The Institute for Diversity and Civic Life enthusiastically announces the appointment of two new members to our Board of Directors! Azra Siddiqi and Nancy Mims join five other Board members to make a slate of seven members. They will each serve a two-year term.

“Azra and Nancy bring a wealth of expertise, insight, and talent to our Board. They are devoted to working for equity and inclusion in their communities. We are fortunate to have them join us in our work to build a more inclusive Texas,” said IDCL Director and Board President, Tiffany Puett.

Azra Siddiqi is an attorney who is passionate about politics and is currently working on legislative policy for the great state of Texas. She attained a degree in Political Science from the University of Texas at Austin and a law degree from South Texas College of Law Houston. She has a political blog called WiseUp TX catering to the South Asian community to inform them about National and Texas politics. WiseUp TX recently won an award from the Austin Chronicle for the Best New Voice of 2016. Azra also works on asylum legal cases, is an ambassador for Popinjay-a company that focuses on ethical fashion, a board member of the Institute of Diversity and Civic Life and contributes to various South Asian American media outlets.

Nancy Mims is an artist/designer, activist and mother living in Austin, Texas. She has recently exhibited her art at the Elisabet Ney Museum, Photo Méthode Gallery, AgavePrint, and the East Austin Studio Tour. Prior to that, she designed and manufactured textiles and later worked as a consultant in the industry, focusing on issues of environmental sustainability. She has served on several boards, including NARAL Pro-Choice Texas, Forklift Danceworks, and the KLRU Community Advisory Board, and currently sits on the Campus Advisory Council at Russell Lee Elementary. She holds degrees from the University of Texas at Austin and Duke University.

Join us in welcoming Nancy and Azra!