Shireen Kalra is the Programme Coordinator at the Oxford Character Project (Global Leadership Programme), where she works on character-driven leadership initiatives for a young and diverse global audience. Committed to fostering a culture of ethical civic leadership in universities worldwide, she focuses on equipping young leaders with the values and skills to drive social impact. Previously, Shireen served as Programme Coordinator for the United Nations Millennium Fellowship, a global leadership development initiative by the Millennium Campus Network in partnership with United Nations Academic Impact. She has experience leading a youth-driven movement across 280 universities in 48 countries, supporting over 4,000 student leaders in launching high-impact, SDG-aligned projects. Deeply committed to youth-led advocacy, she has engaged with global decision-makers at key platforms, including the 2024 Summit of the Future during UN General Assembly Week and the 30th Harvard Project for Asian and International Relations.
Shireen holds an MSc in Higher Education (Distinction) from the University of Oxford, specialising in the politics of access and equity in elite university admissions. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Political Science and International Relations from Ashoka University, with study abroad experiences at King’s College London (Public Policy and Social Justice) and the London School of Economics (International Human Rights Law).
A strong advocate for storytelling as a catalyst for change, Shireen is a two-time published fiction author who amplifies the voices of Indian youth. Her work delves into the complexities and challenges young people face in a divided world. With its authentic portrayal of youth resilience and their pursuit of a redefined future, her writing has been recognised by Lady Elish Angiolini, Pro Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford, and Dr Shashi Tharoor, Member of Parliament, India.
