Sami Subedi

Samikshya Subedi, 20, immigrated to the United States from Nepal with her family at age 8. A senior at Millersville University, she is pursuing a degree in biology with hopes of a career in medicine. She is very involved in civic engagement, community service and program development, and has led the founding of two nonprofits, BRIGHT (Bhutanese Refugees Innovating Growth, Humanity and Tradition) and RIDGE (Refugees and Immigrants Devoted to Growth and Excellence). In 2021, Subedi was named the 2021 Church World Service Lancaster Refugee Leader of the Year. "I strive to be the person I needed when I was younger," she says. "I believe I have found my life purpose in helping others the way others have helped me."