Policy Scholarship Recipients

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  • Name: Liyana Illyas

    Recipient Year: 2025

    Major: Journalism

    Description: Liyana Illyas is a rising junior at New York University, double majoring in Journalism and Politics on the pre-law track. Deeply passionate about civil rights and storytelling, she is committed to using her voice to challenge injustice and uplift underrepresented communities—especially Muslim Americans. Her work as Deputy News Editor of the Washington Square News and Associate Editor of NYU’s Undergraduate Law Review, as well as her internships with a judge, at a law firm, and with CAIR-NY have deepened her interest in advocacy, communications, and the law. Liyana understands the value of resilience and the power of finding purpose in change. Looking ahead, she hopes to pursue a legal career focused on civil liberties, while continuing to work in journalism and policy to combat Islamophobia and misrepresentation. She aspires to be a bridge between communities, ensuring Muslim voices are centered and heard.

    School Name: New York University

    Sponsor: Zehra Attari Memorial Scholarship

    LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liyana-illyas/

    Recipient Type: Scholarship Recipient