Thunderbird at ASU grad uses education to become agent of change for United Nations
Saliha Salihi. Photo courtesy of Thunderbird School of Global Management.
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable fall 2024 graduates.
For students from all corners of the globe, Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University offers an educational experience rooted in global leadership and community.
For Saliha Salihi, a Bachelor of Global Management graduate from Afghanistan, Thunderbird’s mission and diverse environment resonated deeply with her aspirations to make a global impact.
After graduation, Salihi plans to embark on a position in the United Nations’ Department of Management Strategy, Policy, and Compliance. Ultimately, she hopes to work in the nonprofit sector as a global leader, and make a difference for those who need it most.
“What inspires me the most is making a global difference or contributing to a global cause, especially in the education arena, to support different communities who are in need,” she said.
Salihi is the recipient of the Barton Kyle Yount Award, one of the highest honors achieved at Thunderbird, and will be honored at Thunderbird’s Graduation Awards Ceremony and Reception.
Of her experience at Thunderbird, she says she is thankful for the connections she has made to last a lifetime.
“I am most grateful for the personal and professional experiences that have shaped who I am today and for the meaningful connections I have built with different communities from around the world,” she said.
Question: What do you think makes Thunderbird unique, and what do you love most about being a T-bird?
Answer: I generally believe Thunderbird is a unique school. The things I love the most about being a T-bird are its sense of community, the opportunities to learn from our peers and its focus on global leadership.
Q: What is the most important thing you’ve learned while being at Thunderbird?
A: The most important thing I learned at Thunderbird, which surprised me and changed my perspective, was the school’s focus on bringing the world together and preparing global leaders for the Fourth Industrial Revolution. In fact, Thunderbird deepened my understanding of global issues and built a safe home for my global mindset.
Q: What advice would you give to a student just starting at Thunderbird?
A: My advice to a student just starting at Thunderbird is to embrace diversity and accept the diverse culture Thunderbird offers. I personally believe it is a very rich culture and an advantage that new students might not receive at other universities. The Thunderbird family and the environment here will help students grow personally and professionally.
Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve a global problem, how would you use it?
A: If someone gave me $40 million, I would invest the money in providing education access to all those who dream of seeking education but are deprived of it.
Q: What is your most memorable story from your time at Thunderbird?
A: One of my most memorable stories from my time at Thunderbird is the cultural festivals, such as International Cuisine Night, Regional Nights and ASU Homecoming. I used to host and attend these events with my Thunderbird fellows and the ASU community.
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