From the president

Komal is driven by the vision of creating lasting, systemic change that uplifts immigrant communities and challenges the barriers they face. As the founder of Eye of an Immigrant, a non-profit that elevates the voices of immigrants and provides funding for their citizenship journeys, she has already seen the power of community-centered solutions. However, Komal believes that to truly impact the future, we need to go beyond immediate fixes to tackle the root causes of inequality. Not only has Komal demonstrated leadership through her work with Eye of an Immigrant, but she also serves as an advocate and speaker for youth involvement in politics and as a board member for various community organizations. Additionally, she is involved in key initiatives aimed at creating lasting change. To Komal, leadership is about more than ideas—it’s about inspiring others to act, to see themselves as part of the solution, and to push for meaningful reform. Komal is a true leader who turns passion into action and aims to build a legacy of change.

Chancellor Douglas Girod

University of Kansas

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Personal Statement

As a proud Punjabi-American, my family’s journey fleeing genocide shaped my unwavering commitment to championing marginalized communities. Growing up in a low-income household in Queens, New York, and later moving to Kansas, I experienced the challenges of assimilation, systemic racism, and cultural isolation firsthand. These struggles ignited a passion to turn adversity into advocacy. At just 16, I founded Eye of an Immigrant, a non-profit organization dedicated to amplifying immigrant voices, funding pathways to citizenship, and fostering welcoming communities. Through storytelling, policy advocacy, and community engagement, I address systemic inequities and create spaces where everyone feels seen and valued. Collaboration is at the heart of my work. By partnering with diverse stakeholders, I aim to develop innovative and sustainable solutions that drive meaningful change. My journey bridges personal passion with professional purpose, blending lived experiences with a commitment to empowering others. As an aspiring lawyer, I am deeply motivated by the responsibility to ensure that no immigrant family endures the hardships mine faced. I strive to build a world where inclusion and equity are not aspirations but realities—because every voice deserves to be heard, every story deserves to be told, and every community deserves to thrive.

Komalpreet Kaur

University of Kansas