Representation Matters
Videos and Case Studies
In the videos below, students share what representation means to them in classrooms and workplaces. Their stories show that seeing people who reflect your identity whether in leadership, language, or culture can build confidence, belonging, and hope. Representation is not just about being included; it’s about knowing you matter and that success is possible for you too.
Assumptions – video
Reflection Questions
In this video, Wajeeha talks about being motivated to represent others like her saying “I am motivated not for myself but just as a symbol for other Muslim girls. I feel like I’m putting myself through these experiences just to ensure that there is representation or a voice for other Muslim girls”. Have you ever felt pressure to represent a group you belong to? How can we support one another so that no one feels they carry that responsibility alone?
False Self – video
Reflection Questions
- What impact can it have on someone’s sense of belonging and confidence when they don’t see others who look like them in their workplace or learning environment? Why does representation matter?
- How can we create spaces—at school, work, or beyond—where people feel safe to show up authentically, without feeling pressure to hide parts of who they are?
Tokenism – video
Reflection Questions
- How might a lack of representation in leadership or senior roles impact someone’s sense of belonging, confidence, or ability to envision themselves advancing in their field?
- What are the emotional impacts when someone questions whether their success is due to merit or tokenism, and how can workplaces and institutions foster genuine inclusion and recognition?
Feeling Seen and Represented – video
Reflection Questions
- The student said, “This is the first time I felt seen and represented.” Why do you think that moment mattered so much to them? Have you ever had a moment where you felt truly seen or unseen?
- The guest speaker was both queer and Filipino. Why is it important to see people who share more than one part of your identity? How does that kind of representation make a difference?
The First Time I Saw Myself at the Front of the Room – case study
Amira, a first-year university student, walked into her classroom and paused. At the front of the room stood Dr. Khan, a hijab-wearing professor who greeted the class with warmth and confidence. For Amira, this moment was more than just a lecture—it was the first time she saw someone who looked like her leading a university course.
Growing up, Amira rarely saw Muslim women in positions of authority in academic spaces. She often felt the need to downplay parts of her identity to fit in. But seeing Dr. Khan speak openly about her research on migration and identity, while weaving in personal stories, made Amira feel seen. It shifted her sense of what was possible.
Later that semester, Amira found the courage to speak up in class, share her own experiences, and even apply for a research assistant role. She credits that shift to the power of representation—not just symbolic, but embodied.
Reflection Questions
- How does seeing someone who shares your identity in a leadership role impact your sense of belonging?
- What messages do students receive—spoken or unspoken—about who belongs in academic spaces?
- How can institutions ensure that representation is authentic and not tokenistic?
- What role do faculty and staff play in affirming students’ identities through visibility and voice?
