.007 Zeinab Bakillah

Zeinab is the type of person who reminds you to live life to the fullest. She does this through her actions; by being kind to everyone she encounters, by chasing her dreams relentlessly, and by having a good time through it all. When Zeinab and I met, I remember having a immediate impression that she was spectacular, smart, and full of good energy. All of this and more are true of her. She seems to always be dreaming of what’s next while simultaneously staying focused (and appreciating) the present moment.

Throughout our couple-of-years crossover in college, Zeinab was always like a sponge; soaking up every morsel of information and excitement that came her way. If you met another spectacular person, odds are they were friends with Zeinab, too. She is extremely diligent and yet quirky and joyful. She makes you feel respected, listened to, and cared for. She’s someone you know will always kick ass and reach back to help those who follow.

Zeinab, thank you for always being such a joy to be around. Thank you for being a part of the crazy journey that was the TEDx experience those years, and for always providing great ideas, thoughts, and hope. Thank you for pushing yourself and those around you to be more compassionate and kind. Thank you for having such a wonderful sense of humor, that in some ways I feel like is your secret weapon.

I’m so grateful for you and our friendship, and I look forward to the day that we can see each other here in NYC. I’m grateful to have your magic in my life, and I know anyone who knows you feels the same way that I do. I’m grateful that we’ve stayed in touch and that you are still shining onward, especially during these insane times. Thank you, as always, for being you.

-BD