Pakistani-American artist Fawzia Mirza bags Champion of Change award

WASHINGTON: Pakistani American Muslim Fawzia Mirza has been awarded by the White House as a ‘Champion of Change through her arts.’

Fawzia Mirza lives in Chicago but her parents hail from Karachi, Pakistan. She’s an actor, writer, and producer and has written and produced theatre, web series, short films, documentaries, and more.

Fawzia is a creative workaholic and believes in the power of art, storytelling, and comedy to break down stereotypes across all her identities, as well as dispelling the model minority myth seen in both the media and her communities.

Fawzia is also currently producing her first feature film “Signature Move”, which is about a Pakistani woman seeking her identity in love and wrestling, and was selected to be part of the 2016 Tribeca Film Institute All Access program. 

She also is the recipient of the 2015 ‘3Arts Award’ and was named a ‘Rising Star’ in Indie Filmmaking by WBEZ Chicago. 

In October, 2009 president Obama signed an executive order that restores the White House Initiative and President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to address issues concerning the Asian American community. 

The awards go to the best artists brining change through their work in their respective community and bridging the gaps while hinting at combined issues.