105

A year ago I got a chance to sit down with one of my closest friends and talk about college, life and her upcoming life goals

Rianjali is a South Asian American, singer-songwriter/composer from Queens, NY. A former domestic violence case worker, Ria was Hindustani classically trained as a child, and learned Western vocals after being admitted to the prestigious La Guardia High school for the Performing Arts (the "FAME" school). Since trying her hand in the music industry she has steadily built a resume of notable work, including multiple projects under Oscar winning composer, A.R. Rahman’s direction. Over the past few years, she’s gathered a collection of notable credits including performing with U2, A.R. Rahman, music supervising a Netflix Documentary, being Oscar-shortlisted for best Original Song, performing with Shawn Mendes at the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, being the first South Asian american to sing for the Nets at the Barclay’s Center, composing for a Broadway musical in production and more.

Asha Dahya is a TEDx Speaker, author and producer with nearly 2 decades of experience creating content for major broadcast and digital platforms including FOX, ABC, MSN, and MTV. In 2020 Asha released her first book titled ‘Today’s Wonder Women: Everyday Superheroes Who Are Changing The World’ where she interviewed 50 women and girls from around the world. Asha is also the Founder and Editor in Chief of GirlTalkHQ.Com: a daily female empowerment blog promoting women’s voices stories. Asha is passionate about the intersections of female representation, reproductive justice, and religion. She is currently working on 2 documentary projects about abortion.

My name is Mikayla, and I am a 23 y/o certified nutrition coach, period activist, and aspiring yoga teacher. I just launched my online nutrition coaching business where I focus on helping women build confidence through healthy eating. You can find me on Instagram and TikTok @mikayla_nutrition_. If you have any questions, I would love to connect!

Yasmeen recently graduated from Columbia University where she earned her bachelor’s in Political Science. At Columbia, Yasmeen served as the co-founder and president of Columbia University Black Pre-Professional Society, an organization that provides career resources for underrepresented minorities on campus. Yasmeen interned for NY State Senator, Alessandra Biaggi, America Needs You, and Venture for America. In addition to serving as a Fellow, Yasmeen is also the Campaign Program Facilitator for Chad Klitzman for Broward Supervisor of Elections. Yasmeen is passionate about voter education, diversity, and community engagement.

Dr. Meera Shah is a family medicine physician currently serving as the chief medical officer of Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic in New York. Shah is a strong advocate for increasing sexual and reproductive health access in underserved areas and to underserved communities.

Yamini Nambimadom is a performer, writer, and recent college grad who has spent the last eight years doing comedy in and around Chicago and LA. Find her on the internet @showmetheyamz (twitter), @yaminidoescomedy (IG), @whatstheyamz (tiktok) and check out her podcast, Pillow Fight!

My name is Madison, I am 21 years old. I am a relational organizer for Progressive Turnout Project, a voter turnout organization where I reach out to democrats to ensure everyone has a plan to make their voice heard for this upcoming election. I volunteer with the Fight4HER campaign, a women's reproductive rights group that advocates and pledges for women not just in America, but across the world. I am most passionate about immigration and civil rights, and I moved to Southern Arizona from Portland Oregon to study indiginous people three years ago. I am also a part of the PCAO Community Justice Boards, an organization that uses restorative justice for youth who have recently gotten convicted of a crime. We are all about giving back to our community! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me for outlets on how you can do more. Insta: @allegedlymadison Twitter: @mpiatah

Faria is a college senior, pursuing an interdisciplinary  B.A. in Human Rights. After personal experiences with assault and relationship abuse her freshman year, Faria started @webelievethem, a platform to discuss assault,sexuality,healthy relationships,self love, and how to best be an ally to survivors.  When she is not working on @webelievethem, Faria can be  found interning for a women's rights organization, spending lots of  time with her dog,skateboarding,thrifting,and gardening. Faria hopes to dedicate her life to human rights law,spreading awareness of assault and post traumatic disorder, and promoting intersectional feminism.  If you need resources regarding sexual assault,body image, or sexuality, dont hesitate to reach out in the @webelievethem DM's !