Program Team 2026-27
Each year, a new cohort of graduate students from the University of Toronto direct the program year at the Global Ideas Institute guided by our Advisory Council.
Samaa Kazerouni Shah
Samaa Kazerouni Shah is the Director of the Global Ideas Institute. She is an alumna of the Munk School of Public Policy and Global Affairs, where she graduated with her Masters in Global Affairs in 2021. Since then, she has worked at Grand Challenges Canada, where she works with innovators tackling health challenges in low- and middle-income countries on their transition-to-scale journey. She believes in the process of innovation to tackle the world's most pressing challenges and loves empowering the next generation to have an innovative mindset. Samaa has been a part of GII as a Mentor, Program Team member, and the Director for 5+ years.
Shazma Nafis
Shazma is the Research Coordinator for GII 2026–27 and a second-year Master of Public Policy candidate at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy. She holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Global Development Studies with minors in Economics and Political Science from the University of Toronto Scarborough. She previously worked as a Program Officer at the International Development and Relief Foundation, where she supported education, food and emergency programs in various countries in the Global South. Shazma brings experience in research, program coordination, and youth engagement, with a passion for helping students translate global challenges into practical, evidence-based solutions.
Kalaivani Rajalingam
Kalaivani is the Mentor Program Manager for GII 2026-2027. She is in her second year of the Master of Public Policy program at the Munk School of Public Policy and Global Affairs. She holds an Honours Major/Minor Educational Studies/Mathematics, and a Bachelor of Education degree, Intermediate-Senior Division, specialized in Mathematics and French from York University. She previously worked as a secondary school teacher, supplying in Ontario schools and worked as a Maths teacher in London, England. With former work experience as a tutor and peer educator in leadership, she has a strong background in education and utilised pedagogical practices and shaping curriculum practices to promote effective leadership and teaching. Kalaivani is excited to join the GII team to support mentors and empower the next generation into tackling real world challenges through innovative policy solutions.
Cagla Akgul
Cagla is the Operations Manager for GII 2026–27. She is in her second year of the Master of Public Policy program at the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, specializing in Economics. She previously completed her undergraduate degree in Economics at the University of Toronto. Most recently, Cagla interned as a Junior Economist at Environment and Climate Change Canada. Through her involvement in student clubs and residence life roles, she has planned events, fostered student connections, and supported inclusive communities. Cagla is passionate about sustainability, evidence-based policymaking, and fostering meaningful student engagement with the GII team.