Meet The Team

Sam works at the intersection of academia and public policy. He has been a Program Director at the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) since 2017, where he has led several international projects spanning various thematic areas of sustainable development, including finance, energy, and education. He is also the founder and director of Global Schools, an award-winning and data-driven international education programme that works with schools, researchers, and policymakers to transform learning environments and align local education systems with sustainable development priorities. 

In addition to his research and policy work, Sam has also led multiple advocacy campaigns dedicated to issues such as human rights, social justice, and sustainable development. He has given over 500+ talks at various international conferences and forums and has received multiple awards and scholarships for his work, including scholarships from the University of Oxford, the London School of Economics, and the Rotary Foundation, as well as recognitions by Forbes Magazine, the NAEEA, and the Nobel Peace Prize Forum. 

Sam is currently pursuing a PhD at the London School of Economics, where his research focuses on the economics of the net-zero energy transition and development in the Middle East. He holds an honours degree from Monash University and two master’s degrees from the University of Oxford. Sam is also a Research Associate at the University of Oxford, where he works with the Institute for New Economic Thinking (INET) and the Smith School of Enterprise and the Environment (SSEE) to improve net-zero economic modelling and policy analysis techniques. 

​

Emmanuel Michael Emechete is a SDG Advocate and a Technology enthusiast. He is the founder of a business and career Consulting firm called Anointed Consult, and Orupa, a renewable energy and climate change organization, which focus on the use of technology in achieving the SDGs and solving global issues; one of their recent initiatives is called STEM for SDGs (#STEM4SDGs). He also served as the Regional Focal Point for SDG8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), United Nations Major Group for Children and Youth, and was one of the first set of Advocates at the Global Schools Program for the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (Youth).

He has Represent the UN MGCY at ILO workshop in Nairobi; Kenya,  Abuja; Nigeria, and several other events within Africa. He is presently serving as the Regional Focal Point for SDG7 (Clean and Affordable Energy) Youth Constituency at the UN MGCY. Over the last three years he has been actively involved in the technology and innovation sectors, both as a STEM trainer, Robotics instructor, digital skills and literacy expert, a web designer and code instructor.

Kannan R Nair is a Project Officer (Advocacy) at Global Schools Program, UN-SDSN from India. Mr. Nair is an MSc Asian Studies student and Graduate Research Assistant at S Rajaratnam School of International Studies, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Mr Nair is a member of the 2020 cohort of Young Leaders Program, Pacific Forum, a Honolulu based think tank.

His opinions have appeared in the Australian Institute of International Affairs, South Asian Voices-Stimson Center, Lowy Institute Interpreter, 9dashline, The Geopolitics, etc. Mr Nair primarily focuses on developments in International relations of Southeast Asia and India’s Foreign Policy. Prior to this, he worked with the Institute of Chinese Studies(ICS), New Delhi and National Institute of Advanced Studies(NIAS), Bangalore.

​

​

Felix Mmeka currently serves as a Project Officer (Advocacy) within the Global Schools team at the UN SDSN. Within the Social-Economic Development space, he has previously held various advocacy and development roles including being a Local Pathways Fellow at UN SDSN-Youth, a Global Schools Ambassador at UN SDSN-Youth, a sports officer & trustee at Swansea University Students’ Union, and a Program Coordinator (Port Harcourt) at Slum2Schools Nigeria, etc.

These experiences gave him an appreciation of how championing the SDGs can significantly impact people’s lives. His passion for the SDGs, especially SDG1 (No Poverty) and SDG4 (Quality Education), was inspired by his opportunities positively impacting and giving back to his local community and has been developed by working brilliant young professionals. Felix has a Masters and Bachelor’s degrees in Civil Engineering from Swansea University, UK and completed the Green Economy Program at Ryerson University, Canada.

