January 25, 2026 – Duhok. The Center for Academic and Professional Advancement (CAPA) hosted the fifth edition of CAPAx, the University’s flagship student-speaker event celebrating communication, confidence, and student voices.
Five students delivered carefully prepared talks reflecting strong storytelling, critical thinking, and personal insight. Avan Khaleel, who earned First Prize, presented Stolen Stories from the Mountains, highlighting the importance of reclaiming Kurdish history and identity through art, media, and storytelling. Second Prize winner Fadi Sinan Ismael addressed Mental Health Stigma, drawing on personal experience to emphasize open dialogue, trust, and reaching out for professional support. Third Prize winner Marya Abdulrahman Hasan explored Forgotten Bias in Artificial Intelligence, examining how AI systems can marginalize small cultures and languages and calling for more inclusive technology.
CAPAx 2026 also featured a powerful full-circle moment, with former CAPAx participants returning as co-hosts to reflect on their growth since first taking the stage. The event reaffirmed CAPA’s commitment to empowering students to communicate with clarity, purpose, and confidence—on campus and beyond.
