I didn’t always see someone like me represented in healthcare or public health spaces. Being a visibly Muslim, Palestinian-American woman in academic and professional settings often meant having to explain myself before I could be heard. Over time, I’ve come to realize that the very parts of my identity that once made me feel different are also the reason I care so deeply about justice, health, and community. My mother is one of the strongest women I know. She studied architecture and loved her work, but when my youngest brother became seriously ill as a baby, she made the decision to leave her job and be fully present for our family. Later, she started her own business—Sama Rose Boutique—where she now uplifts Palestinian and Muslim culture through clothing, home goods, and storytelling. Her journey taught me that strength doesn’t always look like a degree or job title. It looks like sacrifice, creativity, and showing up every day with intention. Watching her navigate hardship while building something meaningful taught me that leadership is often quiet, rooted in love, and deeply tied to community. I carry those values with me in my own educational and professional journey. I’m currently pursuing a Master of Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with a concentration in Health Equity, Social Justice, and Human Rights. My work is grounded in uplifting those who are most often ignored in public health systems—refugee women, Indigenous communities, and survivors of violence. I’ve conducted research on reproductive health access in Lebanon and Greece, worked with domestic violence survivors in North Carolina, and now I’m in the Peruvian Amazon, partnering with the Shipibo-Konibo people on participatory research related to an underdiagnosed virus in their community that primarily impacts women. We’re using creative and community-led methods like storytelling, body mapping, and art to understand and document their experiences. My goal is to attend medical school so I can combine clinical training with public health knowledge and grassroots experience. I want to work with displaced and underserved populations, particularly women, in the Middle East and other areas affected by conflict. I also hope to continue creating space for stories that are often overlooked—especially those shaped by faith, culture, and struggle. This scholarship would reduce the financial burden I carry as a graduate student from a working-class immigrant family. But more importantly, it honors the women like my mother—and Ismat Tariq—whose quiet strength has shaped the lives of so many. I hope to carry their legacy forward in the work I do.

Pursuing a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Health Equity, Social Justice, and Human Rights at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has been both a personal and professional calling. As a Palestinian-American woman, I’ve witnessed the consequences of structural violence and systemic inequities—particularly how they manifest in communities affected by displacement, poverty, and limited access to healthcare. Receiving the OMC Graduate Scholarship would not only alleviate the financial burden of graduate education but also empower me to continue my mission to support vulnerable populations through equitable, community-driven health interventions. From a young age, I was drawn to stories of resilience and injustice. My passion for global health and gender equity was sparked by reading Half the Sky, which illuminated the intersection of health and human rights for women worldwide. This interest evolved into action through my undergraduate studies in public health and global studies, and deepened through international experiences in Thailand and my ongoing practicum with the Shipibo-Konibo Indigenous community in Pucallpa, Peru. There, I am using participatory methods—like art, body mapping, and photovoice—to explore the psychosocial impacts of neglected diseases and barriers to care. These experiences continue to reinforce my belief in the power of culturally grounded, community-led solutions to public health challenges. Despite my passion and drive, financing graduate school has been a significant challenge. I am the daughter of small business owners and a second-generation Palestinian-American—realities that have taught me the value of hard work but also the financial constraints faced by many first-generation graduate students. I currently balance rigorous academic responsibilities with part-time work and volunteer commitments, including my involvement in the Student Health Action Coalition and research on refugee health access in Lebanon and Greece. The OMC Graduate Scholarship would allow me to reduce financial stress, freeing up more time and energy to focus on my studies, practicum, and community-engaged research. My long-term goal is to become a physician with a strong foundation in public health, working with organizations such as Doctors Without Borders or the UNHCR in the Middle East. I aspire to support refugee and displaced women by improving access to reproductive healthcare, advocating for culturally competent services, and addressing the psychosocial toll of forced migration. Receiving this scholarship would affirm my commitment to academic excellence and human rights advocacy, while helping me continue to bridge clinical care and public health in underserved communities. This scholarship represents more than financial support—it represents an investment in someone who is determined to make a tangible impact on the lives of others. With your support, I will continue to grow as a compassionate, skilled public health leader and future physician, dedicated to uplifting marginalized voices and creating sustainable change.

