Born and raised in Texas, Samar Rawas has followed a unique path, starting as the Student Government President at Collin College, where she represented the needs of 65,000 students. This role helped her develop strong leadership skills and a deep sense of responsibility. Samar earned a full-ride scholarship to Southern Methodist University (SMU), where she majored in International Studies, graduating with honors. During her time at SMU, she delivered a keynote speech in front of a former U.S. President, U.S. Ambassadors, and other distinguished guests. Her studies also took her abroad to Spain and France, where she gained valuable insights into international cultures and perspectives.

A pivotal moment in Samar’s journey came during a U.S. Department of State Critical Language Scholarship program in Jordan. Immersed in the region, she discovered her passion for the Foreign Service and committed to a career dedicated to making an impact on a global scale. In addition, Samar worked at USAID Nigeria as a Donald M. Payne Fellow in the Program Office, where she gained firsthand experience in international development.

Samar has pursued a Master of Science in Foreign Service at Georgetown University, building on her experiences to deepen her understanding of global affairs. Before her graduate studies, she served as a fellow in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she expanded her knowledge of policy and governance. With a strong foundation in leadership, social justice, and development, Samar remains committed to creating lasting change on the international stage, aspiring to serve as a Foreign Service Officer with USAID.