Meet the People Behind ISB Atlanta

Professional TeamLeadership building bridges of understanding and respect.

Founder & Executive Director

Soumaya Khalifa

A committed believer in “building bridges of understanding.”

Soumaya Khalifa is the founder and executive director of ISB Atlanta (originally named Islamic Speakers Bureau of Atlanta), one of the most distinguished community-building organizations in the area. Soumaya is a frequently requested speaker, regularly appearing on air and in print, and has a significant social media presence.

In her role with ISB Atlanta, Soumaya connects American Muslim communities with a wide range of civic and faith-based groups, bringing Muslim voices to places where they have not been before. Her work has brought her much recognition and too many significant honors to list here. A sampling includes being inducted in the YWCA’s Academy of Women Achievers, being honored in Atlanta Magazine’s 2019 Women Making a Mark, and being presented with the prestigious Phoenix Award by Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed in 2017.

As a committed believer in “building bridges of understanding,” Soumaya is involved in a myriad of community activities, including sitting on the boards of the Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta, the Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center, and the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival. She also sits on the advisory boards of The Carter Center and The Bearing Witness Institute at the Marist School, and is a member of Leadership Atlanta’s Class of 2015.

Boards & Advisory Councils

Community Foundation of Greater Atlanta — Board
Georgia Interfaith Public Policy Center — Board
Atlanta Jewish Film Festival — Board
The Carter Center — Advisory Board
The Bearing Witness Institute, Marist School — Advisory Board
Leadership Atlanta — Class of 2015

director@isbatlanta.org

Development Consultant

Shehzin Tietjen

Shehzin Tietjen is a strategic nonprofit leader with over 15 years of experience advancing mission-driven organizations through fundraising, partnerships, and program development. She has a track record of building partnerships, developing innovative funding models, and launching initiatives that expand access and improve community outcomes.

Her experience spans national nonprofits and public sector leadership, where she has driven revenue growth, led cross-sector collaborations, and engaged stakeholders across healthcare, government, and industry. She brings a relationship-centered approach to connecting strategy, storytelling, and impact.

Shehzin is also an advocate for patient-centered care and has been actively involved in national cancer advocacy and research initiatives. She is an alum of Georgia Tech and lives in Atlanta, GA with her husband and children.