From a young age, I understood that health is not just the absence of disease—it is deeply intertwined with justice, dignity, and access. As a second-generation Palestinian-American and a Master of Public Health candidate focused on Health Equity, Social Justice, and Human Rights, I have seen firsthand how systemic barriers limit access to care, especially for displaced and marginalized communities. My lived experience, coupled with my academic and community work, has shaped a clear aspiration: to become a medical doctor who serves on the frontlines of global health, particularly in conflict-affected regions like the Middle East. My journey toward medicine has not been linear or easy. I come from a family of immigrants who, like Emanuel “Manny” Weiner, made sacrifices that delayed or denied their educational dreams due to financial hardship. I was raised in a modest household that values education deeply, but like many children of immigrants, I have had to navigate higher education with limited financial resources and little generational wealth to fall back on. Throughout my undergraduate and graduate studies, I have worked part-time jobs, applied for scholarships, and taken out loans to finance my education. As I look toward medical school, the financial burden is daunting. Still, I refuse to let that deter me from my calling. My interest in medicine is rooted in my public health work with refugees, survivors of domestic violence, and Indigenous communities. Whether it was supporting women fleeing gender-based violence in North Carolina or conducting participatory research with Indigenous communities in Peru, I’ve witnessed how the lack of culturally competent, accessible healthcare causes long-term physical and emotional harm. These experiences have solidified my commitment to practicing trauma-informed, equitable medicine—one that centers the voices and needs of underserved populations. The financial challenges I’ve faced have not only strengthened my resolve but have also given me a unique lens of empathy and humility. I understand what it means to choose between medication and groceries, or to delay care due to cost. As a future physician, I will carry these lessons with me into every patient interaction. I want to be the doctor who listens without judgment, advocates fiercely for systemic change, and makes healthcare feel like a human right, not a privilege. In many ways, I see my dream as a continuation of what Manny Weiner had once hoped to achieve. It would be an honor to carry forward his legacy by becoming the physician he never had the chance to be. This scholarship would bring me one step closer to that goal—not just by alleviating financial pressure, but by affirming that stories like mine are worth investing in. Thank you for considering my application. I am committed to serving with compassion, courage, and justice—qualities I hope will define my practice as a future M.D.

As a graduate student pursuing a Master of Public Health in Health Equity, Social Justice, and Human Rights at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, my career aspirations are deeply rooted in addressing healthcare disparities, particularly among marginalized communities. My passion for global health stems from my experiences working with survivors of domestic violence, advocating for refugees, and conducting research on reproductive health barriers among displaced populations. After completing my MPH, I intend to further my education by attending medical school. My goal is to integrate public health and clinical practice to address systemic inequities in healthcare, with a particular focus on cancer research and prevention. Given the disproportionate impact of cancer on vulnerable populations, I am committed to ensuring that research and treatment efforts are accessible and equitable, particularly for those facing structural barriers to care. Through my academic and professional journey, I have been engaged in qualitative research on immigrant and refugee health, as well as global health projects focusing on women's reproductive rights. I believe that cancer research should not only advance treatment but also improve early detection, prevention, and education efforts for at-risk populations. This scholarship would provide me with the support needed to continue developing my research skills, contribute to innovative solutions in oncology, and ultimately work toward a future where healthcare is accessible to all. By pursuing both public health and medicine, I aspire to bridge the gap between research and patient care, ensuring that cancer prevention and treatment strategies reach those who need them most.

