Profile: Bethany Warner

       Bethany Warner is a recent graduate and now current staff member at Richmond University working in Human Resources and Property Services. Having studied International Relations and maintaining a particular interest in Security and Global Governance, she was drawn to take part in RIAN’s Sierra Leone initiative to experience firsthand the strategies being implemented to encourage local growth in the developing world.
She believes it is a great opportunity also for the Richmond community to be a part of this project as it exemplifies the unique cultural atmosphere here at Richmond and provides the potential for future students to extend their learning experience outside of the classroom.

Profile: Blythe Brauer

       

            Blythe Brauer is a senior at Richmond, graduating in May 2011 with a degree in History. She joined R.I.A.N. to gain experience working with a charitable organization in developing countries, a career path she hopes to pursue after completing a post-graduate degree in International Human Rights Law. Blythe believes that it is important for students at Richmond, an institution which fosters diversity and multiculturalism, to be active in the international community. While in Sierra Leone, she hopes to get more insight into the circumstances of women and children in the region, a subject she is particularly interested in. Blythe is working on external fundraising and even coordination for R.I.A.N.

Profile: Sanjay Raja

        

 Sanjay Raja is a member of the graduating class of 2011 at Richmond The American International University in London. As a student of economics, his passion lies within the field of development- primarily with the completion of the MDGs. The primacy of the issue led him to co-found the R.I.A.N. initiative along with Marija T., and Ashley B. In the organisation's first field project, Sanjay hopes to lead a successful development trip to Sierra Leone, working in such issues dealing with poverty alleviation, animal husbandry, and energy security. The hope of this project is to garner experience in development work, specifically in local economic development, which he believes is crucial in attaining the UN objectives. Observing the local culture, habits, and traditions will be vital in helping create a sustainable development cycle within the local village. Sanjay hopes that this development field project will open eyes for all students, alumni, and faculty, as R.I.A.N. makes a start to initiate a change in the global community.

Profile: Stefan Kurtev

    

      Stefan Kurtev is currently studying International Relations and Political Science in Richmond, the American International University in London. In RIAN he sees the possibility of gaining invaluable experience, which could contribute to his work as a co-founder and president of the Association “Bulgaria and the World”. Furthermore, he hopes that being part of RIAN’s mission in Sierra Leone will add up to his research in the field of Human Security. According to him, being out in the field and assisting people in need will also help the RIAN team to make a better sense of what was learned in university. As part of the RIAN team, Stefan is working as an external fundraiser for the Sierra Leone project. 

Profile: Ashley Barronette

Hi my name is Ashley Barronette. I am a double major in international relations and economics. I have always been highly enthusiastic about volunteering and development, especially in the advancement of underdeveloped communities. I’ve been volunteering since I was 13 and doing international volunteering trips since I was 17. RIAN is important to me because it is my future; it’s what I want to do for the rest of my life. As a co-founder of RIAN it is my responsibility to take care of internal fundraising, alumni relations, recruiting and delegating responsibilities. For the future of this amazing group, I want to be fully involved in all the projects, making sure that all we do will allow for future expansion. My hope is that our current hard work is simultaneously making a difference in our present project, as well as setting up the foundation for future projects.

Profile: Marija Trachtenberg

 

     Marija Trachtenberg is a 2011 graduate at Richmond, the American International University in London where she majored in Economics. After talking with Sanjay Raja and Ashley Barronette, they decided to co-found R.I.A.N. as a way to get first-hand and practical experience in local development. Her role as co-founder is to train and recruit upcoming Richmond undergraduates to continue R.I.A.N.’s work and fill different roles. Additionally, as an external fundraiser she works with Richmond’s community and other businesses to bring much needed resources to sustain the project. She hopes that students see this as an opportunity to develop their skills while working towards meeting the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals. With the help of Richmond University faculty, staff, alumni, and undergraduates, R.I.A.N. has transformed itself from an idea to a reality.

 

Profile: Melanie Cole

    

    Melanie Cole is currently in her third year at Richmond, The International University in London where she majors in International Relations and holds a double minor in Political Science and Theatre. She was born and raised just outside of Seattle in Tacoma, WA where she studied theatre and music at Tacoma School of the Arts. As the project manager for RIAN's Creative Arts Center, Melanie is able to combine her passion for the arts with her knowledge of development. This opportunity has led her to explore the the arts as a viable facet of development planning. Through working with RIAN, Melanie hopes to gain experience in development planning and help create valuable artistic and expressive opportunities for the people of York. 

Profile: Nora Goldberg

 

          I am a junior at Richmond the International University in London, majoring in International Relations. I was born in Chicago, Illinois, while going to school there and in New Mexico. Starting at a very young age, I would spend my vacations and summers abroad with my European family. I am very excited to be responsible for RIANs Internet activities, as well as assisting with other fundraising activities. It makes me not only very proud to be able to go to Sierra Leone, but also to be learning more about the hard work that goes into making this project a reality, such as the fundraising and community outreach aspects. Through this amazing project, I hope that I am able to better understand the grassroots efforts involved in international relations, as well as bring to the people of York the tools to secure themselves in a rapidly globalized world.