Thought Leader Spotlight: Simra Mariam
featuring simra mariam (she/her/hers), the
f
ounder & editor-in-chief of reclamation magazine
Simra Mariam is a first-generation South Asian American writer, the Founder & Editor-in-Chief of Reclamation Magazine, and a multimedia artist based outside of Philadelphia, PA. Rooted in the concept of using various mediums of art to express individuality, experiences, and critiques about the world, Simra’s hope for Reclamation Magazine is that it’s accessible to anyone who feels the need for a representative voice in the mainstream media. She is hopeful that as the platform continues to grow in both readership and contributions, it will serve as a statement that marginalized voices cannot be erased, and are all the more powerful when they come together.
Learn about Simra and her publication here.
We had the opportunity to sit down with Simra and ask her a few questions. Read more about her below.
Embrace Her Lead:
What compelled you to start, and who has been your biggest support so far?
simra:
I grew up as a second-generation Indian American immigrant, which came with its own set of challenges - racism, islamophobia, stereotypes with culture, and religion. Our struggles are unique and the system in places singles us out. Our stories deserve recognition which in turn will liberate us. At 17, I was fortunate enough to be able to write for the Huffington Post, and now I want to hold the door open for other women. Marginalized communities deserve a voice inviting other women to the table. My parents are my biggest supporters; my mom is the biggest role model. She was an immigrant and built a life for us while foregoing her education. She actually recently completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Interior Design. Further proving, age is not a limit to pursuing your goals and you can do anything you set your mind to.
Embrace Her Lead:
What motivated you to start Reclamation Magazine?
simra:
The storytelling perspective - I always looked to storytelling as an amazing outlet to learn about different perspectives. You realize how tiny your troubles can be after reading others’ perspectives and vulnerability. We are dynamic in our approach because marginalized people are only given platforms to talk about issues that concern their situation or their oppression. At Reclamation, they can speak about anything that interests, intrigues, or drives their creativity.
Embrace Her Lead:
Reclamation Magazine stands out for its mission of reclaiming your voice. What does this mean to you? What was your inspiration behind shaping the magazine’s narrative and mission?
simra:
This concept of reclaiming your voice has been interwoven into my life from the beginning, I was always very secluded and didn’t voice my concerns because, from the beginning, I was socialized in a way where girls usually don’t speak up, and so we carry this burden and weight. It took a toll on my mental health and I was very closed off. So I took writing as an outlet to see how it would impact people around me. And the response completely floored me because so many people were able to relate to me. Therefore, we want to create a safe place, reclaim agency and voices, and all of those aspects that you have hidden from yourself.
Embrace Her Lead:
Do you think that mentorship is important in your area of expertise? Have you had any mentors who helped shape or impact your professional or personal growth?
simra:
Mentorship is so important in this field because it is a relatively harsh industry as you don't really know what you're doing in the beginning. I started majoring out in International Relations and Politics and I actually switched to Communications where you focus on interpersonal communication, journalism, and different aspects of society. Women supporting other women in this field is SO important. I also majored in Women’s Studies and my industry is male and white-dominated so it's important to have teachers and mentors to pave the way for us. It's also so important to sit down with someone when you're uncertain and have imposter syndrome; for that someone to assure you that it’s okay to be lost and to not know what comes next. At the end of the day, you have to realize you made it to where you are for a reason.
Embrace Her Lead:
What’s your favorite thing to do when you’re not working?
simra:
Currently, I am a senior in college and just really excited for whatever comes next. I will be taking a year off from school and will be working in industries that are appealing to me. Reading is a big part of who I am - I love fiction, non-fiction, poetry. I’m currently reading The Alchemist, which is a really great book with gems about life and loss. I’m also reading Secrets of Divine Love during the month of Ramadan. I will have a degree in Communications that touches on a variety of aspects beyond reading and writing, but I want to also pursue creativity. I’m also starting to enjoy the outdoors and love being one with the earth and universe.
Embrace Her Lead:
What’s one thing you want people to know about you?
simra:
I want people to know that I’m trying my best in a world that can often beat you down. I want to be approachable and a shoulder to lean on and I am more than happy to be a mentor because I didn't have that when growing up. I didn't have anyone to go to and say “I'm not sure what I'm doing, I need some help”, I just want people to know they can reach out to me.
Embrace Her Lead:
You stand out as an extremely driven and inspirational thought leader to us. Where do you see yourself taking Reclamation Magazine next?
simra:
For now, I want to focus my energy on making it more of a community. I want to facilitate events that are topic-driven: seminars on mentorships, writers telling their stories in a more intimate way. When you’re speaking to someone, you can hear the emotion and their authentic selves rather than reading through a screen. My team is so amazing and they deserve that tight-knit bond as well. I think as long as we remain strong, firm, impacting lives, and reclaiming voices...we’re doing what we’re supposed to do.
Interview by Regina Singh, Chief Operating Officer at Embrace Her Lead.
Our Thought Leader Spotlight series takes a deeper look into the journeys of inspiring women forging their own path from different walks of life. We all have layers that express far beyond what meets the eye in our life’s highlight reels, and through the perspectives shared in this series, we aim to provide a glimmer of inspiration that one may just be looking for in their own tale.