Education has always been my guiding force, shaping my identity and aspirations. As a first-generation immigrant and a woman in STEM, I understand firsthand the power of knowledge to transform lives and communities. If awarded the Damodhar Masram Excellence Scholarship, I would honor its vision by using this opportunity to advance technological solutions that promote health equity, particularly for marginalized populations, while inspiring others to pursue their passions fearlessly. My journey into STEM was fueled by a deep commitment to addressing global health disparities. As a Palestinian-American, I have witnessed the devastating impact of conflict, displacement, and healthcare inaccessibility. These experiences solidified my resolve to pursue a career at the intersection of public health, digital innovation, and social justice. Currently, I am pursuing a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Health Equity, Social Justice, and Human Rights, with the goal of leveraging digital technology to improve health outcomes for underserved communities. With this scholarship, I aim to bridge the gap between technology and public health by developing digital tools that enhance healthcare access for refugee and displaced populations. My research focuses on using technology-driven solutions, such as mobile health applications and blockchain-based medical records, to ensure continuity of care for individuals in crisis settings. By integrating cutting-edge digital innovations into public health strategies, I hope to create sustainable, scalable solutions that empower communities to take control of their health despite systemic barriers. Beyond my academic pursuits, I have actively engaged in initiatives that utilize technology to address social issues. My experience working with survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking has reinforced the importance of secure digital platforms for accessing essential services. Through collaborations with global organizations, I have contributed to projects that use technology to provide education, mental health support, and legal assistance to marginalized individuals. These experiences have deepened my appreciation for the transformative potential of digital tools in fostering resilience and empowerment. As a first-generation immigrant, my educational journey has been shaped by perseverance, sacrifice, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. My family instilled in me the belief that education is the key to breaking barriers and effecting meaningful change. However, navigating higher education as an immigrant presented challenges, from financial constraints to cultural adjustments. Despite these hurdles, I remained steadfast in my commitment to my goals, using every opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute. I take pride in my resilience and the community-driven mindset that has propelled me forward. Winning the Damodhar Masram Excellence Scholarship would not only support my academic journey but also enable me to create lasting change in the field of digital health. Inspired by Damodhar Masram’s legacy, I will continue to push boundaries, innovate, and advocate for equitable access to healthcare through technology. My vision aligns with the scholarship’s mission of fostering excellence, innovation, and transformative impact, and I am eager to carry forward its values in my work. With this opportunity, I will work tirelessly to develop digital solutions that serve those most in need, ensuring that technology becomes a tool for inclusion, empowerment, and justice. Through mentorship, advocacy, and innovation, I hope to inspire the next generation of immigrants and women in STEM to pursue their dreams with courage and determination. The Damodhar Masram Excellence Scholarship represents more than financial assistance—it is a beacon of hope and opportunity, and I am committed to honoring its vision by making a meaningful impact in my field and beyond.

As a second-generation Palestinian-American, my identity is deeply intertwined with a legacy of resilience, justice, and advocacy. My family’s history as refugees has shaped my worldview and instilled in me a commitment to creating a more equitable future. These values guide my pursuit of a Master of Public Health in Global Health and Epidemiology with a concentration in Health Equity, Social Justice, and Human Rights. My academic journey is driven by a passion for addressing health inequities and an understanding that health is deeply interconnected with politics, policy, and human rights. Health is not just a medical issue—it is a political one. Policies governing access to education, housing, and healthcare profoundly shape health outcomes, particularly for marginalized communities. My work reflects this intersection of health and policy. I have focused on barriers to education for girls in conflict zones, exploring how systemic inequities perpetuate cycles of poverty and poor health. I have also worked to address the social needs of underserved populations through upcoming volunteer roles with World Relief Durham, Middle Eastern Refugee Aid, the Student Health Action Coalition, and more. These experiences have reinforced my belief that achieving health equity requires addressing the structural determinants of health through both advocacy and action. My Palestinian heritage has profoundly influenced my goals and aspirations. The ongoing genocide in Gaza serves as a stark reminder of the inextricable link between health and human rights. The destruction of hospitals, schools, and essential infrastructure denies Palestinians their right to health, education, and dignity. These injustices drive my commitment to addressing health inequities, particularly for displaced populations. I am inspired by the resilience of Palestinian communities and their ability to preserve their culture and identity despite decades of displacement and adversity. Palestine’s history is a testament to the enduring struggle for justice. The Nakba of 1948, which marked the forced displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, is not only a historical event but a lived reality for many today. Cultural icons like Mahmoud Darwish have captured this ongoing struggle through poetry, while traditional crafts such as Palestinian embroidery symbolize resistance and heritage. These stories remind me of the power of resilience and the importance of advocating for those whose voices are often silenced. As I continue my studies, I aim to leverage my background in global health and epidemiology to address the intersection of health and policy. I envision a career where I can work at the nexus of public health and political advocacy, shaping policies that promote health equity and justice. Whether through research, policy development, or frontline work with organizations like Doctors Without Borders, I am committed to making a tangible impact in the lives of marginalized communities. This scholarship would enable me to further my education and amplify my advocacy, equipping me with the tools to challenge systemic inequities and promote justice on a global scale. By addressing the root causes of health disparities and advocating for policies that prioritize human rights, I hope to honor my Palestinian heritage and contribute to a future where health, dignity, and justice are accessible to all.

