Alishba Sardar identifies herself as Queer and Muslim. She immigrated from Pakistan to Richmond, Ca, at the age of ten. She is a former foster youth and first-generation college student. At UC Berkeley, Alishba is an Ethnic studies major and is involved in many communities such as Berkeley Hope Scholars, EOP, DSP, and the South Asian, Southwest Asian, and North African Initiative (SSWANA). She is a recipient of The Achievement Award Program (TAAP), Cal Alumni Leadership award, Richmond Promise Scholarship, Student Rising Above, and the James Storer Scholarship. In addition to her involvement on campus, she co-creators of two research teams in the sociology and social welfare department. With Dr.David Harding, she examined West Contra Costa Unified School District to identify systemic barriers that prevent underrepresented minority (URM) high school students from attending UC Berkeley and empower future students to succeed on campus. With Dr.Jill Berrick, she co-created the first Berkeley Hope Scholars research team focusing on what positive attribute of care contributes to academic success. Alishba’s community motivates her to make an impact. Alishba inspires to serve as a university faculty member to mentor youth who will enact positive social change for a more vibrant and whole human community.
Accolades:
- Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship (MMUF) Program Recipient
- Richmond Promise Scholarship Recipient
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Undergraduate Research Apprentice Program (URAP)
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Founding Member of the 1st All Former Foster Youth Research Team
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Founding Member of the Nav2Cal Research Team
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National College Attainment Network Fellow representing NorCal Promise
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National College Attainment Network Guest Writer: Published an op-ed article making a case for a simpler, streamlined financial aid application process for low-income students (December 2020)
- Peer Advisor at Berkeley Hope Scholars
