International Studies Student Association

President: Jill Patel

Year: 2nd Year

Major/Minor(s): International Studies - International Business

Hometown: Fontana, CA 

Desired Professional/Long-Term Goals: Accounting/Finance, Global Policy/Relations

Hi! My name is Jill, I’m a sophomore, and the President of ISSA for the 2026-2027 year! For me, ISSA has been a welcoming space to connect with others that share similar interests about business and global policy work. Being given this opportunity, I have felt connected with the campus, and have found people who want to do the same. I am majoring in International Business, hoping to work in the field of Accounting/Finance, incorporating international policy. I am very excited to be part of the board this year, hoping to interact with the community and work together to give everyone a great experience!

Some of my interests include traveling, and spending time with family and friends. I visited Yellowstone National Park this past summer, visiting other parks along the way. I like to try new foods, visit new places, or go on walks. I also love listening to music, attending concerts, and watching new shows. I would love to connect with others, hoping to have an exciting and fun year with everyone!

Vice President: Natalie Sheng

Year: 4th Year

Major/Minor(s): International Studies, Business + BA/MIA (Masters of International Affairs)

Hometown: Cypress, California

Desired Professional/Long-Term Goals: Environmental conservation policy through federal to private cooperation, as well as multilateral agreements. Exploring conflict between CSR and profit.

Hi! My name is Natalie, I’m a senior transfer student and your Vice President for ISSA 26-27! ISSA has not only exposed me to fellow International Studies students but a much wider, diverse community with shared interests. It has also served as an excellent resource for relevant opportunities, connecting me to study abroad and graduate program information. As a member of your board I hope to foster an inclusive environment and create valuable experiences for you all!

Before coming to UCSD, I studied abroad in Taipei, Taiwan. This experience made me realize the educational value of exposure to different cultures and languages, which is why I transferred to be an International Studies student and am now pursuing a Masters in International Affairs. I’d love to help you with your applications and with scholarship searching. Feel free to come talk to me about anything!

Director of Finance: Juhui Song

Year: 2nd Year

Major/Minor(s): International Studies - International Business, Minor in Accounting

Hometown: San Diego, California

Desired Professional/Long-Term Goals: Run my own international accounting firm.

Hi there! I'm Juhui, and I joined ISSA last year to connect with like-minded students who share an interest in international careers. It's been a rewarding experience making friends within my major, learning about opportunities I wouldn't have found otherwise, and building skills that are helping me grow in the field. This past summer, I had the opportunity to intern in Singapore through UCSD's Future Innovators Global Internship program. I'm excited to bring that experience to ISSA as a board member and share what I learned along the way. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out!

Director of Marketing: Nathalie Huang

Year: 4th Year

Major/Minor(s): International Studies-Business; Technology, Innovation, and Supply Chain Minor

Hometown: Monterey Park, CA 

Desired Professional/Long-Term Goals: Global sustainability and supply chain management in the apparel industry

Hi! My name is Nathalie, and I am excited to be a part of ISSA’s executive board as a marketing director and help cultivate a community for students interested in international studies at UCSD. In addition to this role, I also serve as a board member for UCSD Thrift Club where I help with carrying out club events and marketing responsibilities. In the future, I would like to explore a career that involves implementing sustainability initiatives across a global supply chain, especially within the fashion industry. Throughout my time with ISSA, I hope to gain professional skills, learn more about international relations, and form new connections!

In terms of personal interests, I enjoy painting, baking, and hanging out with friends. I also enjoy traveling and would love to see more of the world whenever I have the opportunity. Recently, I traveled to China where I was able to learn about the culture, visit traditional landmarks, and eat good food. An additional fun fact about me is that my favorite drink is jasmine tea, and I am always down to try a new cafe. I am excited to be part of a new community with ISSA and look forward to connecting with peers who are also interested in international studies!

Director of Professional Development: Samantha Fuentes

Year: 3rd Year

Major/Minor(s): Public Policy BA and Media Industries Communications BA

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Desired Professional/Long-Term Goals: Emergency Management or Public Relations Specialist 

Hey y’all!! I’m excited to be a part of ISSA for my third year :). It’s always been such a laid back community I can always depend on. From the members to the crafts we do, it's stress free and a good way to meet new people. This is my third year at ISSA and I’m so honored to be the Professional Development Director this year around!

Before I decided to double major, I was an International Business Major my second year and I planned to do the MIA international Studies Masters Program!! It was such a wonderful program and great academics, so I’m always happy to help with anything.

In my free time I’m always thrifting and if not you can find me kicking it back at the beach. Realistically if not you’ll find me working at a concert venue, Birch Aquarium, or planning an event on campus. Recently I’ve gotten into movies so if you have any recommendations send them my way!! In return I can give you album or song recommendations as I used to work at the Radio Station for two years :)). Reach out to me for anything!!

Director of Membership: Luis Galloway

Year: 3rd Year

Major/Minor(s): International Business

Hometown: Yokohama, Japan

Desired Professional/Long-Term Goals: Global liaison connecting international non-profits and local organizations to drive development across borders.

I'm excited to serve as ISSA's Director of Membership and help build a welcoming community where members can connect through their interest in global perspectives. I look forward to meeting new people from different backgrounds and making the most of our time here!

Growing up in Japan in an international environment exposed me to diverse cultures and perspectives, which inspired my interest in my major and my involvement in ISSA. In the future, I hope to help build stronger bridges between international communities through collaboration and shared experiences. As Membership Director, I hope to bring this perspective into creating a community where members can build relationships.

Director of Membership: Yo Yo Lei

Year: 2nd Year

Major/Minor(s): International Studies- International Business, Media Industries and Communications

Hometown: San Francisco, California

Desired Professional/Long-Term Goals: Events Planning / Coordinating

I joined ISSA my freshman year, and I am glad to have found this space that has allowed me to build connections, develop professional skills, and make new friends along the way. I’m super excited to be part of the executive board this year, and I hope to contribute to making ISSA a welcoming space for people to have fun, and create meaningful connections. I look forward to getting to know everyone and helping plan exciting events for the club!

In my free time, I love watching new shows and dramas, listening to music, and hanging out with my friends. I would love to meet new people so please don’t hesitate to reach out :) I'm excited for a fun year with ISSA and can't wait to see everyone at our events!

Advisor: Yumi Okuda

Year: 4th Year

Major/Minor(s): Archaeological Anthropology and Japanese Studies, International Studies Minor

Hometown: Tampa, Florida

Desired Professional/Long-Term Goals:

I am very passionate about cross-cultural relations between Japan and America, social policy work, repatriation of artwork, as well as archaeology/restoration. These past three years being part of ISSA has been a truly fulfilling experience, strengthening not only my relationships with its members, but also my interest in International Studies. ISSA has taught me about various professional skills, how to build an inclusive community, and helped me to gain a better understanding of the importance of International Studies in an increasingly globalized world.

My most memorable travel destination was to Japan and Korea. These trips helped me to connect more with my heritage, as I was immersed in the culture and was able to meet up with my extended family. I also traveled to Hokkaido for an archaeological field school, which was truly an impactful experience. I learned about the cultural heritage of the indigenous Ainu people, ate delicious food, and met so many amazing people there.

I love travelling, trying new foods, going on walks, singing, and hanging out with friends. Although I make sure to spend time resting, I also enjoy staying busy pursuing my passions. I am pretty outgoing and love meeting new people so feel free to contact me!