Our TEAM & NETWORK

Executive Committee Meeting 2024. Lusaka, Zambia, December 2024

2021 to 2025
EXCO MEMBERS

EXECUTIVE STAFF

OFFICERS Team

Reverend Dr. Samuel Mall [India]
CHAIRPERSON - Appointed interim 2026-2027

Rev. Dr. Samuel Mall from India is an ordained Presbyter of the Church of North India (CNI) and serves as Assistant Professor in the Department of Christian Theology and Ethics. A contextual theologian and theological educator, he has more than eleven years of experience in ministry, theological education, and leadership formation across local, regional, and global contexts. He is married and a proud parent.

Samuel holds a Doctor of Theology from the United Theological College, Bengaluru. His academic and pastoral work is rooted in a commitment to ecumenism, inclusive leadership, and advocacy for marginalized communities. His theological engagement focuses on Dalit liberation theology, gender justice, economic justice, and responding to the challenges posed by religious nationalism. In addition to his teaching and ministry, he serves as a Core Committee member of The Onesimus Project (TOP) of the Council for World Mission, contributing to international ecumenical collaboration and leadership development.

Samuel believes theology must remain deeply connected to people's lived realities and that the Church is called to stand alongside those seeking dignity, justice, and peace. For him, the ecumenical movement is a space where faith is strengthened through dialogue, solidarity, and collective action, inspiring new generations to work together for a more just and inclusive world.

Ms. Pavlina Manavska [Macedonia]
CO-VICE CHAIRPERSON

Pavlina from Macedonia, currently based in the United States, is a German teacher and MA student in translation. She is a member of the United Methodist Church and of the Methodist Youth in Macedonia (organisation related to the WSCF Europe). As a volunteer in WSCF, she was the International Project Manager for WSCF Europe from 2015 to 2017 and Campaigns Coordinator for WSCF Europe from 2017 to 2019.

Pavlina thinks Christianity is a way of life and it is to be lived out on a daily basis in relationship to oneself and in relationship to the community of which one is a part. To be a member of the SCM or the WSCF is to understand oneself much more deeply by listening to others, by working together and being in constant dialogue; to stand for living out the faith together for justice.

Mr. Emil Andreas Bellen Nordajl [Norway]
CO-VICE CHAIRPERSON - Appointed interim 2026-2027

Emil Andreas Bellen Nordahl from Norway is a theology student at the MF Norwegian School of Theology, Religion and Society and currently serves as Vice Chair of SCM Norway. Since 2020, he has been actively involved in church ministry, serving as a church verger, substitute priest, and youth leader, while preparing for ordained ministry in the Church of Norway.

Through his studies and leadership in SCM Norway, Emil has gained experience in governance, organizational development, and volunteer engagement. His ministry is characterized by a compassionate, collaborative, and solution-oriented approach, combining theological reflection with practical service and student leadership.

Emil believes the ecumenical movement offers young people a unique space to grow in faith, build meaningful relationships across cultures and traditions, and work together for justice, peace, and the renewal of the Church.

Ms. Ebere Ubesie [Nigeria]
TREASURER

Ebere is from Nigeria, she is a Chartered Accountant, under the Nigerian and UK professional accounting bodies. She is currently writing her PHD thesis at University of Johannesburg. Ebere joined the Student Christian Movement in Nigeria during secondary school where her leadership skills were recognised. Recently, she was named National President of SCM Nigeria, after serving in several leadership positions, among them, National Finance Secretary, Coordinator of the National Women’s and Children’s Affairs and National Treasurer. Among her achievements as National Treasurer was to “modernise” the financial system of the SCM of Nigeria. At the global level, she was a WSCF delegate to the UN Commission of the Status of Women. Ebere is a member of the Anglican Church.

WSCF Staff at the opening event of the Interregional Ecumenical Training on Climate and Economic Justice held in Lusaka, Zambia, December 5, 2024. From left to right: Mónica, Yowanda, Serena, Melissa, Marcelo, Rana, Morgan and Camila.

