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Sabina Hajdarovic is currently a student at Loyola University Chicago. She is also an intern with MALA for the Fall 2016 semester. In her unique story, she explains how a trip changed her confidence, perspective, and outlook in regards to her personal heritage, whilst securing a sense of belonging and pride.   My name is […]

Ibrahim Desooky is a student of Architecture at Cornell University, where he was a group fitness instructor for Cornell Fitness Center. He is also passionate about fashion design, music, photography and dance. Born to Egyptian parents, he comes from a family of  extremely talented creators and designers who held a large sway over art and design in

On November 2nd, 2016, MALA held its Annual Fundraising Dinner, themed “Celebrating the American Dream”, at Hubbard Inn Chicago. Over 100 attendees gathered to celebrate and commemorate MALA’s milestones and success. Not only was the event a success, but the Chicago Cubs also won the World Series Championship for the first time since 1908. In

Perseverance defines Shireen. Born and raised in Afghanistan’s Badakshan province, she dreamt of becoming a doctor. However, a ban on women pursuing educational and professional opportunities from a growing Taliban influence in the late 90’s forced Shireen to leave Balkh University in the middle of her studies. This did not deter Shireen from pursuing a

Sadiya Hassan is a 22-year-old college student with Sudanese, Nigerian, and Saudi Arabian ancestry. She is studying to become a Psychologist and explains that her rich mixed background has helped her become the woman that she is today. Sadiya currently resides in California.  This story is part of “American Muslims”, a photo series created by Carlos Khalil Guzman,

John Kirbow is a an Iraq and Afghanistan Veteran who worked as a cultural expert and member of the US Army Special Operations community, having served in Nigeria, Baghdad, Basra, Europe, and US Central Command (CENTCOM), Tampa. His current passion is applied social science. A devout linguist, John speaks – to varying degrees – Arabic,

Saleha describes her journey from starting her career in the corporate sector, which led to her studying theology, and finally signing up to serve in the United States Army. She discusses the need for building mental health and emotional counseling awareness within the Muslim community, as well as recognizing change within the leadership to address

Ash Meer is a filmmaker, animator, and designer. He shares his story of integration in America.  Ash has a BA in Philosophy from Emory University. His first film, “Stages of Integration” premiered at the 1991 Asian American Film Festival and screened at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Neighborhood Film and Video, the Whitney Museum and the

Naazish YarKhan has written for over 50 media outlets including Chicago Tribune, PRI, NPR, On Being, LeanIn.org. A small-business owner, she consults as a marketing communications strategist for non-profits and small businesses. She is also a college essay coach and founder of Writers Studio ( www.writersstudio.us) where her students have won national and international writing competitions, served as student reporters and been

Zainab Kahloon is a Muslim-American of Pakistani decent who lives in Lexington, Kentucky. She is currently pursuing a degree in Economics with a minor in Statistics at Harvard College. This story is part of “American Muslims”, a photo series created by Carlos Khalil Guzman, a photographer and activist currently based in NYC. The project is dedicated to capturing