Growing up in the small town of Akka, Maryem Laghdaf was shaped by the values of her Moroccan and Sahrawi heritage. The sense of community, tradition, and responsibility she learnt from her family and surroundings guided her toward wanting to contribute positively to the world around her. In Akka, she saw firsthand the importance of togetherness and how even small efforts can create meaningful changes.

Her journey into youth work and community engagement began at the local Dar Chabab, where she volunteered her time working with young people. The opportunity to mentor and support youth gave her a deeper understanding of the challenges they face and the importance of providing guidance. It was in this role that she developed a passion for empowering others and learnt how local efforts could help foster personal and communal growth. The experience opened her eyes to the potential of grassroots initiatives to create lasting, positive impacts.

While volunteering at Dar Chabab, Maryem had the privilege of working alongside Peace Corps volunteers. This collaboration provided her with new perspectives on diplomacy, international cooperation, and how individuals from different backgrounds can come together to make a difference. It was a humbling experience that deepened her belief in the power of collective efforts and reinforced her commitment to fostering understanding and cooperation—especially in her local community.

Her academic background has further nurtured her understanding of these themes. With a bachelor's degree in public law, focused on political studies, she gained insights into the legal and political systems that shape international relations. Currently pursuing a master's degree in political science, she continues to explore topics related to public law, international law, and governance. Her studies have helped her better appreciate the role that diplomacy and legal frameworks play in conflict resolution, always from the perspective of seeking practical solutions that benefit communities.

In addition to her academic journey, Maryem has been fortunate to work with organisations such as Project Soar, where she worked to empower young girls. Her role allowed her to support their personal development, helping them to build confidence and leadership skills. Working with Project Soar was a reminder of the importance of giving back, and how small acts of encouragement can have a lasting effect on someone’s life.

Through her involvement with the World Literacy Foundation, she was able to further her commitment to education, recognising that literacy is not just about reading and writing, but also about providing people with opportunities. Her work here was not only about contributing to global efforts, but also about learning from others and understanding the various ways in which education can be a tool for social change.

Her experiences, both locally and through international organisations, have taught her the value of humility, collaboration, and continuous learning. She sees every opportunity—whether in volunteering or academics—as a chance to grow and contribute meaningfully to the causes she cares about. Her experiences, combined with her academic focus on diplomacy and international relations, has given her a perspective rooted in both traditional and modern approaches to problem-solving.

At the core of everything she does is the belief that youth, when given the right support, can play a crucial role in shaping the future. She has seen firsthand how empowering young people can lead to positive changes, not just in their lives, but in the broader community. Whether through her volunteer work or academic research, she remains committed to creating spaces where young voices can be heard and valued.

Looking ahead, Maryem remains focused on continuing her efforts in youth empowerment and diplomacy, always mindful of the lessons she’s learnt from her community, her heritage, and the people she’s been privileged to work alongside. She views every step of her journey as an opportunity to contribute, to learn, and to help others do the same.