Shiza Khan, a senior at Harmony School of Innovation-Dallas, is an accomplished student in the medical pathway, passionate about art and service. Throughout her nine years at Harmony, Shiza discovered her calling in nursing, where she can combine her love for helping others with her passion for creating meaningful connections. Shiza plans to pursue a career as a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant.

Shiza's journey to earning the Congressional Award Gold Medal began with a recommendation from her school counselor. Initially unsure, Shiza embraced the program’s challenges, learning valuable lessons along the way.

“Earning the Gold Medal represents a profound personal victory and a testament to my determination,” said Khan. “This experience has instilled in me a sense of confidence, proving that I can tackle any challenge that comes my way if I set my mind to it.”

Shiza’s growth into a role model is something she also never expected. Once quiet and timid, her journey taught her the power of stepping outside her comfort zone. 

“Each challenge I took on helped me grow into the person I am today, someone who is more confident, self-assured, and willing to take risks,” she said.

Shiza now encourages other young women, especially those who feel unsure, to embrace challenges and take risks. She believes that growth often comes through discomfort and hopes to inspire others to believe in their potential.

Shiza also advocates for women’s power to change the world through their unique strengths and leadership. She believes that women’s resilience, empathy, and creativity can create positive, lasting change. Women are leaders, innovators, and nurturers, shaping communities through their passions and determination.

Reflecting on Women's History Month, Shiza feels inspired by the stories of influential women who’ve broken barriers. She believes these stories empower young women to take action in their communities and pursue their dreams. Shiza credits her teacher, Ms. Loredo, for shaping her path, as Ms. Loredo’s mentorship and encouragement motivated Shiza to push past self-doubt and pursue her goals with confidence.

Shiza’s message to young women: "Keep pushing forward. You are capable of achieving something extraordinary."

Introduction & Background:

• Can you share a bit about yourself—your interests, what motivates you, and what your plans are after graduation?

My name is Shiza Khan and I am a current Senior at Harmony School of Innovation - Dallas oriented to the medical pathway. I enjoy creating various forms of art, such as painting and needle felting, listening to music, and watching movies. Throughout my 9 years at Harmony, I have learned that I find joy in the art of service, one of our campus’ core values. Similarly to most people, I, for the longest time, found it difficult to choose a major, but I knew that I had a deep affinity to serve others, whether it was creating art for them or simply listening. Thus, I found my passions to lay among the field of nursing, where I can serve in healthcare and build those meaningful connections with patients while also fulfilling my passions. I plan to pursue my higher education as either a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant, driven by my innate motivation to give back to my community and achieve my aspirations.

The Congressional Award Journey:

• What led you to pursue the Congressional Award, and what does it mean to you personally to have earned the Gold Medal?

My journey towards the Congressional Award began with a recommendation from my school counselor, who saw potential in me that I hadn’t fully recognized myself. At first, the idea felt a bit overwhelming as the program's rigorous demands and high standards made me question whether I was truly capable of achieving such a prestigious honor. However, it turned out to be a pivotal moment in my life. Earning the Gold Medal symbolizes much more than just an accolade. It represents a profound personal victory and a testament to my determination. It serves as a reminder that with focus and perseverance, I can turn my aspirations into reality. This experience has instilled in me a sense of confidence, proving that I can tackle any challenge that comes my way if I set my mind to it.

• Earning the Gold Medal requires a lot of dedication and hard work. Can you describe your journey and the specific challenges you faced while completing the program, and explain how Harmony plays a role in your accomplishment? 

My journey to achieving the Gold Medal was filled with a variety of challenges that tested my limits and pushed me to grow. One of the most significant hurdles I faced was finding a balance between my academic responsibilities and the requirements of the program. As a high school student enrolled in advanced courses, I constantly juggled a demanding schedule that included rigorous classes, extracurricular activities, and my commitment to completing the Congressional Award.

Time management became crucial. There were days when I felt overwhelmed, struggling to maintain my academic performance while also dedicating sufficient time to the award's activities. However, it was during these moments of struggle that I learned invaluable lessons about perseverance and prioritization. Additionally, Harmony played a crucial and unexpected role in my journey. My school counselor, who introduced me to the program, acted as a catalyst for this entire experience. Without their guidance and encouragement, I might never have discovered this opportunity in the first place. 

Being a Role Model:

• As a 2024 Gold Medalist, you’re setting an example for other young women in your community. How do you feel about being a role model? What kind of impact do you hope to have on other students, especially girls, who look up to you?

If you had told me just a few years ago that I would be seen as a role model, I honestly wouldn’t have believed you. For much of my life, I was a quiet and timid girl, someone who preferred to stay behind the scenes rather than stepping into the spotlight. But as I grew older and began to pursue my passions, including my journey through the Congressional Award, I discovered the power of stepping outside of my comfort zone. Each challenge I took on helped me grow into the person I am today, someone who is more confident, self-assured, and willing to take risks.

Being recognized as a role model is both humbling and empowering. I hope to inspire other young women, especially those who might feel unsure of themselves, to take that first step toward their dreams. My message is simple: growth happens when you’re willing to embrace discomfort. It’s often the moments of uncertainty and challenge that shape us the most. To the girls who look up to me, I want to say, “Don’t be afraid to take on something new, even if it scares you. You are capable of so much more than you realize.” By sharing my journey, I hope to encourage others to believe in their own potential and to understand that success doesn’t always come from being perfect—it comes from being brave enough to try.

• In what ways do you believe women and girls can change the world through their own passions, skills, and leadership, much like you've demonstrated through your achievements?

