I Didn’t Want To Wear A Blue Suit On The Plane

Buckle up as Maryum Fatima Saifee takes us on a journey from Jordan’s Peace Corps outposts to the bustling streets of Cairo during the Arab Spring, with a pivotal pit stop in Seattle with AmeriCorps. Refusing the conventional blue suit on planes, Maryum embraced a path of vibrant diversity and relentless inquiry. A prodigy who started college at 15 at the University of Texas, she was inspired by Professor Sarah Weddington to let go of rigid plans and breathe life into her ambitions. From facing personal challenges as an FGM survivor to spearheading the renaming of a State Department cafeteria in honor of Ambassador Terrance Todman, Maryum’s story is a testament to leading with civility and embracing change. Dive into an episode filled with tales of institutional transformation, sibling antics, and a dedication to a brother who unwittingly set her on a path to finding her own identity. Maryum isn’t just part of the change; she’s making sure it happens.