Joyce Muchan and Fatema Sumar Language Advocacy Scholarship

Joyce Muchan and Fatema Sumar Language Advocacy Scholarship

Nazifullah Akbari
2025 Recipient

Major & Year: Government, Class of 2027

Nazifullah Akbari is a Government major at Cornell University whose work is rooted in language justice, refugee advocacy, and educational equity. Having experienced displacement multiple times after fleeing Afghanistan, Nazifullah witnessed firsthand how access to language can determine whether individuals receive healthcare, education, and basic respect. These experiences shaped his commitment to breaking down linguistic barriers for marginalized communities.

He has worked as a volunteer interpreter with Tarjimly and as a part-time medical interpreter with 360 Interpreters Academy, supporting refugees and immigrants as they navigate healthcare, legal systems, and public services in Persian, Pashto, Turkish, and English. Beyond interpretation, Nazifullah founded the Hayat Educational Institute, an underground girls’ education initiative in Afghanistan, and continues to support educational access for girls despite ongoing restrictions. His long-term goal is to advance equitable language access and inclusive policy solutions through public service and advocacy.