This month’s Shaper Spotlight is Eiman Siddiqui, our incoming Curator, and former Vice Curator 2018. He has an awesome role at the Capitol, is involved with Austin Symphony Orchestra’s BATS organization, and the Young Men’s Business League.
What is your favorite part of your job at the Capitol?
I love being able to tackle statewide policy issues that affect millions of Texans. This past session I was able to work on a bill that would eliminate surprise medical billing for millions of Texans. I also got to create a degree program for the IDD population which was really gratifying and meaningful.
(left to right) Austin Shapers Alexis Taylor, Eiman Siddiqui, and Madeline Krebs at the Capitol to testify on HB 277, a bill to provide high school students more information about different colleges and majors in Texas
Why do you pick Austin as your home?
I was an intern for Rep. Jim Murphy in Houston in 2014 when he asked me to come work for him full time at the Capitol in Austin. I came and have never left! I am now working for my 3rd Representative and don’t plan on leaving Austin anytime soon.
How did you hear about Global Shapers and why did you apply?
My close friend Francisco was a member of the Global Shapers and thought it would be a good fit for me and encouraged me to apply. I met with Lauren and Ryan and thought the organization was a perfect fit for someone trying to accomplish good things with a global perspective. It is still my favorite organization to be a part of and I don’t think it will change anytime soon.
What is the number one thing you’d like to accomplish this year as Curator?/What are you looking forward to as Curator this year?
The best part of being Curator is helping my hub members achieve their maximum potential. I want everyone to feel even more accomplished as they head into next year. I am also very excited by our food and climate project.
(on the right) Eiman receiving a grant on behalf of the Austin Symphony BATS, the symphony’s young professional organization.
What’s next for you/outside projects you’re looking forward to?
I want to continue to build the Austin Hub as one of the premier hubs in North America and continue to find exciting opportunities in and out of the workplace to expand equality and access to justice.
What is the best book you have read in the last year?
It would have to be between Just Mercy (nonfiction) about the death penalty in America and its intersection with race. Also, A Gentleman in Moscow (fiction) about an aristocrat under house arrest in a hotel in Moscow during the revolution.
