Shakirah wants young people, especially those from underserved groups, to know that persistence can make anything possible.

Shakirah N. Lieffers is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology, health, and society from the University of Michigan. Born and raised in Uganda, Shakirah was determined to get the education that her parents weren’t able to access. Though she sometimes lacked basic necessities like food and clothing, Shakirah paid for her school fees by doing odd jobs like laundry, farm work, and fetching water. She writes that her upbringing taught her invaluable lessons about resilience and perseverance, qualities that define her character.

In 2017, Shakirah moved to the United States, and in 2022, she received an associate degree with high honors from Northwestern Michigan College, overcoming the challenge that the language barrier posed. Shakirah also gave birth to her son during that time and has since been a committed and loving mother to her toddler.

In 2021, Shakirah was diagnosed with lupus, which has shaped her educational goals. Her experience navigating lupus has made her realize the need for diversity in the medical profession. She has never encountered a Black female rheumatologist, and she has seen others report similar struggles in lupus support groups online. Shakirah hopes to pursue a career as a rheumatologist so that she can make healthcare more accessible to underserved people of color, especially those in her home country. While pursuing her bachelor’s degree, Shakirah has also participated in a number of extracurricular organizations. She is a member of the Black Undergraduate Medical Association, a mentor at Sister Friends Detroit, a non-traditional student liaison, a facilitator for ALA 122 class, a volunteer at ProMedica Hospice, and a member of Global Brigades. Shakirah wants young people, especially those from underserved groups, to know that persistence can make anything possible.

CEW+ celebrates Shakira’s resilience and names her an AAUW: Mary Elizabeth Bittman Memorial Scholar.