At 16, Jumana Abbas, a high-school student and Model UN representative from the Dawoodi Bohra community of New Jersey, walked into a grand conference hall in Spain teeming with aspiring young diplomats. While most wore the standard navy-blue blazers and slacks, Jumana stood out in a hand-sewn rida, the distinctive two-piece dress of Dawoodi Bohra women, a colorful and confident statement of her identity. By the end of the conference, she had not only earned the title of Best Delegate, an award given to the most knowledgeable, prepared, and best performer, but was also voted Best Dressed by every single person in the room, including the Secretary General.
Over a cup of iced lavender matcha, Jumana shares her experience about Model UN, leadership, and how a piece of fabric she stitched herself pitched her confidence.
Stitched Just in Time
Just hours before her flight to Spain, Jumana was not packing—she was stitching. “It was a little crazy,” she admits, laughing. “I realized I wanted to wear something that truly represented me, something I had made with my own hands.” The last-minute sewing session, guided by her mother’s expertise in fashion design, was frantic but worthwhile. “There’s something special about creating something yourself. Stitching my own rida really made it mine.”
Wearing the rida at the conference became an unexpected advantage. “People were curious. They’d ask about it, and I’d explain that it’s part of my culture and the Dawoodi Bohra community. The Secretary-General of the conference saw me on the first day and later told my friend she thought my outfit was ‘absolutely beautiful.’ Made me realize—my rida wasn’t just a piece of clothing—it was a conversation starter, and it was my confidence.”
Finding Her Voice in Model UN
Her school’s Model UN team was known for being selective, with students having to prove their skills in collaboration and diplomacy to even make it to international conferences.
“When I found out my high school had a Model UN team, I jumped at the chance. It wasn’t just about debating—it was about learning to become someone inspiring. Watching older students deliver arguments with poise, commanding a team with grace—I wanted to learn those skills as well.”
As a delegate in the Environmental Committee, she learned to research complex global issues, from plastic pollution to deforestation in the Amazon. Representing Indonesia at the conference meant weeks of research, understanding policies, and crafting airtight arguments. “It made me realize how interconnected everything is. The way we use resources, the way we waste or conserve — it all effects our planet.”
Defining Leadership
Winning Best Delegate wasn’t just about talking a lot—though that certainly helped. “Confidence and preparation are key, but a great leader doesn’t just talk—they listen.” Studies show that nearly 75% of people have a fear of public speaking, making it one of the most common social anxieties. “During one resolution drafting session, I noticed some delegates weren’t speaking up. So I divided the work into sections—research, formatting, policy extensions—and assigned each person a role. By the end, everyone had contributed, and our resolution got passed.”
For Jumana, leadership is about humility. “A lot of people think being a leader means being the center of attention, but real leadership is about being of service. It’s about making sure everyone has a seat—literally and figuratively. If someone’s struggling, you help. If someone’s out of their depth, you guide them. When an elder doesn’t have a chair to sit on in the masjid, you stand up and give one to them. You make sure people are being taken care of.”
Advice for Aspiring Speakers
Her advice to students wanting to learn public speaking? “Do it. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes or freezing mid-sentence. It happens to the best of us. Public speaking teaches you to think on your feet, speak with conviction, and, most importantly, listen. Learning to listen is the most important skill to have. That’s what brings people together.”
