Alumni in Action

In its inaugural 2007-08 graduation class, the Global Poverty and Practice Minor graduated 7 students. As the fastest growing Minor on campus, alumni graduating from this program will continue across all parts of the world as engaged global citizens. Here, we will feature their continued work in development and poverty alleviation.

Alumnus Profile

Samma Ishaq
History, Global Poverty and Practice Minor
UC Berkeley, 2008

Alumna Samma Ishaq (third from right) working as a GMCP Fellow in Gadag, India.The GPP Minor has made it possible for me to gain international field experience, thereby broadening my perspective on issues related to poverty, globalization, development practice, and conflict.  Through the Minor, I learned of exciting opportunities abroad and was able to secure two fellowships to support my present work: the Clausen Fellowship and the Judith Lee Stronach Baccalaureate Prize.

Since graduation, I have been working in India with the Global Micro-Clinic Project (GMCP) in addition to continuing independent work in Indian-administered Kashmir.  With support from UCSF, I worked as a GMCP fellow to address the high prevalence of diabetes in Gadag, India (a rural district in Karnataka).  My experience designing a diabetes education/self-management program in rural South India exposed me to the challenges and barriers associated with public health and community work while developing my interpersonal skills and local knowledge. 

Presently, I am in Srinagar, Kashmir where I have been working to develop alternate sources of income for unemployed shahtoosh (a fine wool derived from the Tibetan chiru) shawl weavers who lost their main source of income after the state of Jammu and Kashmir imposed a ban on the manufacture and sale of shahtoosh in 2002.  I am also in the process of preparing for KashmirCorps' 2009 Public Service program which I will be managing this summer.  Upon completing my work in Kashmir, I plan to attend the London School of Economics to complete my MSc in Development Management.

Stay In Touch

GPP Alumni, keep us updated on your post-graduation activities! Email us at gppminor@berkeley.edu.