Dr. Serene Kaur Singh

Dr. Serene Kaur Singh is a Sikh-American advocate and educator passionate about fostering justice through empathy, making it her mission to amplify unconventional voices in mainstream narratives. A Rhodes Scholar with a completed DPhil in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Oxford, Serene is committed to dismantling stereotypes, championing justice, and uplifting underserved communities.

In 2019, Serene made history by becoming the first Sikh American woman to win the Rhodes Scholarship and the first woman from the University of Colorado for her leadership, service, character, and activism. She is the Founder and Executive Director of The Serenity Project 501(c)(3), an international nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering marginalized women through runway fashion shows across various backgrounds. She is also the author of The Queen Machine, a children’s book inspiring youth to build confidence and self-resolve through embracing their most authentic selves. Alongside her activism, Serene researches the prison experiences of women who are capitally punished.

For her work in collaboration with other public servants and leaders, Serene has been recognized as a Truman Scholar, a Fulbright Scholar recipient, National All-American Miss, a Diana Award recipient, a 2024–2025 John Robert Lewis Fellow, a Global Changemaker, a Dalai Lama Fellow, and a Boettcher Scholar.

Dr. Serene Kaur Singh

No One Way to Lead

Serene speaking at Oxford

Research & justice

Serene’s mission is to show that no person is “irredeemable.” Her Oxford research examines the experiences of women on death row and the material realities of life in confinement.

The academic journey

Serene on the cover of Yellow Scene

Fashion, dance & storytelling

National All-American Miss, Bhangra dancer, runway model, and academic consultant for Netflix/BBC. Her love for fashion and Punjabi heritage runs through her work on the runway, on stage, and on screen.

Inside the creative portfolio

The Dalai Lama Fellows community

Coaching & teaching

From public speaking and debate to Bhangra workshops and contemplative leadership with Dalai Lama Fellows, Serene teaches students to find confidence in their voices, their ideas, and their movement.

Work with Serene

Serene with The Queen Machine

Confidence, from childhood onward

The Queen Machine invites children to embrace their most authentic selves. The Serenity Project supports marginalized women through mentorship, creative programming, and runway fashion shows.

Meet AmritaThe Serenity Project

Sikh Education Council · May 2026

The General Shabeg Singh Annual Lecture

Watch Serene’s 2026 lecture with the Sikh Education Council.

Watch the lecture

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As Featured In

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Recently, with Serene

Research, creative work, and the moments in between—from @serene.singh.

Women on death row

Serene’s latest publication with Oxford’s Death Penalty Research Unit.

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Behind the documentary

Bringing research on women in prison to Netflix and the BBC.

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Bhangra, always

Punjabi dance, family roots, and a little too much energy.

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Earlier highlights