From the president
Aliyah is an exceptional student leader, driven by a clear sense of purpose and a deep commitment to service. She is the Founder and President of the Honors Student Association, where she has worked diligently to cultivate academic community and organize meaningful philanthropic efforts-including a successful fundraiser for the Alzheimer's Association. Yet her most enduring legacy at Farmingdale may very well be the creation of the NAMI on Campus chapter, which has provided an inclusive, judgment-free space for students to gather, de-stress, and support one another through therapeutic programming and mental health awareness initiatives. Under a her leadership, the NAMI chapter was awarded Best New Student Organization of 2024, testament to her ability to meet an urgent student need with clarity, care, and innovation. In addition, Aliyah serves as secretary of the Support Women in Computing group, despite not being a computing major herself-a reflection of her strong advocacy for equity and inclusion in traditionally maledominated spaces. Her unwavering support for her peers and her efforts to elevate underrepresented voices are hallmarks of her leadership style. Aliyah's civic impact extends far beyond our campus. Since 2021, she has served as the Secretary of the NAMI Central Suffolk Long Island Youth Leadership Council, where she has played an instrumental role in organizing events, managing donations, and hosting workshops across K-12 schools. Her work culminated in helping lead the Youth Wellness Summit, an initiative designed to empower high school students with the tools to understand and manage mental health challenges. For her sustained commitment, she received the Youth Mental Health Leader Award, a well-earned honor that reflects years of selfless dedication. Aliyah's thoughtful leadership, genuine empathy, and tireless service have made an indelible impact at Farmingdale State College and throughout the Long Island community. She is a role model not only for her peers, but also for all of us committed to building a more just, inclusive, and mentally healthy society.
Personal Statement
What drives me most is helping others through their struggles, whether by creating a supportive enviornment, advocating for mental health, or simply being someone who listens. I believe the most powerful thing you can offer someone is the feeling of being understood! As Co-Founder and President of the Honors Student Association at Farmingdale State College, I’ve worked to build a community where students can lead with purpose and care. I also serve as President of our campus chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), where I lead efforts to destigmatize mental health and connect students with meaningful resources. Through SWIC (Supporting Women in Computing), where I serve as secretary, I help foster a more inclusive and encouraging environment for women in technology related fields. Each of these roles reflects a core part of who I am: someone who has turned personal hardship into purpose, and who believes that leadership means lifting others up. My work is rooted in empathy, shaped by resilience, and driven by a commitment to making sure no one feels alone in what they’re going through.