GEM Student Advisory Committee - Wesleyan University

Ry De Guzman Jr. '28

Majors/Minors: Majors in Dance and Economics/Anthropology and Minor in Global Engagement.

Where I’m From: Philippines

Why I’m doing GEM: Everything is influenced by global perspectives. As someone interested in performance art, anthropology, and global economies - there's so much to learn from a global perspective. All aspects of the world are interconnected and there's so much value in realizing that through a broader exposure of cultures and people.

Fun Fact: I've learned so much from nontraditional classrooms like protests, raves, concerts, dance studios, parks, and more. These spaces bring people together in many different ways and I think that through those communities that I was able to learn more about the world around me.

Carina Greene '28

Majors/Minors: Philosophy and Romance Studies Double Major, Global Engagement Minor

Home to me is: Hong Kong

Why I'm doing GEM: I'm doing GEM because I want to better understand my own position in the world that I aim to improve. I've had the privilege to travel my whole life which has fostered a curiosity to truly understand people from all walks of life.

Fun fact: I speak six languages (at varying levels of proficiency, of course!)

Bethzy Mejia Jaime '28

Majors/Minors: Major in Government and Minor in CEAS and Global Engagement

Home to me is: Los Angeles, CA

Why I'm doing GEM: GEM brings together such a diverse group of students, and that's what makes it feel like a genuinely safe and welcoming space to explore language learning and cultural immersion. For me, it's a way to stay connected to my Hispanic heritage while also building meaningful, career-focused international skills. I hope to work in an international setting one day, and GEM feels like a step in that direction. More than anything, I want to contribute to GEM's growth in the same way it's helped me grow, both as a student and as a person.

Fun fact: IMy two biggest loves in life are food and coffee. I'm also part of Wesleyan's K-pop Dance Crew (KDC), and I'm truly obsessed with it. I really enjoy helping others, so please don't hesistate to reach out-even if it has nothing to do with GEM! Email: bmejiajaime@wesleyan.edu

Leslie Salazar Jimenez '28

Name: Leslie Salazar Jimenez

Majors/Minors: Major in Government, Minor in Global Engagement

Home to me is: Mexico City, Mexico

Why I’m doing GEM: I’m doing GEM because I’ve always been passionate about languages and fascinated by learning about and from other cultures. I’m also interested in International Relations, and I believe that developing a deeper understanding of others is essential to building thoughtful global connections.

Fun Fact: I still can’t snap my fingers properly

Charlotte Li '28

Name: Charlotte Li

Home for me is: Hong Kong and Shenzhen

Major/Minor: Sociology, STS, and GEM minor

Why I'm doing GEM: I'm doing GEM because I am passionate about languages and cultures. Through this major, I am interested in becoming more globally minded and developing intercultural communication skills, while being able to engage thoughtfully and respectfully with people from different backgrounds. I also love to be inspired by people who are also open-minded to learn new cultures and expand their worldview.

Fun Fact: I have good food radar, and I can always find a good place to eat!

Lizbeth Ramirez '28

Majors/Minors:
Majors in Government & Education Studies and Minor in Global Engagement.
Where I’m From:
Tennessee, USA
Why I’m doing GEM: I’m doing GEM because I’m passionate about international education and building a more globally connected campus community. As someone who grew up between different cultures, I’ve always been interested in learning about people’s experiences, perspectives, and identities around the world. I believe global engagement goes beyond studying abroad; it’s about creating meaningful connections, fostering cultural exchange, and making sure everyone feels like they belong in our community.
Fun Fact: I love languages and literary translation, and I recently received a prize in literary translation at Wesleyan!

Tamiraa Sanjaajav '27

Majors/Minors: Computer Science and Government double major and Global Engagement minor

Where I’m From: Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

Why I’m doing GEM: I am doing the GEM to honor my love for languages and cross-cultural learning.

Fun Fact: I can name all seven Mongolian khanates before the Mongol Empire and their khans off the top of my head.

Abby Wee '28

Majors/Minors: English Major, East Asian Studies and Global Engagement Minor

Where I’m From: Bay Area, California

Why I’m doing GEM: As someone who’s grown up surrounded by many cultures, I’ve always been drawn to the intersection of diverse perspectives. GEM allows me to grow my intercultural communication skills while meeting incredible people who are looking to do the same.

Fun fact: I am the first person from Wesleyan to study abroad in Hong Kong!

Shirley You '27

Name: Shirley You

Majors/Minors: Major in Economics and Minor in Global Engagement

Where I’m From: Suzhou, China

Why I’m doing GEM: As an international student, I joined GEM to better understand how my own positionality shapes the way I engage with global systems. Before college, I had a short exchange student experience in Utah and studied Global Perspectives & Research in high school, and I knew I always wanted to engage with people from diverse backgrounds. GEM complements my major by helping me think critically about the power dynamics behind economic development and inequality across cultures. Through interdisciplinary coursework and intercultural reflection, I’m learning to navigate global issues with both analytical rigor and cultural sensitivity.

Fun Fact：I love cooking as a way to relax—I was the chef for our Chinese New Year’s Eve feast for 8 people! I also enjoy experimenting with international cuisines from around the world.

Fries Center for Global Studies