August 2019 - Nouha Zaabab

NOUHA ZAABAB

Nouha Zaabab is an Algerian-American, Muslim woman from Suwanee, GA., who graduated this past spring with a Bachelor of Science in International Affairs from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She carries a deep passion for community building, youth empowerment, and upholding justice for everyone. Nouha has worked extensively with the Georgia Muslim community in her roles as Project Manager for the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Atlanta and was the Voter Engagement Intern with the Georgia Muslim Voter Project. Every day, she strives to positively influence public opinion regarding Islam, Muslims, immigrants, and others alike.

Her involvements are not limited to the Muslim community, however. Passionate about all things TED (Technology, Entertainment, and Design), Nouha has served as the Director of Speakers at TEDxGeorgiaTech where she oversees the process of seeking, curating, and fostering young professionals and student speakers for TEDxGeorgiaTech events. In addition, she was an intern for the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, working within their education department on projects aiming to influence generations of citizenship and young leaders. Her volunteer experiences, internships, and positions have equipped her with newfound resources, extensive leadership knowledge, and hands-on professional experience to continue promoting citizenship in her own community. This fall, Nouha will be moving to Nashville, Tennessee to pursue her Juris Doctorate at Vanderbilt Law School.

INTERVIEW WITH NOUHA ZAABAB

How do you encourage creative thinking and action in others?

Asking lots of questions and seeking their answers! It keeps your mind active and growing. Whenever I have something on my mind, I love bringing it up with a group of close friends and hearing their perspectives, or watching a TED talk and hearing an expert give theirs. I'm also a big believer in maintaining a creative outlet separate from a job to ensure your passions are being fulfilled. Your main education and/or career won't always perfectly satisfy you, so doing what you love in your free time is just as vital.

What is the difference between living and existing?

Living is achieved when you have a purpose, drive, passion, determination and a growth mindset.

If you could say one word defines leadership what would it be?

Empathy. Leadership should be about others, not yourself. It's about doing what needs to be done while remaining compassionate and true to yourself.

If you could name a friend of yours that you made during one of our programs, someone who also exhibits outstanding leadership qualities, who would it be and why?

March Reagan NextGen and former Reagan Education Intern, James Mismash! He's super passionate, knows what he wants, and isn't afraid to voice his opinions in a respectful manner. I admire his drive and think he'll make a fine politician and/or lawyer one day.

What is your favorite hobby?

I love to cook! It's my favorite way to pass time and also be creative during a bland or busy week. I love being able to create new dishes using a variety of flavors and spices, and watching my loved ones enjoy is extra special.