What Starts Here Changes the World

Transcript

Students at UT are innovators, problem solvers, artists and leaders. So many of the great things that UT have been created by students. This is really a place where you can make a difference. Kiara a government major is gonna tell us about all the way she’s made an impact here on campus. You’re on Kiara.

– Thanks Alex. Hi, y’all. My name is Kiara Kabbara and I am the Senior Body President here at The University of Texas at Austin, where I am a senior government major with a double minor in business and entrepreneurship at the wonderful McCombs School of Business, where we are number in the nation for undergraduate studies. My business professors inspired me to host my own event, the lounge. Held in 2019, the lounge provided a platform for Black student entrepreneurs to spotlight their business as well as a space for student athletes to engage with the student body. We also awarded two college scholarships to high school seniors through my Non-Profit ballout with funds from the lounge raffle. While my minor is in business and entrepreneurship, as a government major, I aspire to follow in the footsteps of wonderful women like Stacey Abrams, Lady Bird Johnson and of course the wonderful Barbara Jordan and they all aspired me to become the second African-American woman Student Body President here at The University of Texas at Austin. Before I became student body president, I worked tirelessly my junior year to bring back the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People UT Austin chapter. The NAACP at UT has grown to more than 100 members in less than two years. And the chapter now gives student athletes a platform and the opportunity to sit on the executive board. I have felt so blessed to spend the last four years here on the 40 acres. UT Austin has brought me lifelong friendships, inspiring mentors and the tools to change the world. I know wherever I go, my Longhorn family will be with me. Hook’em. And back to you Alex.

– Awesome job Kiara. You’ve accomplished so much here. It’s really inspiring to see the drive UT students have in persuing their goals and helping the university community flourish. That story was amazing. Take care.