- Hometown: Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Colleges: College of Social Science; Honors College
- Major: Economics
- Minors: Sociology; Social Science Quantitative Data Analytics
Meet Sumaiya — a thoughtful and globally minded senior from Dhaka, Bangladesh, whose journey at Michigan State University has been shaped by curiosity, community and a deep commitment to creating meaningful change. Majoring in Economics with minors in Sociology and Social Science Quantitative Data Analytics, Sumaiya is a student in the College of Social Science and a proud member of the Honors College. She is honored to represent Michigan State University on the 2026 Homecoming Court.
Sumaiya’s experience at MSU reflects both personal growth and a strong dedication to community impact. Arriving as an international student, she quickly found a sense of belonging through her involvement as a resident assistant, researcher and community advocate. Through her work both on and off campus, she has explored the intersection of policy, research and lived experience, gaining a deeper understanding of how universities can connect with and serve surrounding communities.
Her time at MSU has been defined by turning ideas into action. From conducting research on survivor-centered approaches to human trafficking, to working on housing justice initiatives and collaborating on innovative tools like a housing rights chatbot, Sumaiya has embraced opportunities to apply her learning in real-world contexts. She values MSU as a place where education extends beyond the classroom — into conversations, communities and collective problem-solving. These experiences have shaped her belief that meaningful change begins by listening and by building systems that reflect the voices and needs of the people they serve.
Looking ahead, Sumaiya plans to attend law school and pursue a career in public interest law and policy, focusing on issues such as housing insecurity and human rights. She is especially interested in developing systems that are more accessible, humane and grounded in lived experience. Alongside her professional goals, she remains committed to community-based work and personal growth — whether through volunteering in community gardens or pursuing long-term challenges like completing an Ironman.
One of Sumaiya’s favorite places on campus, the reflection pool behind Student services, represents both reflection and connection, offering a space to pause and take in the energy of the university community around her.
As a Homecoming Court representative, Sumaiya hopes to represent students navigating spaces that were not always designed with them in mind, helping to make those spaces more accessible, human and hopeful. She is committed to creating a sense of belonging and encouraging others to take up space with confidence and is excited to celebrate the community that has become her home while connecting with students, faculty and alums across campus.
Not everything meaningful will look impressive while you are living it. Some of the most important work happens quietly — in moments of persistence, care and uncertainty. If you are still finding your way, you may be closer to something meaningful than you think.