Student Leadership - Meet the Student Advocacy Council

Levi Mahler | SAC President & GGPD GA Representative

Hi, MIIS Mafia! I’m Levi Mahler, a Global Governance and Policy student, specializing in human security and concentrating in intercultural competence. As your SAC President and GGPD GA representative, I aim to bring integrity, transparency, and inclusivity to build meaningful connections and solidarity at MIIS.

Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, I hold a B.A. in Japanese with a minor in International Health Policy. My research critiques social governance structures to advance systemic change and improve diplomacy effort, with a focus on the U.S. & Japan. After MIIS, I will pursue a Juris Doctorate to work in international human rights law and advocate for global communities. よろしくお願い致します！

Tarrah Skye Safran | SAC Vice President

Hi there! My name is Tarrah Skye Safran and I am studying International Policy and Development, hailing from upstate New York. After completing my BA in Environment, Sustainability, and Society at Hartwick College I worked as an outdoor science teacher, later working in Rural Development for the US Department of Agriculture. My time with the USDA inspired me to pursue a degree in International Development with a focus on sustainability, specifically in the agricultural sector. I am very excited to serve as the spring 2026 SAC Vice President.  My mission is to promote a sense of community and to uphold accountability, transparency, and communication throughout the school’s closure.

Lizzie Wang | SAC Historian

Hi! I’m Lizzie Wang. I am in my second semester in Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies. As the Historian of SAC, I aim to document our journey by maintaining a clear and engaging archive of our meetings and activities. I also work closely with fellow team members to support transparent and timely communication with the broader MIIS community. I’m also running Coffee Club and Pickleball Club. On weekends, you can usually find me playing pickleball with friends. I love traveling and enjoy trying new cooking recipes in my free time. I’m excited to bring closer together our community, whether through my role as SAC historian or over chatting, coffee and pickleball games.

Annabelle Chang | SAC Communications Officer

Hi, I’m Annabelle Chang! Originally from Southern California, I moved to Japan to teach English in the countryside of Hokkaido before coming to MIIS. Armed with a background in linguistics and a passion for languages, I highly value communication, and aspire to pursue a career in localization after graduating, helping people around the world have their stories told. As your current Communications Officer, I aim to ensure that students’ voices are heard and keep our MIIS community together. I have held leaderships positions in organizations since high school, and am always enthusiastic about fostering my community and uplifting others. I’m always happy to listen, no matter your story. 

Julena Wuer | Translation and Localization Management GA Representative

Hi, I’m Julena Wuer! I earned a dual degree in Agronomy and English from China Agricultural University. My lifelong passion for languages brought me to MIIS, where I am pursuing the field I truly love. Guided by the belief to “strive for excellence in what you love,” I value steady progress and persistence in every step I take.

I view every localizer as a bridge between cultures, and in my role as a GA Representative, I am committed to serving as a connector between students and faculty. I will advocate for student voices, share helpful resources, and organize engaging events to strengthen the TLM community and help it continue to grow.

Lauren Gonzalez | Environmental Policy and Management GA Representative

Hi, I’m Lauren Gonzalez, and my pronouns are she/her! I am a first-year Environmental Policy, Management student with a B.A. in Environmental Science and Policy from the University of California, Irvine. My academic and research interests are biodiversity and natural resource management. While I was at UCI, I was a part of two research projects: the Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable, and Able Leaders for Water (IDEAL) Project and the Bay Area Air Quality Project. As the GA representative for EPM, I am dedicated to accurately representing the EPM cohort and collaborating with the SAC elected members and my fellow GAs to develop practical solutions that benefit the entire MIIS community.

Zaha Sookia  | Threat Intelligence GA Representative

Hello, I’m Zaha Sookia from Mauritius. I’m in my final semester at MIIS in the Threat Intelligence program, specializing in the financial side. Before MIIS, I earned my BA in International Politics and Economics from Middlebury College. Beyond academics, I love traveling, exploring new cultures, staying active through sports, and continuously seeking opportunities for personal growth. As a representative of the program, I hope to serve as a voice for my peers and help make our experience as enriching, supportive, and engaging as possible.

Jennet Charyyeva | Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies GA Representative

Hi, I’m Jennet Charyyeva. I am currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies at the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS). I am a Marie Curie Fellow with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and a Graduate Research Assistant at the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies (CNS), where I support research on nuclear energy and the peaceful uses of nuclear technology. My academic interests focus on nuclear safeguards, security, and safety.

Edwin Xi | TI & ISSS GA Representative

Hi! My name is Edwin Xi. I am passionate, driven, and always eager to learn and take pride in dedicating myself to my academic pursuits. Throughout my studies, I have strived for excellence, and I am committed to expanding my knowledge and exploring new possibilities. Being raised in the coastal city of Shenzhen, China’s Silicon Valley has shaped my perspective, instilling the values of optimism and modesty I carry today. My interests are diverse and fulfilling, from hiking and table tennis to photography and making Cantonese cuisine. I am always seeking new challenges and opportunities to grow. For me, building strong relationships with others is of the utmost importance. I look forward to meeting everyone and forming lasting connections. Kindness, respect, and open communication are values that I hold dear, and I am eager to share my experiences and support my fellow university peers.

