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Staff

Consultants

Anse Dr. Tamara Gray
President and CEO

Dr. Tamara Gray is the founder and CEO of Rabata, an organization dedicated to promoting positive cultural change through creative educational experiences, and President of Ribāṭ University, Rabata’s higher education initiative. In her work as President and CEO, she focuses on uplifting Muslim women within their communities and beyond. She has a special interest in digital spaces and their role in faith-centered community building.

Dr. Gray’s academic work includes a doctorate in leadership, a master’s degree in Curriculum Theory and Instruction, and a certificate in fundraising management. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in History as part of her personal commitment to continued learning. She also spent twenty years in traditional learning spaces studying Islamic sciences, Quran, and Arabic in Damascus, Syria.

Dr. Gray is also an author and translator. Her publications with Daybreak Press range from culturally appropriate English-language curriculum programs to translations of sacred texts. She has authored two books: Joy Jots: Exercises for a Happy Heart and Project Lina: Bringing Our Whole Selves to Islam. She has also co-translated two works by Shaykha Samīra Zayid: Compendium of the Collection of Sources on al-Sīra al-Nabawiyya and A Practical Manual of the Creed of Tawḥīd from the Quran and Sunna.

In addition to her work at Rabata, Dr. Gray also serves as a Senior Fellow at the Yaqeen Institute and a Board Chair for the Minnesota Multifaith Network. Dr. Gray is Full Focus Certified Pro exemplifying her commitment to productivity and impactful leadership.

She is a mother of three, grandmother of two, an avid reader and a lover of cultures, coffee, and road trips.
Raghad Alsayd
Director of Culture and Compliance

Raghad Alsayd serves as Rabata’s current Director of Culture and Compliance. She received her bachelor’s in Arabic Literature and an ijāza (certification) in the 40 Hadith of Imam an-Nawawi and the 40 Hadith of Palestine. She has been a dedicated student of Islamic knowledge and Arabic throughout the years, sharing her knowledge with children, youth, and young women.

Born in Damascus, Syria, Raghad spent 17 years of her youth there and worked as an early years ESL teacher. Her spontaneous move to Minnesota in 2014, led her to Daybreak Bookstore, where she became a loyal volunteer. After two years, she moved to Winnipeg, Canada, where she worked in social programming for 6 years serving newcomer children and families in schools, while maintaining her diligent involvement with Rabata.

Her journey with Rabata started in the Fall of 2012 after she joined the pilot Ribaat Academic Institute class, “Companions of the Prophet ﷺ”, as a student. She later joined Ribaat’s Arabic program as an Arabic conversation teacher in the Fall of 2013 until the launch of the new Arabic program in 2022. Since 2021, she has been working in partnership with the new Arabic program team to support the development and launch of the revamped program. She currently oversees the Ribaat Arabic Conversation department.

She currently splits her time between Winnipeg, Minnesota, and places around the world that her work and family call her to. She loves starting her day off with a doughnut and a coffee, and keeps a busy social calendar connecting with family and friends.

Afshan Malik
Director of Development

Afshan Malik serves as the Director of Development at Rabata, where she leads fundraising efforts with a heart for community and a vision for sustainability. She holds a BA in English Language and Literature and a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management, and is currently pursuing her PhD in Education, Leadership, and Organization at Texas Woman’s University.

A lifelong learner, Afshan was among the first graduates of the Ribaat Teacher Certification Program in 2020 and is continuing her journey through the Ribaat Scholar Certification track. Her formal path in Islamic studies began in 2001 at the Georgia Islamic Institute and ultimately led her to Rabata – a place she now calls her forever home in the sacred sciences under the mentorship of Anse Dr. Tamara Gray and a vibrant community of women scholars.

Born in Chicago and raised in Atlanta, Afshan now lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and five children, where they enjoy the warmth of Southern living and strong community ties.

In addition to her work in development, Afshan teaches in Rabata’s youth programs and local halaqas. She also leads programming for the Rabata Houston chapter, creating joyful, faith-centered spaces for Muslim women and girls. She is the author of Pieces, a young adult novel published by Daybreak Press that explores themes of family, mental health, and personal growth.

