"We are just thrilled to have Zainab join our CSAS team," says Madhumita Lahiri, CSAS interim director. "As a recent student at the University of Michigan, she has a nuanced understanding of our diverse and dynamic student body. With her hire, we look forward to expanding student engagement with the Center, whether through student-led programming ideas or through new audiences for our existing events."
Hakim recently graduated from U-M with a Bachelor of Arts in History of Art, Women’s and Gender Studies, and a minor in Islamic Studies.
"I had a really good academic experience at Michigan," says Hakim. "I had at least one class every semester that helped change my worldview.
"In addition, my work with student organizations on campus helped me develop organizational and professional skills and created friendships and community for me."
Hakim was involved with a variety of organizations during her undergraduate studies, including the Wolverine Support Network, Students for Justice in Palestine, and the United Asian American Organizations, where she served as vice president.
"I was drawn to this job because the Center has such interesting programs and resources, and I want to help make sure students know that these things are available," adds Hakim.
The Academic Program Specialist at the Center for South Asian Studies works closely with the center director and cluster manager to develop and implement programming activities that will serve the U-M community and beyond. They are a central figure in the center who supports faculty and center-led initiatives.
