By Written by Aaminah B’hat.
As a middle school student in Fairfax, VA, Abrar Omeish distinctly recalls peers in her eighth grade Algebra I class who were not provided with a path to excel at school. “A combination of factors, including lack of home stability, resources, and more importantly a gap in Fairfax County public school system’s ability to reach out to the students, made me recognize there was an obligation that has not been served,” she recalls. Nearly nine years later, Omeish is running for the School Board in Fairfax County to fill that gap.
Omeish is a 22-year-old Fairfax County native. She is a proud graduate of her local public schools and Yale University with a B.A. in Political Science (Intensive) and Modern Middle Eastern Studies. Her LinkedIn boasts a plethora of enriching experiences, including time spent interning for Congressman Jim Moran and Booz Allen Hamilton along with serving as a Virtual Foreign Students Officer at the U.S. Department of State.
Her position as an Equity Intern in Public Interest and Civil Litigations Division of the D.C. Attorney General’s office is equally as impressive.
Nearly nine years later, Omeish is running for the School Board in Fairfax County to fill that gap.
The want to serve the public hit Omeish at a young age. In high school, she was the President of the Fairfax County Public School Superintendents Advisory Council and worked on a multitude of projects for committees of the Fairfax County School Board.
“When I think of myself and my role in society I realize I was raised in a home that prioritized activism and taught me the importance of activism through faith. My service to God cannot exist without my service to humanity,” she explains. “My goal on this Earth is to make the world a better place, and that’s informed by my faith and my time as a Girl Scout. I see it as an obligation that the dedication of my life- the reason why I exist–to be of service in some way. Public service is a way I find I can combine my interests, passions, and skills with my duty on Earth.”
Omeish has already made a meaningful impact on her local community. She is the co-founder of GIVE (Growth and Inspiration through Volunteering and Education), a nonprofit that fosters educational opportunities for Virginian youth through a free tutoring program, publication of a children’s books and an AP/SAT book drives. With over 568 tutors, 19 tutoring centers and 625 students benefiting from the program, Omeish’s initiative proves her dedication to bettering her community’s education is making waves.
“I think the School Board is the beating heart of the community. It’s what keeps the sensitivity of community voices fundamental to the structure,” says Omeish on her decision to run.
With decision makers like Trump and Betsey DeVos cutting programs vital to students from marginalized and underprivileged communities, the significance of diverse representation on School Boards is heightened. Omeish’s platform seeks to protect our children’s education from Washington politics. She prioritizes equity with plans to fix the achievement gap, better mental health services and ideas to showcase the community’s gratitude for Fairfax teachers.
Abrar Omeish is a fierce Muslim woman committed to serving her community. With endorsements from Congressman Jim Moran and overwhelming testimonies from Fairfax County residents, Omeish is the contender to beat for the race on Friday, June 23.
For more information about the campaign and how to send your prayers and support click here!