Oluwayemisi Ojo (Yemisi) currently serves as a Project Officer at the Global Schools Program - an initiative of the UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). She is a Policy fellow at the Nigerian Global Affairs Council where she curates policy ideas and simplifies Acts and Agencies of Nigeria. She is the founder of iVolunteer Benue an initiative that trains youths in 21st century skills and connects them to organisations for practical work placements. Since 2018, Yemisi has worked in both community and state levels as SDGs advocate promoting the knowledge of SDGs among youths in Secondary Schools.

During her National Youth Service, she won the award for Excellence in Leadership as the President, Sustainable Development Goals Community Development Service group, establishing SDGs School Clubs in 10 Secondary Schools and training about 100 teachers on the SDGs. Yemisi has a background in media and storytelling.

​

Samantha Lee is a Content Project Officer at Global Schools, UN Sustainable Development Solutions Network. Driven by her passions and interests in curriculum development, mathematics content, and domestic and international education, she served as a program leader at ECUC 21st Century – UC Berkeley Graduate of Education during her undergraduate career.

She believes in equality for all and was involved in the Accessible Icon Project where she served as an ambassador in Los Angeles to collaborate with the Los Angeles Department of Disability on changing the universal handicapped sign to a new symbol on public infrastructures and transportations. To follow her passions, she will be pursuing a master's degree in math education at Northwestern University in the coming year.

​

​

​

​

​

Raquel Armendariz is an International Relations graduate from Spain. She also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Policy from the University of California Riverside and is currently studying a Masters in Political Communication. She is a trained Climate Reality Leader and has experience working for human rights organizations in the US and Spain.

Her interests lie in political advocacy, environmental justice, women´s rights, and the promotion of international cooperation, and she likes to write articles about these topics to promote awareness. She would like to spend her professional career advocating for human rights and fighting climate change for the United Nations or the European Union.

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Brenda Garcia Millan is a Research and Policy Analyst at a San Diego-based organization called Climate Action Campaign, where she researches innovative local policy solutions to the climate crisis affecting Southern California residents. She is a Project Officer (Research team) for the Global Schools Program. Before joining SDSN Youth / Global Schools Program in November 2020, Brenda interned for ten months at the United States Senate where she engaged with foreign relations and climate policy teams.

She is also a 2018-2019 Fulbright Scholar, having run a high school Model United Nations program in Madrid, Spain. Brenda earned her Master's degree in Global Studies from the University of Oregon, and her Bachelor's in International Security from San Diego State University. In addition to the United States and Spain, Brenda has living, research, and learning experience in Mexico and the UK, she is fluent in English and Spanish, and can also communicate in French, Italian, and Portuguese.

​

​

​

​

​

Hafiz Jawad Sohail is a climate activist and SDGs advocate from Pakistan. He joined the Global Schools team as Project Officer for Partnerships & Events. As a strong advocate for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Hafiz is committed to supporting youth participation and engagement in the processes and policies through his activism and engagement with several global networks. Hafiz (born in Lahore, Pakistan, in 1993) is a trained Climate Reality Leader, UN volunteer and International Development professional. He was a delegate to the COP26 (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Conference of the Parties) that took place from the 1st to the 12th of November 2021, where he was invited to represent the Children and Youth Constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (YOUNGO).

Hafiz also served as the Country Coordinator for COY16 (The 16th UN Climate Change Conference of Youth). He was a delegate to the HPAIR Asia Conference 2021 (The Harvard College Project for Asian and International Relations), Paris Peace Forum and UNLEASH Innovation Lab, 2019 in China. Professionally, Hafiz is a researcher, geoscience professional and has worked with multinational and private companies. He completed his bachelor’s degree in geology from University of the Punjab, Lahore in 2014 and is currently pursuing master’s degree in Public Administration from the Virtual University of Pakistan. 

​

He is part of several global and regional networks including YOUNGO (official youth constituency of UNFCCC), UNEP MGCY, The Climate Reality Project, Global Thinkers Forum, World Youth Alliance, CIVICUS and others. Hafiz has a rich volunteering experience and passion for climate education and advocacy. He greatly values cross-cultural experiences and meeting new people from all parts of the world. Locally, he is associated with SDGs Academy Pakistan to take change and development at grass root level by creating awareness and activism in citizens. He is always in pursuit of a role where his energies will make an impact on surroundings. Hafiz aims to learn modern tools and skills to continue his struggle throughout his career.

