For Samen Nadeem, leadership is rooted in bringing people together to learn from one another and strengthen their communities.
A third-year student in Adler University’s Clinical Psychology doctoral program, Nadeem balances academic, clinical and leadership responsibilities that reflect her commitment to social responsibility and civic engagement. She serves as Vice President of Adler Student Government and Social Media Coordinator for the Illinois Psychological Association, using both roles to promote student involvement, advocacy and connection.
Recently, Nadeem represented Adler University at the Chicago College Student Leadership Summit alongside fellow Adler student leader Daniella Cespedes Ventura, M.A. The event brought together students from colleges and universities across the city for conversations about leadership, career readiness and community engagement. Adler’s Vice President of University Relations and Chief of Staff Damon L. Williams Jr. co-led the summit’s Campus to Careers session, which explored topics including networking, internships and the growing impact of artificial intelligence on the workplace. Nadeem was among the Adler student leaders recognized for representing the university at the summit.
The experience reinforced her belief that some of the most effective solutions emerge when people with different perspectives come together around common goals.
That philosophy also informs another project close to her heart: the 50th Annual Midwest ECO Conference, which will be hosted at Adler University. Celebrating its 50th year, the Midwest ECO Conference brings together students, professionals and community partners to exchange ideas, share research and explore approaches to community engagement and social change.
Nadeem is helping organize the conference, themed “Ignite, Empower, Reimagine,” which is connected to the work of Adler assistant professor Dr. Moshood Olanrewaju. The event will bring together students, professionals and community partners to share knowledge, highlight local initiatives and explore ways to address community challenges.
The conference reflects Adler’s commitment to community engagement while providing opportunities for students to learn directly from practitioners and organizations working throughout Chicago. Organizers hope the event will foster new partnerships and encourage conversations that continue long after the conference concludes.
“We hope to highlight the community-based work happening across Chicago, create opportunities for students to learn from community partners, and encourage conversations about how we can continue making an impact together,” Nadeem said.
Alongside her leadership activities, Nadeem is expanding her clinical experience through an externship at Advocate Trauma Recovery Center at Christ Medical Center, where she is receiving training in both inpatient and outpatient settings. The experience is helping her deepen her understanding of complex trauma among individuals who have been exposed to violence.
Her research interests focus on resilience, particularly the ways young people adapt to challenging environments and the factors that help them thrive. She is also interested in exploring the intersections of psychology, neuroscience and spirituality, with the goal of advancing more holistic approaches to understanding health and human experience.
Whether she is organizing events, supporting fellow students or working with clients, Nadeem approaches each opportunity with a focus on connection and service. Her work reflects Adler University’s commitment to developing leaders who engage with their communities and contribute to positive social change.
As she continues her doctoral studies and clinical training, Nadeem remains committed to expanding opportunities for student engagement, community partnership and service, demonstrating the impact emerging leaders can have both on campus and throughout Chicago.