UF Uppsala

Published February 16, 2024

Meet our board members, a team committed to fostering dialogue and understanding in global affairs. Explore their diverse backgrounds and shared passion for international relations as they lead us towards meaningful engagement and impactful initiatives.

Linnea Törnlund

Age: 20

What do you study:

Politics Kandidatprogrammet (Political Science)

What languages do you speak:

English, Swedish, French

Why did you choose UF:

I joined UF because I’ve always been intrigued by international affairs, and UF’s mission aligns with my values. It seemed like a place where I could contribute my skills and be part of meaningful projects. I’m excited to work with a team that shares a passion for global issues.

What does your role entail:

In my role as Head of Careers I am in charge of leading the team (together with Stacy) that hosts career-seminars, workshops and the career day fair at the end of the semester.

Quentin Machado

Age: 19

What do you study:

Political science

What languages do you speak:

French, English, Spanish, more and more Swedish and a little bit of Mandarin!

Why did you choose UF:

As a French exchange student for one year, I wanted to gain new insights and debate about international affairs with people coming from all horizons! Getting involved in UF and Uttryck allowed me to talk with many interesting members and enjoy my time abroad!

What does your role entail:

As Web Editor-in-Chief, I help the Editors from the printed magazine by publishing the articles online. I also get to manage the website and edit web exclusive articles, as well as collaborating with many UF groups on online content, reports and videos!

Alexander Skingsley

Age: 23

What do you study?

Politices Kandidatprogram (Bacholour och Political Science)

What languages do you speak?

English and Swedish

Why did you choose UF?

I have always been interested in foreign affairs and politics, so when a friend invited me to one of the lecures that UF holds, I thought this might be a good way to persue my interest, as well as meet like-minded people.

What does your role entail? 

Head of Travel

Ellen Tove

Age: 22

What do you study?

Master of Laws (LLM)

What languages do you speak?

Swedish, English, and some French of course hehe

Why did you choose UF?

I chose UF because of all the lectures and network it provides but mostly because its fun to be part of a student association. Prior to joining my program, I studied Peace and Conflict Studies.

What does your role entail? 

I started half a year ago, and my main responsibility has been editing texts for our website. I’m also in charge of Uttryck’s social media accounts and some video editing for our YouTube channel. There are so many cool opportunities to hold interviews in this position and sharing them online.

Sukanya Thayyil Sunilkumar 

Age: 30

What do you study? 

Master’s in Statistics and Data Science

What languages do you speak?

English, Malayalam, Tamil, Hindi

Why did you choose UF?

As a international student in uppsala, I would like to be the voice of international student at UF Uppsala Board and I like to interact with people from different places. As a Head of the activity at UF Uppsala, I will get this opportunity very well. This is not a student organization because of that I can be active there after my studies as well. This also attracts me to involve in this organization.

What does your role entail? 

Head of the Activity

Alexandra Goede

Age: 21

What do you study?

environment- and water engineering

 

What languages do you speak?

Swedish, English and some german

 

Why did you choose UF?

I wanted to learn more about foreign politics since I don’t study anything like that. I think it’s interesting and important, no matter what you study. Besides that, one reason I got involved in uf was actually that I was a bit tired of the technical courses I spent my days with (lol) and found the lecures to be a nice change.

 

What does your role entail? 

Sukayna and I are heads of activity, meaning that we arrange all activites, like movie- and game nights, gasque and more.

Simon Thernström

Age: 23

What do you study?

Politices Kandidatprogram (Bachelor of Political Science)

What languages do you speak?

Swedish, English, French, Spanish and German

Why did you choose UF?

I chose UF both out of my interest for international politics, and because I think it has a very open and welcoming social environment – it really is for anyone, from anywhere, doing anything! I love talking to new people, and I’m very passionate about the topics we approach as an association. Engaging in UF is both a way for me to improve myself by learning new things while acquiring new skills, and a way for me to just have fun and enjoy my time here in Uppsala even more!

What does your role entail? 

I’m one of two Editors-In-Chief of our printed magazine Uttryck! This means I’m in charge of making sure that the articles submitted to our paper maintain a high standard of quality, aswell as overseeing and participating in the graphic design of the magazine. In other words, we get the magazine ready to be delivered straight to your mailbox!

Amanda Larsson

Age: 24

What do you study?

Peace and Development studies

What languages do you speak?

Swedish, English and learning French.

Why did you choose UF?

I choose to get active in UF because it seemed like a great way to engage with the topic of international relations outside of school. Being a part of the organisation is a fun way to learn about the world without the pressure of a grade but the general knowledge that I have gained from UF has also helped me in school.

What does your role entail?

I am the head of lecture here at Uf which means that I, along side my co-head, have the responsibility to invite lecturers and organise the lectures. Our duties are to make sure that communication is handled smoothly and that both the lecturers and the members of UF are feeling comfortable, respected and well informed. I choose to get involved with the lecture group specifically because it is a good way to meet interesting people and learn about a diverse range of topics. I have also found that the lectures have been a great way of engaging with the people of Uppsala as the lecture group is in some ways the face outwards for the organisation.

Laura Andrea De Alba Huerta

Age: 25

What do you study? 

Master’s Programme in Human Rights

What languages do you speak?

Spanish, French, English, Swedish, Italian

Why did you choose UF?

UF is an organization who gives you amazing opportunities to develop many skills and learn about international topics. I felt it suited what I want to do and allowed me to connect with like-minded people.

What does your role entail? 

