ECHO

Meet Ish*ta Gupta: ECHO Award Nominee 2025💫

Ish*ta Gupta, a fierce international student at the University of Amsterdam, brings a global perspective shaped by her journey from New Delhi, India, to Hong Kong, and now to Amsterdam, where she majors in Law within the PPLE program. Her cross-cultural upbringing has deeply influenced her passion for equity, representation, and belonging, driving her commitment to create inclusive spaces where every voice is valued. 🌏

At UvA, Ish*ta has demonstrated remarkable leadership as Co-Chair of the PPLE Diversity Board, Head of General Volunteers for UNICEF Amsterdam, and Editorial Coordinator of the PPLE Academic Journal. In her role as Co-Chair, she worked closely with faculty and management to make the PPLE curriculum more accessible, while spearheading initiatives that celebrated cultural heritage—from Diwali festivities to the creation of contemplation roomsfor prayer, meditation, and reflection. Her efforts have fostered meaningful dialogue and strengthened the sense of community across diverse student backgrounds.

Ish*ta’s dedication to social engagement is deeply rooted in her lived experience navigating identity and belonging across continents. Transforming personal reflection into action, she has led over 150 volunteers at UNICEF Amsterdam and coordinated community projects supporting refugees and undocumented citizens. For Ish*ta, meaningful change begins with empathy and everyday acts of connection. 💬💖

As she looks to the future, Ish*ta aspires to carry these lessons into her legal career, amplifying underrepresented narratives and shaping systems that prioritize inclusivity and justice. Her journey highlights the power of compassion, courage, and collaboration in creating lasting social impact. ⚖️🌿