Somiya Kalloo

Somiya Kalloo joined the MITES in August 2023. As the Associate Director for MITES Programs she leads and develops a team of seven professional staff members to ensure the alignment of programs across the office as well as collaboration amongst team members and business partners in order to fully implement the mission and vision of MITES. Somiya works with the team to implement program planning, strategy, assessment, and evaluation. Additionally, she oversees student enrollment policies and the implementation of Institute policies on working with minors while continuing to contribute to the MITES teaching and learning philosophy, recruitment, and admissions activities. Somiya is passionate about empowering young students as they explore their options before college, creating a safe environment for them to build relationships and a sense of belonging within STEM, and increasing their access, support, and resource so they can make an informed decision about their future.

Prior to joining MITES, Somiya worked at MIT’s Office of Minority Education (OME) from 2014-2023. As the Assistant Dean for Academic Programs & Staff Initiatives, she was resposible for the planning and implementation of all academic programs and services that were run through the office. The programs that she directly oversaw included Interphase EDGE/x; a two-year scholar enrichment program that familiarizes incoming students with MIT’s academic environment, builds a strong community, and helps them navigate the resources available to them, and the Talented Scholar’s Resource Room; an academic assistance program for MIT undergraduate students. Additionally, Somiya acted as a student advocate and office representative within MIT’s Committee on Academic Performance and used her seat on that committee, as well as others, to help create a more inclusive and equitable environment for MIT’s undergraduate population. Somiya holds a bachelor’s degree in Media and Communication from the University of New Hampshire.

Outside of work, she loves to spend time with her family and friends, read science fiction novels, and practice the Indian Classical and Folk dance styles.