Meet Leila from the SSWANA Office
The SSWANA (South Asian, Southwest Asian, and North African) Student Development Office is a centralized hub for resources and community support aimed at uplifting SSWANA-identifying students at Berkeley. SSWANA is part of the Centers for Educational Justice & Community Engagement (EJCE), which is a collaborative of offices and centers that advocate for and build dialogue among and across diverse communities. Leila, a programming intern for the office, shares more about their experience within the community as well as ways in which you can get involved!
What’s your role in SSWANA and what are some of your responsibilities?
As a social intern, I develop and work on inclusive events for SSWANA students across campus. Part of my role is to partner with other SSWANA communities for cross-organizational event planning for things like cultural shows.
How did you get involved?
I originally lived in the SSWANA-SD Learning and Living Program. For my freshman year, I was residing in campus housing with fellow SSWANA members on the SSWANA theme housing floor. I have come to cherish the initiative dearly — in my sophomore year, I applied as an intern and Alhamdulilah I got in! SSWANA has become a foundational support system for me during college with the Middle East, my academics, and my personal life and I cannot imagine myself not being involved in my community. I wish to uplift the community as it does for me.
How can students get involved in SSWANA, the office or the community?
For incoming freshmen and transfers, I highly recommend residing in our theme housing program and taking advantage of the SSWANA course, where we discuss the region’s history, culture, and politics. These spaces are a great way to build community and deepen your understanding of the SSWANA identity. In general, I encourage everyone to attend SSWANA events and other SSWANA-identifying organizations and clubs on campus. Throughout the year, we host multiple events and collaborations ranging from cultural shows, wellness events, galas, political movie screenings, and so much more. Additionally, students can access mental health services of interest to the SSWANA community with licensed SSWANA-identifying professionals who are equipped to provide culturally competent support.
Students getting henna done at the 2026 SSWANA Culture Show.
How have you found community at Berkeley?
SSWANA was the gateway for me to find community at Berkeley, as it has been a core support system throughout my college experience. Historically, I felt hesitant to engage with the Arab and Muslim community due to fear of judgment and internalized shame. However, SSWANA cultivated an accepting and affirming space that allowed me to feel safe enough to participate.
From there, my comfort and confidence grew, and I began to more openly engage with others in the community and attend more events. Through SSWANA, I have been exposed to a wide array of beautiful cultures and, in these spaces, found some of my closest, lifelong friends.
What’s something you look forward to each year?
Each year, I look forward to the cultural show and this year we are bringing Palestinian-Canadian singer-songwriter: Nemahsis.
Students enjoying the 2026 SSWANA Culture Show.
Do you have any advice for new SSWANA students?
My advice is to always make an active effort to engage in cultural clubs and events, rather than shying away from the community out of fear of judgment. Growing up as the only Arab and Muslim student in my school, I often felt like an outsider in the spaces available to me. Coming to college changed that. For the first time, I found spaces filled with people who shared similar cultural backgrounds and lived experiences. Through these communities, I’ve built lifelong friendships with people who make me feel seen in a holistic way. I no longer have to explain parts of who I am — they already understand, because they’ve lived it too.
Students performing at the 2025 SSWANA Culture Show.
What’s your favorite event you’ve hosted?
I am currently hosting a SSWANA x Outsiders, a POC-centered outdoor club, event. Across SSWANA regions, being connected to land is deeply rooted in culture. I grew up doing intergenerational hikes in the mountains in the motherland, so reconnecting with nature after stressful academics is always healing for me. Being able to engage in a SSWANA-centered hike in nature feels deeply restorative.
Get involved with SSWANA
Come to an event, subscribe to the SSWANA newsletter, or visit the SSWANA Office website to learn more.
Reva Gokhale, Class of 2027, is majoring in data science and environmental economics and policy.
Want more?
- Delve into finding community in campus housing.
- Learn about some Arab student orgs at Cal.
- Explore ways to make an impact as a Berkeley student.