What does it mean to be a leader? This is a question we are asked from the second we start school to the day we start our first job, and it is a question that we continue to ponder through our lives. A leader is someone who is so passionate about something that she is willing to dedicate her life to it. A leader is someone who is generous with her time and a friend to all. A leader finds her power in empowering others.
At American University, we have many women who fit the above descriptions. But one woman in particular stands out – Deborah Carey is an undergraduate student in the School of International Service studying Economics and IR, with a focus on the Global Economy in East Africa. Deborah is also a Program Associate in University College for World Politics, and a sister of Delta Gamma. She exemplifies some of the best qualities of a leader, and has thus been nominated as our Her Campus Woman of the Year, SIS.
Let Deborah tell you about herself, and see why she is a most deserving winner of Woman of the Year.
Her Campus: Tell us about yourself!
Deborah Carey: It’s always hard to describe yourself… let’s see, I love running in DC, Bikram yoga, being outdoors (especially hiking and beach volleyball), meeting new people (especially on public transportation!), and traveling.
The summer before my senior year of high school I went on a service trip to a rural area of Zambia focused on water filtration. That trip is what spurred my interest in International Service, thus beginning my journey as a student at AU!
Since then I’ve served as an Americorps Corps Member through Jumpstart my freshman year, and tried the non-profit world at an internship in Zanzibar, Tanzania over this past summer. As the Communications intern at The Zanzibar Youth Education Environment Development Support Association, I was able to participate in a grassroots organization run by local leadership. Their economic empowerment projects really excited me, and since then I have deepened my interest in Economics by adding it as my second major.
I am currently the IT Training Intern at Peace Corps, where I am completely outside my comfort zone but enjoy learning new skills and business practices every day! I will be going abroad next year, hopefully on a Boren Scholarship to study Swahili at a homestay in Tanzania. If not, I was admitted to the AU Nairobi Development Program. I am also an applicant for American University’s BA/MA program in International Affairs: International Economic Relations. Fingers crossed!
HC: What makes you feel powerful?
DC: My mom’s best friend had an expression that resonated with me: “no matter what happens, no one can take your hope away”.
I try to keep that mindset – regardless of the factors beyond my control, I can decide how I will respond, and that decision can completely change my attitude. When it comes to feeling powerful, wearing heels can always help, but keeping perspective and a positive attitude is what truly gives me control over my circumstances.
HC: What are you passionate about?
DC: If I have learned nothing else as a student at AU, I have found that issues of inequality are interrelated. So while I am pursing passions spurred by global economic inequality in my studies, I have found that advocating for change in this arena has also made me more passionate about feminism, climate change, maintaining peace, LGBTQ issues, water rights, political representation–really anything that causes or exacerbates these economic issues.
Within economic inequality, I am fascinated by topics of trade, and how we can harness the self-interest of business, state, and individual actors to make trade fairer (especially to marginalized people) in our interdependent world.
HC: What women do you look up to?
DC: I know saying my mom is cliché, but truly, you should meet my mom. She’s the most passionate, hard-working person I know, who knows there’s a plan bigger than her own and works toward it with fervor. I also constantly learn from the writing of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, especially as an American (and female) wanting to work on behalf of the US in African political and economic affairs. If we’re being honest, I also have a small girl crush on Hillary Clinton (#ready).
HC: What inspires you?
DC: I’m inspired every day by the people around me. With the endless exposure to news and social networking, I think we have the potential to be consumed with constant reminders about how terrible people can be. But people can be really great, too. When my friends, and even strangers overcome adversity or inch closer toward their goals, I am always inspired by their example. Above all, though, I am inspired by my faith. It gives me purpose and reminds me to zoom out and remember the greater plan I am a piece of.
HC: Where do you see yourself in ten years?
DC: In 10 years I hope to be working at a job in US-African trade policy that is exciting, utilizes my skills, and allows me to continually learn and travel. Personally, I would love to be close to my parents and sister, and be married with a family of my own.
HC: What advice would you give to women who want to empower other women?
DC: I would advise them try to live every day purposefully, staying true to their values and pursuing their passions. Beyond that, I would encourage them to put their well-being first, but others at a close second. When we are gone no one will care what was one our resumes, but the impact we had on others. I find the most empowering women to be those that humbly work hard for what they believe is right, and uplift others with their spirit and encouragement.
Photography: Kristie Chua
Update: Deborah has been awarded the Boren Scholarship!