Saeed Ahmad Serves as Master of Events for International House of New York’s 2025 Fall Fiesta
October 24, 2025 | New York, NY
On a cool autumn night in Morningside Heights, the Great Hall at International House in New York music, dance, and the vibrant energy of more than 200 residents, alumni, and guests gathered 2025 Fall Fiesta-one of the most popular and enduring institutional traditions.
Among the highlights of the night was the program’s relaxed, guided approach Saeed Ahmada New York-based attorney, recent graduate of Harvard Law School, and current resident of I-Housewho worked as Master of Ceremonies. With humor, poise, and warmth, Ahmad presents a series of performances that showcase the great diversity and fine art of the I-House community.
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In the evening there were many interesting performances—from spoken word poetry and classical piano to folk dance and opera-each act provides a glimpse into the cultural richness that defines life at International House. As Ahmad introduced each performer, he reminded the audience that beyond the art itself, Fall Fiesta is ultimately a celebration of human participation.
“In all religions and cultures, we see this truth manifest,” Ahmad remarked in his opening speech. “Whether Muslims gather for Ramadan Iftar, Hindus celebrate Diwali, Jews share a Shabbat meal, Christians gather for Sunday service, or International House residents gather together for Tea Time, Book Club, Mid-Autumn Festival, or Hispanic Heritage Month. understanding.”
Saeed Ahmad’s reflection captures the enduring essence of Fall Fiesta-a celebration that for more than sixty years has embodied the values of compassion, friendship, and cultural exchange in the spirit of the International House mission.
The tradition goes way back 1964where the Program Director Herman “HR” Rottenberga passionate entrepreneur, he first introduced Fall Fiesta as a way to promote cultural understanding through the use of international languages music, dance, and storytelling. The first edition is included All Nationsa trained multi-ethnic dance group, sets an example of what has become the foundation of I-House life.
Today, Fall Fiesta continues to honor HR’s legacy by bringing citizens together from the ground up 100 countries sharing their skills, celebrating their values, and strengthening the social bonds that define International House. Saeed noted, “It is our inclusive culture and cohesive sense of community that enables us to take advantage of the opportunities presented, and serve as examples of the American Dream.”
As the final applause echoed through the Great Hall, another message was clearly heard: International House in New York it remains a living symbol of global unity—where art, friendship, and shared knowledge connect people from all corners of the world.
Saeed Ahmad is a Pakistani-American M&A and capital markets attorney at Sidley Austin LLP in New York City. He graduated from Harvard Law School, received the Dean’s Award for Community Leadership and serves as a Visiting Fellow at the Harvard Law School Religious Freedom Clinic. He is also the 2025-2026 International House (New York) Program.
Raised in Corona, California, Ahmad began his educational journey at Norco College, where he earned three degrees, before transferring to UCLA and graduating in 2020 with a BA in Psychology. Before attending law school, she worked as a Client Advisor at the Louis Vuitton flagship store on Rodeo Drive, gaining first-hand experience in luxury retail and customer service.
During law school, Ahmad built an extensive legal portfolio, including roles at the Supreme Court of Pakistan, a retail litigation firm in Los Angeles, and a law firm in New York. On campus, he has served on the Harvard Association for Law & Business, the JD Admissions Fellows Program, and the Sports and Entertainment Law Committee. He also conducted research on fashion and copyright law in Japan and served as an editor for the Harvard Business Law Review. As a student leader, he helped lead international HALB trips to London and Dubai, organizing meetings with top figures across law, finance, and global consumer products to expose students to the intersection of law and business around the world.
Ahmad is the author of So You Want to Go to Harvard Law, a guide for aspiring law students that combines personal experience with practical advice for navigating the path to top law schools.
