Manika Gupta

Policy analyst and Master of International Relations graduate with a robust academic portfolio spanning international governance, political economy, environmental policy, and security issues. Advanced analytical skills through coursework in global finance, trade politics, climate change, and legal frameworks of war and terror, applied to contemporary, real-world policy challenges. Experienced in translating research from International Political Economy, Climate Change Politics, Terror, Law and War, and Food Politics into practical, systemic reform initiatives as reflected in diverse policy briefs, stakeholder collaborations, and internships. Nuanced understanding of diplomacy, migration, and international policymaking, with a commitment to inclusive, evidence-based solutions to direct global inequities and complex cross-border issues

Leadership, Exploration and Development (L.E.A.D Program) - 03/2025 - 06/2025

University of Melbourne, Graduate Student Association, Melbourne, Australia

• Accepted into LEAD, an intensive 7-session leadership development program over 3 months
• Cultivated and refined self-leadership skills and explored personal leadership style through intensive reflection exercises and collaborative group work sessions over a 4-month period
• Gained insights into contemporary leadership practices, exploring frameworks of servant leadership, transformational leadership, and adaptive leadership, as employed by organisations navigating complex global challenges
• Identified and refined personal brand and value proposition through data-driven exercises, enabling articulation of aspirations to audiences exceeding 100 and enhanced cross-cultural communication skills

Student Leadership Launchpad Programme - 08/2024 - 12/2024

Amnesty International, Melbourne, Australia, Remote

• Selected as one of 50 participants in a competitive program aimed at empowering youth leaders in human rights activism and advocacy
• Completed intensive training on international human rights law, advocacy strategies, and campaign management through monthly interactive workshops focusing on leadership essentials, strategic campaigning, and digital tools for activism
• Designed and implemented a multi-faceted awareness strategy, including a viral social media challenge
• Mastered advanced diplomatic communication and cultural competency skills through 15 hours of expert-led sessions

Student Global Citizen Leadership Programme - 03/2024 - 04/2024

Universitas 21 and Common Purpose, Melbourne, Australia, Remote

• Selected as one of the delegates to represent India, Australia, and the University of Melbourne in a prestigious three-week United Nations Global Leadership Development Program
• Engaged in intensive cross-cultural collaboration with 100+ participants from 30 countries, focusing on sustainable development partnerships
• Developed and presented a comprehensive proposal for social impact and community engagement on a global scale, engaging in gender equality, and was recognised as one of the top projects
• Earned a UN-certified credential in Sustainable Development Partnering, mastering frameworks such as the SDG Partnership Guidebook and applying it to design a scalable public-private partnership model