International RSO
The Multicultural Empowered Women Student Association (MEWSA) at Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a registered student organization dedicated to supporting undergraduate and graduate women students from all backgrounds. The association provides an inclusive platform for female-identifying students, both international and domestic, to connect, grow, and build meaningful friendships through shared experiences.
To promote the empowerment, self-esteem, and autonomy of women students regardless of their nationality, race, or language, while strengthening bonds of emotional, psychological, and social support in a safe environment.
To create a highly supportive, multicultural community of women leaders who are equipped with the professional skills, confidence, and solidarity necessary to actively participate in civic, community, and global spaces.
Provide spaces and networking opportunities that enhance leadership talents and professional development; foster solidarity and mutual service between newly arrived and established international women students; maintain updated media platforms to promote organizational initiatives; and coordinate social, educational, recreational, and civic activities that cultivate cross-cultural understanding.
Sarah is a third-year Ph.D. student whose research focuses on African and African diasporic feminism. She explores women’s experiences through literature, theory, and autoethnography. Outside of academics, she enjoys working out, learning about different cultures, and spending time with friends and family. She also does her own hair.
Email: sarahidowu.akomoh@siu.edu
Melissa is a TESOL graduate student from Bucaramanga, Colombia, who enjoys exploring art, culture, and new experiences. She loves visiting museums, traveling, walking, and spending time with her dog. Creative and curious, she enjoys painting, crocheting, drawing, and cooking while continuously learning new things every single day.
Irene is a third-year Ph.D. student in Communication Studies from Ghana whose research explores first-generation and international student experiences through intercultural communication, critical communication pedagogy, and leadership in U.S. higher education. She enjoys traveling, writing, meaningful conversations, and learning from people across cultures. She also enjoys mentoring students, exploring perspectives.
Email: irene.lutterodt@siu.edu
Tista is a Criminology and Criminal Justice student from Bangladesh who is passionate about learning, helping others, and making a positive impact in her community. She enjoys meeting new people, exploring new places, and embracing new experiences. Outside academics, she loves traveling, spending time in nature, watching movies, listening to music, and being with friends.
Email: tista.nazrul@siu.edu
Ayodeji is a Political Science Ph.D. candidate researching legislative effectiveness, gender, and political behavior. She is passionate about teaching, student development, and empowering women to reach their full potential. Outside academia, she enjoys road trips, exploring new places, and creating meaningful memories with family and friends. She is a self-motivated team player who loves road trips.
Email: ayodeji.oyekunle@siu.edu
Dana is a Nursing student from Honduras who enjoys discovering new cultures, meeting people, learning languages, and having meaningful conversations about life and personal growth. She is passionate about personal development and hopes to become fluent in French before completing her degree, with a dream of living in France someday.
Email: dana.valenzuelareyes@siu.edu
Prapti is a Computer Science student from Dhaka, Bangladesh, with a passion for AI research, lifelong learning, and cultural exploration. Outside academics, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with friends and family. She loves experimenting with new recipes, recreating dishes from different cultures, and is especially fond of Bengali food and music.
Email: prapti.roy@siu.edu
Adeshewa is a Political Science scholar whose research focuses on comparative politics, international relations, gender studies, identity politics, and economic development in Africa. She is passionate about community engagement and meaningful conversations. Beyond academics, she enjoys creating content and connecting with others.
Anahit is a Zoology student from Tehran, Iran, with a passion for wildlife, conservation, and understanding animal behavior. She enjoys traveling, hiking, visiting museums, drawing, cooking, and meaningful conversations. She also loves spending time with her cat and has a natural connection with animals that inspires her academic and personal interests.
Email: anahit.amiri@siu.edu
