WHAT HAVE BEEN THE MOST REWARDING ASPECTS OF YOUR WORK SO FAR?
The most rewarding aspect of my work is knowing that I am inspiring and empowering the next generations of women through sports. I truly believe representation is important in all aspects of our society, and when I was growing up, I thought I did not belong in certain spaces because I did not see others that looked like me. Currently, knowing that I am being the representation that I wanted for myself when I was younger for the next generations of Muslim girls and women is truly rewarding. I believe my purpose on this earth is to inspire women and knowing that I am in the right direction is very empowering.
WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF THE MORE CHALLENGING ASPECTS?
The most challenging aspect was not being supported or taken seriously when I first began participating in sports, specifically, by my community. In the beginning, it was especially challenging not having the support of my mother because her validation was so important to me but I had to listen to my instincts and chase my dreams. Another challenge is being the only People of Colour or Muslim woman in the room, this can be very exhausting at times but I am praying that it won’t be the case in a few years inshaAllah.
NAME A BLACK MUSLIM WOMAN WHO HAS BEEN AN INSPIRATION TO YOU.
Batooly Camara, Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir and Melissa McLetchie.