GLOBAL PROGRAM COORDINATORS and REGIONAL EXECUTIVES

The Global Program Coordinator and Regional Executive is responsible to co-ordinate, manage, support, organise and expand the WSCF programs globally and in regions according to the WSCF Constitution and By-laws. The Global Program Coordinator and Regional Executive will work with the Secretary General and Student Christian Movements to ensure that the mission of the Federation is fulfilled through programs and strategic planning. Each is responsible for developing programs, fund-raising and implementing them.

The following are the staff responsible.

Mr. Morgan Mambwe [Zambia]
REGIONAL EXECUTIVE for WSCF AFRICA
GLOBAL PROGRAM COORDINATOR for CLIMATE AND ECONOMIC JUSTICE

Morgan is from Zambia. He comes from a background of ordained ministry with passion for youth ministry. He is a member of the All Africa Youth Network which is a wing of the All Africa Conference of Churches. Morgan holds a Masters in Theology: Old Testament and Hebrew Studies from the University of Pretoria, South Africa.

Morgan was appointed as regional Secretary of the WSCF Africa Region in June 2023 and is currently serving as global program coordinator for Youth Ecumenical Leadership.

Ms. Yowanda Yonggara [Indonesia]
REGIONAL EXECUTIVE for WSCF ASIA PACIFIC
GLOBAL PROGRAM COORDINATOR for DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS AND FUNDAMENTALISMS

Yowanda is Presbyterian. She comes from a long journey that started in 2009 in the Indonesian Student Christian Movement (GMKI). Yowanda has a Master's in Public Notary from the University of Pelita Harapan, Indonesia, and a Bachelor of Law from the University of Sam Ratulangi, Indonesia.

Yowanda was appointed as the Regional Secretary of the WSCF Asia Pacific Region in January 2023 and is currently the WSCF global program coordinator for Identity, Diversity, Dialogue and Gender Justice.

Mrs. Serena Tiburtini [Italy]
REGIONAL EXECUTIVE for WSCF EUROPE
GLOBAL PROGRAM COORDINATOR for PEACEBUILDING

Serena is Catholic. She has a deep background in human rights, program management and as a youth trainer. Much of her professional experience has been with the Waldensian Diaconia and other international NGOs, focusing on migration justice issues, cultural and linguistic mediation and community building. Serena has vast experience in training social workers, teachers and youth workers on human rights-related issues, social justice and intercultural skills through non-formal education methodologies.

Serena has a post-graduate master’s degree in economics, law and intercultural migration from the University of Rome, a master’s degree in conference interpreting, and a bachelor’s degree in linguistic mediation and intercultural communication.

Serena was appointed as the Regional Secretary of the World Student Christian Federation in Europe in 2022 and currently serves as the WSCF Global Program Coordinator for Youth, Peace and Security - Peacebuilding.

Ms. Mónica Treviño [México]
REGIONAL EXECUTIVE for WSCF LATIN AMERICA & THE CARIBBEAN
GLOBAL PROGRAM COORDINATOR for IDENTITY, DIVERSITY, DIALOGUE AND GENDER JUSTICE

Mónica is Mexican and is Catholic. She comes from a background of grassroots activism in human rights and gender justice.

She holds a Human Rights and Peace Management degree from the University of the Cloister of Sor Juana and a master's degree in Critical Gender Studies and Theology from the Theological Community of Mexico. Her experience in advocacy processes has been mainly at the Gender Advisory Board of Mission 21, the Network of Theologians, Pastors, Activists, and Christian Leaders (TEPALI), ICM Free for Love, Queer Christians, Youth Ministry of the Parish of San José del Altillo.

Mónica was appointed as the Regional Secretary of the World Student Christian Federation in Latin America and the Caribbean in April 2024 and currently serves as the WSCF Global Program Coordinator.

Ms. Melissa Bridi [Lebanon]
REGIONAL EXECUTIVE for WSCF MIDDLE EAST
GLOBAL PROGRAM COORDINATOR for YOUTH ECUMENICAL LEADERSHIP

Melissa is Lebanese and is Orthodox. She has vast professional experience in humanitarian work, rule of law, compliance, and investigation.

