Longhorn Wellness Center Student Inaya Momin Named Finalist for 75th Annual Texas Parents Outstanding Student Award

Published: April 13, 2026

For Inaya Momin, public health is personal.

As a first-generation college student at The University of Texas at Austin, Inaya’s path has been shaped by her experiences growing up in a Houston suburb and seeing firsthand the health challenges faced by her community. Those experiences led her to study public health and focus on improving access to care, health literacy and outcomes for underserved populations.

At the Longhorn Wellness Center, Inaya has worked as a Student Assistant for Health Communication since her freshman year. The Longhorn Wellness Center promotes student well-being and creates a healthier campus community through health promotion initiatives, peer education and campus-wide messaging.

From the start, her impact was clear.

“I still remember the feeling of immediately knowing that I wanted Inaya to work at the Longhorn Wellness Center,” said Kayleigh Spaulding, Health Promotion and Communications Coordinator at the LWC and Inaya’s supervisor.

In her role, Inaya has contributed to a wide range of initiatives that support student well-being. She helps lead HealthyhornsTXT, which reaches thousands of students each week with timely health information and campus resources, and creates messaging for programs like Bruce the Bat that promote safer, healthier choices—work she finds especially meaningful.

“Being able to share information in a way that actually reaches students and supports them in real time has been really meaningful,” Inaya said. “It’s made me more thoughtful about how we communicate about health and how we show up for our community.”

Her work is grounded in care and intention.

“Inaya approaches her work and everything she is involved in with thoughtfulness and intention,” Spaulding said. “She has a deep understanding of the factors that can impact health and health behaviors and acknowledges those experiences in her work.”

One of the most meaningful moments of Inaya’s experience came during a stressful exam period, when a message she helped create—encouraging students to give themselves grace—resonated with her peers. Seeing that real-time impact reinforced her commitment to this work.

Beyond her role, Inaya has also made a strong impact through the Healthyhorns Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC), a student organization that serves as a liaison between students and campus health services while promoting health resources and initiatives.

“Inaya’s passion, kindness and professionalism have made SHAC a stronger and more impactful presence at UT,” said Hugo Ortiz, Outreach & Social Media Coordinator for Healthyhorns and SHAC advisor. “Her impact shows not only through her thoughtful leadership, but also in how she consistently supports her peers.”

Over time, her leadership has continued to grow.

“Working with Inaya for the past three years has been a joy,” Spaulding said. “She has grown into a calm and confident leader and is a genuinely kind person who brings a grounded presence to every space she enters.”

Her selection as a finalist for the 75th Annual Texas Parents Outstanding Student Award reflects not only her academic achievements, but her commitment to supporting others and improving the student experience. Established by Texas Parents, this longstanding award recognizes students whose leadership, service and impact reflect the university’s highest values.

After graduation, Inaya plans to attend Baylor College of Medicine, where she hopes to continue focusing on public health and health communication throughout her medical education and future career.

“The skills and knowledge Inaya has developed will help her go above and beyond when working with patients,” Spaulding said.