.187 Hasiba Haq

Hasiba and I used to sit probably thirty feet from each other when we both worked at TED. We rarely worked directly on projects together, and yet, my memory is filled with moments of Hasiba being a total rockstar. She was either tackling an immense task with grace, presenting at an all-hands meeting with a big smile on her face, or she was just joyful and kind in her hello to you as you passed each other in the hallway or kitchen.

In conjunction with Hasiba’s compassion was her impressive intelligence that I found to be visible at every turn. She seemed to always be working on another big idea and solution, and in doing so, she was always involving her team, open to different perspectives, and was so clearly inspired by the prospect of changing the world. Working in the same room as her was enough to make me feel inspired, too, and grateful for her energy and positivity.

Hasiba, thank you for being such an approachable and sweet person. Thank you for being such a spark of light and for being so respectful to those around you. Thank you for making my day just a bit brighter when we ran into each other on the street a couple of years ago(!). Thank you for being just a good human being who is surely a role model to many. Thank you, Hasiba, for being you.

-BD