With the help of the trustees I need to make sure there is a broadcast every week, weather it’s a brand new episode or the re-broadcast of what previous radio UFers have done. I also coordinate the promotion activities for the group, teach members how to use the studio and the sound equipment, host bi-weekly meetings with some fika, coordinate the program planning, and orient members in whatever they need help with, and most importantly, that everyone feels safe and comfortable around this amazing activity.

Daniel Perez

Age: 28

What do you study?

Ekonomie kandidatprogram (Bachelor’s Programme in Business and Economics)

What languages do you speak?

Swedish, English and Spanish

Why did you choose UF?

I studied International Relations in Stockholm and wanted to maintain that interest while studying economics. I chose UF Uppsala because it offers its members a broad range of opportunities to engage in, and learn more about, foreign affairs. Be it writing, traveling, or just listening to one of the many great lecturers who’ve guested our lectures – there is something here for everyone.

What does your role entail? 

As secretary, my main responsibility is to provide support to our members and board. Anything from membership administration, writing newsletters, or working with our organizational development – it´s a great role for anyone who enjoys variation!

Jenny Blomsterlund

Age: 25

What do you study?

I just finished my Bachelor’s degree in Political Science, and now I’m working half-time and studying a few courses in sustainability and economics among other things!

What languages do you speak?

Swedish, English, Spanish

Why did you choose UF?

It’s a fun organisation working with fun things! I think it’s a great way to get some more insight and opportunities to meet interesting people within the topic of foregin affairs as a student.

What does your role entail?

Treasurer

Daniel Demitz-Helin

Age: 23

What do you study?

Political Science and Arabic

What languages do you speak?

English, Swedish, some Arabic

Why did you choose UF?

UF Uppsala is a diverse organization which allows its members to meet other like-minded people from all over the world who are passionate about international affairs.

What does your role entail?

As president of UF Uppsala, it is my responsibility to oversee the activites of the organization on a general level. I am also responsible for organizational development, external contacts and member recruitment.

Earl Dube

What do you study?
Master of Social Science: Digital Media and Society
What languages do you speak?
English, Shona, Setswana, siNdebele, French, Swedish, isiZulu
Why did you choose UF?
I want to explore a career and a future in international relations and UF stands as the best introduction into understanding geopolitics and the future of international relations. The organisation provides platforms to leaders in global politics across various fields and specialist areas; this is too good an opportunity to miss.
What does your role entail?
I am the Head of Debate and weekly I am responsible for facilitating an engaging debate session where a topic on international relations and events happening across the world is discussed. I am also responsible for training debaters in the art of debating and public speaking.

Laetitia Helene Bergsmo

Age:
22
What do you study?
Law School
What languages do you speak?
Swedish, English, Mandarin, Farsi, German and Norwegian.
Why did you choose UF?
It’s a meaningful and fun way to learn more about foreign affairs and meet likeminded students from many different programs.
What does your role entail?
I represent UF Uppsala on the board of the national umbrella organisation, UFS. My role entails staying in touch with similar local associations across Sweden and arranging exchanges.

Stacy Ogechukwu Ikemefuna-Amaechi

Age:
21
What do you study?
Law
What languages do you speak?
English, Swedish, Igbo and Nigerian Pidgin
Why did you choose UF?
I chose to join the Board of the Association of Foreign Affairs, UF Uppsala because I am interested in foreign affairs and I believe that the association plays an important role in promoting dialogue and understanding of people from different cultures for students. As I want to work internationally in the future, I am enthusiastic about the possibility of already creating a network and working with foreign affairs. I am also impressed by the association’s commitment to diversity and inclusion. The association’s members come from all over the world and represent a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. This diversity makes the UF’s work even more valuable, as it allows for a more nuanced and informed understanding of global issues.
What does your role entail?
As the Head of Career at the Association of Foreign Affairs, Uppsala (UF Uppsala). I am, together with my partner Linnea, responsible for organizing events and projects to bridge the gap between students and employers and to give student insight into what a career in foreign affairs can entail. Our most important projects are Career Day and the Academy of Foreign Affairs. The work mainly consists of organizing the annual work fair, seminars, workshops, and lectures on various topics of interest to our members. The goal is to provide a larger opportunity for students to be able to achieve their dream job.

Samia

Age:
20
What do you study?
Politices kandidatprogram
What languages do you speak?
Swedish, English and Amharic
Why did you choose UF?
I joined UF due to my interest in writing and learning about foreign affairs. Also because it seemed like an exciting project and platform for meeting people and gaining experience.
What does your role entail? 
As Editor in Chief for Uttryck magazine I oversee the editorial process. The work entails the assembling of content from contributors, editing of articles and publishing and printing of the paper on time. I specifically oversee the creative design of the magazine in terms of layout. Together with my co-Editor in Chief, I work together with a team of editors with meeting deadlines and creating an interesting magazine for the readers.

Vanja Lerch Eriksson

Age:
21
What do you study?
Bachelor in Peace and Conflict Studies
What languages do you speak?
Swedish, English, some Spanish and a little bit of French
Why did you choose UF?
I was introduced to UF Uppsala by a former board member who put one of our stickers right on my forehead, and I was hooked! Jokes aside, I chose to continue my engagement at UF Uppsala because of the welcoming environment! In addition, I appreciate that the association creates safe spaces to discuss and learn more about foreign politics, and my colleagues are just the best as well!
What does your role entail?
My responsibilities as Vice President of this association can vary greatly, but to sum it up, it mainly revolves around internal communication and administrative tasks. However, this role also gives me the opportunity to do everything from meeting our members to representing our amazing association to other organisations working towards similar goals. I also have the privilege of being responsible for the association’s trustees who are some of the most important people in our operations together with our board members. It is the trustees and board members who are making all of our events and operations possible, and to be able to help and support them is very rewarding and fun!