“It was a celebration of women making a difference as well as a powerful lens from which we could see and experience the ISB’s longstanding mission of uniting communities and promoting understanding and inclusion.”

“The annual ISB Gala became the charging hub for the good doers of Atlanta.”

“An event by the ISB that amplified the important work by influential women from diverse backgrounds.”

We would like to thank our sponsors, volunteers, community leaders, ISB members, and all our stakeholders who attended the 2019 ISB Celebrating Women of Influence Gala. Thank you to our sponsors who made our gala possible, our amazing gala team Dorie Griggs, Abir Saberi and Judy Marx, and our volunteers who worked diligently.

The ISB honored Ms. Andrea Young, Ms. Duriya Farooqui, Chief Erika Shields, Dr. Houda Abadi, Ms. Jill Savitt, and Ms. Saleemah Abdul-Ghafur. These leaders demonstrate courage, leadership, and excellence.

The awardees (from L to R): Ms. Jill Savitt, Ms. Saleemah Abdul-Ghafur, Ms. Andrea Young, Dr. Houda Abadi, and Ms. Duriya Farooqui. (Chief Erika Shields not pictured.)

At the gala, attendees experienced a lively reception, live entertainment, and a dynamic awards ceremony.

Our Mistress of Ceremonies was Rose Scott of Atlanta’s NPR

Rev. Natosha Reid Rice of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Imam Plemon El-Amin, Imam Emeritus of Atlanta Masjid of Al-Islam, and Rabbi Peter Berg of The Temple gave the invocation.

ISB Executive Director Soumaya Khalifa spoke about the influence of the ISB and highlighted the ISB’s accomplishments over the last 18 years of building bridges of interfaith. We bring education about Islam and world religions to the public sphere within our communities. We teach and collaborate in an open way to build a better tomorrow.

The Honorable Patti Garrett, Mayor of the City of Decatur, served as the Honorary Chair.

Dr. Sakib Qureshi, community leader, talking about the impact of the ISB in our lives and our community.

Dr. Nabile Safdar, community leader, talking about the impact of the ISB in our lives and our community.

T. Renee Crutcher sang an inspiring musical tribute to the Women of Influence.

Mr. Akil Secret, Ms. Andrea Young, Mrs. Nadia AlHenti, and Dr. Mohammad AlShroof.

Mr. AJ Robinson, Ms. Nadia AlHenti, Dr. Mohammad AlShroof, and Ms. Duriya Farooqui.

Mr. John Horn, Mrs. Nadia Al Henti, Captian Spann accepting the award on behalf of Chief Erika Shields, and Dr. Mohammad AlShroof.

Ms. Ann Cramer, Mr. Faraz Iqbal, Ms. Hiba Ghalib, and Ms. Houda Abadi.

Mayor Shirley Franklin, Mr. Faraz Iqbal, Ms. Jill Savitt, and Ms. Hiba Ghalib.

Mayor Shirley Franklin introduced honoree Jill Savitt.

Dr. Farah Khan, Ms. Saleemah Abdul-Ghafur, Mr. Faraz Iqbal, and Ms. Hiba Ghalib.

We are deeply thankful to everyone who joined us in honoring the awardees, and we are extremely grateful to all those who support the work of the ISB.

You can hear from our inspiring awardees by clicking on the links below.