New Year Up intern

We are thrilled to introduce Zahra Musa, our new Year Up intern. The Department of Medicine has been sponsoring interns with Year Up since 2022.

Zahra was born and raised in Seattle. The youngest of seven siblings in a first-generation Ethiopian American family, she grew up surrounded by different perspectives and life paths. Watching her siblings navigate their own journeys helped her learn how to listen deeply, adapt quickly, and shape her own path with intention.

Before joining Year Up, she earned her associate’s degree in biology and worked as a lab assistant while preparing to apply to Bellevue College’s Radiologic Technology program.

"I’ve always been drawn to healthcare, but for years I struggled with committing to a single path," she says. "The idea of choosing one career and sticking to it felt overwhelming. I knew I wanted to make an impact, but I wasn’t sure how or where."

She had heard about Year Up years ago, but didn’t meet the age requirement. It wasn’t until her nephew completed the program and told her they had extended the age limit that she decided to apply. "I saw it as a chance to pivot, explore something new, and finally find a direction that felt right," she said.

Project management

That research led her to project management. Her brother had mentioned product management in passing, and it sparked something in her. She started researching and realized that project management aligned perfectly with how she naturally operates.

She has always been the planner in her family, she says. The one organizing events, coordinating logistics, and making sure things run smoothly. She loves the process of gathering information, collaborating with others, building timelines, anticipating challenges, and finding creative solutions when things don’t go as planned.

"There’s something deeply satisfying about seeing a project come to life after weeks or months of planning and execution. The pressure, the problem-solving, and the final result all energize me."

When she was placed with the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) team in the Department of Medicine, she wasn’t entirely sure what to expect.

She wasn’t familiar with the full scope of DEIB work, and didn’t know what her role would include.

But within a few weeks she realized how deeply this work speaks to her. In her previous jobs as a nanny, a teacher's assistant, and a lab assistant, she worked in environments with diverse teams and communities. That sense of belonging and inclusiveness made it easier for her to thrive. She felt supported, seen, and valued.

Now, as a project intern with the DEIB team, she gets to be part of the effort to create and protect that same sense of community for others. It’s not just meaningful. It’s personal.

"Being part of this team has helped me connect the dots between my lived experiences and the kind of impact I want to have. I’m excited to support strategic initiatives within the Department of Medicine, collaborate across departments, and contribute to projects that advance equity, inclusion, and belonging. I’m learning how DEIB strategy is built and sustained within large organizations, and how project management can be a powerful tool for driving change. This internship is helping me grow into the kind of leader I want to be."

Personal life

Outside of work, she loves to explore. She enjoys traveling, immersing herself in different cultures, trying new foods, and soaking in the beauty of nature.

She's working on becoming fluent in Arabic so she can travel more freely across Arab countries. She also hopes to become fluent in Oromiffa, her mother’s native language, so she can connect more deeply with her family in Ethiopia.

Her hobbies include baking, lakeside walks, and hiking - especially uphill treks that reward her with stunning views. While she lives in the Pacific Northwest, she openly admits she’s not fond of the rain or cold. Still, her love for water runs deep. She plans to earn her diving license soon, with a dream of visiting the Great Barrier Reef before it changes beyond recognition.

A passionate fan of sci-fi and horror films, she often finds humor in horror, which makes the genre even more entertaining. “There’s something about the mix of suspense and absurdity that I find fascinating,” she says. When she’s not watching movies, she’s experimenting in the kitchen. This year, she’s set a personal goal to improve her cooking skills, working to master both traditional dishes like injera and modern recipes.

Turning point

"This internship isn’t just a steppingstone. It’s a turning point," she says. "It’s helping me clarify my goals, build new skills, and connect with mentors who truly care. I’m excited to keep learning, growing, and contributing to work that matters. I’m still discovering who I want to be professionally, but I know I want to lead with intention, advocate for others, and create spaces where people feel safe to be themselves.

'A big fish in a small pond is not as powerful as a small fish in the ocean.' – Ethiopian proverb

That’s how I see this moment. I’m ready to swim in the ocean, and I’m just getting started."