​

​

Amanda Abrom is the Program Manager of Global Schools, an initiative of the SDSN. She is currently completing her Masters Dissertation via Columbia University and the London School of Economics on the intersection of SDG 4.7, teacher professional development, and K12 education.

Previously, she worked as a teacher in Spain where she led the Model UN Global Classrooms project and taught English, Geography, and History for students aged 12-16. She also taught at a public school in Chile with the Chilean Ministry of Education and was a program assistant for the US Department of State’s international exchange programs for students from 13 countries across Sub-Saharan Africa and the MENA region.

​

She also has experience running extra-curricular English camps in South America for the British Council. She is recognized as a current UNCTAD Youth Delegate and a Global Ambassador for SDG 4 on behalf of UNA-USA and the UN Foundation. She is a Fulbright Scholar and has completed Master’s level internships for UNICEF’s Education Cannot Wait Fund, the UN SDSN, and worked as a Research Assistant at the Columbia Earth Institute.

Fikayo Agha currently serves as the Project Officer, Advocacy of the Global Schools team. Prior to that, she served an Advocate for the Global Schools Program in Nigeria. She is a final year law student at the University of Lagos, Nigeria, an SDG4  (Quality Education) Advocate and an International Development enthusiast. From 2019-2020 she served as the Welfare Secretary and Program Manager of a gender and development Organisation, In Our Hands Development Initiative. Also served as the Director of Creative Content at a student led children's charity organization, Arms of Clemency.

She has volunteered for several youth led initiatives and charitable functions, interned at the Lagos State Ministry of Justice Office of the Public Defender and runs an opportunity clinic for students and young graduates in search for global opportunities. When not working, she loves listening to classics, watching Korean drama, and reading.

​

​

​

Kendra-Lee Heney is a Global Schools Project Officer (Advocacy) from Toronto, Canada. Her main interest is empowering children and youth with disabilities through quality education to ensure that they are actively included and involved in their local communities.  Kendra has a Master’s degree in Children, Youth, and International Development from Brunel University in the United Kingdom as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Disability Studies from Western University in Canada. She has 8 years’ experience promoting inclusive education, both within the classroom as well as through outdoor education organizations. She has worked with schools and education-based NGOs in Canada, the United Kingdom, Rwanda, and Uganda to promote inclusive curriculum, capacity building, and teacher training. She is currently working with Hope and Healing International as a Child Development Curriculum and Research Specialist to implement a Resiliency Curriculum within schools in Africa.

Elizabeth Lerman is a finance consultant at Deloitte who graduated in 2020 with an international Bachelor of Arts in Economics. She is passionate about education and sustainable development where she seeks to join or learn about organizations that are working towards empowering others and reducing inequalities.

She's joining the SDSN Global Schools Program as a Project Officer in the Content Team. She's hoping to use her experience from AIESEC and other non-profit organizations to help drive initiatives and progress the new Teachers Advocates Program. In her spare time, Elizabeth loves learning about new languages and cultures, and continues to practice Russian, Spanish and French.

​

​

​

​

Abigail Chifusa is a Project Officer (Content) at the Global Schools, United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (UNSDSN). She is an outright and self-motivated journalist based in  Zambia. Driven by her passion in writing and presentation she has a solid background in news reporting, media communication and public relations. She interned as a news reporter and journalist at the Zambia National Broadcasting Cooperation (ZNBC) TV and worked as a news correspondent at the Times of Zambia Newspaper. She recently graduated with a Diploma in Journalism and Public Relations and wishes to further her studies in International relations. 

Abigail has volunteered as a Junior Reporter, Child Journalist and an advocate for children and women’s rights in her country at the Media Network on Child Rights and Development (MNCRD) for over five years and uses the media for her advocacy, promote awareness and also to empower young people.

