Leading with Purpose: Mane Berikyans' Journey in International Relations

By: Vardui Chtrkyan

For many young people, global issues can feel distant, confined to headlines and news tickers. But for Mane Berikyan, a recent graduate of the University of Southern California (USC), international relations has always been deeply personal. Growing up across Armenia, Argentina, Canada, and later the United States, she developed a keen awareness of the interconnectedness of cultures, politics, and people. This diverse upbringing, combined with a family passionate about political engagement, ignited a lifelong interest in foreign affairs. What began with advocacy for Armenian genocide recognition evolved into a broader pursuit of international law and global policy.

When it came time to choose a university, USC stood out. The school’s robust International Relations department, extensive study-abroad opportunities, and institutional support for research aligned perfectly with Mane’s goals. “I knew USC could provide both the academic resources and the platform to pursue my interests,” she explained, citing the school’s Institute of Armenian Studies and foreign policy department as major draws.

During her time at USC, Mane left a significant mark on campus. As chief editor of both of USC’s foreign affairs publications, she led impactful projects such as the Eye on Ukraine series through the Global Policy Institute. This initiative combined editorials and events to engage students in discussions about the war in Ukraine and its regional effects, cementing USC as a hub for meaningful dialogue on pressing international issues.

Her advocacy extended beyond global conflicts. As the president of the Armenian Student Association, she spearheaded efforts to have Armenian History Month recognized by the university- an achievement celebrated for two consecutive years. Beyond cultural visibility, the group organized philanthropic projects that raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Armenia and Artsakh during times of crisis. These efforts funded refugee relief, surveillance technology for border regions, and the construction of an educational center in Syunik, one of Armenia’s most vulnerable regions.

“Locally, we focused on creating platforms for dialogue, whether about the crisis in Nagorno-Karabakh, the war in Gaza, or broader issues of human rights,” Mane explained. “Globally, we made a direct impact through fundraising and advocacy.”

Her commitment to hands-on engagement extended to study and work abroad. Fieldwork in Kyrgyzstan, research on minority rights in India, and a summer in the Netherlands provided critical hands-on perspectives that classroom learning alone could not offer. These experiences reinforced her belief that fieldwork is “a valuable and necessary complement to academic study.”

When asked why international relations matters, Mane emphasized the importance of youth engagement. “Public discourse shapes government policies. If young people are informed and active, we can collectively wield our impact to change policies.” She encouraged high school students to begin wherever they can- whether by joining a UNICEF club, supporting fundraisers, or simply staying informed. “You don't need to reinvent the wheel, but rather be part of a greater system to maximize our efforts, opportunities for deeper involvement will emerge.”

Above all, their advice to students is to pursue passions beyond the classroom. “Grades matter, of course, but extracurriculars- especially those tied to what you care about are just as important. Don’t be afraid to follow unconventional paths.”

From advocating for Armenian heritage on campus to creating platforms for global dialogue, Mane Berikyan’s journey is a reminder that young voices can carry real influence. Her story shows that with curiosity, persistence, and courage, students today can become the leaders who shape tomorrow’s world.