Aena Khan, a proud Yonkers local, has achieved a remarkable milestone by securing a coveted spot in the elite Schwarzman Scholars program. The distinguished graduate fellowship is unparalleled in addressing the intricacies of the 21st century geopolitical landscape. As such, it stands as a beacon for cultivating the next generation of global leaders.
Khan’s selection emerged from an impressive global pool of more than 4,000 applicants. Her selection marks her as one of the 150 young leaders chosen from 43 different countries. A 2022 graduate of Vassar College with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, Khan served as the managing editor of the Miscellany News, one of the United States’ oldest college weekly papers. Her leadership extended to the role of senior class council president, showcasing her commitment to both academic and community engagement.
Advocating for Human Rights
While the fellowship allows Khan to travel and develop a broader understanding of international relations, she remains deeply impacted by her upbringing in Yonkers.
My parents, who are originally from Pakistan, moved to Yonkers a few years before I was born. I grew up in Yonkers and lived there until I left to attend Vassar College in 2018. I attended PEARLS Hawthorne and Yonkers High School. I was also a volunteer with the Yonkers Historical Society between 2015 and 2018. As you can probably tell, I am very proud of being from Yonkers.
As part of the program, Khan embarks on an accelerated master’s program in global affairs at Tsinghua University in Beijing. The scholarship opportunity will enable her to join a diverse network of young leaders from around the world. This environment endeavors to foster international collaboration and understanding.
Building from her previous internships in foreign affairs and her current role as a paralegal with the American Civil Liberties Union’s National Security Project, she aspires to become a legal advocate specializing in the intersection of human rights, migration, and climate change. Khan’s focus as a Schwarzman Scholar will be on studying state responses to internal migration, reflecting her dedication to addressing pressing global challenges.
Representing Yonkers Internationally
Schwarzman Scholars is a fully funded, year-long master’s degree and leadership initiative located at Tsinghua University in Beijing, China. The program is built around collaboration with globally esteemed mentors. It offers a comprehensive study of international affairs and immersive experiences in Chinese culture and business. The program brings together individuals with leadership aptitude and a commitment to promoting cross-cultural understanding. The young Scholars represent diverse sectors including business, technology, politics, and healthcare.