Fatima Salaam
Director of Strategic Growth

Fatima Salaam serves as Rabata’s Director of Strategic Growth. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in English at Spelman College and earned her Montessori Elementary Credential from the American Montessori Society. She is also certified in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).

Fatima started her career in education. First, she was a teacher then a principal, and finally a development director. Later, she became a business owner in the sales and marketing industry. Currently, Fatima is the co-founder and CEO of the Nexus Experience which provides transformative growth experiences and coaching services for educators and schools.

Her diverse experiences living and working in different cultures and communities, such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia, have contributed to her ability to connect with people from various backgrounds and create safe spaces for personal and professional growth. Fatima possesses a profound commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowerment.

Fatima is the mother of 5 and resides in Georgia. Her interests include reading, traveling, and word puzzles.

Umeda Islamova
Director of Communications
Umeda Islamova serves as the Director of Communications for Rabata. She completed a Bachelor’s in Finance and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Raised in a family of entrepreneurs, Umeda has extensive experience in business, ranging from university commercialization and tech startup to retail and business consulting.

 

Born in Khujand, Tajikistan, Umeda immigrated to Lincoln, Nebraska with her family in 1997. After exploring different entrepreneurial endeavors, she founded The Dua Journal in 2017, a global Islamic stationery brand as well as an Instagram community. Upon building her brand, she discovered the rich world of Muslim female scholarship and Dr. Anse Tamara Gray. She later joined the Ribaat Academic Institute in 2018 and became a Rabata volunteer in 2019. Umeda joined as a staff member in 2021.

In addition to her full-time responsibilities in Communication, she also serves as a RabaTEENS instructor and Rabata Padawans halaqa teacher. Locally, Umeda can be found running halaqa for Muslim women at the university community. Her mentorship services are not limited to spiritual spaces. As a fellow at the Center of Entrepreneurship at her local university, she mentors student entrepreneurs.

 

When she is not working on her brand or devising Rabata’s communications strategies, she likes to indulge in hot drinks, reading, deep conversations, nature walks, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. She and her husband have twin daughters and a son.
Eamaan Rabbat
Dean of Academic Affairs

Eamaan Rabbat serves as Dean of Academic Affairs at Ribāṭ University. Honored to serve as Director of Ribaat Academic Institute since its inception in 2012, she is eager to begin a new legacy as she guides the licensing and accreditation efforts of Ribāṭ University as well as overseeing curriculum and faculty affairs.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications with concentrations in Advertising and Journalism and a master’s in Educational Leadership and Administration and is currently pursuing a doctorate in Education. She received the Ribaat Teacher Certification and the Ijazah in the Forty Hadith of Imam Nawawi in 2022.

For over twenty-five years, Anse Eamaan has held various positions in educational institutions and schools, as an educator, volunteer, staff member, and finally leader, dedicating her time to the education and upbringing of students of all ages including children, youth, and adults. She has contributed to the establishment of a variety of educational institutions both online and in person.

She currently serves as an Islamic Studies instructor with the Ribaat Academic Institute, in addition to teaching RabaTEENS classes and in-person classes locally in Minnesota and at the Rabata Cultural Center. She is a co-faculty member at the Emerging Religious Leaders Intensive hosted by the Institute for Islamic, Christian, and Jewish Studies as well as a volunteer speaker for the Islamic Resource Group.

Eamaan was raised in the United States and Syria and currently lives in Minnesota, USA and works from the Rabata Cultural Center.

Maha Gaafar
Dean of Student Affairs

Maha Gaafar serves as the Dean of Student Affairs at the Ribaat Academic Institute, leading student services teams and supporting the education of thousands of Ribaat students across the globe. She graduated from Concordia University with a Political Science degree and studied Islamic science and spiritual tarbiya for 7 years under the tutelage of Anse Hazar Mahayni. 

Maha began her journey with Rabata in 2012 and continued her Islamic studies education at the Ribaat Academic Institute under the guidance of Dr. Tamara Gray, graduating with the first cohort of Islamic Studies Teachers in 2020. Over the years, she put her learning in action by teaching at weekend Islamic schools and currently conducts youth halaqas for pre-teen and teenage girls.

Maha was born in Egypt and grew up in Canada. She currently resides in Houston, Texas with her husband and children, and co-leads a local Girl Scouts of America troop. She enjoys bringing people together over great food and conversation, and uplifting Muslim women wherever she goes.

