Holy Family University Students Recognized for Contributions at United Nations’ Women & Girls in Science Conference
Holy Family University President Anne Prisco joined Prince Adnan El-Hashemite, the University’s Executive Director for Global Initiatives & International Programs, in presenting recognitions to two students for their participation at the United Nations’ Ninth International Women & Girls in Science Conference hosted in New York City on February 8-9, 2024.
The pair was among nine Holy Family students and four staff members who attended the conference.
For her efforts at the conference, senior Yasamin Popal received a $450 honorarium scholarship to cover the cost of her graduation fees.
Popal’s single submission on equity and inclusion in science was accepted among global submissions and is anticipated to be globally published around the General Assembly in September 2024. Popal also presented her paper “Recognizing the role of women and girls in science as agents of change and the importance of mainstreaming a gender perspective in the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals" to both the Permanent Mission of Spain and the Permanent Mission of Portugal.
She also submitted an intervention question to a panel of UN Diplomats:
“Access to education is almost a dream in some parts of the world, especially in underprivileged and growing countries. Developed and advanced countries often discuss the need to promote equity and inclusion of girls in education, yet, do nothing to help with implementation. My question to you; how can underdeveloped countries move forward and advance their educational systems and standards if developed countries are not willing to fairly exchange information and share financial equity?”
Additionally, senior International Student and Business & Technology major Alicja Kopinska received a certificate of recognition and $100 gift card for her valuable contributions.
Kopinska voluntarily was pressed into action to assist with the live United Nations’ video and instructional postings during the morning session in the General Assembly and seamlessly managed the complicated technology, enabling the smooth delivery of videos and instructional media to 193 countries around the world.
“I was so impressed with both Yasamin and Alicja,” Prince El-Hashemite said. “They were extremely comfortable, confident, and competent on an international stage. I was so proud of how they handled themselves, showed leadership and, most importantly, welcomed open dialogue and communications with others. It was an excellent and exceptional experience for them and the entire Holy Family team.”