Middlebury Alum Wins Coveted David Prize
Middlebury College alumna Rana Abdelhamid has been named one of five recipients of the 2025 David Prize, a $200,000 award recognizing New Yorkers with ideas that strengthen the city.
The David Prize, launched by the Walentas Family Foundation, awards a total of $1 million annually to individuals across the five boroughs who are creating positive change in their communities. Abdelhamid was selected for her work “building a safer, stronger New York for Muslim and immigrant women,” according to the prize announcement.
Abdelhamid is the founder and executive director of Malikah, a nonprofit organization based in Astoria, Queens. Malikah offers self-defense, financial literacy, and community organizing programs, with a focus on empowering women and fostering neighborhood safety. Since its founding, the organization has reached more than 20,000 participants through local workshops, pop-up events, and community-based initiatives.
Rana says the award will help expand Malikah’s programming and physical presence across New York City. “True security is achieved when people are not only protected, but also connected and supported by their neighbors,” she said in her David Prize profile.
Posse gave me a community and a foundation of support that encouraged me to turn ideas into action.
Born and raised in Queens to Egyptian immigrant parents, Rana began developing Malikah’s model in her teens after a personal encounter with harassment. She used her experience to design a self-defense and empowerment curriculum that later became the foundation for her organization’s mission. Malikah now also provides mutual aid services, including a community fridge, a safe-mailing address program for unhoused neighbors, and emergency financial assistance through the Queens Mutual Aid Fund.
Before launching Malikah full-time, Rana studied international politics and economics at Middlebury College. She went on to earn a master’s degree from the Harvard Kennedy School, was named a Truman Scholar, and became an Echoing Green Fellow. Her career has combined community advocacy, public policy, and social entrepreneurship.
Abdelhamid says her time in Posse helped her build the confidence and leadership skills needed to pursue large-scale community work.
“Posse gave me a community and a foundation of support that encouraged me to turn ideas into action,” says Rana.
The David Prize describes its recipients as “New Yorkers with the vision and grit to make the city a better place.” Rana was selected in the “Placemaking and Neighborhoods” category, which highlights individuals creating stronger, more connected local environments. Other 2025 honorees include leaders in education, public health, and environmental innovation.
Malikah’s programs continue to grow across Queens and other boroughs, supported by volunteers and local partners. With the David Prize award, she plans to expand the organization’s training programs and establish additional community spaces.
“New York City is strongest when everyone feels safe and included,” says Rana. “This award allows us to reach more people and deepen that sense of safety and connection.”
For Posse, Rana’s recognition reflects the organization’s ongoing mission to identify, train, and support diverse leaders who contribute to their communities. Posse has sent more than 14,000 Scholars to college nationwide and continues to highlight the impact of alumni across sectors.
