Zobaida Maria is in her second year on the clinical track at the Silberman School of Social Work. At the NYU School of Social Work, she supported research on HIV care and substance use, where she observed just how critical policy is to ensure equitable access to care. She also worked with the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) on a study examining how to better support young adults with substance-use disorders. In addition, she has co-authored several research articles and conference presentations on substance use, HIV care, and cancer disparities among marginalized communities. Currently, Maria contributes to a clinical study in New York City testing interventions to help people living with HIV quit smoking. As part of her social work degree, she is interning at Sakhi for South Asian Women. There, she provides trauma-informed support to survivors of domestic violence, many of whom are immigrants, using both Bangla and English. She believes that social work’s blend of empathy and practical support is how she can make a lasting impact, further aligning her work with her passion for advocacy.