May Gaafar
Dean of Academic Systems & Records

May Gaafar serves as Dean of Academic Systems & Records at Ribāṭ University. She holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Biochemistry. Her studies of the intricacies of nature sparked a deeper love for Allah and His creation. She began to deepen her Islamic knowledge and studied under Anse Hazar Mahayni and Anse Maissa Malki while in Canada.

Since 2013, May has been pursuing her Islamic studies education at the Ribaat Academic Institute under the tutelage of Dr. Tamara Gray. She is now the Registrar and Coordinator at Ribaat.

May was born and raised in Alexandria, Egypt. Her family immigrated to Canada while in her early teens.  May now lives in Houston, TX with her husband and 4 children. She is an avid volunteer in her community, at her kid’s elementary school and her local masjid. She leads a local halaqa for middle school girls and Girl Scouts of America troop. She enjoys putting things together from lego sets, to 1000+ piece puzzles, to Ikea furniture.

Heather Elsayed
Dean of Admissions

Heather Elsayed serves as the Ribāṭ University Dean of Admissions. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration Marketing and a minor in Women’s Studies. She also holds a Master of Arts in Islamic Studies from Bayan Islamic Graduate School and received the Ribaat Teacher Certification in 2024.

A published writer who focuses her research on Muslim stories and history, Heather is committed to Islamic historical research. With a love for connecting across religious lines, she leads spaces dedicated to fostering interfaith dialogue.

Heather is a knowledge seeker, pursuing new opportunities to expand her understanding continuously. She plans to be a lifelong student under the tutelage of Anse Dr. Tamara Gray and the Anisaat of Ribaat for as long as Allah wills it to be possible.

Najiyah Maxfield
Head of Publishing

Najiyah Maxfield serves as the Head of Publishing at Daybreak Press, Rabata’s non-profit publishing house. She brings to this role years of experience in editing for Discover: The Magazine for Curious Muslim Kids, as well as experience teaching English and history in the US and the Middle East. Najiyah holds a Ribaat Teaching Certificate and a Dare to Lead Certificate.

Najiyah has authored many articles, poems, and short stories. Her young adult novel, “Sophia’s Journal”, is an award-winning time-travel adventure, for which Daybreak Press also produced a companion curriculum.

Najiyah serves as an instructor at the Ribaat Academic Institute in the areas of writing and public speaking and leads a Rabata halaqa. She also leads workshops and seminars on writing and developing your craft, as well as facilitating Project Lina workshops.

Outside of teaching, writing, and publishing, Najiyah can be found kayaking in the summer, crocheting in the winter, and playing “The Floor is Lava” with her delightful grandkids year-round.

Leila Anwar Pačariz
Administrative Coordinator

Leila Anwar Pačariz serves as the Operations Manager at Rabata, a role she took on after fifteen years of work in the humanitarian field. She graduated from First Bosniak High School and currently studies at the Faculty of Islamic Sciences in Sarajevo. Leila holds an ijāza in Qur’an recitation Hafs ‘an ‘Asim and an ijāza in 40 hadith of Imam Nawawi. 

Leila’s introduction to Rabata came during the Pilgrims at Home competition many years ago. Now, she runs Rabata’s affiliate in Bosnia, a women’s association named Halka – which means circle and is the name for the traditional Bosnian door opener. The word Halka signifies the importance of bringing people together and opening the door for everyone with good intentions. Since 2004, she has continuously run Quran classes in Bosnia, welcoming students who are tremendously passionate about learning the Quran. Together with fellow Rabata and Ribaat enthusiasts, she hosted Anse Dr. Tamara Gray and a few of her students in Sarajevo in 2018.

Leila was born and raised in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, where she still lives and works today. She is a single mother of two young women. Her eldest is studying to become an agricultural engineer and is planning to help build back the economy of Bosnia. Her younger daughter is in school, working hard and dreaming of becoming a doctor of Sharīʿa, to stand strong with Muslim women on the path of knowledge and independence. Leila enjoys making colorful spreadsheets and reading reports. 

Leila also teaches sīra with the Ribaat Academic Institute, along with leading a Rabata Halaqa.

