Alumni Speak
VIS Alumni - Where Are They Now?
Hi all! My name is Val Voshchevska and I’m the Global Social Media Manager at Amnesty International—the world’s largest human rights organization. After seeing the true mobilizing capacity that social media had in the revolution in my home country Ukraine, I dedicated my life to working on social media activism—a tool that has given a chance to millions of people to have their voices heard.
As the lead social media strategist at Amnesty International I manage a team of social media professionals to design and deliver an evidence based global social media strategy aimed at achieving the organization's impact and participation goals. I also regularly run workshops for international activists, civil society leaders and human rights defenders on effective social media and media strategy and am a visiting lecturer at Transparency International’s Summer School.
Once I actually left Verdala, first then did I realise how much I appreciate what I had. It wasn't perfect, I don't think anyone's school experience is, and it was definitely very hard at times throughout my 10 years. But the more I hear about other people's school experiences and mentally compare it to mine, man did I have it good. I feel so lucky, and my heart fills with the warmest feelings whenever I think about it all. I thought my graduation ceremony would be the biggest highlight, but the things I remember most vividly are the little things you miss. I never want to let go of the people I met, because I honestly think I already met the best I'll ever meet.
Previously, I was the Social Media Editor of Newsweek—running the global social media strategy for the publication—after having studied International Relations at the University of St Andrews and International Conflict Studies at King’s College London for my Masters.
I’m a strong believer that it’s time for people to stop denying that social media has allowed for change to happen and has played a central role in the rise of a new and unprecedented wave of activism.
I'm grateful I got to take the IB because it does give you a wider choice in subjects and non-school activities in the form of CAS, really letting you discover yourself more, and it's also very helpful for applying for jobs later on. I always felt very at home, and I think that's thanks to those teachers who built relationships with their students, and the friends I made. Moving through Elementary to High School allowed me to experience all the stages of Verdala, and I have great memories from every year I went.
Mindy Alfvegren
Graduated in 2019
Val Voshchevska
Graduated in 2010