Nasra G. Nimaga

PROFILE: When Nasra Nimaga was selected as an Undergraduate Transfer Scholar in 2008 after graduating as class valedictorian at her community college, she was interviewed by the San Diego Union Tribune. Nasra, who grew up in Nairobi, Kenya, said she became interested in environmentally and economically-sustainable development when she observed the disparity between beautiful houses in Nairobi's wealthiest areas and shacks in its poorer neighborhoods. "Really, somebody needs to do something about this," and Nasra is that “somebody.” Two years later, she’s fulfilling that self-challenge. An honors graduate of UCLA with a degree in architectural studies, Nasra moved east to attend Princeton’s graduate program in architecture. According to associates of Nasra, her energy and intellectual engagement will place her at the forefront of efforts to change the face of architecture in her native land.

INSPIRATION: Early during Nasra’s two-year stint at UCLA, she took a class with Michael Osman, an assistant professor who gave her the advice, support and incentive to continue in her chosen field. “[He] continually maintained an enviable passion for architectural discourse which challenged and engaged my intellectual curiosity in and out of the classroom,” Nasra said. “He helped me learn to think more critically and creatively and this has been invaluable in both my academic and non academic endeavors.” Also, Nasra is deeply indebted to her mother and four sisters with whom she has traveled around the world.

ASPIRATION: Nasra had little hope of going to college while growing up “in a country where a good education is almost always a privilege for the wealthy and well connected.” She said coming to the United States was the most pivotal moment in her life. Now, Nasra knows she can make a difference through architecture, and hopes to return to her native country. “It is important for Africans to not only learn to design architecture that is efficient and environmentally friendly, but more importantly, to develop architecture relevant to their present and future conditions,” she said. Nasra hopes to create culturally-specific “intelligent spaces” that “reflect the kind of life we live and value.”

MAKING A DIFFERENCE: The architectural studies undergraduate program at UCLA is rigorous, but Nasra’s GPA was almost perfect. Despite the challenging course work, she still found time to lend her kind spirit, intellect and life experiences as a mentor and tutor for underprivileged high school students in Los Angeles. 

ACCOLADES: Nasra graduated Summa Cum Laude from UCLA. She received the Elaine Krown Klein Fine Arts Scholarship at UCLA, the Margaret E. Oser Scholarship from the Orange County (CA) Community Foundation, and the Arthur C. Goodman Memorial Scholarship. In addition, she was named Phi Theta Kappa All-California First Academic Team a member of The UCLA Agathai Chapter of Mortar Board National Senior Honor Society and Golden Key National Honour Society.

 

INTERESTING FACT: While Nasra’s passed every exam she’s ever taken with flying colors, she did fail her California driver’s road test. Twice.