2008 New Leaders Summer Interns
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Adeela Tajdar
Hometown: Darien, Connecticut
Age: 21
School: College of William and Mary
Interests: Writing, cultural exploration, interfaith work to further humanitarian causes, human rights, conflict resolution, self-reflection
Internship: Wallace Global Fund
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Adeela is a first-generation Pakistani-American from Darien, Connecticut. She recently completed her junior year at the College of William and Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. At William & Mary, Adeela was finally able to explore her South Asian and Muslim background through both organizational and academic opportunities.
She will complete her bachelor’s degree next year with a double major in International Relations and Global Studies, with a concentration in Middle Eastern Studies. Adeela will also serve in the Student Assembly as Secretary of Diversity Initiatives and lead the Muslim Student Association as president for the 2008-2009 academic year. Adeela hopes to assist humanitarian and social justice causes in a variety of ways. In particular, she would like to increase knowledge about the Islamic tradition and participate in interfaith work, hoping to decrease negative stereotypes and judgment from both within and outside of the Muslim community. |
"On a personal level, I faced a lot of hardship embracing my identity, and especially after 9-11, was the victim of discrimination. With time, my compassion for people from a variety of backgrounds has also grown, as well as my passion towards working for social justice and equality."
- Adeela Tajdar,
2008 New Leaders Summer Intern |
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| More about Adeela |
What are you most passionate about?
I am most passionate about creating a world in which social justice is a norm, cultural awareness and understanding are paramount, and human rights are guaranteed for all world citizens. More specifically, I hope to create safe haven spaces for women and children who undergo domestic violence and sexual assault throughout the Muslim world.
You're stranded on a deserted island. What is one book or album that you can't live without?
A scrapbook containing pictures of my closest family members and friends, favorite quotes, old journal entries - anything to help me remember past moments and from them, gain faith and strength for the future.
What do you hope to take away from your experience as a CPL New Leader?
As a CPL New Leader, I hope to be challenged and inspired, moved by peoples’ stories and motivated to not only reflect, but to take action in order to better the lives of those around me. I hope to leave with more of a focus in regards to how exactly I fit in and can assist the progressive movement, as well as with more confidence in my own voice and story.
What experience sparked your desire to intern at a progressive organization and apply to the New Leaders Program?
My passion for fighting discrimination and helping the less fortunate is augmented by my experiences as a first generation Pakistani-American Muslim. On a personal level, I faced a lot of hardship embracing my identity, and especially after 9-11, was the victim of discrimination. Looking back the struggles I have overcome are empowering, and my understanding of the personal conflicts that come about with such struggles has grown. With time, my compassion for people from a variety of backgrounds has also grown, as well as my passion towards working for social justice and equality.
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