Zobaida Maria is in her second year on the Clinical Track at the Silberman School of Social Work. She is currently part of a smoking cessation study and has co-authored several research articles and conference presentations on substance use, HIV care, and cancer disparities among marginalized communities. Her first hands-on role was with Project HAPPY, where she supported individuals with disabilities as a camp counselor. There, she witnessed the value of agency and inclusion in empowering individuals with disabilities. While research gave her purpose, she came to see its limits and sought a more impactful role where she could actively contribute to improving lives. She now works as a behavior technician with children with autism. As a Bangla-speaking immigrant, this year Zobaida will intern at Sakhi, an organization dedicated to supporting South Asian survivors of domestic violence. She believes that social work’s blend of empathy and practical support is how she can make a lasting impact, further aligning her work with her passion for advocacy.