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The Journey of Najwa Abdul Kabir ‘12

During her time at Saint Martin, Najwa Abdul Kabir ’12 was deeply involved in school life. Whether serving as a Student Ambassador, a member of NHS, participating in service trips, or cheering on her classmates at athletic events, she embraced opportunities to study, lead, and serve.Najwa had the opportunity to gain valuable professional experience through Saint Martin’s Corporate Work Study Program, serving as a Student Associate at Case Western Reserve University for two years before working at Progressive Insurance and, most notably, Cleveland Clinic’s Lakewood Hospital. Her experience in the healthcare setting proved especially influential. “Being in a hospital setting opened my eyes to so many different paths I could take,” she shared. The exposure helped spark her interest in healthcare and gave her confidence as she prepared for college and future career opportunities.

As she transitioned to college, she felt confident in her ability to take on new challenges. “Saint Martin challenged me, and I’m always finding myself wanting to be challenged,” she said. The strong academic foundation, professional experience, and personal growth she gained at Saint Martin helped prepare her to thrive in her undergraduate studies and beyond. Najwa continued her educational journey at Eastern Michigan University, where she majored in Public Health and earned her degree in 2017.

Her passion for the field stemmed from a longstanding interest in math and science, subjects she particularly enjoyed during her time at Saint Martin. Combining her love for these disciplines with her desire to make a positive impact on others, Public Health became a natural path that allowed her to pursue both her academic interests and her commitment to serving communities.

While working as a Community Health Research & Program Coordinator at the University of Cincinnati, Najwa decided to return to school to further her education and advance her career. Driven by her passion for public health and a desire to make an even greater impact in her field, she enrolled in the University of Cincinnati's Ph.D. program in Public Health Education and Promotion. Her decision was fueled by a lifelong love of learning and personal growth. “I never want to be stuck in a box,” she explained. “I’m always wanting to learn more.”

Today, Dr. Abdul Kabir holds a Ph.D. in Public Health Education and Promotion and is looking forward to the next chapter of her career, with aspirations of becoming a project manager or college professor. Reflecting on her educational journey, she encourages Saint Martin students to dream big and pursue their goals with confidence. “The sky is the limit,” she said when asked what advice she would give students interested in higher education. Najwa credits Saint Martin with helping shape her determination and work ethic. The school challenged her to grow, pushed her beyond her comfort zone, and instilled in her the confidence to pursue ambitious goals. Her journey from one of Saint Martin’s earliest graduates to earning a doctorate serves as an inspiring example of the power of education, opportunity, and believing in yourself.