​

​

Dorpaima Lumban Gaol is a professional humanitarian worker and SDG Enthusiast. She experienced working in international NGOs, private and government sectors. 

She has been working for several years in PR/communication for the development field. Recently she professionally experienced work with USAID Indonesia, Save the Children International and served at World Vision Indonesia and the Global Peace Foundation Indonesia.

She received a scholarship from the Embassy of Indonesia for People's Republic of China for Indonesia Young Diplomat Program 2018. She started her career in a multinational banking company in business development.

Presently, she is enrolling in her master's degree in Politics and International Relations, specializing in International Development and Global Conflict.

​

Keunseon Park is a Project Officer for the Marketing Team for UN SDSN’s Global Schools Program and a social activist who aims to develop sustainability in people’s lives. Keunseon achieved a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and Finance in 2019 and is currently working in the IT field in a business strategy role. Keunseon believes education can change people’s lives and has joined the Global Schools Program of UN SDSN to support educators and schools.

As a social activist, she also has been working as the Executive Director and a member of the Board in Raise Uganda Now, an international youth-led NGO working for holistic care, education, and sustainable development of vulnerable kids and communities in Uganda. She is engaged in various youth and climate actions mostly based in the Asian region as well. Keunseon is hoping to study and experience more to achieve her goal to create real social impacts to support more people, mostly through education and local business. She welcomes anyone who has similar interests!

Kindong has over five years’ experience in the nonprofit sector and earned a Master of Law degree from the University of Yaoundé II, Cameroon and a Postgraduate Diploma in Sustainable Development and Human Rights from the University of Antwerp, Belgium. He currently serves as Project Officer for Operations for the Global Schools Program. He is also serving currently as a Selection Board Application Reviewer and Interviewer with the Atlas Corps, a non-profit organisation that promotes innovation, cooperation, and solutions to address the world’s 21st-century challenges.

Previously, Kindong served with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Cameroon, a leading international organization in conservation with a mission to conserve nature and reduce the most pressing threats to the environment. As a Law Enforcement Intern, he assisted in the implementation of WWF strategy in support of local partners (the government and local communities) in the fight against poaching and illegal wildlife by providing technical support, capacity building and empowering local communities to enhance their participation in wildlife protection, conservation and improve their livelihoods through sustainable practices.

Santha Nair Chandran  is an English Teacher at a vernacular school in Perak, Malaysia. She joined the Global Schools team as Project Officer for Partnerships & Events.She was the former Head of the English Department and currently holds the position of Head of the Arts Department. She is the Master Trainer for Lower Perak District for the CEFR Aligned English Language Curriculum. She graduated with a Bachelor of Teaching (Hons) in TESL for Primary School. She is an alumnus for the Young SouthEast Asian Leadership Initiative (YSEALI) as she graduated from the YSEALI Women’s Leadership Academy 2016. She has been an active member of YSEALI until 2018 before venturing the youth leadership through sustainability through the Commonwealth.

She was an open delegate representing Malaysia at the Commonwealth Youth Forum during CHOGM 2018 and Harvard Projects of Asian and International Relations (HPAIR), under the sustainability track, in which she worked alongside sharing ideas through the Blue Charter Project with Commonwealth Youth. Santha was also the Community Engagement Co-lead for the Youth Delegate Program Cohort 2 (2020). She was also a former mentor and SDG 4 Mastermind Lead for Cohort 3 and 4, under the same program. Early September 2021, she started her new role as the Disruptor Track Co-lead under YDP and continued her role as mentor in 2022. She has worked alongside the Global Schools Program as one of the advocates of class 2019-2020 and a mentor for the Southeast Asia GSAs.

As the Program Manager com Co-founder for DeRia, she loves travelling, art and music plus high fashion. She has won a grant under the British High Commission Kuala Lumpur with Ecoknights in conjunction with the Cop26 conference, Glasgow. Her team, DeRiA has finally published their first Environmental Education Playbook Curated by teachers for teachers. She loves teaching sustainability through English. Fun Fact: She started volunteering at the age of 16 and loves rock music.