Zawadi Owino’s principal says from the moment she met Zawadi, she could sense success from this purpose-driven scholar who wasn’t afraid to use her voice to empower others and strengthen relationships across our school community.

The energetic student leader has been an active member of the Student Government Association (SGA) since her freshman year when she served as a class representative.  The Junior continued her participation in SGA during her sophomore year again as a class representative, and is now serving this year as Student Body President.

“She exemplifies student leadership, initiative, and a genuine commitment to making Riverside High School a stronger and more connected school community,” Dr. Gloria Woods-Weeks, Riverside principal.

Zawadi is a true leader who understands that service, collaboration, and creating opportunities for others– not a title–makes one a leader. She also takes initiative, said Woods-Weeks, citing an example.

“Rather than waiting to be directed, she proactively reached out to school administration to introduce herself, establish a working relationship, share the goals of the SGA leadership team, and seek ways to align student leadership with the school’s priorities. Her desire to communicate effectively, build meaningful relationships, and ensure that student voices are represented demonstrate exceptional leadership,” said Woods-Weeks.

As SGA Student Body president, she reflects Riverside High School’s core values of pride, integrity, relationships, accountability, teaching and learning, and empowerment. 

As a dual-enrolled Durham Tech student, Zawadi is positioned to graduate with an Associate’s degree. Due to her academic achievements, she will enter college as a junior to study toward an undergraduate degree in Political Science and then attend law school.

She owes her ambition to her brother and parents.

“One person who has made an impact on my life is someone who likely doesn't even know they influence me as much as they do, but that person is most definitely my little brother. He has been such a big part of my life since before I could remember, offering me a greater purpose in life and helping me learn that I don't just live my life for myself. Instead, I should set an example, learn so I can then teach him, and always be ready to love and support him,” she said.

Zawadi describes her personality as Type A, but her brother is the one who reminds her to laugh and be carefree.  “Ultimately, he has made my life infinitely better in every way,” she said.

She’ll take those positive vibes with her but plans to return home for her little brother’s football games. That’s why UNC-Chapel Hill is one of her top choices for university enrollment. UNC is also her mother’s alma mater.

Wherever she goes, Zawadi wants to make a difference in people’s lives.

“I plan to become a lawyer and discover the different paths that it may open up, whether it is in areas such as government positions or courtrooms where I can advocate for and represent those who cannot do so for themselves. Ultimately, regardless of what specific career pathway I choose, my goal is to make a positive impact and be involved in large-scale movements that benefit our society,” said Zawadi.

Zawadi is on a mission to give back what she says she’s received from others who have motivated her to be her best .

“My biggest motivating factor is all of the amazing people and adults in my life, such as my parents. My drive comes from the desire to make them proud and make all the hard work and sacrifices they have made for me worth it. I also hope to one day be able to give back just a little bit of what they have given to me, she said.

She said she’ll work on balance as she pursues her success.

“One success I have experienced has been being able to juggle a number of responsibilities and engagements at once. However, a challenge that I have also experienced alongside being able to do so much is not always knowing when to say no to opportunities and sometimes spreading myself too thin,” she said. 

Zawadi enjoys participating in extra-curriculars, to include the Pirates Athletics Media Club that works to highlight the school’s athletic programs and activities. She also plays club and school soccer, and serves as a volunteer coach of a Durham Girls Soccer League team.

She’s able to exhale spending time with her family and friends as well, reading, and catching up on the latest social media trends.

Zawadi said she believes that her greatest accomplishment thus far has been maintaining her A-average throughout her academic career. Her GPA is a 4.0 unweighted, and 4.63 weighted GPA. 

“While the numbers themselves are something I am proud of, what makes this accomplishment meaningful to me is what they represent. Maintaining these grades while taking challenging courses has required a willingness to keep working knowing I'm not the smartest person in the room,” she said.

Zawadi further states that she’s “learned that success is not necessarily about being the most naturally gifted person, but about being willing to put in the work… I keep pushing myself when something does not come easily. More than the GPA itself, I am proud that I have built a work ethic I will carry with me long after high school,” she said.