Nadiya is a junior at the University at Albany, SUNY, where she is double majoring in Criminal Justice and Public Policy and is enrolled in the university's accelerated Master of Public Administration program. She is also the President and Founder of the university’s IGNITE chapter, through which she has been empowering young women to become civically engaged and pursue leadership opportunities. In this role, she has collaborated with elected officials to promote women's political leadership, civic engagement, and voter participation. In partnership with her campus and local community, she also organized a month-long menstrual drive with the chapter, which provided feminine hygiene products and essential toiletries to homeless shelters, domestic violence survivors, and students at a local high school.

Nadiya previously interned for US Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Governor Kathy Hochul, experiences that strengthened her understanding of public policy, government, and the legislative process. Her academic, professional, and leadership experiences have fueled her passion for public service and reinforced her commitment to creating meaningful policy that strengthens communities and expands opportunities for others.