The two students who were selected to represent the League of Women Voters of Utica/Rome at the Students Inside Albany Conference this year are Rijah Judah and Widad Ibrahim. Both are currently seniors at Proctor High School.
Rijah has a passion for being a part of the success of her city’s prosperity, whether politically, economically, or culturally. She has demonstrated this through her academic achievements as well as through her real life experiences. She has volunteered doing data entry at the Utica Public Library, she is part of a community youth choir, and has worked three summers as a summer youth employee. Academically, Rijah has challenged herself by taking on the most rigorous coursework, including AP and College Dual Credit classes. She received Best Academic Achievement in Advanced Placement (AP) World History and was inducted into the National Society of High School Scholars. After graduating this June with a Regents Diploma with Advanced Designation, her goal is to become an attorney.
Widad is passionate about the well-being and prosperity of her community, evidenced by her many volunteer achievements. She volunteered at the Thea Bowman House, leading to a part-time job. Through her regular involvement with the Junior Frontiers of the Mohawk Valley, she participated in packaging and distributing food items and supplies monthly to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Widad was inducted as a member of the Utica Youth Common Council (UYCC) and was selected to be president of this group. Among their activities, the UYCC has hosted a voter registration drive, as well as several Town Hall Meetings. Widad’s goals include majoring in biology, leading to a career in dentistry. She has recently received a full scholarship to attend St Lawrence University.
Rijah Judah 
Widad Ibrahim
