EDITOR'S NOTE: This story was originally published as the "5-on-5" feature in GCU Magazine. You can access the current or past issues of the magazine digitally here.
As a native of Ukraine, Anya Cofrancesco came to the United States with her family as a teenager and found a home at Grand Canyon University, first as an honors student and now in her role with the Honors College. She has accompanied honors students on numerous global education trips, and her travels have connected her to one of her passions — to stop human trafficking. She also helps asylum-seeking families as a volunteer with International Rescue Committee Phoenix and is a Disaster Action Team volunteer with the American Red Cross of Arizona and New Mexico.
1. You wanted to be an FBI agent and earned your master’s in criminal justice with an emphasis in law enforcement. How has that helped you in your current position?
I was in my sophomore year of college when I decided to pursue a criminal justice minor, but GCU didn’t have an official minor in that field. So I still pursued psychology as my major and took a plethora of criminal justice courses. I was trying to figure out ways to contribute to people’s safety and security. But I took a bit of a detour and began researching human trafficking. . . . Up until this moment, it’s one of my passions.
2. Tell me about your interest in curbing human trafficking.
My freshman year of college was the first time I was introduced to human trafficking. This is a global issue, with approximately 27 million being trafficked globally. The fact that more students are wanting to learn and research the issue but also roll up their sleeves to do something about it, it does give me hope. . . Trafficking here in our state happens a lot and close to GCU. I think doing what we can adds up, and it becomes a global coalition.
3. You participated in a United Nations Conference as a youth delegate in 2018. How did that experience affect you?
It was through the Friendship Ambassador Association and held at the United Nations headquarters (in New York). It was such a phenomenal experience just being in the space where you have all the global thinkers, diplomats and heads of states coming together and deciding on some of the profound issues we face around the globe. We (youth delegates) came together and tried to figure out sustainable development goals. They’re included in the UN’s 2030 agenda. That was the pivotal point of discussion, but it was really incredible to meet different young people from all over the globe and talk about what they’re facing in their country. It was a phenomenal experience.
4. You are from Zhytomyr, Ukraine, and have visited 17 countries. What fascinates you about your journeys?
Coming to this continent across the pond gave me a different view and expanded my horizons as far as different cultures and religions and how people think differently. Through my position in the Honors College, I was blessed to be able to accompany students on different global educational programs. Mission trips are my favorite. One time when we were in Berlin, Germany, we toured and saw some of the top 10 sights, which was phenomenal. We were able to see authentic Berlin neighborhoods, where locals live. I loved that because it shows real life. The touristy parts and landmarks are incredible, but I also like to see the real life of the countries I visit.
5. You have studied and worked under Honors College Dean Dr. Breanna Naegeli for the last eight years. Everyone knows her simply as “Dr. Bre.” Would you like to attain a similar stature?
Dr. Bre has shown me what it means to be a leader, what it takes to be a leader, as well as the struggles, challenges, and the joy and beauty of leadership. She’s a trailblazer. I want people to know me as a reliable and a loyal worker, as well as someone who cares about her students. For the number of students I get to work with, whether it’s through global education, mission trips or personal mentorship, I want to be known as someone who cares about students’ successes and is ready to come alongside her students on their educational journey.
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