From the very beginning of ISBLI we learned about personal leadership and our own development and leadership styles, and by the end we were able to harness our abilities into long terms goals and initiatives.

Originally from the Midwest, I relocated to Georgia during high school. I received my Bachelors and Masters degrees in Biochemistry and now work as a reference Chemist at the CDC. I also run the youth programming and education at the Islamic Community Center of Atlanta.

I have been to various events put on by the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Atlanta (ISB) and was very familiar with their work to educate and shine a more accurate light on Islam in America. A professional organization with a curriculum based on Islam is quite necessary in this day and age. When it was recommended that I join the ISB Leadership Institute (ISBLI) class of 2020, I was immediately excited and motivated. I’ve had volunteer leadership positions, but never had the formal opportunity to hone my craft and learn the skills required of a leader. I was especially looking forward to meeting different leaders in the Atlanta community and professionals from all walks of life.

For ISBLI’s group project, I was a member of the Green Team, which worked with the Georgia Muslim Voter Project to create a sustainable database of Muslim voters in Georgia. Our team worked very well together and it was great being able to work with such highly accomplished individuals in their own right. ISB has allowed me the opportunity to brainstorm and collaborate with future and current leaders of Georgia. As an officer of the Fayette County Democratic Party, I used the skills I learned in ISBLI to help lead voting initiatives and meetings with concerned constituents.

From the very beginning of ISBLI we learned about personal leadership and our own development and leadership styles, and by the end we were able to harness our abilities into long terms goals and initiatives. I was very impressed with the caliber of teachers and leaders that ISBLI brought to our classes. Even though we were unable to meet in person for a majority of the time I have made many lasting relationships and contacts throughout this journey. ISBLI took leaders and potential leaders and shaped us into professional, motivated and more engaged individuals.