From the president
Tonia Attie, a double major in Political Science and Philosophy/Pre-Law at the University of Mary Washington, has a unique commitment to civic engagement. As a member of UMW Votes and the co-president of UMW's chapter of Day on Democracy, she has supported nonpartisan voter education for UMW students during all four years of her undergraduate education. She is motivated by her distinct passion for our democratic system, informed by living overseas for many years. She recognizes the importance of building a civic identity, and the power of caring about, and working for, positive social change in our society. During her time at UMW, she has worked to ensure that voting information reaches a wider audience and encouraged young people to get involved and have a say in the government process. Tonia demonstrates the motivation and potential for long-term civic engagement, and she continues to inspire her fellow UMW students to celebrate their civic involvement.
Personal Statement
As a first-generation American, I am incredibly passionate about promoting civic engagement and service in my community. Since my first day at the University of Mary Washington, after living overseas for four years, I took every opportunity that I could to ensure that people’s voices are heard by those in power. I have had the privilege of planning civic service events to celebrate voting through social marketing, creating digital informational media to ensure that voting information reaches a broader audience, and speaking to students about how they can get involved and have a say in the government process. Throughout my college career, I have worked for UMW Votes as a student ambassador and field officer, and for Day on Democracy as the founder and co-president of UMW’s chapter, as well as many other nonpartisan civic organizations. It is essential not only to be civically engaged during election seasons but to work all year long to create a civic culture on college campuses. The work I do on campus ties into my coursework as well, being a political science and philosophy student. One of my main areas of academic interest is political behavior, and I am able to take concepts learned in the classroom and apply them in the field on a daily basis. In addition to being a Political Science and International Affairs Department Representative, I am also actively researching democracy and governance, both domestically and internationally. In addition to my civic engagement work, I serve as the president of UMW’s Arab Culture Club as well as co-founder of Young Muslim Sisters Fredericksburg to foster a sense of community among young Arab and Muslim students. Through my academic and service work, I hope to continue to work towards building a safe place for students and active citizens alike.