For Aline Awada, being different is a strength
A Lebanese native who grew up in Brazil, the first-year student developed leadership skills through helping others.
As a child, Aline Awada tried to remain unnoticed by classmates who bullied her. But a year after returning to her home country of Lebanon and witnessing the suffering of others, she recognized that she could lead efforts to help less fortunate people.
Awada began her life in Beirut. When she was 7, her family moved 6,600 miles to Brazil for her father’s job. In Sao Paulo, she was bullied at school for being different. “I was shy, I was quiet, and I definitely wasn’t confident in who I was,” she said.
Six years later, the family returned to Lebanon. A massive explosion in Beirut’s port in 2020 had disrupted Beirut’s economy for people already subjected to social disparities and political instability. COVID added to their misery.
Awada matured, partly because of the changes she saw in the city. The experience also increased Awada’s appreciation for her parents’ sacrifices to make a good life for her and her four siblings.
Her father and mother had ended their education before high school. At 14, he went to Liberia, selling car parts to earn a living. He became a businessman, specializing in real estate. Her mother took care of the family and household.
“They built their way up, and they acknowledge the importance of having higher education,” Awada said. “That’s why they make it a priority to provide an education for their children. Without them and their hard work, I wouldn’t be able to lead the life that I have.”
After one year in Lebanon, the family returned to Brazil. With memories of being bullied still fresh, she realized that being different is a strength. “I went from blending into the crowd to leading it. I pushed myself to be more outspoken and to explore leadership opportunities,” Awada said.
Aline Awada (Submitted photo)
Her community service in Lebanon became a springboard for her efforts in Brazil, where nearly 30% of the population lives in poverty. She helped create the nonprofit Creativity, Originality and Solidarity to help children in foster homes. She volunteered with Projeto Mãos na Massa to help renovate houses for disabled/at-risk people and raised funds for Operation Smile, which provides free treatment for cleft lip and cleft palate. As student council secretary during high school, Awada volunteered and helped lead fundraising efforts for the Bibli-ASPA library and research center and Missão Paz, which serves immigrants and refugees.
Awada founded the Inspiring Female Youth initiative and its supporting podcast that focuses on feminism and body image. She and five other young women hosted seminars with powerful career women working in different fields. They organized workshops to encourage girls to work toward their goals and gave classes on feminism and self-defense.
At Carolina, she will prepare for a career in law and global politics with a goal of promoting female empowerment. “Many women among my ancestors weren’t given opportunities to pursue their educational and professional ambitions,” she said. “I’m lucky enough to write my story. Along the way, I aspire to help break this cycle by empowering the next generation of female leaders.”
She also wants to bring the perspective of her Middle Eastern and Latin American backgrounds to as many Carolina opportunities as possible. She hopes to get involved in student government, join cultural organizations and discuss the importance of Middle Eastern women and their voices.
“With everything that I do, I hope to challenge my thinking, nurture my leadership and push myself to become my most adept and eloquent version,” Awada said.
