor of Finance. I applied for the Global Discovery Program as I saw it as a fantastic opportunity to connect with Monash alumni who have made a significant impact in their careers. Networking with alumni will help me gain insights into potential career paths and understand how I can create meaningful impact through my work.

Additionally, I am eager to discuss how technology is transforming workforces and to learn about the changes happening within their respective firms. This knowledge will contribute to my broader social initiative—developing tools that enable smaller charities to scale and operate more efficiently.

Through this program, I hope to gain valuable insights and ideas that will help me drive meaningful change by empowering smaller charities to be more active and reducing barriers for those passionate about launching social initiatives.

Degree: Bachelor of Engineering
Country: Malaysia

Rachit is a final year Software Engineering student and a passionate advocate for AI in education. Having studied how AI functions, Rachit believes that every student should have a foundational understanding of AI to effectively tailor its use to their future careers.

With a strong interest in technology and its role in shaping the future workforce, Rachit is therefore dedicated to ensuring AI is integrated effectively into school curriculums. He believes empowering teachers with AI knowledge will create better opportunities for future generations.

The Global Discovery Program provides an invaluable exposure to industry leaders and alumni. Rachit believes that by engaging with experts in New York, he will gain insights into best practices for integrating AI into existing school curriculums and upskilling teachers. This program will also help him build global connections, opening doors for collaborations and practical solutions that will equip him better to turn his vision into reality.

Degree: Bachelor of Laws and Commerce
Country: Australia

Raheel Bostan is a driven third-year LLB (Honours) and BCom student, majoring in Finance. With a keen focus on commercial and competition law, Raheel is deeply committed to harnessing his interdisciplinary expertise to tackle systemic challenges and foster sustainable, impactful solutions for future generations.

The Global Discovery Program offers Raheel a platform to refine his visionary concept of a self-sustaining initiative aimed at funding and mentoring emerging innovators. By engaging with global thought leaders and industry pioneers, he seeks to gain cutting-edge insights into scaling such initiatives within an evolving and competitive landscape. Raheel is eager to elevate his leadership and explore innovative cross-sector partnerships that drive meaningful, scalable change.

Through this experience, Raheel aspires to expand his global outlook, deepen his understanding of international systems, and contribute to a future where innovation and opportunity are universally accessible, creating a legacy of empowerment for generations to come.

Degree: Bachelor of Laws and Arts
Country: Australia

Lola is a second-year Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Arts student. She is excited to go to New York to explore the intersection of gender, law and politics in an international hub.

The Global Discovery Program combines her love for travel with personal growth. Her passion for advocacy deepened during her GIG trip to India, where she collaborated with peers at the Tata Institute of Social Sciences to explore social justice and equity issues. Last year, Lola was a Resident Advisor tasked with the Gender Portfolio at Monash Residential Services where she worked to foster an inclusive environment that celebrated diverse identities.

Lola is committed to reshaping how gender is socialised and enacted in policy. She believes that youth culture is a propelling force in social change and is excited at the opportunity to meet industry leaders, gain new perspectives and explore opportunities for global learning and collaboration.

Degree: Bachelor of Science
Country: Australia

Hi, I’m Kade and I am a third year Bachelor of Science student here at Monash! I’m double-majoring in microbiology and biochemistry, hoping to go into the biotech industry after I graduate. I’m passionate about addressing health challenges in developing regions, particularly infectious diseases.

I applied to the Global Discovery Program as I feel that it would be an excellent opportunity to meet and connect with people from all around the world, and across various industries. New York is a melting pot of cultures and backgrounds, and as such it becomes a melting pot of ideas and perspectives.

I’m incredibly honoured to have the chance to experience that firsthand with the Global Discovery Program, and I hope I’ll leave with new connections and a new outlook on issues that affect communities from around the world.