Michelle Sekusky
Bookshop & Distribution Manager

Michelle Sekusky, an Ohio native, embraced Islam in 2011. In 2013, she enrolled in the Ribaat Academic Institute, studying traditional Islamic education under the guidance of Shaykha Dr. Tamara Gray. Her dedication to the Quran and Arabic led her to reside and study in Egypt for two years. Within the Columbus, Ohio community, Michelle served on the board of the Noor Islamic Cultural Center for four years and actively volunteered with local masjid committees, focusing on religious council, outreach, Islam 101, and youth. There, she also developed a support system for and worked closely with converts for eight years.

As an accomplished songwriter and vocalist, Michelle is known for writing, performing, and conducting workshops across the nation. Her foundation in the performing arts, cultivated during her time in middle and high school, was further enriched by touring during her college years. She is passionate about using music to connect women of all ages to their faith through nasheed and singing. Currently, she is a proud member of the Twin City Women’s Choir and serves on the board of Her Voice Productions.

Residing in Minnesota with her husband, Michelle is the Bookshop & Distribution Manager. She remains an enthusiastic student of the Ribaat Academic Institute and actively teaches for Rabata’s Dragonflies and Rabateens youth programs. She also contributes by supporting Rabata’s Convert Care program, reaching over 2,500 women worldwide. In 2022, she obtained her ijaza (certification) in the 40 Hadith of Imam an-Nawawi. Recently, Michelle joined the speakers of the Islamic Resource Group (IRG), where she educates the wider community about Islam.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Michelle enjoys travel, reading, writing, and cherishing moments with loved ones, particularly in the great outdoors.

Iman Abdelbagi Ismail
Events & Engagement Manager

Iman Abdelbagi Ismail currently serves as the Events & Engagement Manager at the Rabata Cultural Center. By training, she is a Muslim chaplain with a Master of Divinity in Islamic Chaplaincy. Before her recent move to Minnesota, she held the role of Program Coordinator at Al-Mujadilah: Center & Mosque for Women in Doha, Qatar, where she coordinated and facilitated the Center’s social and religious programs since its inception in 2023.

Originally from Shemalia, Sudan, Iman was born in California, but spent most of her formative years in Laguna, Philippines. After attending an Episcopalian Eucharistic school, she sought a closer relationship to her deen and to the Arabic language, which fueled her decision to study at Georgetown University in Qatar. Her work and research often focused on the role of Muslim women in advancing Islamic knowledge, the ethics of spiritual care in Islam, and exploring the Quranic worldview through the lens of anti-colonial discourse and liberation theologies.

In her free time (that she chooses to spend productively), you’ll find her practicing tatreez (Palestinian embroidery), calling family abroad, finding new hobbies to spend money on, experimenting with recipes in the kitchen, debating with her husband about Maliki fiqh, and begging her cat Zanjabeel (Zuzu for short) for affection.

Raniya Yimam
Development Manager

Raniya Yimam is the Development Manager at Rabata, where she supports the organization’s fundraising, donor engagement, and development efforts. Based in Minnesota near the Rabata Cultural Center, Raniya has also been a student of Ribāṭ Riverstead and will begin studying at Ribāṭ University this fall, where she plans to major in Arabic. Her connection to Rabata as both a team member and student brings a unique perspective to her development work and a personal investment in the mission she helps advance.

Raniya holds bachelor’s degrees in Public Health and Global Studies from Hamline University. Her professional background spans research, advocacy, public health, and project management, experiences that have strengthened her ability to build relationships, coordinate complex initiatives, analyze needs, and work collaboratively toward meaningful outcomes. As a student, she conducted research on food insecurity and students’ basic needs to improve access to the campus food pantry and participated in statewide advocacy for Minnesota’s successful Tobacco 21 legislation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she served as a Public Health Specialist with the Minnesota Department of Health before moving into the medical device industry, where she worked as a Scrum Master and Product Manager, collaborating with clinics and software development teams to improve technology supporting patient care.

Originally from Ethiopia, Raniya came to the United States as an international student in 2017. She enjoys traveling, spending time with her siblings, and exploring new places.

Roda
Tabling Officer

Roda serves as Tabling Officer at Rabata. Roda is pursuing a degree in elementary education.  During her free time, she volunteers as a tutor, and she aspires to become a second grade teacher one day.