James Kuba | Admissions GA Representative

Hi, my name is James Kuba! I grew up in Southern California and discovered my passion for Japanese at UCLA, later teaching in Kyoto, Japan for 5 years through the JET Program. I highly value internationalization and hope to bridge cultures through a career in translation and localization. My leadership experience spans Scouts BSA, where I earned Eagle Scout, serving as President of my university’s Japanese Culture Club, and now contributing to SAC as a GA in Admissions. I also enjoy volunteering as a Japanese teacher with the Japanese American Citizens League! As part of the SAC, I aspire to keep the MIIS community connected and informed and fostering a welcoming, multicultural space.

Marley Uyemura | Office of Student Services GA Representative

Hi there! You have probably seen me at the Student Services desk (aka where you get a free daily snack between classes). My name is Marley Uyemura, and this is my 3rd semester sitting on the Student Advocacy Council— wow! I am currently in my final semester at MIIS. Fun Fact: I have been a GA for the Office of Student Services since my first semester here! It has been an absolute pleasure working for our office and helping students out with club requests, Professional Development Funding, cool on-campus events & more. If you have any questions or suggestions on how we can continue to improve student life, feel free to stop by McCone 220A. Looking forward to connecting with you! :)

Jinjie (Jaden) Liu | Sustainability Council GA Representative

Hi everyone! I’m Jinjie (Jaden)  Liu. I’m a first-year Environmental Policy and Management (EPM) student, focusing on Ocean & Coastal Resource Management. I come from northern China. My research interests center on coastal resilience and climate adaptation. This term, I’m excited to support events and collaborations that help us learn, connect, and take action. I hope to make sustainability approachable and inclusive at MIIS through joyful, hands-on events and campus-community partnerships. Outside of school, I love running, outdoor adventures, and traveling!

Angela Izi Nkusi | Sustainability Council GA Representative

Hi! I’m Angela Izi Nkusi. I’m a second-year Environmental Policy and Management (EPM) student from Kigali, Rwanda. I have a BA in Global Environmental Change from Middlebury College, and I am interested in advancing climate resilience and sustainable development in Africa. Beyond this, I enjoy painting with acrylic, nature photography, cooking, and watching Korean dramas. I am looking forward to representing student voices on the Council and contributing to a meaningful MIIS student experience.

Jonathan Myers | Library GA Representative

Hi, I’m Jonathan Myers! I am a TLM student and love working at the library. I bring a strong background in both language and technology, with a B.A. in Linguistics and Computer Science from Georgetown University and advanced Japanese study as a Nippon Foundation Fellow at the Inter-University Center in Yokohama.

Before graduate school, I worked at Appian as a consultant and senior consultant, developing business process management applications for public sector clients. At MIIS, I am especially interested in how localization engineering and translation technology can connect people across languages and cultures.

Max Lau | Reslife GA Representative

My name is Max Lau, and I am in Nonproliferation and Terrorism Studies program, with a focus on nuclear nonproliferation. I was born and raised in Vancouver, Canada, in a multicultural household — my Mom is from Osaka, Japan, and my Dad is from Hong Kong. This has influenced the way I see the world and has shaped my interest in global issues, diplomacy, and peacebuilding.

Beyond my academic interests, I enjoy playing soccer/football, exploring video games, and watching anime.

As a representative for Munras, I hope to serve as a voice for the residents — fostering a community where people feel heard, valued, and connected. My goal is to contribute to creating a space filled with joy, inclusivity, and happiness, where cultural diversity is celebrated and everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging.

Jessica Frazier | Veterans Organization GA Representative

Hi, I’m Jess! I am a second-semester International Policy and Development student, specializing in Intercultural Competence. Originally from Boston, MA, my background spans military service in the United States Marine Corps, legislative work for my community in East Boston, and diplomatic work at the Consulate General of Canada in Boston. At MIIS, I lead the Veteran’s Organization on campus and bring the same spirit of service to my role on the SAC, where I am dedicated to ensuring every student feels seen and supported. When I am not in class, you can find me exploring Monterey, listening to music, or at a brewery with friends. I am so excited to connect with this community!

Chanelle Smith | Center for Advising and Career Services GA Representative

Hi, my name is Chanelle! I am currently in my second semester of the Threat Intelligence program. I desire to work in the U.S. government with aspirations of becoming a U.S. diplomat. With that being said, I enjoy meeting and working with people from backgrounds different than my own, so that I can think from others’ perspectives. There is such great value in learning from different cultures, and I have always wanted to amplify these voices. I am excited to be on the Student Advocacy Council because it is an opportunity where I can advocate for student voices and create a united community.

Ellie Crist | Conflict Transformation Collaborative GA Representative

Hello MIIS! My name is Ellie Crist (she/her), and I’m a second-semester IPD student focusing my research on migration and humanitarian development. This semester, I’m serving as the Conflict Transformation Collaborative GA representative on the Student Advocacy Council. In this role, I will be working to elevate the presence of conflict transformation across campus and connect students with meaningful knowledge, resources, and opportunities for engagement. If you have any questions about conflict transformation or would like to learn more, please feel free to say hello on campus or reach out at conflicttransformation@middlebury.edu. I’d love to connect!