I started at UNLV as a preschooler when I was two-years old, and I am a proud 1986 graduate of the UNLV Preschool. As Director of Communications at the UNLV Greenspun College of Urban Affairs, I develop the editorial and marketing strategies for the college. In my role, I write about the college’s program, research, faculty, students, and staff. In addition, I work on media relations, social media, and content development for various platforms. Since I’ve been at UNLV, I have served on the UNLV Presidential Debate Committee and Outstanding Graduate committee. I also volunteer at graduation and the Ask Me Booths.

I really enjoy meeting students as the advisor for the UNLV Muslim Student Association. My parents immigrated from Karachi, Pakistan to Las Vegas, Nevada in 1979 and lived in the apartment behind the preschool on Claymont Street. I was five when we moved from there. My mom worked at Boulevard Mall, and my dad worked at what is now the Harry Reid International Airport.

What is your favorite thing about working at UNLV? 

I have been able to work with so many students from such diverse backgrounds. I have learned a lot of perspectives from students over my time at UNLV. It truly has been a privilege to interview, mentor, and see them through the ups and downs of their educational and professional journeys. One of the most exciting events I get to celebrate is when I watch students I know walk at graduation. Whenever I hear the pomp and circumstance music, I get goosebumps! 

What inspires or empowers you? 

My faith in God and the ethical and moral standards my parents lived by. My parents used to tell me stories about taking me in the stroller on campus and going to all the hip ice cream and juice places at the Promenade on Maryland Parkway and Harmon Avenue. I loved hearing their stories about the old Vegas when I was growing up. 

I am a storyteller. Everyone has a voice and deserves to be heard. We just need to listen more to each other. We can learn from each other.  

What issues are people facing today that you want to help resolve? 

Whenever I get the chance, I emphasize the importance of community. Community provides hope, safety, and strength. We grow together when we are connected, not isolated.

What life lessons have you experienced recently or within the past few years that have really changed the way you look at life? 

So many! And I am still learning. We all have to keep moving forward to grow. I am an only child, and both my parents have passed. They were my best friends. My mom passed away a year ago. Throughout my life, my mother and father, God bless them in heaven, taught me to be brave. Through their actions, words, and how they carried themselves through adversity — I learned resilience. I am so grateful to have had them in my life as my best teachers and supporters. It was because of my parents that I have been able to create relationships, ask for help, build communities in my personal and professional spaces, and give others grace.

Tell us something that might surprise us about you.  

In the last 10 years, I have seen my favorite band, The Killers, live in concert five times! I have even met all of the band members, except for the lead singer, Brandon Flowers. Hopefully, someday I will get to meet him as well!