Attiya Latif, JS '18, named a recipient of the 2017 John T. Casteen III Diversity-Equity-Inclusion Leadership Award

Attiya Latif, the Hathaway Family Jefferson Scholar, was recently selected as one of two recipients of the 2017 John T. Casteen III Diversity-Equity-Inclusion Leadership Award. Established by the University in 2010, the award honors members of the University community who are dedicated to the promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Throughout her time at U.Va., Attiya has proven herself to be just that.

Even as a First Year, Attiya emerged as an outspoken advocate for diversity. She initiated the celebration of World Hijab Day at the University, which is an international movement designed to foster religious tolerance and understanding in recognition of Muslim women who choose to wear the hijab. Wearing her own hijab with an American flag imprinted on it, Attiya delivered a moving TEDx Talk in her Second Year entitled “A Feminist’s Choice to Wear the Hijab.” She currently serves as chair of the Minority Rights Coalition at U.Va., which oversees seven student organizations dealing with minority communities. In addition, she has managed to establish a reputation for her passionate dedication to human rights as a guest speaker at legal conferences, including at U.Va.’s School of Law and at George Washington University.

Read more about Attiya’s selection as a 2017 award recipient in this article published by UVA Today.