Sumiya Rahaman, serving Carroll County

“My name is Sumiya Rahaman and, I am a student leader in Carroll County Kids for Equity.  I am currently a junior at Westminster High School. I am passionate about research and identifying social issues. As an education equity advocate, I surveyed and identified the issues within my school system. I am currently developing resolutions and connecting youth in my county with local efforts.”

As a leader of Carroll County Kids for Equity, Sumiya surveyed more than 300 students to identify and address issues within the school system. As a result, she helped to establish pathways towards resolution through advocacy and strategic planning. She is also a Strong Schools Maryland Team Leader.

While balancing her academic responsibilities and part-time employment, Sumiya volunteered for more than 300 hours to provide leadership in raising student voices to effect lasting change for equity and inclusion, and the consequent issues of discrimination, underrepresentation, and lack of safe space. 

She has presented results at the school district’s Equity & Inclusion conference and held meetings with school district leaders and administrators. She has hosted discussions with Carroll Citizens for Racial Equality and McDaniel College and collaborated with Carroll County Youth Services Bureau. As a junior in high school, Sumiya is currently partnering with the NAACP to host a town hall and social justice summit to foster increased middle school youth engagement. Please join me in giving Sumiya a round of applause, reactions, and messages!