From the onset of her tenure at NYU, Mehrin has connected with schools and grassroots organizations that support communities impacted by basic needs insecurity. For the past six years, she has directly contributed to the educational development of dozens of low-income students at schools throughout underserved areas of Manhattan and Queens. Continuing her work in these communities, Mehrin has regularly helped deliver food and other basic supplies to community members that are unhoused and/or food insecure. Mehrin was elected chair of NYU’s Student Government Assembly (SGA), president of the Senior Class Activities Board, and as a senator at-large representing students experiencing food insecurity and basic needs insecurity—using each of her roles to advocate for change through the expansion of food access and financial aid. Mehrin is also the president of NYU Share Meals and the co-founder of the start-up, Food For Thought. Both initiatives provide students with the opportunity to share meals with their peers while creating community for those experiencing food insecurity. Most recently, Mehrin founded and serves as the president of Mu Delta Alpha at NYU—a social and professional sorority for Muslim women dedicated to service.
Staying true to Dr. King’s holistic approach to advocacy, Mehrin regularly advocates for change within communities, inclusive of and beyond her own identities and experiences. Attending protests against inhumane conditions at prisons and jails, advocating for student workers’ rights, and helping students with disabilities are just a few of her wide-reaching advocacy activities which positively impact her communities.
In describing Mehrin’s dedication and passion for the upliftment of people and communities, Mehrin’s nominator stated, “Mehrin has never met someone who she is not able to find the good in and does not care about. She could be getting four hours of sleep a week, swamped between her various classes, jobs, and volunteer positions, and she’ll still be asking you if there’s anything she can help you with.
