GKII Girish & Himangi Rishi Student Travel Awards (GHRSTA) Peer Mentors
Peer Mentor Program Overview
The GKII GHRSTA Peer Mentor Program is a new initiative designed to support incoming awardees as they prepare for and navigate their global field placements in India. Drawing on their own firsthand experiences, peer mentors will serve as accessible, empathetic guides—offering encouragement, practical advice, and timely responses to questions via email. Peer Mentors will also participate in a virtual community-building and orientation event, where they will share insights and tips to help new awardees feel more confident and connected as they embark on their experiential learning journeys in India.
GHRSTA Peer Mentor Contact Information (2025 Cohort)
Manvi Poddar
[email protected]Peer Mentor Motivation: “Coming from India and with a strong commitment to working alongside people who have lived experience, I’m excited to support others in navigating challenges and fostering meaningful, community-driven solutions in global health.” Advice: “In my experience with health initiatives across India, it’s important to rely on in-country colleagues and prepare for unexpected scenarios. Building strong relationships with community stakeholders and understanding their unique challenges is essential. Take the time to listen, adapt, and co-create solutions that truly resonate with the people you’re working with.”
JaeLynn Taylor
[email protected]Peer Mentor Motivation: “I chose to serve as a peer mentor because I know how stressful it can be to go into something different and just want someone to talk about it with and I want to help ease that transition for other GKII Fellows! Advice: A tip of advice I would give to incoming fellows is to always have an open mind and go into the experiences with curiosity!”
Siddha Sannigrahi
[email protected]Peer Mentor Motivation: “I wanted to serve as a GKII GHRSTA Peer Mentor because having someone who truly understands your journey can make all the difference. During my placement, the support I received meant so much, and I hope to offer that same sense of encouragement and understanding to the new group of students.” Advice: Be open and spontaneous, some of my most memorable moments during my placement came from saying yes to experiences outside the scope of my work, like teaching and helping organize cultural programs!
Divya Rao
[email protected]Peer Mentor Motivation: “Throughout my academic and professional career, I have benefitted from supportive and genuine mentorship, and I would love to offer the same level of encouragement and help to students at the start of their journey in global health!” Advice: Be open-minded and get excited to engage with your project in different ways! Every experience during your summer placement will be enriching and helpful for your journey as a global health practitioner, regardless of what you’re doing. Learn as much as you can in whatever role you are given!