SIPA | A View From the Class
Dear SIPA Alumni and Friends,
The SIPA Development Office is excited to share with you the monthly SIPA student stories series, which highlights SIPA’s
bright and talented students. These are goals and aspirations of our students, who plan to enter the global public policy field
and make a difference with the education they receive from SIPA. Additionally, we would like to inform you of the newly
established 70 by 70 Campaign to create 70 new fellowships in celebration of the School’s upcoming 70th anniversary. The
campaign will have a transformational impact on the SIPA student experience and help achieve the School’s core mission to
educate students to become global leaders.
Isabella Grisanti V. MPA ’15 is in the economic policy management program (energy track) at SIPA. She holds a
bachelor’s degree in economics from the Universidad Católica Andrés Bello in Caracas, Venezuela and completed
the International Hydrocarbon Business Management Program at the Instituto de Estudios Superiores de
Administración (IESA) in Caracas, Venezuela. The last position she held was working as an analyst at the CAF –
Development Bank of Latin America, where she simultaneously worked in the Energy Department and for the
Executive Vice-President of CAF. Prior to this role, Isabella served as the CFO Associate at Inelectra S.A.C.A. and wrote a
research paper describing the institutional framework of the energy sectors of Venezuela and Uruguay for the Energy Division
of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) under the supervision of Ramon Espinasa – Lead Oil and Gas Specialist.
Isabella seeks to grow as well as learn in a respected institution that will challenge her professionally and offer knowledge based
information for decision making. She collaborates in a Women’s Issues blog and speaks English, Spanish, and French.
Kevin Kravitz MIA ’16 is a first-year student concentrating in international security policy with a specialization in
international conflict resolution at SIPA. A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Kevin holds a BA in international relations
(with concentrations in security, foreign policy, and Europe) from Boston University in 2010. Following his
undergraduate studies, he served as an Americorps VISTA Summer Associate, working at a food pantry in Northeast
Ohio. He then served for 27 months as an English Education and Community Development Peace Corps Volunteer
in Azerbaijan (2010-2012). As a PCV, Kevin worked with his host community to improve the English education at the local
secondary school, most notably by establishing an English resource room and library at the school. Additionally, Kevin founded
and served as commissioner of the Azerbaijan Interregional Softball League. This Peace Corps project established 16 co-ed
youth teams throughout the country and provided an environment of friendly competition while teaching teamwork, leadership,
and friendship. Overall, his experience in Azerbaijan was a once-in-a-lifetime cultural experience that allowed him to fully
immerse himself in a new culture and language. Kevin moved to New York following his Peace Corps service and worked for
two different start-up companies, most recently at Minibar Delivery, an on-demand wine and spirits delivery mobile app. At
Minibar, Kevin helped build the customer experience team, while also providing content and copy for marketing emails and
social media. Now at SIPA, Kevin is excited to once again immerse himself in international affairs and build his knowledge and
skills for a career in diplomacy. Looking to build off of his Azerbaijani language skills, he is learning Turkish to provide himself
a solid foundation for work in Central Asia. This summer, he hopes to secure an internship with a conflict resolution or
Eurasian focus at a leading think tank. Upon completing his studies at SIPA, Kevin hopes to embark on a long career as a U.S.
Foreign Service Officer.
Tsechu Dolma BA/MPA ’15 is a five-year dual-degree student with a concentration in economic and political
development at SIPA. Most recently, Tsechu was honored as one of the six Brower Youth Award winners for her
work in creating a sustainable model for food security in remote high-altitude villages in Nepal. At SIPA, Tsechu
participated in the International Conflict Resolution Practicum on UNDP for Colombia strategy on extractive
industries and natural resource management. She has also worked at the Earth Institute with SIPA Professor Ben
Orlove on researching glacier communities and developing the website glacierhub.org. SIPA has been an enabler for Tsechu.
After she graduates from SIPA, she plans on leading her organization, Yulha Fund, innovating food, energy and talent security
for the future of the Himalayas. Tsechu grew up in Tibet, Nepal and India, before moving to the U.S. as a political refugee
teenager. She is also a recipient of the prestigious U.S. Congressional Udall Scholarship for Environmental Policy and has been
featured on NBC News.
We look forward to Isabella, Kevin, and Tsechu’s year at SIPA…
With best regards,
Shu Zhen Bernardin
Assistant Director for Donor Relations, SIPA
212.851.7986
[email protected]
P.S. Thanks to the generous support from our SIPA alumni and friends, students like Isabella, Kevin, and Tsechu are able to
attend SIPA! To invest in SIPA students, please visit sipa.columbia.edu/give for information on SIPA’s Annual Fund.