On Sunday, May 18, Heller graduates were celebrated during a joint Brandeis University Graduate Commencement Ceremony. The group included 16 doctoral graduates from the classes of 2024 and 2025, and 272 master’s graduates from the classes of 2024 and 2025. They represented more than 38 countries, speaking more than 33 languages.
Interim Dean Maria Madison gave opening remarks at a special graduation reception held on Friday, May 16. She welcomed the class of 2025 and congratulated them on reaching the culmination of their Heller journeys, noting that they have come to embody the school’s motto, “Knowledge Advancing Social Justice.” She expressed confidence that each graduate will continue to exemplify these words and make Heller proud.
“It is indeed a cause for celebration to recognize that new champions of social justice are reentering a world in need of change. Each and every one of you are equipped with the tools necessary to solve societal inequities, and ultimately make the world a better, more just place. Our future depends on positive social change, and people like you who are its catalysts.”
Representing the PhD in Social Policy program, Kartik Trivedi, PhD’25, reminded his fellow graduates to stay curious and compassionate, and that it takes more than knowledge and reason to make a difference in the world.
“It is our ability to use that knowledge, use our ability to reason, and then transform that into courage that makes us important, and I dare say, necessary for society. But, this transformation can only happen in the hearts that are big. Now, let me warn you—scared hearts shrink the most. And the world out there is scary—conflicts engendering chaos, divisions causing distress, and alienation leading to isolation. Look around—see your community; feel your community; and remember your community because these people will empower you to keep your heart big.”
Representing the Master of Public Policy program, Calah McQuarters, MPP/MBA’25, noted the virtues of maintaining hope in turbulent and uncertain times, and the need for “future world changers.”
“Dare to dream outside of the constraints and limitations the world will place on you because of your identity or your sheer gall to want more for yourself, your community, and your world...Be present. Be bright. Be ‘knowledge advancing social justice.’ And know as you do, each of you inspires me to do the same. And revives my belief in our individual and collective power to make the world a little better tomorrow and all the tomorrows after it.”
Representing the Social Impact MBA program, Amanda Yu, MBA’25, expressed gratitude for her cohort and the greater Heller community, emphasizing the importance of supporting one another after graduation.
“The world is increasingly volatile and in that chaos we can become unmoored. The communities we create and nurture can be sources of support, safety, and strength. Wherever we land on this planet I hope we can find ways to continue to connect.”
Representing the MS in Global Health Policy and Management program, Taiba Aziz, MS GHPM’25, shared a story from her time as a medical doctor in Afghanistan that fueled her commitment to social justice. She called Heller a global community, and her class a movement.
“We did more than just study—we learned from each other’s histories, cultures, and struggles. We didn’t just discuss social justice—we lived it. We debated policies shaped by experiences from conflict zones and health crises. We challenged each other to think beyond borders, to understand that solutions to the world’s greatest challenges do not come from a single perspective, but from the richness of diverse voices working together.”
Representing the MA in Sustainable International Development program, Yamin Ohnmar, MA SID’25, reflected on her work advocating for fellow blind women in Myanmar, and the like-minded individuals she met at Heller.
“I found more than just education. I found people who respected my voice and valued my lived experience. I remember one class where we discussed social protection systems—my professor asked, ‘What would this look like through the lens of disability justice?’ That moment stayed with me. It reminded me that what I bring to the table matters.”
Representing the MA in Conflict Resolution and Coexistence program, Mima Ofo, MA COEX’25, highlighted the power of listening, lifting each other up, and standing together.
“That’s the kind of strength the world needs now more than ever. During this program, I had the privilege of learning alongside classmates doing real work on the front lines of social justice. Their stories were personal and powerful and always rooted in hope. They reminded me that what we do matters. That we matter. And that this complicated, beautiful world is still worth fighting for.”
Giselle Gabriel, MA SID’25, recipient of the Richard Kaufman ’58 Memorial Prize for Leadership and Academic Excellence, was the university graduate student speaker at Brandeis’ 2025 commencement ceremony on Sunday. During her speech, she discussed Brandeis’ legacy of “transforming lives, uplifting communities, and making history.”
“As we step into the world beyond these walls, let us channel our resilience and faith into purpose. Let us lead with the same boldness that founded this university, the courage to challenge injustice, innovate fearlessly, and uplift others. Let us honor the legacy of those who came before us by building a future that is bolder, brighter, and more inclusive.”