July 28, 2013

Lena Nour is a sophomore at George Mason University (GMU) majoring in government and international politics with a concentration in public policy and administration, where she’s found her passion at the cross section of civic engagement and social justice.

Nour believes that it’s time for the Muslim community to actively engage itself in the conversations that affect our country and become a part of the solution. 

Nour is also an advocate for encouraging women to enter the political arena and serve in elected positions.

“When you look at the statistics, women make up more than 55 percent of the U.S. population, yet we are only represented by 18 percent of the U.S. Congress in 2013. We can do better,” she said.

Nour has been actively involved in her community as she served as president of the student body at Annandale High School and currently works as an off-campus adviser at GMU where she plans events and helps integrate students into the community.

Nour’s involvement in MakeSpace, a community hub fostering the next generation of leaders in the Washington, DC, metro area, has fueled her motivation in becoming the change she wishes to see in the world.

Nour’s internships experience at MPAC has allowed her to develop her passion in research on women’s rights, religious freedom and immigration reform.

“MPAC has reminded me that getting involved in my larger community is not only an American responsibility but also my Islamic duty as a Muslim," Nour said.

With a loving family of six, Nour is hopeful that she will be a catalyst of change and continue to make her community proud.