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The human need for validity, recognition, and belonging is universal. Zahra Sultani describes the feeling of having one’s identity ‘divided’ as a result of moving across cultures and boundaries, as she shares her journey from being an Afghan refugee in Iran, eventually settling in North America. This story was recorded in partnership with MALA and […]

Abdullah Motiwala is the founder of Heaven’s Honey Inc. A goal oriented business leader with a strong  focus on continued progress and action driven leadership, Abdullah  holds a culturally competent background with a key interest in adding value to society. Here, he shares some tips as a strategic entrepreneur with a rapidly growing business, offering a

The ‘identity attachment’ issue may be centuries old, but that does not mean it has to persist. Farzeen Tariq discusses the cultural history of the ‘submissive woman’ and how education and solidarity can help break the cycle of systemic oppression. This story was recorded in partnership with MALA and StoryCorps. Learn more about “Muslim American Journeys” here. 

Dalia Elsayed is a 24-year old Egyptian American Muslim residing in New York City. She is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in social work at Fordham University. Her passion for helping others translates into her career. In her candid story, she shares how her personal outlook on life has shaped her passion for her career

Expectations are difficult to overcome, but pursuing one’s passion definitely pays off. Lubna Kabir talks about her interests in the liberal arts, the challenges she faced from a young age, and how she overcame them. This story was recorded in partnership with MALA and StoryCorps.  “My name is Lubna Kabir. Ever since I was young

Ashraf Awad Elkarim is a Saudi-born American college student from Chicago, Illinois. In his story, he shares why he considers himself lucky to have the wonderful opportunity of living in a country that grants him freedom, yet the challenges he faces in building his life. He is currently working with the Zakat Foundation of America.   Living in

Ahmed Zabi Rahat was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, and came to the US a decade ago on a US State Department’s funded program (YES) for high school students. He completed his Bachelors in Economics with Political Science minor from Bluffton University, Ohio. He also holds a Masters in Conflict Transformation and Peace-building from Eastern Mennonite University (EMU), Virginia. In his

Eboo Patel was born in India and came to the United States with his parents at two years old. At the time, Patel’s father was completing his MBA at the University of Notre Dame. Patel is the founder of Interfaith Youth Core, a Chicago-based nonprofit that encourages collaboration among college students from different religious backgrounds.

John Stewart, MALA’s summer intern, is a social activist, political enthusiast, and devoted owner of two amazing Maine Coon cats. After graduating from Cornell University in 2013, John spent over two years working as an HR professional with one of the largest health care companies, Aetna, Inc., in America. He is a graduate student of Development and International Cooperation