Position Title
EQUIP Alumna
Munirah Talib-Din
Uplifting the African diaspora through financial literacy
Munirah Talib-Din graduated from UC Davis with a B.S. in economics and a minor in African American and African studies. As a student, she was a senior lead supervisor at the Testing Services Center on campus, where she enjoyed managing various projects as well as creating a welcoming environment for students and faculty. Talib-Din is interested in poetry, music, fashion, art and travel, and has an appreciation for the work of Botticelli, Bernini, Vermeer and other artists. Today she is a fashion and business development assistant at Rebecca Tembo (London, GB).
Note: This interview was conducted in spring 2019 when Munirah was an EQUIP Scholar.
Describe your project or venture.
I am a fellow at Impact Venture Capital, an investment and advisory firm based in Sacramento. I just finished professionalizing the learning modules for their middle school program known as the Entrepreneurs Club. I attached a script to the presentation slides and created an interactive worksheet for each module. This year they expanded their program to another school, and I recently attended each school’s showcase.
What’s important about your field of study—and where do you hope to take it?
I am majoring in economics and minoring in African American and African Studies. They are both important departments that intersect with one another for numerous reasons. I hope to do more research about the two and figure out a way to uplift the African diaspora through financial literacy.
What are you most passionate about in your work/education?
I am most passionate about discovering the reasonings behind the current state of the African diaspora in the United States as well as outside of this country. There is a lot of hidden history that needs to be brought to light in order to advance the Black people and allow for equal opportunity in addition to equal outcome.
What was the most important thing you learned during EQUIP?
EQUIP provided me with a lot of valuable information. The most important thing I took away from the program was to continue to put myself in uncomfortable situations in regards to my education and career to allow myself to grow. I was originally uncomfortable with some of the activities I participated in. However, I am grateful and have learned so much because of them.
I have the ability to do whatever I desire to do, and EQUIP reminded me of that. If you never try, the answer is always no.
What is the most unexpected advice you received during the program?
To ask all questions that I have regardless of my fears or how uncomfortable I may be. It is better to ask and receive clarity than to not know.
What is the most important thing you discovered in EQUIP?
The most important thing I discovered had to do with myself. I have the ability to do whatever I desire to do, and EQUIP reminded me of that. If you never try, the answer is always no.
How will your experiences help you to change the world?
Many undergraduates are not provided with the knowledge that EQUIP provided me. I hope to enlighten others about the information I have learned and use the tips and lessons in my daily life specifically, but not limited to, my professional future.
How will your experiences as an EQUIP Scholar shape your professional future?
EQUIP exposed me to advisors who genuinely care about my future, as well as many opportunities at UC Davis. I will approach my professional career with more drive, optimism and tenacity.
Anything else you’d like us to know about you?
I have a huge interest in the fashion industry. As of recently, the industry has become more inclusive but it has a long way to go. I hope to use my degree in economics to create a clothing business for people to feel comfortable, beautiful and confident in at an affordable price.