Introducing Youth Leadership Council

Pornpiseth Semson

Pornpiseth Semson (Aim) is a Thai youth leader and International Relations student at Mahidol University International College (MUIC). She currently serves as an intern at the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (UNRCO) Thailand, where she supports initiatives that advance the Sustainable Development Goals and strengthen youth engagement in national development processes.

As Thailand’s Youth Delegate to the 80th United Nations General Assembly, Aim represented the country’s youth in the Third Committee on Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Affairs, advocating for digital inclusion, intergenerational cooperation, and gender equality.

Beyond her UN involvement, Aim has led several youth-driven initiatives, ranging from digital literacy and media awareness to inclusive education and online safety, bridging global frameworks with community-level action. She also serves as her major’s ambassador in college, inspiring students to connect international relations theory with real-world practice.

Guided by her belief that youth are not only participants but co-authors of the future, Aim continues to create and advocate for platforms that empower young people to shape policies and build a more inclusive, sustainable world.

Favoured-Joy Oghenekome

Favoured-Joy is a Nigerian-American whose unique background and experience has thrust her into the world as a global citizen. She is a second-year Master of International Affairs (MIA) student at the Rockefeller College of Public Affairs & Policy, concentrating in Global Public Management. She is passionate about advancing global competency, with a particular focus on fostering equitable cross-cultural relationships.

For her MIA capstone project, she is collaborating with the International Center for the Capital Region (ICCR) to develop a practical toolkit that helps individuals and employers center mutual respect in cross-cultural settings, despite the natural presence of bias.

Favoured-Joy serves as the Inclusion Coordinator for the Students International Affairs Association, helping UAlbany graduate students feel a strong sense of belonging by creating meaningful opportunities for peer engagement and connection with the broader campus community.

Favoured-Joy is also a rising entrepreneur who is working on her brand. Her goal is to inspire joy in her clients in any interaction.

To Favoured-Joy M2D is an opportunity to support younger girls who need a welcoming and inspiring community to grow in. It is also an opportunity to learn from those ahead of her.

Iliana Mejia

My name is Iliana Mejia and I am 21 years old. I am currently in my last year of my undergraduate degree at Marymount Manhattan college, where I am studying politics and human rights / International Studies. After graduating, I am hoping to find work in the field of Youth advocacy and policy development. My primary research relates to the field of Education for women and girls in crisis affected areas as well as persons with disabilities.

Throughout my life, I have worked in a variety of different sectors including corporate, City government, ngos, and small businesses. During my work, I am grateful to have worked alongside many strong and capable women who have been mentors to me at various stages of my life. journey. They have taught me the importance that comes with intergenerational dialogue. I think it is important for young women and girls to find a community of other women who are able to both uplift their voices, while also providing them with guidance along the way.

I feel that the work Mothers and Daughters is doing creates meaningful and long-lasting change in the lives of young women and girls, and I would be grateful to be part of the team that assists in creating these opportunities.

Rida

Raised in Balochistan and a Fulbright Scholar in the United States, Rida’s journey has been shaped by resilience, curiosity, and a deep belief in the power of opportunity. Over the past few years, she has worked across South and Central Asia on community-based education, women’s livelihoods, youth climate leadership, and public finance initiatives. Her roles with Oxford Policy Management and the Central Asia Institute have brought her into conversations with ministries, local communities, and young activists alike.

What drives her most is helping people feel seen, capable, and connected, especially women and young people. She believes mentorship can spark confidence, and that when generations learn from one another, everyone grows. For her, joining the M2D Young Leaders Council is about building bridges, sharing knowledge, and creating space for voices. She carries with her the hope that small acts of support can open doors to bigger futures.