Student Leader Spotlight: Aarya Malik

Aarya Malik is an international student from India, born & raised in Dubai, UAE. Her professional experiences range between positions at various law firms and non-profit organizations in India, the United States, and the UAE. Aarya’s area of focus is humanitarian & human rights policy, with a particular emphasis on both women and children in armed conflict, women’s roles in peace building post-conflict, and the intersection between geopolitical instability and human rights issues. 

She completed a summer position as an Advocacy and Communications Intern at the Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict during the UN Security Council Open Debate on CAAC. Aarya has also completed Crisis Intervention Certification and Training as a Rape and Sexual Assault Victim Advocate and Mandated Reporter. 

Aarya loves horse riding & competed at the regional level in Hunt-Seat Equestrianism and Show Jumping. She’s also working to get certified in scuba diving! 

Advice to SIPA students: Celebrate your wins and achievements, and do your best to prioritize a work-life balance. SIPA can be overwhelming, it can feel like you aren’t doing enough. It’s important to know that if one day, 50% is the absolute best you can give, then that is 100%. Take a moment to recenter when things get challenging, and enjoy time with your peers and friends. My community at SIPA is what has made this experience so valuable. Take advantage of the resources SIPA and Columbia have to offer as well — both personal and professional. It’s not often we have access to so much all in one place!

SIPA Campus Involvement / Leadership Positions:

• Menstrual Equity Coalition, President
• Journal of International Affairs, Editor
• Peer Advisor
• Student Assistant for Ezequiel Heffes - “Humanitarian Engagement with Armed Actors.”
• Reading & Argument Coach at the School of General Studies

Degree: MIA
Concentration: Human Rights & Humanitarian Policy
Specialization: International Conflict Resolution