Roda’s mother first introduced her to the Rabata, bringing Roda along as she attended the ladies halaqat. Roda found a community of loving support, and still continues to be inspired by the people of Rabata, supported by their mentorship and friendship.

Her favorite things to do are cooking and baking, reading novels, traveling, and trying new things. A huge advocate of trying new things, Roda is very passionate about worldly experiences and she hopes to inspire her students one day to feel the same.

Her favorite book is Love from A to Z.

Elsa Schroeder
Educational Initiatives Officer

Elsa Schroeder serves as Rabata’s Educational Initiatives Officer. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Beloit College and a Master of Arts in Standards of Decision-Making Across Cultures with a specialty in Cultural Anthropology and Javanese Dance from Friedrich Alexander University of Erlangen-Nuremberg in Germany. In 2019, Elsa was awarded the Kennedy Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Abroad (YES Abroad) Program by the State Department and lived in Indonesia for one year. She would later return in 2023 to conduct research on Royal Court Dance in the Palace of Yogyakarta.

A St. Paul native, Elsa has had the privilege to live in Indonesia, Spain, and Germany. She loves learning languages and has studied Latin, Indonesian, Arabic, Japanese, German, Javanese, and Somali. Her excitement and eagerness to connect with others is something she brings to every meja, mensa, tisch, and table she sits at.

When it comes to nonprofit work, Elsa seeks opportunities to utilize her skills and learn from the other Anisaat, through which she is able to serve the Muslim community. Keeping this goal close to heart, she passionately brings her anthropological perspective to the table and faithfully attends the Sunday Halaqa to increase her Islamic knowledge.

In her spare moments, outside of her time spent at Rabata, Elsa can be found lost in a long historical fiction book, sewing yet another new dress, or curled up in a cozy spot with her cat, Serafina.

Maryan
Educational Coordinator

Maryan serves as the Educational Coordinator at Rabata and its resident plant patron. With over a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, she works at the intersection of grassroots movement building, food systems advocacy, agroecology, and climate solutions.

Maryan is currently a student in the Ribaat Tajwid Ijaza and Halaqat programs. When not at Rabata, she can be found joyfully wandering the woods, tending to her houseplants, or stirring up delicious chaos in her kitchen.

Emmanuelle Manigat
Convert Care Coordinator

Emmanuelle (Eman) Manigat serves as Rabata’s Convert Care Coordinator. She completed her degree in Languages and Literature from Champlain College, Saint-Lambert in 1997. She then went on to study at the Ribaat Academic Institute where she earned her Ribaat Islamic Studies Teaching Certification in 2022, and continues additional studies presently. Currently, she is pursuing her Masters in Pastoral Studies with a Certification in Spiritual Care and Psychotherapy, from the University of Toronto.

Born and raised in Montreal, Canada, but now calls the city of Toronto home. Emmanuelle is a proud child of Haitian immigrants. Eman is one of the mentors on the popular Muslim Women Convert Circle Facebook page, an exclusive space for convert women of all backgrounds from across the globe. Currently, this virtual space serves over 2,500 convert women.

She also currently serves as the Chapter Lead for the Rabata Toronto Chapter where she strives to bring Rabata’s ethos of positive cultural change to her local community. Eman also serves in the steering committee for Black Canadian Muslims, a non-profit organization whose mission is to enhance the lives of Black Canadian Muslims of the African diaspora by reviving a sense of community based on Islamic principles, education, art, and support.

Moreover she is working part time for Ruhcare and Nisa Foundation where she provides counseling and psychotherapy. Eman is a caring friend, dedicated mother, and loving wife who is appreciated by all who know her.

Fara Rasiman
Youth Programs Coordinator

Fara Rasiman is an educator, volunteer, youth programs leader, and mentor who has dedicated her career to supporting and empowering communities around the world. She began her career in public relations, digital marketing, and community management, gaining extensive experience with global consumer brands, sustainable energy and tech startups, and nonprofit organizations across the Asia-Pacific, European, and North American markets.

