Bushra Ehikamenor is a social activist and student leader at McLean High School. She participated during the founding of the Muslim Student Association (MSA), and serves as an MSA representative to other MSA groups in Fairfax County Schools. This includes coordinating guest speakers and helping to organize the annual interscholastic competition, which features a range of activities such as basketball, soccer, volleyball, writing, oral presentations, and recitation events. She says that her self-motivation and enthusiasm ensure that these events are well organized and widely attended.

Over the past two years, Bushra has been able to work both within and with the MSA to pursue a social activist agenda focused on the needs and rights of refugees and immigrants. She helped organize a student demonstration at McLean HS to bring these matters to the attention of other students and the community. Bushra also uses her Instagram site to communicate her personal insights on the difficulty experienced by civilian communities affected by war, in which she publicizes the plight of civilians and refugees in Gaza. These postings help define and communicate her commitment to peaceful resolution of conflict, especially as it affects innocent civilians. They also stress the need for restoration of basic infrastructure and social services necessary for communities to thrive.

Bushra is also active at her mosque, providing food services to families in need. “I find energy and inspiration for the social activism in which I’m engaged,” she said. “These are personal, hands-on experiences that support immigrant families as they navigate challenges to meet their basic nutritional needs.”

Although Bushra was born in the US, she has spent time in Niger and Nigeria, her mother's home countries. During her early childhood, she experienced firsthand the dangers that can arise when essential human services and protections are not widely available. After being abducted and later rescued due to the swift intervention of local townspeople, Bushra gained a deep understanding of the importance of strong local governance in countries, like Niger and Nigeria, struggling to overcome decades of colonial mismanagement and oppression.

Another important event in Bushra's commitment to refugees and immigrants is her work tutoring a student in the Ukraine in English. The lessons were disrupted by the Russian invasion, and Bushra witnessed in real-time the way in which the war displaced that family and upended their lives.

Bushra’s academic interests include science, particularly biology, and international relations, with a special focus on conflict resolution. She aspires to study at New York University (NYU) and return to serve the communities of Niger and Nigeria as a practicing surgeon. “I’m inspired by the words of Malala Yousafzai: ‘When the whole world is silent, even one voice becomes powerful,’” she said. “That’s why I remain dedicated to using my voice to advocate for those in need.”