HCDE student Zahra Jamal Hassan named to the 2026 Husky 100

Zahra Jamal Hassan, an undergraduate student in the Department of Human Centered Design & Engineering, has been named to the 2026 Husky 100, a University of Washington recognition honoring 100 students who are making the most of their Husky Experience and demonstrating leadership, community engagement, and a commitment to making a positive impact.

Hassan, who is completing her Bachelor of Science in HCDE, has focused her time at UW on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in engineering through community-centered outreach and engagement. Her work reflects a belief that meaningful change in technology and engineering must be shaped by the communities most affected by it.

Growing up Somali, Hassan says she was deeply influenced by cultural traditions centered on mutual aid and collective care.

“Growing up Somali, I’ve always been inspired by the emphasis on mutual aid within my culture,” Hassan says. “At the University of Washington, this admiration has transformed into an unshakeable belief in the power of collective action.”

That perspective has guided her involvement in outreach efforts designed to expand access to engineering and support students from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Hassan’s work emphasizes building community and creating spaces where students can see themselves in engineering fields.

“Meaningful, lasting change for marginalized communities can only be built by the people who have lived its absence,” she says.

The Husky 100 program recognizes students from across UW’s three campuses who are applying what they learn in the classroom to real-world challenges and making meaningful contributions to their communities.

Hassan’s recognition highlights the role HCDE students play in shaping more inclusive approaches to technology and engineering. The work reflects values of empathy, collaboration, and a commitment to designing with communities rather than simply designing for them.