Born and raised in Malaysia and of Malay and Chinese heritage, Fara spent several years of her youth in Australia before returning home. Her professional and volunteer experiences, including impactful work with organizations such as Cancer Council New South Wales, Camp Quality Australia, and Habitat for Humanity Australia, have strengthened her commitment to nonprofit and community work, which began nearly 20 years ago when she first started volunteering in college. Fara is passionate about working with international communities and has done so particularly across North America, Germany, Southeast Asia, Japan, and China.

Fara currently serves as Rabata’s Youth Programs Coordinator, overseeing programs that educate and mentor girls aged 6 to 17. Through the Youth Programs, she hopes to create more opportunities centred on international studies and global learning for Rabata’s youth. She previously led a halaqa for several years, providing a weekly space for Muslim women to gather and study the sira, tafsir, Imam al-Nawawi’s Forty Hadith, and Riyad al-Salihin.

A lifelong learner, Fara is currently continuing her studies in special needs education, as well as history and anthropology, with particular interests in Asian contexts and studies. She also continues to study with accomplished educators and scholars in the Islamic sciences and is currently working toward a Quran ijaza.

Passionate about education and youth development, Fara aspires to build impactful leadership, volunteer, and international learning opportunities for the youth at Rabata while continuing to contribute to her local community.

Nawar Taleb-Agha
Quran Program Coordinator

Nawar Taleb-Agha serves as Quran Program Coordinator for the Ribaat Academic Institute. She holds a bachelor’s in Linguistics from University of California at Berkeley and a master’s degree in Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) from San Francisco State University. She has been teaching ESL at local language centers and community colleges since 2013. She also holds multiple certifications in tajwīd.

Born and raised in the Bay Area, California, Nawar was introduced to a tajwīd teacher during her first visit to Syria. She worked swiftly through to receive an ijāza in the Hafs recitation from the late Shaykh Abu Al-Hassan Al-Kurdi (may Allah have mercy on him). While studying tajwīd, she fell in love with Damascus and began to visit more frequently until she moved there for three years to study Arabic, tafsīr, fiqh, hadith sciences, and more.

During her time in Damascus, Nawar also memorized the Quran and received an ijāza from Shaykh Muhammad Nizar al-Kurdi. Nawar has been teaching tajwīd since her first ijāza in 2003. She currently lives in California with her husband and enjoys indoor gardening and crochet.

Asma Alam
Arabic Program Coordinator

Asma Alam was born and raised in Toronto, Canada. She graduated at the top of her class with a Bachelors of Science in Biology from York University while concurrently completing a 2.5 year Arabic language curriculum at the Shariah Program. After moving to the US, Asma continued her pursuit of sacred knowledge at the Institute of Islamic Education in Elgin, Illinois, where she received merit awards in both Arabic and Hadith memorization.

Asma combined her interests in Science and Linguistics by recently completing a second Bachelors in Communication Disorders & Deaf Education with the intent to complete a Masters in Speech & Language Pathology.

Asma has been studying under the tutelage of Anse Dr. Tamara Gray since 2012, while continuing her Islamic Studies coursework at the Ribaat Academic Institute. The work and mission of Rabata is very close to Asma’s heart. She has been a dedicated volunteer and Arabic language instructor, and is grateful to contribute in this role as Arabic Program Coordinator.

Nadia Naviwala
Executive Assistant to the Dean of Academic Affairs

Nadia Naviwala serves as the Executive Assistant to Rabata’s Dean of Academic Affairs. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Born in New York, raised in Houston and Atlanta, Nadia now calls Chicago home. Since 2019, Nadia has been pursuing Islamic studies at the Ribaat Academic Institute under the guidance of Anse Dr. Tamara Gray. She comes on as staff after years of dedicated Rabateering as a Ribaat admin and more.

Beyond her studies and work, Nadia enjoys being involved in her community. She volunteers with Girl Scouts, supports elementary school PTA events, and helps organize local Rabata chapter activities. At home, she loves drawing and doing puzzles with her two daughters, exploring the outdoors, and experimenting with new recipes from around the world. Her hidden talents include lightning-fast typing and expert-level note organization!

‘Alimatunnisa Abdul Ghani
Academic Affairs Support Officer

‘Alimatunnisa Abdul Ghani serves as Rabata’s Academic Affairs Support Officer. She studied Arabic and Islamic sciences at Madrasah Wak Tanjong Al-Islamiah for 12 years. Afterwards, she traveled to Damascus, Syria once completing her GCE A-Level to pursue her bachelor’s degree from Abu Al Nour University in the Faculty of Islamic Da’wa.

