Flyers on the Women and Gender Studies Center door are nothing out of the ordinary. However, over the past several months, visitors may have noticed a number of service projects and donation drives advertised. The collaboration between the Muslim Student Association and Women and Gender Studies has helped to raise awareness and service the local community. One noted leader in these service projects is student leader Sidra Kalsoom.
Sidra, a junior majoring in Global and Community Health and a frequent visitor of the Women and Gender Studies Center, has taken the lead in this new partnership. As outreach director for the Muslim Student Association, Sidra was the first to contact the program about new service opportunities. One project was a campaign for canned food drive that partnered with Muslims Without Borders. Another campaign, Spread the Dough, helped students drop off bread/goods to homeless shelters. Two projects in progress right now include an orphan sponsorship drive and a blanket drive for the homeless.
Sidra first learned about the Women and Gender Studies Center through a friend. During her first visit she recalls how nice and welcome the people at the center were. Now, a weekly visitor, Sidra has helped to lead new partnerships with the center and her student organization.
After graduation, Sidra plans to pursue graduate study in public health, work with developing countries, and work with children and on maternal health.
November 21, 2011