My journey toward mental health advocacy began with my own experiences managing ADHD, anxiety, and OCD. These challenges not only shaped my resilience but also fueled my commitment to supporting others in their mental health journeys. Through my studies in global health and epidemiology, I’ve come to understand how social, economic, and environmental factors affect mental health, particularly for vulnerable populations. I’ve also become deeply aware of the stigma surrounding mental health, especially in communities where cultural or economic barriers make seeking support difficult. As a student, I have volunteered to support peers struggling with mental health challenges, listening to their experiences and connecting them to resources that could help. I’ve worked to reduce stigma by openly discussing mental health in academic and community settings, sharing my story to show others that they’re not alone. This experience has shown me the importance of empathy and active listening, and it has encouraged me to create safe spaces where individuals feel seen and supported. My future career in healthcare will focus on serving communities where mental health resources are limited, particularly refugee and immigrant populations. I am dedicated to promoting mental health as an essential part of overall well-being and will advocate for accessible, culturally sensitive care. Through my work, I aim to foster an environment that prioritizes emotional well-being for both patients and healthcare providers. By bridging gaps in mental health care and challenging stigma, I hope to contribute to a more compassionate healthcare system that values every individual’s mental health journey.

Balancing academic responsibilities with mental health has been a journey of resilience, self-discovery, and growth for me. Living with ADHD, anxiety, and OCD means that my daily life and academic experiences come with unique challenges, but these conditions have also taught me the importance of self-awareness and proactive self-care. Managing my mental health while pursuing my studies in global health and epidemiology has required that I recognize my limits, seek support when needed, and build habits that allow me to thrive academically and personally. The impact of ADHD, anxiety, and OCD on my academics and personal life is multifaceted. ADHD brings a constant need to manage focus and organization, especially in a field that demands attention to detail and analytical thinking. Anxiety often accompanies me during exams or presentations, sometimes intensifying the pressure I feel to perform well. OCD brings its own complexities, adding layers of compulsive routines that can be hard to manage on top of my academic workload. However, these challenges have not only tested me—they’ve also taught me how to use my struggles as sources of strength and resilience. I’ve learned to value my mental health as the foundation upon which I build my success, and I make conscious efforts each day to support it. To prioritize my mental health, I use strategies that help me manage my conditions while staying productive and engaged in my academic work. I break my assignments into smaller tasks, use checklists, and set specific goals to keep myself organized. I also seek support from mental health professionals who have helped me develop coping mechanisms to navigate anxiety and manage compulsive routines. I practice mindfulness exercises, including breathing techniques and short meditations, to keep myself grounded when anxiety or OCD thoughts become overwhelming. By creating a structured environment and relying on positive routines, I can manage my mental health and excel academically. Prioritizing my mental health has also taught me compassion toward others, especially within my chosen field. As a woman in STEM studying global health, I am inspired to advocate for mental health awareness and support systems for others facing similar struggles. My experiences motivate me to contribute to programs and policies that destigmatize mental health issues, promote access to mental health services, and create supportive environments for students and professionals alike. This scholarship would allow me to focus on my studies with less financial stress, helping me prioritize both my education and mental health. With my background and firsthand understanding of mental health challenges, I aspire to make a difference for individuals and communities worldwide. By sharing my story and continuing my education, I hope to be part of the change that allows others to navigate their own challenges with confidence, resilience, and hope.

