Youth Advisory Council
2022-2023
IFFAT ARA (she/her)
Chair
Hi!! My name is Iffat Ara and I am a senior at Cass Technical High School. My favorite things to do are bake, garden, and be outdoors. Growing up in Hamtramck, I rarely saw a place for girls to hang out. When I first heard about WOB, I knew it was going to be something I would like to be involved in. Throughout the years, I’ve learned that WOB isn't just arts and crafts, It is a place to grow, make memories, and a place to learn about ourselves. As the chair of the Youth Advisory Council, I hope to be a voice for the members.
NABIHA BEGUM (she/her)
Treasurer
Hello everyone! My name is Nabiha Begum and I attend Cass Technical High School as a junior. I am 16 years old and I enjoy art, nature, shows, and exploring! I originally joined WOB when I was in fifth grade, and ever since I have fallen in love with the creative atmosphere developed for the girls in our community. Because of WOB, I have grown as a person and have unleashed my creativity! I am so delighted to be part of YAC, and I am thrilled to see what comes next for all of us!
FAHIMA ALI (she/her)
Co-Creative Curator
Hi, my name is Fahima Ali. I am fifteen years old and a sophomore at Cass Technical High School. I love to read and watch fantasy/mystery shows. I was born and raised in Detroit. I joined WOB back in 2017 and I'm so glad I did. Women of Banglatown opened up many new and exciting experiences for me over the years. It was truly a space for girls to come together and just hang out. It was different and I loved it! Through YAC I hope to be able to give back in the same way and recreate the same fun and relaxed atmosphere for other girls.
NAZIFA CHOWDHURY (she/her)
Social Media Manager
Hello! My name is Nazifa Chowdhury and I attend Cass Technical High School as a freshman. I am a 15-year-old girl who loves horror movies and all spooky stuff. I enjoy listening to podcasts in my free time and drawing and painting when I can. About five years ago, I joined WOB with little anticipation and I'm incredibly glad I did. WOB has helped me bring out my inner creative side and bring out the artistic side of me. I've learnt valuable skills through WOB that will help me now and, in the future, as well as new information about my neighborhood. I intend to stick with WOB as long as I can and join them in improving our community.
SANZEDA AKTER (she/her)
Co-Chair
Hello! My name is Sanzeda, and I'm a student at Cass Tech. I am seventeen years old and I enjoy going out and reading. I want to pursue a degree in criminal justice and journalism. I've watched WOB grow from the very first day and I am happy to say that I am the co-chair of the YAC. Being in WOB taught me that there's always room to learn. I hope to meet the needs of our members and work as a team to continue making WOB our second home.
ONANNA (she/her)
Energizer
Hello! I'm Onanna, a sophomore at Cass Technical High School. During my free time, I find joy in activities like drawing, dancing, reading, and other art forms. Looking ahead, I aspire to pursue a career in the medical field. WOB holds a special place in my heart, as it fosters support and inspiration for women and girls, encouraging them to embrace their true selves within a creative space. Through my short time in this incredible community, I've discovered a space that accepts me as I am. I'm excited to utilize my time on the YAC to forge meaningful connections and further enhance the wonderful experience that WOB offers to other girls.
ANISA KHAN (she/her)
Care Package Curator
Hello, I am Anisa, I am a freshman at Cass Technical High School. I am interested in action and thriller shows. I am also interested in computer science and I want to major in the tech field. I joined Women of Banglatown to get closer and in touch with all the girls in my community. I wanted to do something in my community that is helpful while also having fun.
MOUMITA RAY (she/her)
Co-Social Media Manager
Greetings! My name is Moumita and I'm a freshman at Cass Technical High School. I consider life to be a form of art, and I am the artist of my life. No matter what life throws at me, I make an effort to keep it as colorful and cheerful as I can. I joined WOB to become used to working in teams and to understand more about the people around me. I believe that one of the most significant qualities in human life is friendship. We share new perspectives, learn a lot about one another, and take part in new knowledge. Since joining YAC, I've been having fun while also learning more about my community. WOB is a place where I feel safe and a place where I can be myself.
TASFIA ONONENA (she/her)
Secretary
Hi! I'm Tasfia and I attend Davison Elementary Middle School as an 8th grader. When I'm not nose-deep in a book, you can find me painting, baking, taking a walk around the neighborhood, or simply in my room listening to music. I love making new friends and helping people out. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be a member of the Youth Advisory Council, and I am committed to working hard to make a positive impact.
ISHRAT IQBAL (she/they)
Creative Curator
Hello, my name is Ishrat and I go to Cass Technical High School. I enjoy reading books, watching shows and spending time outdoors. I joined WOB because it allowed me to be an active part of my community and also get to know people around me. Through YAC, I hope to learn new things from the people around me and grow as well as have a positive impact on the community.
JANNATHUL RAFA (she/her)
Co-Care Packages Curator
Hello! My name is Jannathul Rafa, and I’m a sophomore at Cass Technical High School. I enjoy watching romance and crime movies. I also enjoy being outdoors. I aspire to be a doctor in the future. I joined WOB last year without having many expectations. However, I'm so pleased that I did. We have so much fun and explore different activities together. WOB provided me with opportunities to learn more about myself and my community. It's a place that helps young girls grow and discover their interests while still having fun. I wholeheartedly support WOB's mission and its meaningful impact on our community. I intend to be a dedicated member and contribute my skills to the YAC.
MST BEGUM (she/her)
Event Coordinator
Hello, my name is Mst Begum, and I am a junior at Hamtramck High School. In my free time, I love to make art, whether it is with acrylic, watercolor, gouache, charcoal, or many more mediums. I love to bake things like cakes and cookies! One of my memories from being in the Women of Banglatown was seeing a Polaroid camera for the first time, and it inspired me to get one of my own, and from that day on, photography became one of my hobbies! I joined Women of Banglatown to hang out with my friends and to make art, but after joining, I realized it became more than that. I loved the community of girls and loved getting to create. The Women of Banglatown members are very welcoming, and I instantly felt a sense of connection. I hope to be a member for a very long time!