Programming Team

What is the Programming Team?

SIAS puts on events for the campus community at large, such as speaker series, discussions, and trivia nights. We welcome students from all disciplines to join us.

Join Us

SIAS accepts applications to join the Programming Team every fall. Any member of the Stanford community is welcome to attend our events.

Learn More

Please check out Instagram to see events coming up this quarter.

SIAS Instagram: @siastanford

Meet the Team

  • Hunter Musi

    CO-CHIEF PROGRAMMING OFFICER

    Hunter is a senior studying International Relations with a minor in Spanish. Hunter is excited to work as Chief Programming Officer and joined SIAS after being a Crisis Director during SMUNC 2022. On campus he works for the Stanford Outdoor Center and enjoys any event where foreign affairs are mentioned. Originally from Charleston, South Carolina, he enjoys photography, backpacking, video games, and annoying his friends by bringing up IR a lot. Contact me at hmusi@stanford.edu

  • Avinash Thakkar

    CO-CHIEF PROGRAMMING OFFICER

    Avinash is a junior from Baltimore, Maryland studying Economics and Philosophy. With experience facilitating programming for the organization the past couple of years, Avinash will help lead programming for larger-scale speaker events at SIAS. One of his key objectives is to organize events that represent a wide selection of issues in the international sphere. He believes that dialogue is most fruitful and effective when we have multiple diverse perspectives. He is keen on pursuing partnerships with similarly-interested organizations on and off campus in order to discuss ways in which our understanding of global affairs can be broadened to include different facets of societal, political, and economic analysis. Contact him at avinash3@stanford.edu.

  • Tesfa Madhin

    DEPUTY PROGRAMMING OFFICER

    Tesfa is a junior studying International Relations and Environmental Policy from Whittier, California. He will be serving as a Deputy Programming Officer this year and is excited to help plan and be a part of fun SIAS events throughout the year. He also will be helping to host the Stanford Model United Nations Conference this year as Co-Director of Programming. In his free time, he enjoys spending time in nature, traveling, and studying history. Contact him at tmadhin@stanford.edu

  • Evan Ludington

    DEPUTY PROGRAMMING OFFICER

    Evan is a sophomore from San Diego, CA, studying history. He will be a programming officer for the coming year. On campus, he’s a guide at the Cantor Arts Center and trombone section leader for the marching band. In his free time, he loves to hike, read, play Pokemon games, and cook. He encourages everyone to try making caramelized onions; it will change your life. Contact me at evanlud@stanford.edu

  • Yihan Ding

    DEPUTY PROGRAMMING OFFICER

    Yihan is a sophomore studying Economics and Art History. Yihan is very excited to serve as Deputy Programming Officer this year and SIAS in general. Outside of SIAS, she's been involved in the Asian American Arts Initiative and SLE. Originally born in China, Yihan has also lived in Malta and, for the last few years, in New York. In her free time, she loves to travel, learn new languages, and try weird fruits and veggies.

  • Elena Abarca

    DEPUTY PROGRAMMING OFFICER

    Elena is a sophomore from Denver, Colorado. She has not declared a major. However, she will likely major in Philosophy, Public Policy, or International Relations. Last year she served as an Internal Programming Board Fellow. In her free time, she enjoys playing percussion, training martial arts, playing solitaire, and listening to audiobooks. Contact me at eabarca@stanford.edu

  • Yifei Cheng

    DEPUTY PROGRAMMING OFFICER

    Yifei is a sophomore from Nanjing, China, studying Data Science and International Relations. Yifei is very excited to be a Deputy Programming Officer for SIAS this year. In his free time, Yifei likes traveling, cooking, and playing Heart of Iron IV.

  • Khushmita Dhabai

    DEPUTY PROGRAMMING OFFICER

    Khushmita is a rising sophomore at Stanford University. Academically, she is interested in the social sciences. At SIAS, she is an editor with SJIA and DPO with the programming team. Extracurricular-wise, she is passionate about drama and poetry. Fun facts about her: She can rap the periodic table, is a foodie (ask her about the best vegan restaurants in Palo Alto), and loves Modern Family!

  • Ray Cheng

    PROGRAMMING BOARD FELLOW

    Ray is a freshman thinking of studying Economics/Political Science. Originally from Beijing, China, but raised in Prague and Kuwait City, he is incredibly excited to be joining the SIAS board this year. He most looks forward to planning fun events with the programming team and making countless more memories with the team, like the hike by the Pacific Ocean. Outside of SIAS, Ray enjoys playing soccer and learning card tricks.

  • Nkemjika Obi

    PROGRAMMING BOARD FELLOW

    Nkemjika is a junior from Nigeria and Kansas City, KS studying International Relations and African and African-American Studies. They are thrilled to be a SIAS Board Fellow this year as a Programming Fellow. Nkem spent their Summer and Fall 2023 working as a Civic Educator in D.C. public schools, visiting family in Nigeria, exploring Frankfurt, and studying abroad in Cape Town, South Africa. On campus, she is the Vice-President of the Omicron Chi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and enjoys reading in a hammock, long walks, and sunbathing in her free time!

  • Shayla Fitzsimmons-Call

    PROGRAMMING BOARD FELLOW

    Shayla is a sophomore studying International Relations, Sociology, and Theater. She is excited to join SIAS’ wonderful programming team! Originally from the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, Shayla finds joy in nature, salsa dancing, and her sizable earring collection. Locally, she works as a Scenic Technician for Stanford’s Theater Dept. and leads a high school group for female leadership development.

  • Nathaniel Fagelson

    PROGRAMMING BOARD FELLOW

    Nathaniel is a freshman from Austin, Texas, who is interested in International Relations and Urban Studies. He is passionate about global environmental issues and designing transit-oriented walkable cities. He is excited to serve as a Programming Fellow and contribute to the SIAS community. In his free time, he enjoys playing board games, cooking, baking, listening to podcasts, and watching baseball. Ask him about his favorite jokes from Succession.

  • Saanvi Bhatia

    PROGRAMMING BOARD FELLOW

    Saanvi is a frosh from outside Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, planning on studying Economics with a focus in International Development. With SIAS, she serves as a Programming Board Fellow. Outside of SIAS, Saanvi likes to read good books and make bad jokes.