The Leadership Team of UP Girl, together with the family of Sáaliha Abdur-Raheem, proudly celebrate a milestone that reflects not only academic excellence but a lifelong commitment to leadership, service and empowering others.
On July 23rd, 2026, Sáaliha graduated with First Class Honours, earning her Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Human Resource Management from the University of West London.
For many, this is the culmination of years of study. For those who know Sáaliha, it is another chapter in a journey that has always been about creating opportunities for others.
As the Founder & CEO of UP Girl, Anguilla’s first non-profit organisation dedicated to empowering young females, Sáaliha has spent years encouraging the next generation to believe that their circumstances should never define their future.
Behind every strong leader is someone who first believed in them. She honours her late grandmother, Ms. Verna Akbar, whose steadfast faith, unwavering prayers and quiet strength have been the foundation beneath every success. Through life’s victories and challenges alike, her grandmother’s constant reminder was that true success begins with faith, humility and service.
Sáaliha also pays heartfelt tribute to her late teacher, Miss Taitu Goodwin, whose encouragement and belief in her abilities helped nurture a love for learning that extended far beyond the classroom. Taitu taught her that education was never simply about passing examinations, but about growth, purpose, and becoming someone whose knowledge could uplift others.
Reflecting on this milestone, Sáaliha offers this deeply personal message to the girls of Anguilla: “If I could speak to every young person in Anguilla, I would just say put God first in everything you do. Without God, this wouldn’t have been possible. This has been far from easy, but I made it through step by step, and I hope that encourages you to keep going too.
“Coming from a small island like ours, I know what it feels like to dream big and wonder if it is possible. But it is.
“You are not behind. You are not forgotten. Take your time, trust your journey, and keep showing up for yourself. I am proud of what I have achieved, but I am even more hopeful for what you will achieve next.”
At UP Girl, we have always believed that leadership is not something to wait for. It is something to live every day. Sáaliha’s achievement is a reminder to every young person in Anguilla that excellence is possible, regardless of where your journey begins.
Her family extends sincere gratitude to every teacher, mentor, friend, supporter and community member who has invested in Sáaliha throughout her journey. Every word of encouragement, every prayer and every act of kindness helped shape the woman she has become.
Today, we celebrate a First Class Honours graduate. More importantly, we celebrate a young woman who has chosen to use her education in service of others.
May Sáaliha’s story remind every young person across Anguilla that greatness is never an accident. It is built through faith, discipline, humility, resilience and a willingness to lift others as you rise. The future of our island is brighter because of young leaders who understand that success is most meaningful when it becomes someone else’s opportunity.
Congratulations, Sáaliha. Anguilla celebrates with you, and UP Girl proudly celebrates the leader you have become.
