Interview by Annie Lin
What is your role at Yale?
I am currently a strategic analyst for Yale’s Office of Strategic Analysis, which serves as the University’s internal consulting team. In my role, I analyze quantitative and qualitative data – including student satisfaction, students’ use of university services, and academic outcomes – and work with University leaders to make data-driven decisions that will have the highest possible impact. I have worked on incredibly rewarding projects such as developing the Domestic Summer Award, a stipend that supports undergraduate students on financial aid who are pursuing unpaid summer opportunities in non-profits, NGOs, government institutions, or the arts.
I am also a resident fellow for Grace Hopper College. My husband and I live in the college and love being a part of the warm and vibrant community. I serve as an advisor to a group of wonderful first-year students, helping them navigate courses, majors, internships, and work-life balance. I also organize fun study breaks and trips for the students. Last year we went to Six Flags and the Met Opera in New York City. One added perk of being a resident fellow is being back on the meal plan, so please join us in the dining hall for a meal sometime!
Outside of work, I enjoy volunteering for the Asian Network at Yale (ANY), where I co-chair the career development committee and organize events around topics such as leadership and risk-taking in the workplace. Through ANY and the other affinity groups, I have developed relationships with incredible individuals across the University, who I otherwise may not have met.
Having been an undergraduate at Yale, this isn’t your first time living in New Haven. How did you find yourself back here and how has it been returning to campus in a new capacity?
While pursuing my Master’s degree in Economics at Columbia, I realized that I loved working with and being around people, and that I was interested primarily in applied research. I wanted my work to have a positive impact on those around me. After taking a course called Economics of Higher Education, I knew that I wanted to work at a University long-term and focus on issues such diversity, financial aid, and student success. This is what led me to pursue my current role in Yale’s Office of Strategic Analysis.
Being back at Yale has been an incredible experience. I’ve developed a deeper understanding of and appreciation for the University through my research and analysis as well as my engagements with faculty, students, and staff in a professional capacity. I also have more time now to appreciate and engage with the city of New Haven and all that it has to offer. I love attending musicals at the Shubert, going on hikes up East Rock, and grabbing ice cream at Arethusa with friends. I also serve on the Board of Directors for New Haven Reads, a non-profit organization that empowers children to succeed academically through one-on-one literacy tutoring and access to free book banks. Every Saturday morning, I tutor a wonderful third grader, which has been such a rewarding experience.
I have found the community at Yale to be as close-knit as I felt it was as an undergraduate. I have reconnected with old friends and made many new ones. On a random Thursday night, you will likely find me with friends playing Dominion and munching on Tate’s chocolate chip cookies.
What excites you about working in higher education?
I find the wide range of challenges we deal with in higher education to be incredibly stimulating, whether its issues of equal opportunity and access, student success, or capacity building and innovation. I also love that there are endless opportunities to learn while working at a university, with vast library resources; distinguished politicians, scientists, athletes, and activists visiting campus; and practical workshops and lectures. Finally, the thing that excites me most about working in higher education is the impact. Very few jobs offer the opportunity to have such a strong impact on individual experiences, cutting-edge research, and future generations. At a place like Yale, we are shaping the future leaders of the world and hopefully empowering them with the tools they need to successfully implement positive change in their communities.
Would you introduce us to someone in your life who gives you strength?
My mom and my dad have given me strength throughout my life. They always put family first and support both my brother and me in whatever we want to pursue. They attended every major and minor event in our lives from taekwondo matches and science fairs to moving into college and graduations. It’s comforting to know that I can always rely on my parents to be there whenever I need them. One of my highlights every day is talking to them on the phone, telling them about my day and hearing about theirs. Their love, generosity, faith, work ethic, and passion for education have constantly inspired me and are principles that I try to encapsulate in my day to day life. I know that they both made many sacrifices to help my brother and me reach where we are today, and I will be eternally grateful.
What is one of your favorite spots at Yale?
One of my favorite spots at Yale is the small garden tucked away behind Rosenkranz Hall. In the spring, the garden is green and filled with beautiful blossoms. I love how quiet, peaceful, and secluded this spot is.
Last May, my husband Mansur proposed to me in this garden. He had our friends set up his piano in the garden and hide in the bushes to record the whole proposal! He played Ed Sheeran’s Perfect on his piano before popping the big question. It was truly one of the most beautiful and memorable moments of my life. I guess it’s no surprise that I love this spot so much!
How did your culture and identity show up at your wedding?
My South Asian culture and Muslim identity played a big role in my wedding this past November. The official marriage ceremony took place at my local mosque in Roswell, GA. It was a beautiful experience getting married at the mosque I frequented growing up and being surrounded by family, friends, and community members. Later that evening, we had a traditional henna party, where guests could get temporary designs on their hands by henna artists. Family and friends sang and danced to Bollywood songs. It was a very high energy event and one of the highlights of our wedding weekend. The following night we had a large wedding reception with over 300 guests (around 40 Yalies!). We incorporated many religious and cultural customs into this event – one of our friends recited a passage from the Quran that talks about the blessings of marriage; my uncle led the audience in a prayer wishing the best for me, my husband, and our families; Mansur and I exchanged rings and traditional floral garlands; my cousins stole Mansur’s shoes (one of my favorite cultural traditions!) and returned them after a lot of negotiating. Throughout the entire weekend, Mansur and I, along with our guests, showcased our South Asian culture through beautiful, traditional attire and jewelry. We also enjoyed delicious South Asian food such as samosas, kabobs, and biryani.
How was your honeymoon?
Our honeymoon was amazing! We went to Kauai for a week in February. It was nice to escape the cold in New Haven and go somewhere warm and sunny. We spent most of our time outside – driving around in a convertible, hiking up lush trails with beautiful ocean views, kayaking on the Wailua River, snorkeling and admiring the colorful fish, visiting Waimea Canyon State Park, experiencing a traditional luau, and enjoying the shave ice!
What is your favorite animal, other than moose (go Stiles!)?
I love alpacas! They look so cute and cuddly. I have a stuffed, pastel-colored alpaca in my apartment.