Family journey inspires Roqia Ali’s passion for civic engagement

By Sian Wilkerson

When she was 8, Roqia Ali and her family moved to the United States from their native Afghanistan, a country then riven by a decade of post 9/11 war.

"I see everything as a privilege: being able to be in college, worrying about an exam tomorrow or [holding events] and being so busy," said the rising senior at Virginia Commonwealth University. "I find that all very fulfilling because it's an opportunity that so many dream of, and so the fact that I'm able to live it is something I don't take for granted."

Rooted in Ali's background is a passion for civic engagement - something she sees as both a right and a responsibility. As co-executive director of the student-led, nonpartisan VCU Votes initiative, which works to increase student voter registration, education and turnout, she is dedicated to ensuring that her peers feel empowered to do the same.

"Whether you like it or not, politics is going to affect you," said Ali, who is studying political science in the College of Humanities and Sciences and homeland security in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs. "Everything is connected: tuition, housing, food insecurity, everything."

That's why she believes it's so important to encourage civic engagement. With VCU Votes, Ali's goal is to meet her peers where they are as she spreads the word about the importance of voting. Each year, the initiative hosts events on campus and connects with students on social media to provide information about upcoming voting deadlines, polling locations and how to register or request an absentee ballot.

"Roqia's leadership is defined by a sustained commitment that goes far beyond a single election cycle," said Kelsey Jones, assistant director for civic and community engagement in VCU's Office of Student Leadership and Engaged Learning in the Division of Student Affairs. "Her innovative approach through using media platforms to expand voter education has modernized our outreach. She leads by empowering others, training a new generation of student organizers to ensure the coalition's work remains vibrant and effective."

Since joining VCU Votes as a sophomore, Ali has helped to expand the initiative's digital presence, using Instagram to feature students and invite them to share their reasons for being civically involved.

"Representation is super important to me because if you see somebody who looks like you being present in their community, you want to get involved as well, whether you're a young kid looking up to somebody or it's your peer," Ali said. "That idea influences a lot of our social media strategy. I try to put students at the center of our content because people connect with stories and experiences that feel familiar. Seeing your peers engaged in their community makes civic engagement feel less intimidating and more attainable."

For her efforts with VCU Votes, Ali was named to the 2026 ALL IN Student Voting Honor Roll, which recognizes students from campuses around the country for their work to champion democracy.

"It's very meaningful," she said of the recognition, "and it reminds me that with consistent, everyday work, you can make a change. I think civic engagement is really about helping students feel like their voices really matter. It's making sure that students genuinely feel heard, and that after all of the conversation is done, there is action."

Her perspective has been forged by her family's journey from Afghanistan. She is one of four siblings, and she and her sister, who is also studying at VCU, are first-generation college students.

"I've done everything I do for my mom and dad because they sacrificed so much," Ali said. "Their sacrifices remind me every day that the opportunities I have now didn't come easily. I want to make the most of them."

In addition to her role with VCU Votes, Ali serves as a teaching assistant for the U.S. Democracy United/Divided course and as a peer mentor with You First at VCU, which connects first-generation students to programs and resources that help them navigate their journey to a college degree.

While she stays busy with her schoolwork and her VCU extracurriculars, Ali also takes the time to solidify her connection to the community by exploring the neighborhoods around campus, venturing out to spend time in nature at her favorite local park.

With the final year of her undergraduate studies approaching, Ali is committed to reaching even more students and community members.

"At the end of the day, voting is a privilege, and there have been so many fights for us to have the choice to vote," she said. "Because of that history, I never take the right to vote for granted. I'm motivated to reach students, continue the growth we've had and build a foundation for students to stay engaged in their communities both here at VCU and beyond Richmond."