Ryan Motakef is a junior at the Geffen Academy @ UCLA. His passions lie in community outreach, and they can be seen in his advocacy work done in student council, where he serves as co-lead in this committee. Serving as the captain in his school's debate team has helped him understand that there always exists two sides to an argument, and that there can be many correct methods to achieve a solution. As the founding head of the Middle Eastern Student Association, Motakef provides a safe space for students with similar backgrounds to that of himself to learn more about their heritage, and challenge a variety stereotypes that are found within it. In addition, his hobbies include photography, scientific research, and piano, where he plays frequently for friends and family.