Mariam Khan of Arlington, Va., has been named the 2016-2017 recipient of the University of Mary Washington’s Citizenship Award for Diversity Leadership.
The annual award is given to a rising senior enrolled as a full-time student in an undergraduate degree program at UMW. The student must maintain high academic standards, possess characteristics of leadership and make a personal commitment to advocating an appreciation for diversity and inclusion on campus. As the award recipient, Khan will serve as an active spokesperson for diversity inclusion, a peer mentor to students and a voice for underrepresented populations.
“I hope to continue the work of diversity and inclusion on UMW’s campus,” said Khan, a double major in sociology and women’s and gender studies who was born in Kashmir. “A good leader immerses themselves in their cause while also being a guiding hand, and I think I can do that for UMW.”
Khan has been a leader within the student body since her arrival on campus three years ago. A highly active member and past president of the Islamic Student Association (ISA), Khan has helped to organize campus-wide programs such as Fast-A-Thon and panel discussions that have helped foster a better understanding of Islam and Muslims. She also participates in the UMW chapter of UNICEF; is an executive board member of Women of Color; and has served as an orientation leader to welcome new students to UMW for two summers.
During her senior year, Mariam will continue to be a member of the Student Government Association’s Diversity and Unity Coordinating Committee and the student-run Finance Committee. She will continue her role as a RISE (Resources Inspiring Student Excellence) mentor, helping new student adjust to a college setting. In addition, she plans to live in the university’s Framar House, an international living community, where she will implement events that promote diversity and inclusion within the UMW community.
After graduation, Khan plans to pursue graduate work in women and gender studies in preparation for a role that contributes to fighting for the equality of women around the world.