She holds a Master's in Conflict Management and Humanitarian Actions from the University of Siena, Italy, and a Master's in Private Law from Université Saint Ésprit de Kaslik, Lebanon. Her career includes significant contributions to conflict resolution and strategic partnerships during her fellowship at Rondine Cittadella della Pace. Driven by a commitment to social justice and community service, she continues to impact humanitarian and legal efforts globally. She has been a member of the Orthodox Youth Movement -one of the SCMs in Lebanon- since childhood.

Melissa was appointed as the Regional Secretary of the World Student Christian Federation in the Middle East in June 2024 and currently serves as WSCF Global Program Coordinator.

GLOBAL SECRETARIAT - INTER REGIONAL OFFICE Team Members

Mr. Marcelo Leites [Uruguay]
WSCF GENERAL SECRETARY

Marcelo is from Uruguay. He comes from a long history of involvement with the Student Christian Movements (SCMs) in Uruguay and WSCF LAC. He was the Regional Secretary for Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) from 2012 and Director for WSCF’s Global Program on Ecological Justice since 2016. Prior to this, Marcelo was a member of the Student Christian Movement of Uruguay from 2005 to 2011. He worked as a Social Educator, Campaigner and Accompanier for youth-related programs and projects in Montevideo, Uruguay before joining WSCF as the interim regional secretary for LAC in 2011. Marcelo studied Social Work for 2 years and Philosophy for 4 years at the Universidad de la República in Montevideo, Uruguay, and graduated in 2011. He has been involved in Climate Justice Advocacy since 2012 and is a member of the WCC Climate Change working group and the ACT Alliance Climate Justice Group.

As General Secretary, he coordinates and provides overall leadership to the work of the Federation. He is responsible for the organization’s consistent achievement of its mission and objectives, in global programme development and administration. He works with the Executive Committee members, WSCF Centennial Fund Board, the Regional Executives and Program Directors and Student Christian Movements to ensure that the mission of the Federation is fulfilled through programs, strategic planning, advocacy and movement building.

Mrs. Rana Khoury [Lebanon]
ACCOUNTING MANAGER

Rana is an experienced Finance and Accounting professional with more than 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector at the national and international levels. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration – Banking and Finance from Notre Dame University.

She was appointed as the new WSCF Accounting Manager in 2024. As a global support staff, Rana coordinates finances, accounts, and reports to funding partners. She functions as an administrator, bookkeeper, finance coordinator, communication facilitator, drafter/editor, and report writer.

Ms. María Camila Ulloa B. [Colombia]
IRO COMMUNICATION and GENERAL SECRETARY’S ASSISTANT

María Camila is a Colombian communication professional with a Bachelor's degree in Communication Sciences, with an emphasis on Community Communication, from the University of Buenos Aires (Argentina). She has more than eight years of experience in strategic communications, advocacy, and organizational coordination within the ecumenical movement, with a particular focus on migration, women's rights, historical memory, and peacebuilding.

From 2016 to 2021, she worked at the WSCF Latin America and Caribbean Regional Office as Administrative Intern and Communications Assistant, while also serving from 2016 to 2018 as Administrative Secretary of the Religions for Peace Youth Network in Latin America and the Caribbean. In 2021, she was appointed as Communications and General Secretary's Assistant at the WSCF Interregional Office.

As part of the global staff, María Camila supports the General Secretary in coordinating institutional communications, administrative processes, and organizational priorities. She works closely with the global team to strengthen internal coordination, support governance processes, and ensure effective communication across the Federation and with its global partners.

Ms. Doris Lois B. Rifareal [Philippines]
WEB DEVELOPER and SITE ADMINISTRATOR

Doris is a Senior Friend of SCM Philippines. She took over the updating of the WSCF website in 2017 when it was still hosted on its former domain, wscfglobal.org. The following year, she recommended the return of the WSCF website to its original wscf.ch domain, subsequently initiating the development and publication of the current website under a new platform, and managing it since then. She has also been responsible for the design and layout of The Red Book, WSCF’s annual report, since 2015.

She has over three decades’ experience in graphic design, having worked on the publications, various print media, websites, and multimedia projects of mostly nonprofit organisations, local and international. She served as creative director of Crossroads Publications, Inc. and the International Rice Research Institute for many years before starting her own creative services business.