Abdirizak Ali
Mary Gates Leadership Scholar, Winter 2022
Leadership Project: Avela
Project Description: Our project goal was to not only create an inclusive space for current UW students from marginalized backgrounds, but to collectively organize in order to increase minority STEM participation. We currently do this through a K-14 outreach organization founded by, and predominantly composed of URM undergraduates at UW with the aim to bridge the opportunity gap currently present in the public education system by increasing minority participation in STEM through workshops, classes, panels, and tutoring.
What have you learned throughout your leadership project?
I joined the organization with the intention to build upon the leadership and coding curriculum with the intention of strengthening community partners to the Rainier Beach area.
What piece of advice do you have for future applicants?
One piece of advice I would recommend is to find something to do, whether it is giving back to the community or working on a research project. Find a way to include what you enjoy doing into your work.