As a second semester freshman, Daniella Emami has quickly established herself as the president of Northeastern’s chapter of United Nation’s Children’s Funds (UNICEF). Daniella is extremely committed to working with children’s organizations to make a difference for the lives of children all over the world, and is pursuing a dual major in International Affairs and Human Services. When she isn’t leading meetings and organizing events for UNICEF, she is involved in the sorority Kappa Kappa Gamma and the Oxfam America organization.
How did you first get involved in working for UNICEF?
After spending my summer in Paraguay when I was 16, I decided that international development was something that I would be doing for the rest of my life. Helping people, especially children, was something I was really passionate about. Senior year of high school, I looked into UNICEF heavily and I discovered its chapter at Northeastern. On my first day, I sat front and center at the meeting, and soon became good friends with our former senator Cinnamon. She became a true mentor for me.
How did you achieve the opportunity to become president as a freshman?
I worked really hard my first semester. I showed that I was passionate and capable of having the responsibility required to run the club. Cinnamon, the founder, recently graduated. It was important for her to place the future of the club in the hands of someone she trusted to point it in the right direction.
Are you looking to co-op with UNICEF in order to potentially work for the company?
UNICEF is my dream job and dream co-op. However, my plan for the next few years is to co-op at international nonprofit societies. Hopefully I can either work my way up to working at UNICEF or work in a general United Nations organization.
What was it like leading your first meeting?
I was so nervous beforehand, but it wasn’t as scary as I thought it was going to be. As long as you stand for what you are talking about, you can be completely confident in what you are saying. Leading my first meeting with my e-board was good because I trusted them a lot and they were great helpers. I also contacted our regional director, Nick Leisey, and asked him to speak at our meeting. He was the most amazing speaker. It was great to have someone who got our new members excited about the club.
What does UNICEF have in store for this semester?
We are partnering with the human services department screening film “Not My Life” on January 27th. We are advocating to stop human trafficking, which is something UNICEF really stands for. Later on the semester, we are doing a fundraiser for the Tap Project, an initiative for clean water, in March. The event was decided by our members and the date is to be determined. We are also encouraging our members and campus to participate in Live Below the Line – a week where you live on a dollar fifty or less a day.
Do you have any advice for students who want to lead or start their own club?
My biggest advice is to connect with other people – I believe relationships will take you the furthest. If you keep your passion for a certain organization or club to yourself, no one is going to know you wanted a position or are reaching for a goal. There are so many amazing networking opportunities at Northeastern. Look up any event, and it’s guaranteed that there will be something for you. I would also say it is important to be positive. You can’t reach your goals in two days: it takes time. Your dreams are completely attainable.