Fall 2024 undergraduate student commencement speaker Iqlas Dubed’s story is marked by resilience, transformation and a deep commitment to making a difference. Originally from Ethiopia, she immigrated to Anchorage with her family in 2012 as a refugee and has called it home since.

Dubed first enrolled at UAA as an Alaska Middle College student during her sophomore year at Bettye Davis East High School, citing the experience as one of the most unique aspects of her undergraduate education. The foundation she built through the program gave her the freedom to explore academic interests without immediately choosing a major. 

“Instead of taking a complete gap year, I was able to dedicate a full academic year to taking a lighter course load, which allowed me to thoughtfully explore and determine my long-term academic goals without falling behind,” said Dubed.

After weighing her options, Dubed decided to pursue a bachelor’s in political science with a minor in history, driven by a deep interest in reforming systems of justice and a desire to improve Alaska’s legal landscape. “I’ve always been passionate about law and justice reform, especially in Alaska,” she said. In addition to her studies, she credits her involvement with the Civic Engagement Academy and her involvement in the community for giving her valuable hands-on experience and deepening her understanding of legal systems. She plans to attend law school after graduation with the long-term goal of starting a nonprofit in Alaska focused on criminal justice reform, advocacy for defendants' rights and re-entry programs for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Despite early struggles with finding a sense of community on campus, Dubed became deeply engaged at UAA. She started as a senator for USUAA student government and advanced to Speaker of the Assembly, a pivotal role that helped her overcome her fear of public speaking. Additional public speaking experiences — presenting on a panel at the Alaska Just Transition Summit and speaking at the Spring Alaska Society for Technology in Education Conference — gave her the confidence to apply for the commencement speaker role.

Dubed’s particularly grateful for the support system that helped her achieve this milestone: her parents and sisters, UAA faculty members and the peers she met along the way. “Without their support and encouragement, none of what I've accomplished at UAA would have been possible,” she said.

Her message to the graduating class is simple but powerful: embrace your unique journey. “Through my own journey from a shy student to an active campus leader, I learned that our greatest strength often lies in our uniqueness,” said Dubed. “My message encourages graduates to see their individual stories not as obstacles to overcome but as powerful tools for building bridges, fostering understanding and contributing meaningfully to their communities.”