I have had the privilege of knowing Hira since high school when we met through choir activities. She is a smart, kind and amazing woman that I have always taken inspiration from. Get to know her and the many ways she is involved at the University of Iowa.
(Photo credit: George Elossais, University of Iowa)
Hometown: West Des Moines, IA
Major: Economics and Ethics & Public Policy
Year: Sophomore
How did you choose your major? “I was always drawn towards policy, social justice issues and public speaking, and that was always my realm and always where my strengths lied. I want to get my MBA, and that’s where the business comes in with Economics. Ethics & Public Policy is a crossover of five different majors and a crossover of so many of my interests; there are so many things I’m fascinated with within it.”
What are your career goals for the future? “In a general sense I probably will end up on the corporate side but would still like to participate and contribute to organizations that talk about human rights, women’s rights and social justice; those are things that are really close to my heart. Also in the future, being able to advocate for people that are silent; I think that’s a common thread of everything I participate in is vocalizing and shining spotlights on things that I feel are underrepresented and under heard.”
Activities on Campus: Paperback Rhino, Women in Business, senator for University of Iowa Student Government (safety committee and governmental relations committee), Presidential Advisory Committee for Sexual Misconduct, Residential Assistant
What is Paperback Rhino? “It’s a competitive improv team, and we do a lot of long form, which is where you get a suggestion from the audience, and you do a series of scenes all in a row in a twenty minute block. You see a progression of character or a theme flow through. We perform twice a month on campus. We got selected to perform at Amy Schumer’s improv festival, that was a really cool experience, we got to be on a main stage. And then we won the national championship as well for the College Improv Tournament.”
(The winning team from 2015-2016)
What is your favorite part of being a residential assistant? “Since being an RA, I’ve been overwhelmed with how kind and amazing my residents are. I draw so much inspiration from them, and they’re so smart and so kind. Being able to help them and have that positive relationship, I love that.”
(Hira with some of her residents)
Favorite Place in the Whole World: Times Square in New York City
Favorite Drink: Mango Lassi
Favorite TV Show: Parks and Recreation
Go-To Late Night Snack: Mini M&M’s
Favorite Class at University of Iowa: Intro to Ethics
Favorite Professor at University of Iowa: Diane Jeske
Favorite Disney Princess: Mulan
Favorite Quote: “Well-behaved women seldom make history.” -Laurel Thatcher Ulrich
Advice for Incoming Students at University of Iowa: “Make personal connections with important people. Make a name for yourself. The more you can make those one on one connections with people who are already in those positions of power, I think the better you are in a position to leverage yourself later on.”
Thanks so much, Hira!