Aliya Adan

Aliya is from South Seattle, Washington, and is a first-generation Somali American. As an undergraduate, she conducted independent research on gun violence in Black immigrant communities, exploring its social determinants and lived impacts. Her Bonderman Fellowship proposal centers on identity—examining how she navigates multiple cultural worlds as the child of immigrants and what that reveals about belonging in an ever-changing global society. Aliya selected Turkey, Kenya, Malaysia, Indonesia, Oman, Morocco, China, and Brazil—countries where she would feel safe traveling solo.