Alumni News

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is proud to honor Séléna Batchily-Amon, BA Global Affairs '17, with the 2025 Distinguished Alumni Award in global affairs. Batchily-Amon is a project management officer in the office of the CEO at Orange Côte d’Ivoire, where she drives executive strategy and digital transformation for one of Africa’s leading telecom companies.

Meet Danielle Henneberger, a 2009 Global Affairs graduate who has gradually transitioned from the public to private sector. Now the founder and strategic marketing advisor at her own consulting firm, Mise en Plan, Dani applies her global perspective, creativity, and love of learning to help clients identify and address gaps they might not see themselves. If you're interested in the world of business consulting or want to learn more about Dani’s journey, visit the articles page on globalaffairs.gmu.edu to read her full alumni feature and discover ways you can connect with her!

Meet Anka Whelan, a Global Affairs and Eurasian Studies double major who graduated this spring, in 2025. As an accelerated master's student, she will complete her MS in Conflict Analysis and Resolution with a concentration in the Dynamics of Violence here at George Mason. With her interdisciplinary education and strong understanding of the Russian language and culture, she hopes to bring this expertise into the field of international security, where she can research and analyze the war in Ukraine and its human rights and security implications.

Since graduating from George Mason in 2023 with a degree in Global Affairs, Ritta Saidi has established a career in Middle Eastern diplomacy and research. Now a Research and Communications Officer at the Jordan Embassy, she tracks current events, synthesizes key policy developments, and mentors a cohort of students beginning to navigate their careers. As she prepares to pursue a master’s in Middle Eastern Studies at Oxford, she reflects on her journey thus far, the impact of her interdisciplinary education, and her aspirations for the future.

Meet Kyle Sinno, a 2018 Global Affairs alumnus currently pursuing an MBA at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. His interest in technology, economics, and international relations began early on in his life, heavily influenced by his mother’s career in the military and his father’s career in international telecommunications. His early understanding of global systems and the interconnectedness of the world led him to major in Global Affairs at Mason, where his professors and coursework equipped him with the necessary critical thinking skills and global perspectives that are crucial in navigating the complex technical environments and diverse stakeholder needs within the tech industry. 

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is proud to honor JeanPaul Figueroa, BA Global Affairs '17, MA '21, with the 2024 CHSS G.O.L.D. - Graduate of the Last Decade award. Figueroa is a dedicated advocate and seasoned professional committed to supporting vulnerable and at-risk populations, with a particular focus on children escaping violence.

The College of Humanities and Social Sciences is proud to honor Jawaad Ali, BA Global Affairs '14, with the 2024 Distinguished Alumni award in global affairs. Ali is a U.S. diplomat serving as a foreign service officer with the U.S. Department of State.

Haseung "Madeline" Joung graduated in Fall 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Global Affairs with a concentration in Global Governance and a minor in Journalism. Despite graduating with the Class of 2020, also known as the “COVID class,” Joung quickly landed a job in media and communications under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.