Meet the GMD Student Board 2026-2027

Meet the GMD Student Board for 2026-2027! This group brings together students from all five tracks of the Governance of Migration and Diversity Master’s programme—Legal, Sociology, History, Development, and Public Administration. The board fosters a welcoming, active community for everyone in the programme. The GMD Student Board connects students, staff, programme coordinators, and the LDE GMD Centre. Through events, feedback, and collaboration, the board helps shape a Master’s experience that extends beyond the classroom.

Get to Know the Board

Olgar Bilallar (Chair)
Hello everyone! I am Olgar, a 22 year-old Turkish student currently doing the Legal track. After completing the International Relations and Organizations (IRO) programme at Leiden University, I decided to pursue the GMD masters on account of its multi-faceted approach on a prominent issue such as migration. I will be serving as the Chair of this year's Student Board, coordinating different branches within the team to enhance students' academic and non-academic experiences. Outside of the board, you can find me reading non-fiction books, watching films, or hanging out with my friends.

Alexia Manole (Co-Chair)
Hello, everyone! My name is Alexia, I am Romanian and currently pursuing my second specialisation within the Sociology track, after completing Engaging Public Issues. I graduated with a BA in Communication from the University of Groningen, but have always been particularly interested in migration and public policy. Through my studies, research, and experience in communications and project work, I have developed a collaborative, adaptable, and socially engaged approach. I am very excited to bring these values to the GMD Board and contribute to the community. In my free time, I enjoy going to concerts, cooking, hanging out with friends and visiting museums and art galleries.

Kreychelle Houtman (Secretary)
Hi everyone! My name is Kreychelle. I am 23 years old and currently doing the History track in the program, where I will be working as the secretary this year. Before joining this program, I studied International Studies in Leiden. I chose to join the program due to its interdisciplinary approach, as well as its relevance today. Outside of the program, I really love watching horror movies and hanging out with my friends.

Raksha (Treasurer)
Hi everyone! I'm Raksha, and I'm in the Development Studies – GMD track at ISS. Before starting Development Studies, I spent six years working as a US Tax Analyst, so moving into this field has been quite the change! As your Student Board Treasurer, I'll help manage the Board's finances and make sure we make the most of the resources available to our GMD community. Outside of university, you'll usually find me traveling, diving, exploring new places, or looking for the next beach to visit.

Eden Walters (Events & Outreach Coordinator)
Hi! My name is Eden, and I'm from the United States. I'm following the Public Administration track in the GMD Master's, and I'm excited to be your Events and Outreach Coordinator this year. What I love most about GMD is how it tackles migration from so many angles. Law, politics, policy, and development all come together to show how complex the topic is. I joined the board because I want everyone to feel involved, whether that's showing up to a social, joining an event, or connecting with colleagues. Outside of the master, I love to bake a sweet treat and spend time with my loved ones.

Nele Musch (Events & Outreach Coordinator)
Hi everyone, my name is Nele and I'm following the legal track of our programme. I've studied law in Germany and want to work in an international surrounding in the future. During my studies in Germany, I was part of a law clinic that offered free legal advice in the fields of asylum and social welfare law. Therefore, the multidisciplinary GMD programme was a perfect fit. Together with Eden, I will be the Events and Outreach Coordinator this year. I am looking forward to a year full of new experiences, getting to know each other and to dive deeper into the topics of the GMD's study programme. Alongside my studies, I like dancing, knitting and being outside in nature.

Tuur Hendriks (Confidentiality Person – Legal track)
Hi everyone! I'm Tuur, a 21-year-old Dutch student currently following the Legal track. With a background in law, I am especially interested in migration, human rights, and international affairs. This year, I will also serve as the confidentiality person. This means you can always come to me if something is bothering you, if you feel uncomfortable, or if you simply need someone to talk to in confidence; just come to me! Better to be too early than to be too late. Outside university, I enjoy swimming and spending time with friends and family.

Isis Reekers (Confidentiality Person – Sociology track)
Hi everyone! I am Isis, 24 years old, and currently following the Sociology track. I did my bachelor's in Sociology at the University of Groningen, which I really enjoyed. During my Sociology Bachelor, I became interested in social inequality, migration, and discrimination, and how this has an influence on people's opportunities. This year I will be one of the confidentiality persons of our lovely studies, so if there is something on your chest, if something is not feeling right, or if you just want to talk to someone, you can come to me, and I will guide you to the best help. Alongside my studies, I enjoy hanging out with friends, drinking coffee in the sun, going to museums, and going for a walk.

Natalia Căpitanu (Confidentiality Person – PA & ISS tracks)
Hi lovely people, my name is Natalia (they/them) and I'm in the PA track. I did my bachelor's in Rotterdam, so I know my way around life as a student in NL. In the student board, I contribute to building a strong GMD community, and I'm your go-to person if you want to talk about anything making your time in the GMD programme more difficult — I will then guide you to where you can get the best support. In my free time, you can find me crafting, watching movies with friends, hosting dinners, and learning Dutch or Arabic.

What We Do

The Student Board organises social, professional, and academic events throughout the year, represents GMD students at official Centre occasions, and channels student feedback to programme coordinators.

Contact and Confidentiality Persons

Students with questions, suggestions, or concerns, or those who would like support or wish to speak to someone in confidence, can reach the confidentiality person who represents their programme directly: