Student. Storyteller. Advocate.
Harbani Kohli is pursuing a double-major at American University in Broadcast Journalism and Legal Studies with a minor in Asian Diaspora Studies, Harbani intends to pursue a career at the intersection of both degrees in political journalism. Harbani recently finished her time on Capitol Hill as Press Intern at the United States Senate.
In search of more representation in press and journalism, Harbani’s yearning to uplift communities, especially historically marginalized groups has been a compass in leading her in involvement and advocacy work. At American, Harbani writes for her school newspaper, The Eagle, as an opinion columnist with pieces on identity and race.
She also previously hosted the Talks with Didi podcast, a manifesto for South Asians focused on promoting dialogue, combatting patriarchy, and empowering women in the household and beyond.
In 2021, Harbani had the privilege of speaking at the Parliament of World Religions, on behalf of the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), hosting a panel discussion on Sikhism and Solidarity at one the world’s biggest stages dedicated to uniting interfaith communities.
A third-generation Sikh American, Harbani’s passion for amplifying Sikh voices inspired her to start American University’s first ever Sikh Students Association on campus.
Mobilizing and raising awareness of the Sikh faith, Harbani accredits her yearning to progress the plight of marginalized communities to the experiences of her father and brother, both turban-wearing Sikhs who inspire her to fearlessly embrace her identity and chase her dreams.
© 2025 Habani Kohli. All Rights Reserved.
