Hi, I'm Zunirah Ishfaq, a business major with an education minor at Dominican University. I’m passionate about blending education and business to create positive change in communities. With experience in both the classroom and the business world, including organizing educational activities and working as a barista, I understand the importance of effective communication, empathy, and adaptability. I aim to use my skills to empower students and build environments where both learning and personal growth can succeed. I’m excited about exploring opportunities where I can combine business and education to make a real impact.
My Job
Working at Starbucks since 2023 has been more than just a part-time job for me; it’s been a space for personal growth, learning, and real-life experience. As a Shift Supervisor, I’ve taken on new responsibilities that challenge me to lead, support, and inspire my team. I’ve learned how to stay calm under pressure, communicate clearly, and ensure both partners and customers feel valued and supported. Whether it’s guiding a team during a busy rush, solving problems on the spot, or creating a positive environment for everyone in the store, I’ve grown to appreciate the meaningful impact leadership can have. This role has helped me become more confident, independent, and mindful of the importance of kindness, consistency, and collaboration in everything I do.
As an Event Coordinator at the Institute for Leadership Studies (ILS), I support the planning and execution of the Leadership Lecture Series, working closely with my team to create engaging and well-organized events featuring influential speakers. My role includes managing RSVP tracking, coordinating guest check-in, and ensuring a positive attendee experience from start to finish. I also design promotional materials such as flyers and digital invitations, and use Excel to track attendance and assist with event reporting. Through this experience, I have strengthened my skills in event coordination, communication, and operations while contributing to meaningful campus programming.
My experiences have taught me the importance of service, leadership, and community. I spent three summers interning at the Marin County Community Development Corporation, where I led youth workshops on financial literacy, study skills, and goal setting. Being able to mentor younger students and speak to them about their futures made me realize how much I enjoy empowering others. I also spent time volunteering at an early childhood center, where I helped children with reading, writing, and creative play. These roles weren’t just about responsibilities, they were about connection, patience, and learning how to support different age groups in meaningful ways. Each experience reminded me that I thrive in spaces where I can guide, uplift, and serve.
As a Business major with a minor in Education, I’ve always known I didn’t want to take just one path. I’m passionate about both structure and creativity, planning and purpose, but also heart. My long-term goal is to work in a space that combines both business and education, maybe in program development, nonprofit leadership, or even the business department of a school. I want to help create systems and environments where young people, especially from underrepresented communities, feel seen, supported, and empowered. I hope to keep learning, growing, and using my skills to make an impact, not just in boardrooms, but in classrooms and communities too.