Gallaudet Professor Named White House Fellow

Selection as a White House Fellow

[June 25] Dr. Khadijat “Kubby” Rashid, a member of the Gallaudet University’s faculty since 1994, is among the 13 men and women selected for the 2010-2011 White House Fellows program. Rashid is believed to be the first deaf person to join the high-profile group.

Selection as a White House Fellow is highly competitive and based on a record of remarkably early career achievement, evidence of leadership potential, proven commitment to public service, and possession of the knowledge and skills necessary to contribute successfully at the highest levels of the Federal government.

Rashid was among approximately 1,000 applicants for the program. All who apply must list their life’s accomplishments, state why they believe they qualify for the position, and write an essay that aims to counsel the President on a specific policy issue. The final 30 candidates were interviewed over a three-day period by the 28-member President’s Commission on White House Fellowships.

Rashid currently chairs the Department of Business at Gallaudet. She serves on the board of Discovering Deaf Worlds, a non-governmental organization dedicated to helping deaf people in developing countries. She is also on the board of the World Deaf Leadership Program, which sponsors development projects for deaf communities in South Africa and Thailand. Because her area of expertise is international economic development, her White House assignment will likely be in that area, though she will only know for certain after “Placement Week,” July 19-23, when she will interview with at least five White House offices and agencies.

“The Gallaudet community and deaf people throughout the country are proud that Dr. Rashid was selected for this prestigious position,” said Gallaudet University President T. Alan Hurwitz. “Her appointment as a White House Fellow is another example of what a deaf person can achieve when provided with equal opportunity and fair access.”