Nausheen Rajan is a Pakistani American Ismaili Muslim. She speaks about how she kept her culture within her American upbringing and the importance of getting her community involved in the social and civic politics.

Nausheen Rajan - Rise Up, In Service

Alizeh Haider is a Pakistani American Shia Muslim who is unapologetically herself and proud of her identity. Alizeh has worked as an intern with MALA, and here she shares her experiences in self-development personally, professionally, and spiritually.

Alizeh Haider - Edited (2)

Ridwan Oguntade was born and raised in Nigeria. Here, he discusses what it was like when he moved to Chicago, his interest in riding and building motorcycles, and how the motorcycle track helped him find a loving and supportive community in Chicago. 

"Muslim American Journeys” is a program produced by MALA, providing a platform for Americans of Muslim heritage to share their individual stories. By sharing a diverse range of narratives and experiences, “Journeys” aims to document oral history, inspire pride, and celebrate individuality.

The Muslim American Leadership Alliance (MALA) is a 501(c)3 civic and community organization committed to promoting individual freedom and diversity, and to celebrating Muslim American heritage.
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For more information about MALA and to submit your story, please visit our website: https://www.malanational.org/

To get in touch with us, send us an email at info@malanational.org or connect with us on social media!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malanational
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MALANational
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MALANational
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/muslim-american-leadership-alliance/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/MALANational

Ridwan Oguntade: Finding Community on the Motorcycle Track

From the south side of Chicago, the eldest of her father's 12 children and converted to Islam six years ago, Yaasha shares her Muslim American Journey about becoming an Art Educator and her passion in dancing.
Words she lives by,"openess and audaucity." - Yaasha Abraham

"Muslim American Journeys” is a program produced by MALA, providing a platform for Americans of Muslim heritage to share their individual stories. By sharing a diverse range of narratives and experiences, “Journeys” aims to document oral history, inspire pride, and celebrate individuality.

The Muslim American Leadership Alliance (MALA) is a 501(c)3 civic and community organization committed to promoting individual freedom and diversity, and to celebrating Muslim American heritage.
.
For more information about MALA and to submit your story, please visit our website: https://www.malanational.org/

To get in touch with us, send us an email at info@malanational.org or connect with us on social media!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malanational
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MALANational
Twitter: https://twitter.com/MALANational
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/muslim-american-leadership-alliance/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/MALANational

Yaasha Abraham - Arts Educator

Halima grew up in Nigeria and always had a passion for running. Here, she tells us about her experiences in running marathons and being able to help improve the lives of women and children while raising money for charity.

Muslim American Journeys” is a program produced by MALA, providing a platform for Americans of Muslim heritage to share their individual stories. By sharing a diverse range of narratives and experiences, “Journeys” aims to document oral history, inspire pride, and celebrate individuality.

The Muslim American Leadership Alliance (MALA) is a 501(c)3 civic and community organization committed to promoting individual freedom and diversity, and to celebrating Muslim American heritage.
.
For more information about MALA and to submit your story, please visit our website: https://www.malanational.org/

To get in touch with us, send us an email at info@malanational.org or connect with us on social media!

Halima Yusuf - Reaching the Finish Line

A first-generation Palestinian American with a unique background in nonprofit management and philanthropy. Following her battle with cancer in 2007, Khit moved to Chicago, where she has built a community of motivated and resilient women and developed a background in philanthropy and community organizing that is entirely unique that led to founding her own nonprofit, Blessons for Women.

"Muslim American Journeys” is a program produced by MALA, providing a platform for Americans of Muslim heritage to share their individual stories. By sharing a diverse range of narratives and experiences, “Journeys” aims to document oral history, inspire pride, and celebrate individuality.

The Muslim American Leadership Alliance (MALA) is a 501(c)3 civic and community organization committed to promoting individual freedom and diversity, and to celebrating Muslim American heritage.
.
For more information about MALA and to submit your story, please visit our website: https://www.malanational.org/

To get in touch with us, send us an email at info@malanational.org or connect with us on social media!

