Assistant Director; South Asian, Southwest Asian, and North African (SSWANA)
How long have you been at Berkeley?
I’ve been at UC Berkeley since August 2021. I graduated from here in May 2025 with a degree in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research, and a minor in Middle Eastern Languages and Cultures. I began working here after graduating and officially started in this role in January 2026. I’ve held a variety of roles on campus, and my strengths lie in marketing, communications, data analysis, and community-centered work. It’s been a beautiful experience, and I’m thrilled to be here.
What do you love most about working here?
It’s cliché, but I really do love the people. I love being able to mentor and support students, meet changemakers on campus, and be involved with the advocacy and support efforts of our communities. My role allows me to connect with people from everywhere, which is truly a privilege. It’s both gratifying and humbling to remember the small role I get to play in supporting students in their journeys, and the larger role I try to play in the campus community.
What's your job?
My job is the Assistant Director of the SSWANA (South Asian, Southwest Asian, and North African) Student Development Office. I work closely with our student leaders and interns to plan and execute programs that support SSWANA students on campus, help oversee the SSWANA Living Learning Community in our residence halls, and collaborate with campus partners on communications and initiatives that foster belonging.
What's a great day at work look like for you?
A great day at work is when I have no emails left in my inbox, get to chat with my coworkers and interns about the projects they’re building, meet with my SSWANA Living Learning Community students, and grab a honey lavender latte from 1951 Coffee Company. I feel really lucky to be surrounded by such thoughtful and creative people, and being able to learn from the individuals who make up the Berkeley campus is a gift.
Where's your favorite place on campus?
I love Wheeler Hall, especially the lounge! It’s such a beautiful building, and it was the first one I visited on campus, so it holds a special place in my heart. I know it’s where all the major midterms are held… but I love it so much. I’m also obsessed with the grove of cherry blossom trees near the Valley Life Sciences Building.
Fun fact about me:
I love to read and write poetry! After a few years of talking myself out of it, I finally published a poem in threads Magazine at UC Berkeley in Spring 2025.
Calling All Silent Minorities by June Jordan has been especially grounding for me in this role. Some other poems that have resonated with me lately are Portrait of My Nose by Mohammed el-Kurd, Ode to Friendship by Noor Hindi, and I Worried by Mary Oliver.