Degree: Bachelor of Commerce and Arts
Country: Australia

My name is Nicholas, and I’m studying a Bachelor of Commerce and Arts, majoring in Economics and Politics, with a passion for research and government policy. I’ve explored education policy through the Victorian Parliamentary Internship and represented Uganda at Model United Nations (MUN). Outside of academics, I enjoy tenpin bowling, playing retro video games, and engaging in global discussions through MUN.

I applied for the Global Discovery Program because this year’s theme of advocacy aligns with my passion for policy-driven change. I was alarmed by staffing shortages in Victoria’s education system and their impact on students. Through this program, I hope to build resilience, develop strategic thinking, and expand my network. I also look forward to connecting with students and alumni who challenge my perspectives on advocacy while developing employability skills that support both my advocacy and career aspirations.

Degree: Bachelor of Laws and Arts
Country: Australia

My name is Kenuli, and I’m a second-year law and psychology student passionate about advocacy, women’s rights, and education. I actively fuel these interests serving as a Street Law facilitator, delivering engaging legal presentations to empower community groups, and as a Monash Peer Mentor.

Born in Sri Lanka, I’ve witnessed firsthand the consequences of limited financial literacy. Migrating to Australia broadened my perspective, revealing that systemic financial barriers persist even in developed nations. This dual exposure has driven my passion for financial education reform, ensuring future generations have the knowledge to break cycles of disadvantage and unlock a wealth of opportunities.

I applied to the Global Discovery Program with the hopes of broadening my worldview through the invaluable opportunity to engage with accomplished New York Monash alumni. I aim to use these insights to continue to strive towards a reality where every child has access to empowering financial education, regardless of race, gender or background.

Degree: Bachelor of Science
Country: Australia

Hey! I’m Saad, a third-year Bachelor of Science Student majoring in Physiology! I’m passionate about healthcare and aspire to bridge communication gaps between practitioners and patients to create more empathetic and effective healthcare experiences.

I’ve dedicated myself to fostering a sense of belonging for those around me by creating the community I never had growing up. As President of PAM, I’ve developed a deep understanding of the needs of my community at a local level – however, I now seek to elevate these efforts internationally; ensuring that the voices of minority communities/cultures are heard and amplified on a global stage!

This program represents an opportunity to refine my ability to create meaningful connections and develop the interpersonal skills necessary to drive large-scale change. By immersing myself in NYC, I hope to expand my perspective, learn from those above, and refine my approach to make a lasting impact on communities worldwide.

Degree: Bachelor of Engineering
Country: Australia

Grace is a fifth-year student at Monash University, currently studying Robotics Engineering. With a passion for technology’s role in tackling global challenges, she has consistently pursued opportunities to create meaningful change. Over time, her focus expanded to exploring how it can be a catalyst for positive social impact.

In 2022, Grace co-founded Glee Givers, a charity that refurbishes laptops to provide devices to low-income individuals in Melbourne, enabling them to apply for jobs and continue their education. While proud of the organisation's achievements, she recognised that its long-term success relies heavily on strong leadership—a skill that requires continuous learning and development.

Eager to refine her leadership capabilities, Grace applied for the Global Discovery Program to learn from experienced industry leaders and understand how to drive social initiatives effectively. She hopes this opportunity will provide invaluable knowledge on guiding Glee Givers toward long-term sustainability while maximising its impact on the community.

Degree: Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine
Country: Australia

Hi! My name’s Sam. As I approach the tail-end of my medical studies and embark on the journey of lifelong learning in Medicine, a core aspect of my leadership style that I hope to carry into this career and beyond is the ability and drive to enact positive social change.

This firmly held belief has been the primary motivator for the variety of extracurricular and volunteering initiatives that I have undertaken, and the Global Discovery Program is no exception.

Through its championed opportunity to network with leaders of current and future years, I hope to inspire and be inspired by my fellow participants and the New York alumni in this culturally and professionally immersive experience.

In doing so, I hope to be equipped with hard and soft skills that will allow me to positively alter the trajectory of another’s life.