Khitam Masoud - Finding her "Blessons"

A Somali Muslim American who finds her passion in helping others as those who helped her and family when they came to the states. Farhiya shares her journey in finding her identity between two cultures and her new career as a Social Worker.

"Muslim American Journeys” is a program produced by MALA, providing a platform for Americans of Muslim heritage to share their individual stories. By sharing a diverse range of narratives and experiences, “Journeys” aims to document oral history, inspire pride, and celebrate individuality.

The Muslim American Leadership Alliance (MALA) is a 501(c)3 civic and community organization committed to promoting individual freedom and diversity, and to celebrating Muslim American heritage.
.
For more information about MALA and to submit your story, please visit our website: https://www.malanational.org/

To get in touch with us, send us an email at info@malanational.org or connect with us on social media!

Farhiya Iman

Bita Lak always dreamt of being an attorney. Here, she shares her journey of leaving Iran to come to the U.S to follow her dreams and of all the trials and tribulations she had to overcome along the way.

"Muslim American Journeys” is a program produced by MALA, providing a platform for Americans of Muslim heritage to share their individual stories. By sharing a diverse range of narratives and experiences, “Journeys” aims to document oral history, inspire pride, and celebrate individuality.

The Muslim American Leadership Alliance (MALA) is a 501(c)3 civic and community organization committed to promoting individual freedom and diversity, and to celebrating Muslim American heritage.
.
For more information about MALA and to submit your story, please visit our website: https://www.malanational.org/

To get in touch with us, send us an email at info@malanational.org or connect with us on social media!

Bita Lak: A Second Chance at Life

A legal and policy professional who is passionate about private- and public-sector solutions to improve people's lives. Zain shares his story about finding the balance between helping others and a career in law. 

"Muslim American Journeys” is a program produced by MALA, providing a platform for Americans of Muslim heritage to share their individual stories. By sharing a diverse range of narratives and experiences, “Journeys” aims to document oral history, inspire pride, and celebrate individuality.

The Muslim American Leadership Alliance (MALA) is a 501(c)3 civic and community organization committed to promoting individual freedom and diversity, and to celebrating Muslim American heritage.
.
For more information about MALA and to submit your story, please visit our website: https://www.malanational.org/

To get in touch with us, send us an email at info@malanational.org or connect with us on social media!

Zain Jinnah: Balancing Life

From Mauritania to Chicago. Here, Lalla Dafa shares what it was like to be raised by her grandparents in Mauritania and how that helped her face the challenges that came when she moved to Chicago.

"Muslim American Journeys” is a program produced by MALA, providing a platform for Americans of Muslim heritage to share their individual stories. By sharing a diverse range of narratives and experiences, “Journeys” aims to document oral history, inspire pride, and celebrate individuality.

The Muslim American Leadership Alliance (MALA) is a 501(c)3 civic and community organization committed to promoting individual freedom and diversity, and to celebrating Muslim American heritage.
.
For more information about MALA and to submit your story, please visit our website: https://www.malanational.org/

To get in touch with us, send us an email at info@malanational.org or connect with us on social media!

Lalla Dafa: From Mauritania to Chicago

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.

Lubna Kabir: On Expectations and Dreams

Having been born in a conservative family from Iraq, Mohamed Nazar recounts the struggle of multiple layers of his identity. As a member of the LGBT community and fighting a war in his own homeland, his story depicts the range of challenges he ultimately triumphed. 

This story was recorded in partnership with MALA and StoryCorps. This story was produced by Sydney Jarol through StoryCorps Chicago.

Mohamed Nazar: To Struggle is to Live

Muhammad Baqir Muhyedeen recounts how him and his siblings grew up as the 'first generation' of immigrants in North America from Iraq, and the subsequent identity crisis he faced due to a clash between the standards imposed on him and his wish for individuality. In his candid story on confronting societal norms, he foremost wants to be recognized as a human being. 

This story was recorded in partnership with MALA and StoryCorps at the Arab American National Museum. 