I chose to pursue a career in healthcare because I believe in the power of compassion, resilience, and equity to make a difference in the lives of vulnerable communities. Growing up as the daughter of a Palestinian immigrant mother, I was deeply influenced by her resilience, her commitment to community, and her belief in the transformative power of education. Watching her pursue her own path—leaving her homeland, earning a master’s degree in architecture while raising children, and starting a business that supports Muslim women—taught me the importance of perseverance, empathy, and creating spaces where people feel seen and valued. My path to healthcare took root as I became more aware of the health inequities faced by underserved populations, particularly refugees and women. As I pursue my Master of Public Health in global health and epidemiology, my studies are equipping me with the knowledge and skills to address these issues head-on. I’m drawn to healthcare because it is a field that not only heals but also empowers individuals, families, and communities. My goal is to work on the front lines of global health, contributing to programs and policies that improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations. As a woman in STEM and healthcare, I hope to be part of the movement that advances both gender equity and health equity. Women bring valuable perspectives to healthcare, especially in understanding and addressing the unique needs of marginalized groups. I believe my voice and experiences can contribute to shaping healthcare policies that are inclusive and culturally sensitive, creating a more just and effective healthcare system. Working in refugee health, I hope to create data-driven interventions that recognize the intersecting social, political, and economic barriers these communities face. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to focus fully on my studies and expand my practical experience through fieldwork and internships. My goal is to bring the skills I’m gaining into real-world settings where they can make a tangible difference, whether that’s in refugee camps, underserved urban areas, or policy organizations. The scholarship would be a stepping stone, allowing me to grow into a healthcare professional who can drive positive change, especially for populations that have traditionally been left behind. Healthcare is an inclusive field in which every voice matters, and I am committed to making mine one that advocates for health equity and justice. This scholarship would not only support my education but also empower me to help shape a healthier, more equitable world, building on the legacy of strong women like my mother who inspire me every day.

My journey has been shaped by resilience, ambition, and a desire to serve. As the daughter of a Palestinian immigrant mother who left behind her homeland to pursue a better life for her children, I grew up surrounded by stories of struggle, sacrifice, and strength. My mother’s path was filled with challenges, yet she taught me that education is a powerful tool to create positive change. She pursued a master’s degree in architecture while raising my siblings and me, despite the demands of raising a family and the obstacles she faced as a newcomer to the U.S. She later started a business to provide modest fashion for Muslim women, filling a gap she saw and creating a community space that celebrates our heritage and values. Her journey taught me the importance of resilience, the power of education, and the responsibility to support others. As a Muslim woman in STEM pursuing my Master of Public Health in global health and epidemiology, I am driven to address health inequities in refugee and women’s health. Like my mother, I have a deep commitment to helping others, and my education has been a key part of this journey. The financial challenges my family faced have made me acutely aware of how hard it can be to access higher education, yet these experiences have only strengthened my commitment to succeed and give back. My academic path has shown me that understanding health disparities and advocating for marginalized communities can bring meaningful, lasting change. This scholarship would be instrumental in supporting my educational journey. It would allow me to focus more fully on my studies and deepen my skills through research and hands-on experience. My goal is to work with organizations that address global health crises, particularly in vulnerable communities, so that I can advocate for health equity and design interventions that meet the unique needs of these populations. I am inspired by Ismat Tariq’s legacy of helping others and hope to make a similar impact through my career. To pay it forward, I plan to mentor young women from underserved backgrounds who aspire to careers in STEM. I have personally seen the impact of role models who look like me and share my values, and I want to provide that same guidance and encouragement to others. I also hope to work within my local community to promote health education and advocate for health resources for refugees and immigrants, continuing my mother’s legacy of empowering others. Through my career and community involvement, I am committed to honoring the values instilled in me: resilience, compassion, and the responsibility to uplift others. This scholarship would not only help me achieve my goals but also empower me to be a resource and mentor for future generations of Muslim women pursuing their dreams.

