Being a part of the Ismaili Muslim community, Tanya was exposed to pluralism and service at an early age. Inspired by the works of the Aga Khan Development Network and FOCUS Humanitarian Assistance, she decided that she wanted to spend her life implementing different programs in developing countries. Tanya began her undergraduate work at DePaul University four years ago, undecided on what she wanted to do. Tanya soon became interested in the International Studies and Political Science programs. Her learning in the classroom encouraged her to go out and find opportunities where she could apply these teachings in the real world. These opportunities included the Chicago Youth Council, an interfaith initiative, which provided her with an opportunity to help increase the literacy of refugee children from various countries, while an internship in South India allowed her to work with children of impoverished villages and educate them on health and nutrition. Through the Chicago Youth Council, Tanya was also able to engage in interfaith dialogue with American and Jordanian youth through an exchange that took place in December 2006 and June 2007. These experiences have encouraged her to continue in this line of work of serving others and building a pluralistic society.
Ismailimail 