Born and raised in Singapore, she moved to Damascus for deeper Islamic learning. She spent four years in Damascus, Syria and one year in Beirut, Lebanon learning from various scholars, both male and female. She considers Damascus her hometown; a place where she found profound spirituality and amazing upbringing. She is now back in her home country Singapore and enjoys sharing the gems she has gained from her teachers with her community.

In 2017, upon Anse Tamara’s visit to Singapore,‘Alimatunnisa met Anse Tamara and, soon after, started volunteering with Rabata and Ribaat. She found herself captivated by the supportive sisterhood, the access to female scholarship, and the beautiful Anisaat (teachers). She joined the Rabata staff in 2019.

‘Alimatunnisa has experience in teaching Islam to students of various ages and backgrounds, including students with learning differences such as Autism, Down Syndrome and ADHD. She enjoys working with youth and adults alike – those who are new to Islam or learning more about the sacred sciences. ‘Alimatunnisa is one of the beloved instructors and tajwid teachers at Ribaat.

Jessica Hassan
Associate Editor

Jessica Hassan serves as Associate Editor for Daybreak Press, Rabata’s publishing arm. She has a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Minnesota and an editing certificate from the University of Chicago. She has more than nine years of experience in editing and has worked with Cambridge University Press, Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, Claritas Books, Ruqaya’s Bookshelf, and Qalam Research.

Jessica lives in Minnesota with her husband and two children. When not working, she can be found learning about Islam, reading, or fostering kittens.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sarah Olesky
Development Coordinator

Sarah Olesky is the Development Coordinator at Rabata. With a Master’s in English Professional Writing and Rhetoric and a graduate certificate in Instructional Design from BGSU, along with a Bachelor’s in Communications, Sarah is passionate about writing and education. She’s also pursuing a Teacher Certification through Ribaat.

When she’s not working at Rabata, Sarah channels her love of storytelling into her own projects—she has a children’s book being published through Daybreak Press and is currently developing a series of romance novels centered around a group of convert women. Writing is one of her great passions, and it brings her joy to share stories that inspire and connect.

Sarah lives in NW Ohio with her husband, three children, and cat. In her downtime, she loves crocheting, knitting, writing, and baking delicious treats to share with her family.

Iman Said
Social Media Coordinator

Iman Said serves as Rabata’s Social Media Coordinator. She holds a BA in Mass Communication from the American University of Sharjah and an MA in Gender & Identity Studies in the Middle East from the University of Exeter. With over a decade of experience in content creation, digital campaigns, and community outreach, she brings both strategic expertise and a deep understanding of the audiences Rabata serves.

Iman first came to Rabata in 2019 through a book her husband gifted her for Eid. She signed up for her first class within days and has been an enthusiastic student ever since. Having benefitted so deeply from what Rabata has to offer, she is now honored to play a role in bringing that same transformative experience to others.

Iman is a home-educating mother of four. Outside of her work with Rabata, she writes and delivers workshops on intentional productivity and planning for Muslim women. She will continue her studies at Ribāṭ University in September 2026 as she pursues the Certificate in Teaching Islam. She is passionate about lifelong learning and believes deeply in the power of education to uplift women and families.
Sana Farheen
Communications Coordinator

Sana Farheen serves as Rabata’s Communications Coordinator. She holds a bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in Computer Science Engineering and is a certified Project Manager and Agile Practitioner. Before joining Rabata, she worked as an IT Project Manager, leading cross-functional teams and managing complex projects with care, organization, and collaboration.

Sana first came to Rabata through halaqat, which inspired her to continue her tajwid studies and join the Pilgrims at Home Challenge.

She describes her work with Rabata as deeply rewarding, allowing her to bridge her professional expertise and her passion for purposeful, faith-centered work. She’s excited to bring her project management experience to support Rabata’s vision and contribute to its growing impact.

Sana finds joy in learning new things, collaborating with others, and bringing a sense of calm and order to busy projects. Outside of work, she loves reading, sipping coffee, walks in nature, and spending time with her family.

