Nawal’s story is full of leadership, determination, and resilience to create a better future for herself and her community. Born in a refugee camp, she grew up facing challenges and hardships that people could not begin to imagine. However, these challenges planted compassion and ambition deep in her heart.
Nawal’s parents came to the United States where they worked hard to give hope and opportunities to her and her siblings. Throughout everything, Nawal has been inspired by her uncle who came to America completely on his own, without having a place to go or even knowing the language and her father who has taught her how much determination and hard work means. Their courage and perseverance cause them to be role models for Nawal, giving her the motivation to approach her own goals.
At Hoover high school, Nawai Ali is an extremely involved student, she has become an active and passionate leader. She participates in many clubs but one of her proudest accomplishments is founding and serving as president of the Muslim Student Association, (MSA). She created this group to serve as a safe space for women, where they can feel supported and connected. Nawal thinks that the creation of a welcoming environment is crucial, and her leadership reflects her caring characteristics. Along with this, she is also a member of Cardinals Interact and Upward Bound, both of which are and have been central to her growth as a student and as a person. These programs have not only given her academic resources during difficult times but have also helped her build her confidence and build her public speaking skills. Through upward bound she has contributed to her community by painting murals for Linda Vista, a very important experience for her.
Grateful for the opportunities she has received, Nawal hopes to keep her horizons open for her future university but is setting her sights on UC Berkeley. She aspires to do something in the medical or psychological field in hopes to be able to help people in her future as people have helped her in her past. She hopes to be able to help people physically and emotionally. Beyond medicine, she also wants to use her voice to advocate for her people and raise awareness about the struggles they continue to face.
Nawal’s faith plays a crucial part in her journey. She believes that God wants her to strive to be her best, to achieve great things, and to give back to others. With her resilience, leadership, and devotion, Nawal Ali is not only shaping her own future but is also inspiring those around her.
