On May 11, 2023, NYU’s Office of Global Services presented an International Student Leadership Award to Aysha Aliyar, MSW ’23, for her efforts to enhance NYU Silver’s international student experience.
Aysha, who is from Iran, did her final year practicum learning as an intern in NYU Silver’s Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Within that office and in collaboration with other departments across the School, Aysha led projects aimed at improving international students’ engagement as well as advancing social justice, inclusion, and belonging overall.
With Yirong Ke, MSW ’23, who was an intern in the School’s Office of Global and Lifelong Learning (OGLL), Aysha conducted focus groups with international students to identify areas for improvement in academics, student life, and field learning. Then, in partnership with a peer in the MSW Program Office, Aysha helped revamp the School’s orientation materials to reflect the perspective of international students and better integrate them in the NYU Silver community. Aysha also co-developed an inaugural newsletter specifically for international graduate students and contributed a global perspective to Silver’s monthly DEI newsletters.
Richeleen Dashield, NYU Silver’s Director of DEI, who was Aysha’s Field Supervisor and one of her nominators for the award, said “Aysha is an exceptional student, scholar, and practitioner. She brings tremendous energy and commitment to connecting people with services that will advance international student success in higher education.”
“Aysha leads with patience, determination, and inclusivity,” said Elizabeth Chon, Associate Director of the MSW Program, who was Aysha’s Field Instructor and her other nominator for the award. “Through our weekly supervision,” Ms. Chon said, “Aysha shared a strong interest in creating macro/mezzo changes to how Silver supports the international student journey and she initiated the ideas shared . . . Her commitment and great passion in the social work profession will be of great value to the communities she serves.”
Ben Sher, Director of OGLL, added “Aysha was an incredible collaborative partner with OGLL this year. She worked diligently to create a forum to understand the needs of international students at Silver.”
Hannah Levy, the academic advisor to Silver’s international MSW students, said Aysha will have a lasting impact at the school. “Aysha's work to bring attention to better serving international students at Silver will serve all MSW students for years to come. NYU is a global university in a global city and the voice of international students is very important.”