Sowing Seeds of Leadership
If you’d asked University of Mary Washington senior Amira Said to describe herself when she first came to campus, she might have used the word “shy.” Now the Student Government Association (SGA) president and Class Council treasurer is anything but – especially when it comes to planning ASPIRE Week, a six-day celebration of UMW values.
“It really blossomed under her leadership,” said Associate Provost for Community Relations and Compliance Shavonne Shorter. “We would not be where we are without her.”
A key role on UMW’s Orientation team sparked her leadership journey. And when a desire to alleviate food waste led her to major in environmental science, she embarked on a quest to bring composting to campus, turning tossed-away meals into nourishment for University grounds. Her work was bolstered by a Fund for Mary Washington Impact Grant she received in spring 2025.
“I’m passionate about everything I do, especially sustainability,” said Said, who was born in Egypt. “We have a beautiful Earth. Why would you ever want to deplete it?”
A member of UMW’s Presidential Emerging Leaders Program, she’s also a RISE peer mentor, Student Enrichment Program counselor and COAR volunteer. She joined the President’s Council on Sustainability, presented at the Virginia Student Climate Action Summit, and interned with the Fredericksburg Clean and Green Commission and the Fund for the Public Interest in Washington, D.C.
“I look at myself back when I just came in as a freshman, and I’m like, ‘wow,’” said Said, who plans to pursue a master’s degree in environmental policy and become a consultant. “I don’t think I’d ever have imagined this.”
