Ali Makani

Harvard College Class of 2024, Economics and Comparative Religion

Ali Makani is a student in the class of 2024 at Harvard College, studying Economics and Comparative Religion. He grew up in San Antonio, Texas as a child of immigrants and quickly learned how to navigate issues of racism and bigotry from his peers. In high school, he took his experiences and began to form and join affinity and volunteer-based organizations to promote equality and service to local communities. By his junior year, he had formed his school district’s first recognized Muslim Student Association and began to implement diversity initiatives as president of his local National Honor Society chapter. In formulating these programs, the creation of affinity spaces at the high school level became normalized within his predominantly white area. At Harvard, he became involved with the South Asian Association and was elected as the Academic-Political chair of the organization--creating and directing programs intended to promote progressive discourse on issues relating to race, religion, and politics. He is a fan of hip hop and can be found playing basketball or playing video games in his free time if not wrapped up in a good book or drinking chai with his family.

Accomplishments on the ASPT:

Contributed to the Impact Modeling Report

Skills:

Market Analysis
Qualitative Research
Racial/Religious Literacy

Sectors of Interest:

Venture Capital Firms
Intellectual Property Law
Modern Health and Spirituality
Mental Health-Oriented Companies

Current Location