Nadia Islam ’12 is the current president of the 37-member Trinity University Alumni Association Board.
Starting her role as president last year, Islam will hold office until December 2024. Her multifaceted role includes representing the Trinity alumni constituency, setting agendas for board meetings and activities, presiding over business meetings, and acting as a liaison with the Trinity University Board of Trustees. She communicates updates about alumni activities to the trustees while also conveying trustee news to the Alumni Association Board.
“I am privileged to represent such a talented group of alumni,” Islam says. "The University and its graduates have significantly shaped my life, and I find great joy in giving back by volunteering my time and efforts in this role."
Nadia Islam '12 speaks at the formal investiture ceremony of Trinity’s 20th president, Vanessa B. Beasley, Ph.D.
Trinity brought Islam to San Antonio, but her roots in the city have grown deeper since.
She currently works for the City of San Antonio as the government affairs administrator. In this capacity, Islam advocates for the city’s many needs at the state and federal levels. Her department focuses on analyzing legislation and utilizing available funding opportunities.
"I find my job very exciting," Islam shares. "Every day brings new challenges and opportunities. I get to learn about what our community needs are. We constantly look out for legislation that could benefit or harm us."
Islam is well-equipped for her current role in city government, with a diverse range of experiences and her education from Trinity.
She earned a bachelor's degree in political science from Trinity in 2012, with a focus on international and comparative studies. Her extracurricular activities included involvement in the Muslim Student Association and the Chi Beta Epsilon sorority. Islam furthered her education by obtaining a master's degree in public administration from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2017.
Islam started her career in government relations as an outreach coordinator for a U.S. Representative. She also served as the government and public relations manager at the San Antonio Housing Authority before undertaking her current role.
"My Trinity experience provided me with an interdisciplinary education," Islam reflects. "It taught me to think on my feet and navigate challenges effectively. This is something that gives me a leg up every day."
Trinity has played a major role in Islam’s personal life as well. She is married to a Trinity alumnus, Mahlon Long '07. He is a CPA and currently works for Valero Energy in accounting and software development. Living in San Antonio has allowed Islam to develop very close friendships with other Trinity alumni who have remained a very close supporting network over the past decade.
Nadia Islam '12 (right) and Mahlong Long '07 enjoy their time at the Block Party on Oakmont during Alumni Weekend 2023.
For today’s Trinity students, who will automatically become members of the Alumni Association upon graduation, Islam offers advice.
"I encourage students to explore different opportunities during their college years," Islam advises. "Engage in different activities in both leading and following roles. Take some risks while you still have a safety net at Trinity. Don’t forget to take care of yourself!”
Islam can be reached at islam.nadia@gmail.com. To submit a nomination for the Alumni Association’s Board of Directors, please use this form.
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