I’m Sarah Svahnqvist Kurian, a Master of Science candidate at Lund University pursuing Global Studies with a BA in Global Affairs from George Mason University. My focus is Asia, conflict analysis, and mediation, and I’m passionate about turning research into policy and real-world impact. I enjoy bridging academic work with community initiatives and collaborative projects that support inclusive governance and social change. My experience spans student governance, public policy, and non-profit advocacy in the US and Sweden, including anti-hate crime advocacy, AAPI coalition-building, and philanthropic program vetting. I love working across cultures, mentoring peers, and driving ideas from concept to action, always aiming to amplify diverse voices and empower communities.

Sarah Svahnqvist Kurian

I’m Sarah Svahnqvist Kurian, a Master of Science candidate at Lund University pursuing Global Studies with a BA in Global Affairs from George Mason University. My focus is Asia, conflict analysis, and mediation, and I’m passionate about turning research into policy and real-world impact. I enjoy bridging academic work with community initiatives and collaborative projects that support inclusive governance and social change. My experience spans student governance, public policy, and non-profit advocacy in the US and Sweden, including anti-hate crime advocacy, AAPI coalition-building, and philanthropic program vetting. I love working across cultures, mentoring peers, and driving ideas from concept to action, always aiming to amplify diverse voices and empower communities.

Available to hire

I’m Sarah Svahnqvist Kurian, a Master of Science candidate at Lund University pursuing Global Studies with a BA in Global Affairs from George Mason University. My focus is Asia, conflict analysis, and mediation, and I’m passionate about turning research into policy and real-world impact. I enjoy bridging academic work with community initiatives and collaborative projects that support inclusive governance and social change.

My experience spans student governance, public policy, and non-profit advocacy in the US and Sweden, including anti-hate crime advocacy, AAPI coalition-building, and philanthropic program vetting. I love working across cultures, mentoring peers, and driving ideas from concept to action, always aiming to amplify diverse voices and empower communities.

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Language

Swedish
Fluent
English
Fluent
Korean
Intermediate
Spanish; Castilian
Beginner
French
Beginner
Danish
Advanced

Work Experience

Graduate School Board Student Representative Chairperson at Lund University
June 1, 2025 - June 1, 2025
Represent students’ opinions and perspectives in Graduate School decision-making; participate in planning and assess the impact of organizational changes on staff and student work environment.
EU Academy Participant at Global Policy Research Group
December 1, 2024 - December 1, 2024
Attend and engage with lectures by professionals within EU institutions; network through embassy trips to learn about countries’ relationships with the EU.
Community Service Director at Arlington Young Democrats (AYD)
July 1, 2023 - July 1, 2023
Plan and coordinate community service projects; build partnerships with on-ground nonprofits; set standards for participation and implement programming.
Volunteer Lobbyist at Dear Asian Youth
January 1, 2023 - January 1, 2023
Met with government officials to advocate for legislation condemning Anti-Asian hate; researched and prepared arguments to gain support for related bills.
Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) Caucus Chair at Arlington Democrats
July 1, 2023 - July 1, 2023
Increase AAPI accessibility and inclusivity at local, state, and federal levels; coordinate outreach; manage communications and coalition-building.
Vetting Associate (Surge Contractor) at Global Giving
October 1, 2022 - October 1, 2022
Vet nonprofit applicants for employee-gifting programs; review applications and conduct risk assessments; collaborate with Program Director and hybrid teams.
Volunteer Lobbyist at March for Our Lives
June 1, 2022 - June 1, 2022
Met with government officials to advocate for gun-control legislation; researched and prepared arguments to obtain support.
Social Media Intern at Yayasan Usaha Mulia (Jakarta, Indonesia)
August 1, 2019 - August 1, 2019
Organized YUM’s social platforms; updated donors on project progress via Trello and Canva; edited English reports and wrote blog posts.

Education

Bachelor of Arts at George Mason University
January 11, 2030 - October 29, 2025
Master of Science at Lund University
January 11, 2030 - June 1, 2025

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Education, Non-Profit Organization, Government, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services