Aliya
“Being a woman means taking up space in this world, as aggressively and gracefully as I want. It is not trying to hide my nurturing qualities, knowing that one day I could bring life into this world. It is advocating for other people who identify as women, and embracing people’s differences in the world around me without judgement. ”
Aliya’s fearlessness and risk-taking nature have been catalysts for her success in Washington, D.C.’s political arena. She is outspoken about her beliefs and is always looking to help others; these are qualities that make her a great fit for her role in Congress. Whether it’s instructing a spin class, educating others on the challenges first-generation Americans face, or answering questions about Congress on her YouTube channel, she is always utilizing her position to improve the lives of others. Meet Aliya. This is her story
K: Please introduce yourself!
A: Hi! My name is Aliya Manjee (she/her). I am 26 years young and currently live in Washington, D.C. I grew up in Brookfield, WI and went to undergrad and law school at Marquette University in Milwaukee, WI. I am the second of four sisters and definitely give off middle child energy. My sisters and I are all first-generation Americans and first-generation college grads. My parents immigrated to Wisconsin from Pakistan, and my experiences as a first-generation student and working professional have played a huge role in who I am today.
I work in Congress, which is apparently not surprising to anyone who knew me growing up but is still surprising (and exciting!) to me. I also love spinning, boxing, taking long walks, and trying new restaurants! I wish I loved cooking, but I have become complacent to boring meals and am dependent on my air frier.
K: Describe yourself in your own words
A: Cautiously audacious, useful, intelligent, accepting, and a little silly. I am a calculated risk taker and am not afraid to be bold. I like to be helpful to others, which sometimes ends up in me prioritizing everyone but myself, but I really do take pride in being useful. That is why I recently launched my YouTube channel, Ask Aliya! While the channel is going to focus on the basics of how Congress works, I also hope to delve into professional development, grad school, and first-generation issues. I don’t know it all and don’t want to come off as a know-it-all, but I realize that my education background and current job put me in a position of privilege in terms of understanding the law and government, and I want to be able to use this privilege to help others.
I am a silly person at heart who loves to laugh, dance, and I thrive off of positive energy around me.
K: What is your favourite thing about yourself?
A: Is saying my eyebrows too vain? If so, that’s okay. I’ll stick with the answer because it is the first thing that came to mind and I take great pride in them. Ever since I moved to D.C., I have not found a reliable eyebrow threading person that I love and am committed to, so if you know of one, let me know. Looking to build a long-term relationship <3
K: Tell us a story. Have you had an experience that’s defined you or made you stronger?
A: It is hard to just pick one! A situation that was a huge process of self-realization for me was the steps it took for me to become a spin instructor at Spire Fitness in Milwaukee. After being a client for a year, I knew I was good on the bike and wanted the opportunity to teach. I auditioned, went through training, and in the final ride before I could teach to clients, I totally choked. I lost all confidence in myself and went through 45 minutes of self-deprecation while trying to finish the class I had made for the head trainer, Whitney. I finished the class, but it was not pretty. Whitney asked me what happened, and I did not have a good answer. I practiced, and I knew I had the physical ability - I just lost all confidence when I got up there because I didn’t feel like I was good enough. I was embarrassed and discouraged, but Whitney reminded me that I wouldn’t have made it through auditions or training if she didn’t believe in me and my ability, and that I had earned my opportunity to do this. She gave me a few days to regroup and try again. I don’t think I could have moved forward had she not told me that she believed in me. Shoutout to supportive mentors and second chances!
After a good cry and solo meal at shake shack, I actively worked on shifting my mindset. What was I afraid of? One of the main things was how I looked. I felt like I was too fat to be teaching others fitness. At the time, there no other woman of color fitness instructors in the surrounding area, so I also felt like I would just be the fat brown girl on the bike. How absurd is that?? I had the athletic ability to YELL while doing the full workout myself, and I was working out multiple times a day. Being “skinny,” is not in the definition of being a good fitness instructor.
After acknowledging this internal fear and working through my general fear of messing up, I made it through my second chance and was able to officially begin teaching! I had a few mishaps at the start (for some reason, I always had issues with music/speakers), but these were all learning experiences for me as I continued working at the studio.
Teaching at Spire allowed me to see the physical and mental benefits of fully believing in myself and being present for those around me. I learned to have fun while working! When I was teaching, it was the only time I felt like my mind and body were fully connected and focused on one thing -I was focused on being an effective instructor and delivering a good workout. While I haven’t been able to find a community like Spire in Washington D.C. yet, I hope to get back to teaching spin soon!
K: What is one piece of advice you’d give to your younger self?
A: Does my younger self count as who I was yesterday?
I would tell myself to stop fearing my own abilities and to stop compartmentalizing myself. I continue to remind myself this on a daily basis. I know I have the capacity to create, to achieve, & to learn, but the self-doubt in my mind frequently dominates the narrative. I feel like the more I learn, the less I know, and the less I trust my ability to succeed. I recently realized that as I got older, I stopped taking chances on myself because I didn’t feel like I belonged in certain spaces. However, I am working on not letting my fear of not knowing it all impede my ability to succeed and move forward. It is exhausting.
To my younger self, keep going. You are wiser than you realize today. And embrace your audacity!
K: What does being a woman mean to you?
A: Being a woman means taking up space in this world, as aggressively and gracefully as I want. It is not trying to hide my nurturing qualities, knowing that one day I could bring life into this world. It is advocating for other people who identify as women, and embracing people’s differences in the world around me without judgement. Being a woman is powerful, and FUN! The most supportive people in my life are other women, and I am grateful for them every day.
K: Who is one woman that inspires you? What would you say to her if she were here now?
A: I am extremely inspired by Serena Williams! I am not even that invested in keeping up with tennis, but I do keep up with her. She has been extremely resilient in her career, and has always represented strength, discipline, and impeccable fashion taste. If she were here now, I would thank her for being an inspiration and ask her if I could model for clothing brand, S by Serena!