My mother is my biggest inspiration and the hardest-working person I know. Her journey from Palestine to the United States embodies resilience and dedication, as she navigated each challenge with strength and purpose. As a refugee and immigrant, she left behind everything familiar to build a new life in a foreign country, pursuing her master’s degree in architecture while raising two young children. When my brother faced health complications, she made the difficult decision to leave her job and devote herself to his care. But even as she put her family’s needs first, she continued to dream, eventually starting a business that would serve and empower women like herself. Recognizing a gap in the fashion industry for Muslim women who wanted stylish yet modest clothing, my mother turned an idea into reality. She began small, selling items at our local mosque and out of our garage, which she eventually renovated into a modest fashion store. I worked alongside her from a young age, helping set up displays, manage sales, and connect with customers who valued her vision. Through this experience, I learned the importance of hard work, perseverance, and entrepreneurship. But most importantly, my mother instilled in me a deep respect for education. “Your education is your foundation,” she would say, reminding me that knowledge opens doors and empowers us to create change. I am pursuing my MPH in global health and epidemiology because I want to make a positive impact on communities, especially in refugee health and women’s health. My mother’s journey taught me the value of resilience, and her example motivates me to push forward in my studies, even when the path is difficult. Like her, I hope to serve others by addressing gaps in access and equity, using the knowledge and skills I am gaining to advocate for those who face barriers to care and health. If awarded this scholarship, I would use the funds to support my education and enhance my ability to contribute to my community. The financial relief would allow me to focus more fully on my studies and gain practical experience through internships and fieldwork. I envision a career dedicated to creating a healthier, more just world, and I am inspired by my mother’s journey and her belief in the power of education and hard work. Through her guidance, I have learned the importance of resilience, compassion, and the courage to pursue my dreams. In the future, I hope to make her proud by building a career in global health that carries forward her values of community, service, and empowerment. This scholarship would be an invaluable support as I work toward becoming a leader in my field and making a meaningful impact on the lives of others.

I was in high school when I first witnessed the stark reality of health inequities. I met Rita, a young woman from Iraq who had fled her country due to conflict and struggled to access even basic healthcare. Her resilience inspired me, but her story also highlighted the pressing need for equitable healthcare. That experience planted a seed in me that eventually grew into a passion for global health and a commitment to a STEM career that addresses health inequities on a large scale. Today, as a graduate student pursuing an MPH in global health and epidemiology with a concentration in health equity, social justice, and human rights, I am actively working toward this vision. STEM gives me the analytical and methodological skills needed to understand and address complex health issues. By leveraging data and evidence-based practices, I aim to develop solutions for underserved populations facing barriers to care. Focusing my studies on refugee health and women's health feels like a natural progression from that early experience with Rita and others like her—people who embody resilience and strength but are still vulnerable to systemic health inequities. My goal is to work with an organization similar to Doctors Without Borders, directly applying my STEM knowledge to improve the lives of marginalized populations. Refugees, in particular, face intersecting challenges that go beyond physical health, often involving mental health, access to care, and socioeconomic stressors. Epidemiology offers the tools to not only identify these needs through rigorous data collection and analysis but also to develop targeted interventions that address the root causes of these disparities. As a woman in STEM, I also understand the unique challenges women face in both accessing and providing healthcare. The field of global health needs diverse voices and experiences to create meaningful, inclusive change. I am proud to be part of the growing community of women determined to lead within STEM. I believe that a more inclusive field is also a more innovative one, and I am committed to advocating for gender equity in global health at every stage of my career. Receiving this scholarship would significantly alleviate financial strain, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies and fieldwork. My MPH program has already provided invaluable training, and I am eager to bring these skills to underserved communities, where I can help bridge gaps in healthcare access and quality. I envision a future where every woman, every child, and every refugee has access to healthcare that respects their dignity and meets their needs, regardless of their circumstances. By supporting my education, this scholarship would enable me to pursue hands-on learning experiences, such as field research and internships with organizations dedicated to refugee health. These opportunities would be stepping stones to a career dedicated to advancing health equity, reducing disparities, and ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the care they deserve. I am driven by a desire to make a lasting impact in global health, inspired by the strength of women like Rita and countless others who fight for their health in the face of immense obstacles. With the support of this scholarship, I am ready to become part of the next generation of STEM leaders working toward a healthier, more equitable world.