M-Baqir Muhyedeen: An Iraqi American's Journey

Naila Amin was married at the tender age of 14, and recounts how she endured physical and mental persecution in the name of 'honor.' She recounts the abuse she faced in her marriage, her will for survival, and how she uses her experience to help others that are in the same position. She has dedicated her life to raising advocacy and awareness on child marriage, forced marriage, and honor based violence. She now runs the Naila Amin Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to help girls that have endured similar experiences. 

This story was recorded in partnership with MALA and StoryCorps.

Naila Amin: Surviving Child Marriage In The Name of Honor

Omar Sedique is an Afghan American. In his story, he shares how music fosters a sense of pride in his identity and rich heritage. He explains how his American and Afghan cultures blend together to provide him with a platform for creativity, as well as acceptance.

This story was recorded in partnership with MALA and StoryCorps. The story was produced by Sydney Jarol from StoryCorps Chicago.

Omar Sediqe: Music as a Sense of Pride

Isra Omar describes her journey being born and raised in Abu Dhabi as a Somalian native. She came to the United States at the age of 11. In her candid story, Isra shares her journey in assimilating and integrating as an American, as well as holding onto her faith and values. She recounts how balancing her Muslim and American identity has now led her to pursue a career in the fashion industry. 

This story was recorded in partnership with MALA and StoryCorps. This story was produced by Sydney Jarol at StoryCorps Chicago.

Isra Omar: Reconnecting With My Faith

Fatima was born in Venezuela, of Lebanese descent. In her beautiful story, she combines her worlds of Arabic, Latin, and American cultures. In 2006, she visited Lebanon, where she was caught in cross-fire due to war. Fatima has lived in Michigan for over 20 years, and wants to be identified by her range of dynamic heritage and cultures.

This story was recorded in partnership with MALA and StoryCorps. Story production credit given to Sydney Jarol from StoryCorps Chicago.

Fatima Salemassi: A Mixture of Elements

Ema Mujic is a current sophomore at DePaul University. She shares her enriching story about how she decided to view her displacement from her native culture of Bosnia to cherishing her loved ones as her true meaning of home.

Ema Mujic: Home is Where the Heart Is

Sadaf Syed shares a compelling view on how her faith has guided her to champion feminism. Born and raised into a middle class Pakistani family in America, she credits her mother for being her source of motivation. Sadaf is also a photo-journalist and the author of iCover, a book that dispels stereotypes by featuring Muslim women and their thoughts, dreams, struggles and fears. 

This story was recorded in partnership with MALA and StoryCorps.

Sadaf Syed: Finding Feminism Through Faith

Noura is a Syrian immigrant from Damascus. She lived in Saudi Arabia for 6 years, and came to the US in November of 2000. She filed for divorce due to domestic violence, and raised her two children as a single parent in a foreign land. She was empowered through adversity from her own personal struggles, and obtained her Master's Degree from DePaul University. The revolution in Syria drove her to take action and join a collective effort to assist with the refugee crisis. 

This story was recorded in partnership with MALA and StoryCorps.

Noura Al Masri: From Damascus to Chicago- Empathy Has No Boundaries

Colette is of Mexican and Palestinian descent. She studied communications at Northwestern University. In her story, she describes how she took a risk to go to Egypt and work on a film to raise awareness about sexual harassment of women. Her film, 'The People's Girls', was critically acclaimed and received several awards. Colette's initiative created the necessary momentum in uniting both men and women to fight back against sexual harassment both domestically and abroad. 

This story was recorded in partnership with MALA and StoryCorps.

Colette Ghunim: Fighting Sexual Harassment On A Global Scale

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 helpful to share with people who may feel that they are alone. The stigmatized aspects of what defines him have taught him the importance of love, and to foster hope during tough times. 

This story was recorded in partnership with MALA and StoryCorps.

Sam Gabriel: Learn To Love A Little Better

Aisha moved to the United States at the age of 11 from Nigeria. She shares the challenges she faced, including fitting in and being accepted by her peers. Aisha discusses the issues of leadership in her birth country. She plans to pursue teaching English in Korea as her next endeavor.

