Motivated by discrimination, Muslim teen hopes to advocate for others

SEATTLE -- All this week, "Q13 News This Morning" is highlighting the stories of Muslim Americans working to make our communities – and our country – a better place.

Discriminated against for wearing a traditional headscarf, called a “hijab,” Hikma Sherka’s mother inspired her to pursue a career as a civil rights attorney. Already in her third year of college, the 19-year-old Ethiopian immigrant is well on her way to law school.

“I want to show people that being Muslim is not going to stop me from any of my dreams. It’s actually going to push me to become a better person and to achieve the goals that I have for myself,” Sherka said. “American Muslim youth have a right to the same aspirations and dreams as every other American.”