Rana Abdelhamid

Candidate
NY-12
High School Program 2011

“Running Start impacted my life in ways reaching far beyond where I ever imagined I could go before. Running Start gave me the connections and confidence needed to push myself outside my gender and religious identities to pursue a career in politics. I now have role models who inspire me, influence my ambitions, and encourage other girls to be as passionate.” 

Rana participated in the Running Start High School Program in 2011. Since then, she founded Malikah, a women’s self defense organization, and is running for US Congress in 2022. She regularly gives back to the Running Start community by speaking to our High School Program participants and by helping with the Young Women to Watch Awards. Rana is a role model for all of our participants at Running Start and we are so lucky to have her in our community.