Student Global Leadership Board
The Student Global Leadership Board is a student organization that includes four undergraduate students, one master’s student and one MBA student who work closely with the Center for Global Business to represent the student voice in global programming. Board members collaborate with the center, Smith School faculty and fellow students to help shape and promote global programs that align with students’ interests and needs.
Elena Emde
Freshman double-majoring in marketing and international business.
Elena Emde serves as executive vice president of the International Business Student Organization, a club that fosters global mindsets and connects students to international opportunities at Smith and beyond. As a first-generation German American, she has a strong interest in global affairs and enjoys developing international networks through initiatives led by the Center for Global Business. In her free time, she likes running and being in nature.
Chaewon Cheon
Sophomore pursuing a dual degree in marketing and operations management and business analytics.
Chaewon Cheon is involved in the Smith Undergraduate Student Association, the Smith Start Mentor Program, and the Business, Society and the Economy Scholars program. Outside Smith, she serves as research and archives director for UMD’s Student Entertainment Events.
Ecclisia Mekbeb
Sophomore double-majoring in supply chain management and international business.
Ecclisia Mekbeb is the director of events for the International Business Student Organization, helping create opportunities for students to engage with global topics and professionals in international fields. She is also an Honors Ambassador and a community assistant in on-campus housing. A first-generation Ethiopian American, Mekbeb is passionate about global development and previously interned with the Ethiopian Outreach Ministry, supporting community-based initiatives.
Einav Tsach
Junior pursuing a dual degree in multiplatform journalism and international business, with a minor in Jewish studies.
Einav Tsach works as a resident assistant and holds leadership roles in UMD’s Jewish community. He has interned at national and local news outlets, consulted for TAMID, and studied U.S. diplomacy and policymaking as part of the UMD Global Fellows program. He was born in Israel and moved to the U.S. at age 8.
Ajinkya Deshmukh
Second-year graduate student pursuing a Master of Science in Information Systems.
Ajinkya Deshmukh has worked on campus as a research assistant supporting artificial intelligence projects. Professionally, he has consulted on digital transformation initiatives for clients such as Dell and LyondellBasell. Born and raised in Mumbai, India, he is passionate about motorbikes, coffee and soccer.
Kiran Kumar Muthusamy
MBA Class of 2025
Kiran Kumar Muthusamy brings international experience from the automotive sector, where he led strategic initiatives in Southeast Asia, including in Singapore and the Philippines. He enjoys hiking, traveling and trying new foods, and believes embracing diverse perspectives is key to fostering creativity and resilience.
Ex-officio Members
Anandita Senapati
Graduate assistant, Center for Global Business
MS Supply Chain Management, Class of 2025
Anandita Senapati leads global experiential learning initiatives, including Embassy Day and international case competitions. She works with embassies, faculty and student leaders to enhance global business acumen. She also serves as vice president of operations for the MS Supply Chain Association. Born and raised in Mumbai, India, she is passionate about travel, reading and international business.