Rukia Abed is a first-year Psychology major at Ithaca College who is passionate about youth empowerment, faith, and community building. On campus, she serves as the Social Media Director for Voices of Equity, where she helps amplify student activism and campus initiatives centered on inclusion and justice. She also serves as the Event Coordinator Advisor for the Muslim Student Association, planning events that bring Muslim students together and promote cultural understanding.
Over the summer, Rukia co-founded Daughters of Deen, a nonprofit dedicated to creating a supportive community for Muslim girls in the Ithaca area through mentorship and faith-based programs. Beyond campus, she volunteers at her local mosque and participates in community service projects focused on youth and food access. Through her work, Rukia hopes to build safe, empowering spaces where young people,especially girls of color and Muslim youth, can find belonging, mentorship, and confidence in their identities.