Mujtaba Raja
Jersey City,NJ
Summary
Enthusiastic and competitive public speaker with a passion for leadership. Aspiring future congressman, dedicated team player, and an avid supporter of Congressman Rob Menendez
Overview
3
3
years of professional experience
Work History
Debater
Dalton Model Congress, #1 Ranked Team In Nation
10.2022 - Current
- Achieved Best Delegate at Princeton Model Congress for two consecutive years (2022 and 2023) and Best Delegate at Yale Model Congress 2023; accomplished the rare feat of gaveling at every conference attended
- Mentored a group of 4 underclassmen new to the activity, providing guidance and support for local competitions.
- Facilitated skill development in public speaking through targeted speech practice sessions
- Enhanced team performance by refining debate strategies and through diligent research
- Cultivated a positive team culture by celebrating successes, learning from setbacks, and emphasizing the importance of sportsmanship in competition
Cabinet Official
Dalton Student Government
10.2022 - Current
- Regularly meet with administration to ensure ongoing progress and facilitating dialogue between students and them
- Conducted comprehensive surveys across the student body to identify areas requiring improvement, collating feedback to address concerns to President and Vice President
- Collaborated with the administration to incorporate gender-neutral language into student policies and handbooks
- Spearheaded the organization of House Olympics, an annual event engaging the entire high school
Founder and Executive Director
The Barakah Initiative
08.2023 - Current
- Founded The Barakah Initiative, a youth-led organization committed to enhancing Muslim representation in the media through creative expression
- Expanded the team from a duo to a 26-person strong unit, comprising writers, interviewers, researchers, outreach directors, and podcasters
- Conducts weekly Zoom check-ins to ensure responsible progress, fostering accountability and maintaining project momentum
- Garnered over 1K+ impressions on Instagram and amassed 460+ followers
- Conducted interviews with influential Muslim figures, including Mussab Ali, the first public Muslim elected official in America
- Established partnerships with Muslim Student Associations of Infinity Institute High School, Piscataway High School, and local mosques such as Al-Hoda Islamic Center
Student Historian Intern
New-York Historical Society
10.2023 - Current
- Conducted weekly in-depth historical research focused on Chinese immigration during the Reconstruction era
- Upcoming publication of research findings on the official New-York Historical Society blog in March; presenting in-depth historical findings to staff and scholars at a research symposium in June
- Participated in regular meetings with professional staff to enhance understanding of museum, library, digital humanities, and history fields
Judicial Intern
New York State Supreme Court
06.2023 - 08.2023
- Attended multiple court cases and hearings, gaining insights into the various legal strategies employed
- Participated in extensive discussions with Judge Robert Mandelbaum, delving into the nuances of ongoing cases
- Gained firsthand exposure to courtroom proceedings and observed the application of legal tactics
Young Scholar
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
09.2021 - Current
- The Cooke Young Scholars Program is a selective five-year, pre-college scholarship for high-performing 7th grade students with financial need
- One of 60 students selected across the United States from thousands of applicants
Kid Reporter
Scholastic Kids Press
08.2020 - 08.2022
- Chosen as one of 50 Kid Reporters for Scholastic Kids Press, reaching 25 million classrooms globally by being published through the Scholastic Classroom Magazine
- Interviewed UNC Chapel Hill Professor Shannon McGregor on social media's role in 2020 election misinformation, published in Scholastic Classroom Magazine: https://kpcnotebook.scholastic.com/post/rise-misinformation
National Finalist
Scripps National Spelling Bee (2021 & 2022)
06.2021 - 06.2022
- 2020 and 2021 Hudson County Spelling Bee Champion; advanced to the 2020 and 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee
- Received a Citation (2021 and 2022) from Hudson County Executive, Tom DeGise; https://www.nj.com/hudson/2021/04/spelling-bee-champs-visit-with-county-executive.html.
- Placed in the Top 100 of Spellers across the United States (2021)
Student Government
Jersey City Public Schools
09.2020 - 01.2022
- Elected President, 2021-22 Academy I Student Government; previously served as Secretary (7th) and Treasurer (6th)
- Officer on the Citywide Student Council, Jersey City Board of Education
- Contributed feedback to JCBOE's collaboration with STRAX Networks for enhanced virtual learning and parent accessibility
- Organized clothing fundraisers for nearby shelters (The House of Faith) to support those in need during the Winter Season
Education
High School Diploma -
The Dalton School
New York, NY06.2026
Skills
- Public speaking
- Analytical writing
- Adaptability
- Dependable and Responsible
Languages
English
Native or Bilingual
Urdu
Native or Bilingual
Punjabi
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
Student Historian Intern
New-York Historical Society
10.2023 - Current
Founder and Executive Director
The Barakah Initiative
08.2023 - Current
Judicial Intern
New York State Supreme Court
06.2023 - 08.2023
Debater
Dalton Model Congress, #1 Ranked Team In Nation
10.2022 - Current
Cabinet Official
Dalton Student Government
10.2022 - Current
Young Scholar
Jack Kent Cooke Foundation
09.2021 - Current
National Finalist
Scripps National Spelling Bee (2021 & 2022)
06.2021 - 06.2022
Student Government
Jersey City Public Schools
09.2020 - 01.2022
Kid Reporter
Scholastic Kids Press
08.2020 - 08.2022
High School Diploma -
The Dalton School
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