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Leila Warraich is a current graduate student at The Johns Hopkins University obtaining her Masters in Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at the School of Education. Leila had a very unique childhood living eight years in Texas, five years in Pakistan and six years in Qatar. Leila graduated with her Bachelors from Texas A&M […]

After fleeing his home in Baghdad in 2004, Project Souvenir Founder Yasir Dhannoon traveled across the Middle East, collecting souvenirs. His souvenirs are the faces of the friends and families who opened their doors to him and the rich culture of the Middle East – where even in its darkest hours continues to produce art

Sidra Rafique shares her unusual journey from an upbringing steeped in fundamentalism, through an identity crisis during universities studies and a near arranged-marriage, before emerging as an advocate for peaceful coexistence and open dialogue. Her narrative describes the pain of being forced down a path – and the pain of questioning that path. Her closing,

Hassan Akmal, MBA, MPH, joined Loyola as Director of Business Career Services in May 2014 after a very successful career as a visionary, career thought leader, and director of career services at multiple locations in both New York and Southern California. He’s committed to coaching career-seekers who will strengthen our global business system. He aims to foster a

Artist and designer Vareesha Khan believes that building intimacy through storytelling leads to more compassionate and inclusive communities. Informed by her experiences as an immigrant, Vareesha explores the turmoil of being displaced in her poem, “Native”. Incorporated in her work is the theme of grasping for a connection and the gnawing desire within ourselves to belong anywhere. 

Nausheena Hussain is the co-founder and Executive Director of a new platform to empower women in her community known as RISE- Reviving the Islamic Sisterhood for Empowerment. She is dedicated in building a movement to address leadership development, increase community engagement, and create a philanthropic legacy for change. Hussain shares her beginnings from a 9-5

Ahlam Mahmoud, a refugee from Iraq, works as a case manager and outreach coordinator with the Chicago chapter of ICNA Relief and the co-founder and former Director of Outreach for the Iraqi Mutual Aid Society in Chicago. She is the recipient of the Muslim Women’s Alliance 2008 “Inspiring Woman Award” and the YWCA 2011 YWomen

Sam Gabriel comes from an Iraqi-Hispanic background, and reflects on a defining turning point in his life during childhood when he and his mother escaped from his father in the middle of the night. He credits his courageous mother as his inspiration in shaping his identity. As a gay man, he hopes his story is

A native of Baghdad, Hadeel Abdulkareem moved to Chicago in 2009. She currently attends Northeastern Illinois University, working toward a degree in Biology. She is also the recipient of Muslim Womans Alliance Ayesha Scholarship. Her dream is to become a primary care physician and help people around the world who lack access to quality medical