How a Pakistani Leader Secured the Fully Funded Harvard Kennedy School Scholarship for the Power and Influence for Positive Change Program

Hello! I’m Haniya, originally from Pakistan. I grew up in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and have lived there for more than 20+ years. I like to call it home. I have completed my undergraduate studies with a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Wollongong in Dubai, where I secured a Dean’s Merit List Award and earned an Academic Excellence Scholarship. I chose to study business administration because I was passionate about understanding how corporations function in terms of their dynamic interoperability, in combination with wanting to learn how ethicality affects business decision-making and stakeholder management. I have loved my time there throughout my degree program. Recently, I started to consider opting for further education and applied to the Power and Influence for Positive Change program by the Social Innovation and Change Initiative at Harvard Kennedy School under Professor Julie Battilana.

Social Innovation and Change Initiative Scholarship Details

The scholarship by the Social Innovation and Change Initiative at Harvard Kennedy School is awarded to 50 scholars who excel in leadership and show commendable impact in the field of positive social influence. It is highly competitive and awarded to a select few that the committee deems the best fit. This scholarship is awarded to pursue the ‘Power and Influence for Positive Change’ Program by Harvard Business School at no cost. This scholarship is fully funded, where the original cost of the program is $1850, but selected individuals only have to pay $50 to secure their seat. The program itself does not cost anything if awarded the scholarship.

Educational Background

I have an extensive background in education. I completed my Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Wollongong in Dubai, where I attained a GPA of 3.8/4.0, which has contributed to my attainment of several scholarships and opportunities. Simultaneously, I completed an ACCA Certificate in Data Analytics and undertook a MicroMasters in Data, Economics, and Policy Design from MIT. In addition, I had enrolled in the CFA Program, where I was also awarded a highly competitive scholarship, given to only 2% of applicants out of a pool of 4,000+.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Social Innovation and Change Initiative Scholarship?

I found out about this scholarship opportunity via my network on LinkedIn. As I am well-connected, I come across interesting opportunities in my feed regularly. As I was scrolling casually, the advertisement for SICI offering the scholarship caught my eye. My curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to apply for the scholarship. I applied by providing a cover letter, my CV, and had to answer a few important questions, alongside submitting a reference to attest to my capabilities. After I had gathered that information, I submitted my application.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

In terms of what I think helped me stand out and get the scholarship, I think it is due to my work in leadership. I have a strong portfolio in leadership as I am the CEO and Global Director of Leading Lady Empire, a non-profit platform designed to empower women and youth in Pakistan and globally. I have been working on it since 2022, striving to create as many opportunities for youth as possible. Till today, we have supported over 5,000+ individuals and reached more than 300,000 people. I was recognized as an Emerging Young Leader by the Institute of Leadership UK for my work in serving my community in 2024. So, I definitely think that has helped me attain this prestigious scholarship.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were to apply again, I would have avoided applying closer to the deadline, but as I found out about the opportunity a little late, I’d want to be more careful next time. Applying earlier would be something I would have done differently, as competition tends to be high, so the earlier you apply, the less stressful it is later.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

If I were to share my advice, it is to focus on taking part in as many extracurricular activities as possible. This doesn’t just apply to this scholarship, but even holistically, for any scholarship, this is often something to consider. For example, opting to become a president for a leadership society at your university or organizing a leadership event at your campus shows you are going beyond academics and striving to create a positive impact on those around you.