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Dear John,

Our Congressional Leadership Development Program (CLDP) fellows have officially wrapped their summer in DC. As many of the fellows get ready to return to their studies in the Fall, and others prepare to jump into their careers, we want to share the second half of their CLDP experience with you.

July started with the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Virtual Careers Roundtable – a chance for fellows to connect with professionals in the world of foreign aid and development assistance. Coupled with a resume and cover letter workshop, they were able to enhance their professional profiles and gain the skills to tackle future career endeavors.

Tasneem Fatima Khan fellows, Isra Qadri and Ramis Banuri, present their research on Kashmir and Balochistan to the MPAC Policy Bureau
CLDP fellows, Soha Manzoor, Duaa Faquih, and Saarah Baig with Rep. Ilhan Omar
Hosted by Muslim White House staff, our fellows also had the opportunity to attend the White House Careers Roundtable, which offered unique insight on careers in public service and allowed our fellows to interact and network with current members of the WH team.

While on the Hill, our fellows attended the House Judiciary Committee Hearing: Oversight of the FBI, the State Department Roundtable, and participated in Muslim Interns Day at the Capitol. The fellows had the opportunity to connect with Muslim interns from different programs, and share their experiences with one another.

CLDP fellows participate in Muslim Intern Day at the Capitol

CLDP fellows, Kaise Dualeh, Saarah Baig, and Hajra Hamid, with Senator Bernie Sanders

In a session led by MPAC Hollywood Bureau Director Sue Obeidi, fellows also learned more about the world of film and television, and what goes on behind the scenes when pushing for accurate representations of Muslims and Islam on the big screen.

In June, the CLDP fellows took the lead in drafting a statement regarding the recent Supreme Court Affirmative Action ruling. To continue the conversation, they helped lead the in-depth panel, Setting the Record Straight: Deconstructing Affirmative Action, to discuss the next steps in safeguarding equal access to education for all, alongside the MPAC DC interns.

CLDP fellow, Kaise Dualeh, moderating the fellow-led MPAC panel, Setting the Record Straight: Deconstructing Affirmative Action

CLDP fellow, Pashmina Khan, interning for the Department of Justice

As July came to a close, we held a CLDP alumni mixer, along with a heartfelt send off meeting with our fellows and MPAC staff, expressing our gratitude and best wishes for the next steps in their journeys.

The 2023 CLDP Cohort has shown immense dedication to their role as fellows throughout the program, and we are so proud of the work each of them has accomplished during their tenure. As we move ahead, we look forward to seeing what paths these young leaders take as they continue to develop their skills and make waves in the social justice space.

To mark their last week, CLDP fellows gather at the Capitol
In Service,

Lubna Hassan Heikal
Policy Program Manager
MPAC

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