Yanjie (Ruby) Cheng is the interim Director of the Global Brown Center for International Students (GBC). In this role, she develops, implements, and assesses intersectional programming that fosters a strong sense of belonging for Brown's internationally identified community. Ruby also leads Brown's international orientation, oversees the International Mentoring Program (IMP), and supports the GBC director in advancing the university's mission of creating an inclusive community that promotes equity and empowers international students to thrive in all aspects of their lives at Brown.

Ruby holds a doctorate degree in Leadership for Educational Equity from the University of Colorado Denver and brings over ten years of professional experience as a dedicated advocate for international students. Prior to joining Brown, she served as the Director of International Enrollment at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs. Ruby has presented at international conferences such as the EducationUSA Forum, NAFSA, International Association of College Admissions and Counseling (International ACAC), ChinaICAC, and Association of International Education Administrators (AIEA). Her research focuses on international students' acculturation and sense of belonging, and her advocacy articles have been published in professional and scholarly journals.

As Program Coordinator for the Global Brown Center for International Students, Syrina focuses on supporting student leadership, community engagement, and the student experience. Her portfolio includes overseeing cultural, educational, and community-building programs for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as supervising and mentoring the GBC’s student staff. She oversees the Center’s student organization affiliation process and advises affiliated cultural student organizations, supporting student leaders in developing programs, navigating University processes, and building sustainable organizations. Syrina also leads the GBC’s student-facing marketing and communications and supports the International Mentoring Program and graduate student initiatives. She cultivates collaborative partnerships with Brown’s identity centers, colleagues across Campus Life and the broader University, student organizations, and the Providence community.

Syrina’s experience at Brown began with Brown University’s Pre-College Programs, where she worked for four summers (2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023) in student life roles, including Student Life Manager. During her time with Pre-College, she supervised and mentored undergraduate and graduate student staff, developed community-building initiatives, and supported underrepresented students in creating and sustaining affinity groups. During her graduate studies, Syrina also served as a Graduate Peer Mentor, providing mentorship and support to underrepresented graduate students.

Syrina earned a Master of Arts in Music with a concentration in Historical Performance Practices from Claremont Graduate University and a Bachelor of Music in Flute Performance from San Diego State University.

Miora B.A. ‘26, MPA ’27 is a Master of Public Affairs candidate at the Watson Institute, following her Bachelor of Arts in International & Public Affairs and Economics, also at Brown University. She is interested in international development and humanitarian work and aspires to advance the economic and social outcomes of vulnerable communities around the world through her work. Miora has been passionately involved with the international student community for four years, first as a mentee, then for three years as a mentor, and now as a Graduate Assistant.

As a Graduate Assistant, her role includes:

• Designing and executing campus-wide programming that fosters community, connection, and belonging across undergraduate and graduate international student populations
• Organizing targeted social, cultural, and academic events in collaboration with identity centers, academic departments, and student organizations
• Assisting with program evaluation, data collection, and benchmarking to assess and inform future GBC initiatives
• Managing administrative and logistical operations during regular office hours and major events