A 2020 dual degree graduate of the School of Social Policy & Practice—with a Master of Social Work (MSW) and a Master of Science in Nonprofit Leadership—and a 2019-2020 Lipman Family Prize Fellow, Sayeeda Rashid discusses how her graduate work at Penn launched her into the world of diversity and inclusion, specifically during two years working in lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) affairs for the City of Philadelphia. She recently started a new job at the Pennsylvania Immigration and Citizenship Coalition as a Resource Director.
How has being a Penn alumna shaped your career?
It literally helped to launch me. During my time at Penn, I was challenged to grow academically, while my authenticity as a queer South Asian woman was encouraged. As a Lipman Family Fellow, I was given a coach—Euria Min, the Lipman Family Prize Director. I felt so seen with her, and she reaffirmed the importance of being confident in the work I did. I also got my foot in the door at the Mayor’s Office of LGBT Affairs through Penn’s LGBT Center. Being a Penn alumna has opened many doors for me that have shaped my professional and personal growth.
How have you helped to foster a positive environment at work?
My experience and values as a social worker have shaped the ways I operate. Most importantly, clear communication is key. I bring other parts of myself to work, including the ability to see the human experiences of my colleagues, understand the intricate ways that social identities and experiences connect with our professional selves, and create room for and acknowledge the importance of self-care.
What is the best career advice you have received?
At Penn, people kept telling me to build strong relationships. As a first-generation college student, I didn’t understand the significance of professional networks until I got to campus. I witnessed the strong relationships between students and professors, and the camaraderie that Penn alumni have with each other—so I’m continuing to learn how to build my own professional community.
Did you receive mentorship while at Penn? If so, how have you paid that forward for other students?
Absolutely, I had three mentors: a professor, an alum, and a staff member. They taught me many things: how to be an authentic leader, the different ways to inspire, how to fight so that everyone—especially marginalized groups—can be heard, valued, and honored. Now, I really enjoy connecting with current students through mentorship and pointed conversations.
