This summer, I had the opportunity to partner with the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC). My work aligned directly with the goals of UN Sustainable Development Goal 16: Promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. Through policy advocacy, legal support, and community engagement, I contributed to efforts that promote equity and justice within institutions that have historically marginalized Arab Americans.

Addressing UN Sustainable Development Goal #16: 

At ADC, I actively contributed to promoting inclusive institutions and equitable access to justice for Arab Americans. My work focused on policy advocacy, ensuring that proposed legislation at both local and national levels would serve the Arab American community fairly and effectively.

I witnessed and participated in advocacy efforts that ranged from individual legal representation to systemic institutional reform. The legal department provided critical support to individuals and groups facing identity-based discrimination, ensuring they had access to justice and legal protection. Meanwhile, the policy and education departments worked to dismantle structural barriers and promote accountability and inclusivity across public institutions.

My involvement in this work allowed me to contribute meaningfully to structural change, helping build more just and inclusive systems in alignment with SDG 16.

Personal and Professional Growth: 

Working across multiple departments taught me the importance of teamwork and clear communication in achieving shared goals. 

I also strengthened my ability to synthesize complex policy documents and translate them into accessible, engaging content. As I was tasked with creating social media posts about proposed legislation, I had to ensure that my analysis was both comprehensive and understandable to a general audience. 

I believe this skill will be valuable as I continue both my academic and professional journey, where I will often need to present ideas and research to audiences with varying levels of background knowledge. Being able to communicate effectively across contexts is crucial to making meaningful impact. 

The Arab American Community: 

My favorite part of the summer was working within the Arab American community. I was deeply moved by how members of the community consistently went to great lengths to support one another and contribute to the greater good. While personal differences are inevitable in any group, a shared sense of purpose helped unite individuals and inspire meaningful, collective efforts. 

Definition of Leadership: 

Over the summer, my definition of leadership evolved to place a greater emphasis on humility. I found myself more willing to trust and collaborate with leaders who were open about their doubts or discomfort, rather than those who constantly projected unwavering confidence. This authenticity made their leadership feel more relatable and trustworthy, showing me that vulnerability can be a powerful strength in effective leadership.