Hi! My name is Dahlia Solomon, and I feel so blessed to be part of this incredible community. I’m from Long Island, New York, and my first real introduction to service and philanthropy came through my temple. In Judaism, we are taught from a young age to do “mitzvahs,” or “good deeds” in Hebrew. It was through these mitzvahs that I first felt a deep sense of connectedness to the world around me, setting the tone for how I would spend much of my time.
As the youngest of four, I am both playful and creative, yet outspoken and ambitious. In my free time, I enjoy reading, volunteering, singing, and drawing. A fun fact about me is that I roller skate, and I’m currently relearning piano after a seven-year break. I love trying new things, which my mom says makes me a “free spirit.” More than anything, I love connecting with people—whether through public speaking, debate, or simply meaningful conversation.
My sophomore year of high school, I began working at my county’s Peer Diversion Court, an alternative justice program giving first-time juvenile offenders a second chance. In this role, I served as both a mentor and a peer, helping these young people reflect, grow, and reintegrate into their communities. For many of them, it was the first time someone truly believed in their potential, showing them that their future didn’t have to be defined by a single mistake. Hearing their stories—whether of abuse, loss, or addiction—taught me profound lessons about resilience and compassion. This experience ignited my passion for reforming the justice system and advocating for equitable solutions.
I wanted to join the Baldwin Scholars Program because I come from a community where most people look like me. Growing up, my town was often described as “a bubble.” While I made efforts to burst that bubble—through Peer Diversion Court, collaborating with people of different backgrounds on gun reform, and other initiatives—I knew I still had a lot to learn about the world. Baldwin Scholars felt like the perfect place to expand my perspective, surrounded by peers with rich and diverse experiences, all within a supportive all-female community.
At Duke, I’m pursuing a degree in Public Policy and Economics, along with a Human Rights Certificate, on the pre-law track. So far, I’ve had the privilege of working as a research assistant at the Duke School of Law and volunteering at Echo, a Durham community organization, through the Duke Partners for Service Fellowship. I’m eager to see how my passions and education will continue to shape my journey.