Christianah Omolola Diyaolu - Nigeria

Major: Masters in Public Health

I come from a diverse cultural background, bringing a wealth of experiences and perspectives to the table. As an advocate for international education, I am dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for students from all around the world. I am here to lend a helping hand, providing guidance and support to students as they navigate their academic and personal lives in WIU.  Email: co-diyaolu@wiu.edu

Wanprakai Kaewphrae - Thailand

Major: MS Biology

Hello! My name is Wanprakai but you can call me Wan. I enjoy getting to know people from different cultures and different backgrounds, as it helps me broaden my perspective about the world. When I was a freshman studying abroad, I was inspired by the international volunteers who helped me get used to the new environment. Now, I wish to send the positive vibe back to the community and help incoming international students get settled in, so you can feel comfortable being who you are within the WIU family. I am looking forward to meeting you!

Email: w-kaewphrae2@wiu.edu

Maria Aleshina - Russia

Major: B.S. Psychology

In recent years, I traveled a lot, and what always amazes me in every new place I visit is the people. Whether it is Armenia, Kazakhstan, or Thailand, I would always encounter kind-hearted and generous people, yet each with their unique spin and charm found only in their part of the world. I greatly appreciate diversity of thought, which is especially beneficial in social sciences as a cure for ideological homogeneity. As a proud member of a vibrant WIU international student community, I would be happy to assist incoming international students in their adjustment to university life.  Email: m-aleshina@wiu.edu

Ananya Sharma Proma - Bangladesh

Major: Sociology

Hello, I am Ananya Sharma Proma, originally from Bangladesh, a South Asian country enriched with vibrant culture and a tapestry of history. As a Graduate student majoring in Sociology, I have a strong commitment to understanding and addressing issues related to community development, gender mainstreaming, and social welfare. I convey my cultural heritage through the art of mime and music.

As an International Student Ambassador, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to provide valuable guidance and assistance to incoming international students. My goal is to make a bridge with new students in the new environment, ensuring a smooth and enriching transition so that every student feels welcomed and valued. I am committed to representing Western Illinois University with integrity and enthusiasm.  Email: p-proma@wiu.edu

Urmila Palla - India

Major: Public Health

Hello future leathernecks, I'm an International student pursuing a Master's in Public health. I grew up in a country that celebrated unity in diversity, where people from various backgrounds and cultures lived together. This gives me the ability to easily connect with people from different walks of life. As an International Student Ambassador, I warmly welcome everyone to our vibrant, diverse campus community. I try to make everyone feel included and valued for who they are by keeping an open mind and a cheerful smile on my face. My passion lies in promoting health equity by raising awareness about wellbeing. I love learning about different cultures and creating an environment where people from all backgrounds can thrive academically and personally. You can find me at cultural events or just around campus, always ready with a cheerful greeting. Let me know if you need any help navigating resources or getting involved - I'm here to support your journey!  Email: u-palla2@wiu.edu

Gbeminiyi Ogunwale - Nigeria

Major: MS Community and Economic Development

I am a seasoned Social and Community Development Worker with a proven track record of success in the humanitarian, professional training, and coaching industries. Skilled in sustainable development, economic strengthening, livelihood support programming, child protection and advocacy, community development, social welfare, Social Work practices and risk management strategies.

I enjoyed meeting people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs systems. Also, helping people make complicated life situations simple as much as possible has always been my heart desire.

I understand how difficult it can be to adjust to a new environment, system, and culture, and as someone who has been there before, I would be delighted to share my knowledge to assist prospective international students in settling into the WIU community. I am looking forward to meeting you!  Email: ge-ogunwale@wiu.edu

Dominick Hinds - Guyana and St. Kitts & Nevis

Major: Biology

Greetings to all the new friends that I have yet to meet. I am Dominick Hinds, an international student Ambassador at Western Illinois University. Hailing from the pristine melting pot of the world known as the Caribbean, I was born on the mainland Caribbean territory of Guyana, a place whose motto is “One People, One Nation, One Destiny”. I later moved to the twin sister isles of St. Kitts and Nevis, where nature has kissed both islands with untold beauty within its unique flora and fauna, allowing it to become the gem of the Caribbean.

Inspired by the great Nelson Mandela, who once said “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world” I am pursuing my studies in the sciences field here at WIU. With a major in the field of Biology and minoring in both Chemistry and Nutrition. My passion includes Cooking and public speaking.

It brings me great joy to take on this prestigious role, as I too, have faced many challenges during my academic journey and I am sure you will too, however, it is with profound hope, that I can assist you in overcoming all the challenges that you may encounter and aid you along your journey of growth and self-discovery. I consider this a great honor, with my primary goal being to ensure that ALL international students feel welcomed and supported in their new academic environment here at WIU, after all, it was Mahatma Gandhi, who stated “Be the change that you wish to see in the world”.  Email: de-hinds@wiu.edu

Samuel Dadson - Ghana

Major: Geographic Information Science & Cartography

I love watching and cheering my favorite soccer team when they play, and I also enjoy meeting and interacting with people from diverse cultural backgrounds. Ultimately, I find fulfillment in seeing people thrive, especially when I know I gave my best in any capacity in which my assistance was required. My experiences as an international student have enabled me to understand extensively the challenges of transitioning into a new environment or a new country with a different culture and academic system altogether. Being an international ambassador, I am dedicated to offering guidance to students from all walks of life to ensure they feel welcomed, supported, and comfortable in our student community. I am indeed excited about this opportunity to be able to assist international students with the necessary information about all aspects of life at WIU.  Email:  s-dadson@wiu.edu

Gaurav Bikkumalla - India

Major: Computer Science

Greetings! I’m Gaurav Bikkumalla, an International Student Ambassador, and a graduate student at Western Illinois University, hailing all the way from India. It takes a lot of courage to leave home and come abroad to pursue studies and find a second home here. Back since my days in India, I had great interest in meeting new people and learning new cultures and their habits. I take great pleasure in serving as an International Student Ambassador, helping each student who comes here to achieve and learn. My main focus is to help the new students in guiding them so that they can have an amazing and beautiful experience at WIU, and get habituated to the peaceful environment here, also make sure they follow the right path since exposure to new culture might be a huge deviation in their life. From my previous experiences and knowledge, I promise to help every international individual to succeed and excel in their life at Western Illinois University.

Email:  g-bikkumalla@wiu.edu