Reeyan Qasim’s Biography

Born and raised in Queens, New York, and proudly of Pakistani heritage, she is deeply committed to community empowerment and cross-cultural education. She is currently pursuing her undergraduate degree in Political Science at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, concentrating in international law and relations.
Her passion for global advocacy began early and was further solidified during her internship at the Permanent Mission of Somalia to the United Nations. She also co-founded DesiMagazineNYC in 2021, a digital magazine on Instagram that celebrates South Asian culture through original articles and creative photoshoots set in the heart of New York City.
Reeyan started organizing efforts in middle school and high school, actively participating in protests and rallies centered on justice and equity. At John Jay, she continues to engage with diverse communities as the Secretary of the Muslim Student Association and Marketing Coordinator for the Arab Student Union. In her current role, she works to inform and empower communities by raising awareness about pressing social issues, focusing on education, engagement, and equity.