Student Advisory Board

Student Advisory Board

CIRCLE Student Advisory Board (SAB) is an international student committee that offers guidance to CIRCLE’s professional staff on dealing with the unique needs of the international students at the University of Washington. The principles of the board center around the engagement and advocacy for international student interests at the University of Washington’s Seattle campus by:

• Consulting and engaging with CIRCLE staff to provide student perspectives and input on programs and initiatives related to international students on Seattle campus.
• Rendering and formalizing international student opinions on topics of interest to the international student body to impact University Administration, influencing policy and direction of campus affairs.
• Providing and advocating for a space and environment for international students to partake in the administrative and legislative processes of the University, and increase international student representation at critical campus affairs discussions.
• Taking initiatives to enhance international student experiences and to promote student success.

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Meet our 2025-2026 Board Members

 

Meet Our People

Ariel Shih

City, Country: Taipei, Taiwan

Languages: Mandarine, English

Hobbies: Matcha café hopping, baking sweet treats, and working out

Fun Fact: Afraid of butterflies 🦋 

SAB Motivation: I joined CIRCLE SAB to connect with international students and be part of a community where I can contribute and support others. 

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Justin Sun

City, Country: Harbin->Beijing, China 

Languages: Chinese, English, Korean (a little) 

Hobbies: Astrophotography (in training) 

Fun Fact: Published a photo collection 

SAB Motivation: I joined CIRCLE SAB to help bridge communities, share experiences, and support international students in thriving at UW. 

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Ishan Agrawal

City, Country: Kota, India 

Languages: Hindi, English 

Hobbies: Playing the piano

Fun Fact: Proud owner of a Great Dane

SAB Motivation: I joined CIRCLE SAB to improve the international student experience at UW and ensure our voices are represented in campus decisions. 

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Surbhi Meena

City, Country: Toronto, Canada

Language: English, Hindi

Hobbies: Playing tennis, taking evening walks, sipping tea, and enjoying sweater weather 

Fun Fact: Always ready for a winter getaway—especially Alaska or anywhere icy 

SAB Motivation: I joined CIRCLE SAB to foster an inclusive, supportive environment where international students feel empowered and represented. Current member of CSF-funded CIRCLE initiative. 

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Lucy Gong

City, Country: Xiamen, China 

Languages: Mandarin Chinese, English, Japanese (a little) 

Hobbies: Swimming and listening to music 

Fun Fact: Knows all the lyrics to All Too Well (10 Minute Version) 

SAB Motivation: I joined CIRCLE SAB to help international students feel welcomed and supported, and to contribute to student perspectives that improve campus life. 

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Cissy Dai

City, Country: Beijing, China

Languages: English, Mandarin, French 

Hobbies: Swimming, skiing, and hiking 

Fun Fact: Uses chopsticks incorrectly 

SAB Motivation: I joined CIRCLE SAB to connect with international students and collaborate on meaningful changes that support our community. 

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Waddah Aldharrab

City, Country: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia 

Languages: English, Arabic 

Hobbies: Cooking, baking, photography, and taking walks 

Fun Fact: Have walked from Shoreline to downtown Seattle at least four times 

SAB Motivation: I joined CIRCLE SAB to work with and support the broader international student community at UW. 

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Jason Matthew Cundrawijaya

City, Country: Surabaya, Indonesia 

Language: Indonesian, English

Hobbies: Aviation, Formula 1, soccer, guitar, and music 

Fun Fact: Favorite singer: Owl City or Ed Sheeran; Favorite movie: F1: The Movie 

SAB Motivation: I joined CIRCLE SAB to advocate for international students while building a supportive and connected community. 

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Noor Alhazmi

City, Country: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia  

Languages: Arabic, English  

Hobbies: Tennis, bouldering, and reading (Favourite reads: The Kite Runner and Tuesdays with Morrie) 

Fun Fact: Goal: Visit all 50 U.S. states within the next four years 

SAB Motivation: I joined to advocate for others while also finding a sense of community where I feel supported and connected. 

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Aiying Huang

City, Country: China

Language: English, Chinese, Spanish 

Hobbies: Baking and cooking

Fun Fact: Enjoys experimenting with new dessert recipes 

SAB Motivation: I joined CIRCLE SAB to contribute to the community and help improve international students’ experiences on campus. 

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Ruyan Li

City, Country: Wuhan, China

Languages: Mandarin, Japanese, English

Hobbies: Dance

Fun Fact: Owner of two dogs and one cat 

SAB Motivation: I joined CIRCLE SAB to make a positive impact on campus and develop leadership skills. 

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Mrityunjay Joshi

City, Country: Bangalore, India 

Languages: English, Hindi

Hobbies: Watching and playing sports, reading and listening to music 

Fun Fact: Tried to make boiled eggs and set off the fire alarm. 

SAB Motivation: I joined CIRCLE SAB to help make the international student experience less confusing, lonely, and stressful by turning shared challenges into meaningful advocacy and creating a space where students feel heard, informed, and empowered. 

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Past SAB Members

 

 

The Student Advisory Board is proudly funded by the Services and Activities Fee (SAF), a student-levied fund designed to enhance the out-of-class experience for students at the University of Washington. SAF supports a wide range of programs and services that promote students’ cultural, emotional, intellectual, physical, and social well-being. Through this funding, we’re able to offer ongoing support and amplify students’ voices.