This story was recorded in partnership with MALA and StoryCorps. Production credit given to Sydney Jarol.

Aisha Subair: The Path Towards Self Acceptance

Stephanie Yousif was born and raised in the northwestern Chicago suburbs and comes from an Assyrian background. She describes how the Assyrian culture is one without a land but indigenous to Iraq, has a Neo-Aramaic language, and is comprised of mostly Middle Eastern Christians. She reflects on how her culture is often mistaken for being Syrian, and personally distinguishes her cultural identity as not Arab but rather a separate entity. She encourages the importance of having sensitivity and being willing to seek information, especially towards identity and belonging in these modern times. 

This story was recorded in partnership with MALA and StoryCorps. This story was produced by Hannah Barg from StoryCorps Chicago.

Stephanie Yousif: Growing Up Assyrian

Kiersten Hellegers discusses her spiritual journey as a convert Muslim. A Unitarian Universalist growing up, she was raised with an open mind that was exposed to various religions. She reflects on her admiration of Islam early on, and how she views her role as a married middle class Muslim woman in American society. This story was recorded in partnership with MALA and StoryCorps.

Kiersten Hellegers: My Spiritual Journey

Zaher Sahloul is a Critical Care specialist at Christ Advocate Medical Center in Chicago. Dr. Sahloul is the immediate past president of and a senior advisor to the Syrian American Medical Society (SAMS), a humanitarian and advocacy organization that provides medical relief to Syrians and Syrian refugees.

This story was recorded in partnership with MALA and StoryCorps. This story was produced by Hannah Barg from StoryCorps Chicago. 

Dr. Sahloul came to the StoryCorps booth with MALA to share his experience as a Syrian American Muslim immigrant. He describes how his medical school classmate, Bashar al-Assad followed a rather different path from himself: one became a war criminal; the other, a humanitarian advocate.

Zaher Sahloul: A Syrian American Doctor's Journey

Julia is a Muslim woman of Tatar heritage, currently living in Chicago.  She speaks of her struggle to find balance between excitement and criticism surrounding American culture.  Julia's story highlights the importance of critical thinking, independent opinions, and the courage to question the status quo.  This story was recorded and produced in partnership with MALA and StoryCorps.

Julia Alimova: The Courage in Criticism

Anxhela grew up in Greece during a massive wave of immigration. Her memories of the unrest and bigotry that she observed during her upbringing have inspired her to become an advocate for human rights and equality.  Anxhela's story traces her journey from being a bystander, to a community organizer, to an aspiring attorney and human rights activist.   

This story was recorded and produced in partnership with MALA and StoryCorps.

Anxhela Ndrio: Challenging Boundaries for Universal Human Rights

Vareesha describes the frustration of growing up as a non-citizen in the U.S., and how reconciling multiple cultural identities has impacted her outlook on interpersonal and intercultural relationships.  She encourages others to shape the world they want to live in, and to find bravery in the face of uncertainty. This story was recorded and produced through a community partnership with MALA and StoryCorps.

Vareesha Khan: Bringing Different Worlds Together

Thawra is a Palestinian American from Jerusalem. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Communications And Journalism and a Bachelor of Arts in Latin American Studies both from Hebrew University. Thawra has previously worked on a documentary with CNN about the different Israeli and Palestinian realities. She has also worked as a Field Manager for The Minerva Center For Human Rights. Thawra created and managed the "Humans of Jerusalem" facebook page for four years. She photographed and conducted interviews with people all around Jerusalem and published them in both English and Arabic. Thawra is currently pursuing her Masters in Human Rights Law at SOAS University in London, United Kingdom.

Thawra Abukhdier

Muhammed Aslan

The Muslim American Leadership Alliance (MALA) is a 501(c)3 non-profit civil rights organization committed to promoting individual freedom and celebrating Muslim-American heritage. In our flagship partnership with StoryCorps, we collect, conserve, and celebrate stories that value individuality, diversity, and highlight the human story. 

MALA: Muslim American Leadership Alliance

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