I firmly believe that women and girls have the power to change the world, not just equally to others, but perhaps even more so because of the unique challenges we face and the perspectives we bring. For too long, women have been confined by stereotypes that label us as timid, dependent, or overly emotional. These narratives are not only outdated, but they also fail to recognize the incredible strength, resilience, and creativity that women bring to the table. In many ways, these stereotypes have fueled us to work even harder, to prove not only to the world but also to ourselves that we can overcome any obstacle.

One of the most powerful traits women embody is empathy. Many of us know what it feels like to be underestimated, dismissed, or told that our dreams are unrealistic. These experiences, while challenging, have made us more understanding and compassionate toward others. This empathy allows women to lead in ways that are collaborative, inclusive, and deeply impactful. Women are often the driving forces in their communities, lifting others up while pursuing their own passions.

I truly believe that women are the building blocks of society—leaders, innovators, and nurturers all in one. Whether it’s through entrepreneurship, activism, education, or creative pursuits, women have the ability to reshape the world into a place that is more equitable and compassionate. The key is to remind ourselves of our worth and to support one another in our endeavors. When women and girls are empowered to embrace their passions, develop their skills, and step into leadership roles, they can create a ripple effect of positive change that touches countless lives.

My journey has shown me that leadership doesn’t have to look a certain way. It can be quiet or bold, calculated or spontaneous. What matters most is that we’re willing to use our voices and talents to make a difference. I hope that by continuing to embrace my own passions, I can inspire others to do the same and remind them that their contributions, big or small, hold the potential to change the world.

Celebrating Women’s History Month:

• How do you think Women's History Month helps inspire and empower young women to take action in their communities and pursue their goals?

Women’s History Month is more than just a celebration. It’s a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and innovation of women throughout history. By highlighting the stories of influential women who have broken barriers, challenged societal norms, and paved the way for future generations, it inspires young women to believe in their own potential. These stories show us that no goal is too ambitious and no challenge is too great when we are determined to make a difference.

For young women, seeing role models from all walks of life, such as scientists, artists, activists, athletes, and leaders, demonstrates that success doesn’t follow one single path. Women’s History Month empowers us by showing that no matter where we come from or what obstacles we face, we can create a positive impact in our communities and beyond. It also challenges societal stereotypes, encouraging young women to step into roles they may not have previously envisioned for themselves.

Women’s History Month reminds us that we are part of a collective legacy of courage and progress. It plants the seed for young women to take action, whether that’s through volunteering in their communities, advocating for social change, or pursuing their dreams unapologetically. It’s a call to honor the women who came before us by continuing to move forward boldly and with purpose.

• Who are some women—whether in history or in your life—who have influenced or inspired you the most? How have they shaped your path?

When I think about the most influential and inspiring woman in my life, my mind immediately goes to my teacher, Ms. Loredo. I first met her during my freshman year, in what felt like one of the most uncertain and overwhelming times of my life. It was my first in-person class after the COVID-19 pandemic, and I was still adjusting to what “normal” school felt like again. Walking into her classroom, I didn’t know that I was about to meet someone who would completely change the way I saw myself and my potential.

Ms. Loredo wasn’t just a teacher, she became a mentor, a supporter, and someone I deeply admire. For my Congressional Award volunteer hours, I would often stay after school to help her grade papers or prepare materials for her next activities. These moments, though small at first, became pivotal for me. During those hours, she encouraged me to take on more opportunities, step out of my comfort zone, and believe in my abilities. She gave me the space and warmth I needed to grow, and for the first time, I felt truly supported. Her encouragement was a light that guided me during moments of doubt.

From my freshman year to my senior year, Ms. Loredo has continued to inspire me in ways I never expected. She consistently goes above and beyond what is expected of a teacher, showing a level of care and dedication that is truly extraordinary. She doesn’t just teach; she listens, supports, and uplifts. She is more than just an educator. She is someone who sees the potential in every student and nurtures it wholeheartedly. Her passion for what she does and her genuine care for the people around her have left an indelible mark on my life. She is truly a beautiful person both inside and out. She embodies kindness, empathy, and strength, and I strive to be like her every day. Her ability to make others feel valued and capable is something I deeply admire and hope to emulate in my own life.

People like her remind me that small acts of encouragement can have a profound impact on someone’s life. She has shaped my journey in ways I can’t fully put into words, and I am so grateful to have had the privilege of learning from and growing alongside someone as remarkable as her.

Ms. Loredo is living proof that educators have the power to change lives, and she has inspired me to carry forward the lessons she’s taught me: to approach life with compassion, to believe in others, and to always strive to make a difference.

Final Thoughts:

• What message would you give to other young women, especially those in high school, who are working to pursue their dreams and achieve something great?

It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed and get caught up in the challenges of the moment, especially when you’re juggling school, extracurriculars, and personal goals. But what I’ve learned is that you don’t have to be perfect. You just have to keep moving forward. Whenever I feel unmotivated, disheartened, or if the weight of everything feels too much to bear, I remind myself of the quote, "Someone is probably on their deathbed right now wishing they were in your position."

That thought really puts things into perspective for me. It reminds me to embrace the opportunities I have, even when they feel tough or uncomfortable. It’s my motivator to push forward and give my best effort, no matter how I’m feeling in the moment. I tell myself to do it tired, do it sad, do it scared, do it uncomfortable, as at least you can say you tried.

You’re capable of so much more than you think. The road to achieving something great isn’t always smooth. It’s filled with challenges, self-doubt, and moments of discomfort. But every time you push through, you’re building resilience and strength. You’re proving to yourself that you can rise above, even when it feels impossible. Keep your dreams in focus, take things one step at a time, and don’t let fear or setbacks stop you. You are capable of creating something extraordinary, and the effort you put in now will absolutely pay off in the future.