April 30, 2019
Imane Zirari is a Program Coordinator at CPE where she helps manage a caseload of student-mentor pairs for CPE’s high school program. She serves as a resource and support system for CPE’s high school students and their mentors to help ensure our students are developing a meaningful relationship with their mentor and cultivating the skills they need to get to and through college. Learn more about Imane in the interview below:
Q. What college did you attend?
A. I attended James Madison University for both undergrad and graduate school. I graduated with my Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in History with a minor in Spanish, Latin American & Caribbean Studies, Secondary Education and Interdisciplinary Social Sciences. I then received my Masters in Education (M.Ed.) in Equity and Cultural Diversity.
Q. If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?
A. I would love to learn more about how to start a podcast. I value the many important conversations I have had with colleagues and peers about current events, issues significant to women of color, equity in the education system, and more. I would love to learn about how to develop a platform to do this.
Q. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, taking long walks and hikes, and catching up on TV shows.
Q. If you could meet anyone, who would it be?
A. I would love to meet Michelle Obama. I would love to talk to her in person and learn more about how she uses her platform to help, inspire, and empower women of color.
Q. What three traits define you?
A. Passionate, Hardworking, and Empathetic
Q. What advice do you give students when you’re checking in with them?
A. I always find myself telling students, “You can do it. You have it in you.” I truly believe that every person is born resilient, they just need to be reminded of it from time to time.
Q. What is your favorite part about working for CPE?
My favorite part about working for CPE is working with the kids we serve and the mission behind our work. I feel so lucky to spend a significant amount of face-time empowering our youth while also spending time with a passionate staff.