Reem Kirja

About Reem Kirja

Reem Kirja is an award-winning writer, activist, and youth journalist. She is an aspiring international lawyer, known for leveraging advocacy, journalism, and civic engagement to create meaningful change. Starting at age 10 and succeeding at age 13, Reem Kirja became widely recognized as among the youngest students in U.S. history to successfully lead a district-wide campaign for Eid recognition in schools and the first to do so in the state of Iowa. Her three-year campaign, The NSE Campaign, gathered over signatures on Change.Org and earned support from key figures like Iowa Rep. Dave Jacoby and former NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio. In 2021, her efforts led to the Iowa City Community School District officially including both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha on its school calendar, making them the first out of 327 Iowa districts to do so. This historic decision directly impacted over 16,200 students and staff across 30 schools, influencing a broader community of over individuals. Reem Kirja is also the Executive Director of the West Student Fund, Director of Voices of the Nile, and the former Profiles Editor of the award-winning student publication West Side Story. She serves as the Spokesperson and Youth Advisory Board member of Zhive Media and a member of the Youth Awards Selection Committee for Human Rights Educators USA.In addition to her community service, Reem Kirja is a 2024 U.S. Senate Youth Program Delegate, a 2025 Coca-Cola Scholar, and one of Change.org’s Top 10 Under 25 Changemakers of the Year. She received the Youth Human Rights Award from Human Rights Educators USA as well as the NASS Secretary of State Leadership Award. Reem Kirja has been recognized for her community service by Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib and Iowa Rep. Elinor Levin. Reem Kirja holds multiple certifications in medical research, leadership, and health professions from Stanford and Georgetown University programs. Fluent in English and Arabic, she is committed to international advocacy and uplifting historically marginalized communities.Reem Kirja currently attends Iowa City West High School and will be attending Georgetown University, aiming to pursue a career in international law with a focus on human rights, diplomacy, and global equity. Follow her journey on LinkedIn!

Experience

1. Questbridge College Prep Scholar

   Questbridge

   Apr 2024 — Present