Photos by Aniqa Hassan ’20

Not long ago, Alex Joseph ’10 found herself feeling hopeless and wanting to do something. As she was pondering what “a hard time [it is] to be a Muslim in America,” a project formed in her mind. She wanted to reach out to the Muslim students on campus with a gift that would “symbolize love and acceptance in these difficult times.”

After consulting with the College’s Muslim student advisor, she shared her idea with alumnae on Facebook, and in short order, more than 300 Wellesley women from around the world had donated $2,500. In March, the halal-certified care packages—which included a chocolate bar, fuzzy socks, beauty sheet face masks, a Starbucks card, and a handwritten note (contributed by more than 100 alumnae)—were distributed on campus.

“I found that the notes included from alumnae were incredibly heartfelt,” says Myra Ahmad ’17. “Sometimes I feel that we as a student Muslim group don’t always have as much visibility with alumnae as I might like, but the notes sent us the message that we matter and are supported on this campus and as future alumnae.”

Myra Ahmed ’17 with her care package