Fatema Hakim
Publishing and Editorial Assistant

Fatema Hakim is an academic entrepreneur living in London, and works as a Publishing and Editorial Assistant for Rabata Daybreak Press. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in English from Queen Mary University of London and an MPhil in English Studies from the University of Cambridge, graduating as a Medieval Specialist. Fatema is eager to further the recognition of Muslim women’s publications, ensuring their voices resonate, and are heard.

Ricki Butler
Publishing Assistant

Ricki Butler serves as the Publishing Assistant at Daybreak Press. She holds bachelor’s degrees in Anthropology and Global & International Studies from the University of Kansas.

She is honored to support the mission of Daybreak Press and to contribute to the uplifting of Muslim women’s voices.

Sarah Olesky
Associate Editor

With a master’s in English-professional writing and rhetoric and a graduate certificate in instructional design from BGSU, along with a bachelor’s in communications, Sarah is passionate about writing and education.

When she’s not working at Rabata, Sarah channels her love of storytelling into her own projects—she has a children’s book being published through Daybreak Press and is currently developing a series of romance novels centered around a group of convert women. Writing is one of her great passions, and it brings her joy to share stories that inspire and connect.

Sarah will be teaching courses in writing and literature at the Ribāṭ University starting Fall of 2026.

Sarah lives in NW Ohio with her husband, three children, and cat. In her downtime, she loves crocheting, knitting, writing, and baking delicious treats to share with her family.

Saima Ahmed
Zakat Administrator

Saima Ahmed serves as Rabata’s Zakat Administrator as part of RabataCare. She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education with a Middle School Endorsement in English and Language Arts.

Residing in the suburbs of Chicago with her husband and three children, Saima works diligently to ensure zakat funds are used in the most upright manner. Her efforts allow the program to run on tamlik, where 100% of funds go to those in need. Saima values her work in the RabataCare department ensuring Rabata zakat funds help make an uplifting and positive change in the receiving women’s lives.

Ikram
Project Officer

Ikram serves as the Project Officer at Rabata. Ikram aims to complete her degree in Business and align her education with her fervor for entrepreneurial ventures. Additionally, Ikram currently is working towards obtaining a Ribaat Teacher Certification with the Ribaat Academic Institute, showcasing her dedication to both educational and community-oriented goals.

Ikram’s multifaceted interests and unwavering commitment make her a valuable asset to our community and a source of inspiration for those around her. Her role as Assistant to the Executive Director underscores her capabilities and dedication to the organization, further enhancing her impact on her local community and greater Rabata community.

Outside of her professional roles, Ikram finds joy in exploring the diverse landscapes. An avid journaler and travel enthusiast, she embraces the opportunity to experience new cultures and perspectives.

Lena Zohny
Content and Editorial Assistant

Lena Zohny serves as Rabata’s Content and Editorial Assistant. She completed her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, specialization in International Relations in 2009 from the State University of New York at Stony Brook. During her college years, she dipped her toes into the wide expanse of Islamic knowledge and hoped to continue her studies more seriously one day.

Born and raised in New York, Lena moved to Austin, Texas after marriage. Soon after her move, she worked at a private, non-profit Islamic school for several years in different capacities, where she served as an administrative assistant , taught, and assisted in communications and marketing.

In 2018, while on a tour spreading joyful faith, Anse Tamara and her group stopped in Austin, TX. Pregnant with her third child, and first daughter at the time, Lena knew she wanted Rabata and this joy-filled faith as part of her and her daughter’s future experience of Islam. She enrolled in her first Ribaat class the next month, and now hopes to complete her Ribaat Teacher Certification.

Home-educating mom to three, Lena loves spending time in community and contributing where she can. She serves on the board of her local masjid and volunteers with Rabata.

Nawaal Ramadan Basha
Graphic Designer

Nawaal Ramadan Basha serves as Rabata’s Graphic Designer. Nawaal received her Bachelor of Design, with a specialization in Digital Experience Design, from MacEwan University in 2024. Her diverse skill set spans print design and UX projects, and she enjoys exploring new creative avenues and challenging conventions. With a passion for creativity and innovation, Nawaal draws inspiration from both playful ideas and meticulous attention to detail.

Born and raised in Alberta where she currently resides, Nawaal is eager to connect and collaborate with fellow creatives. When not designing, Nawaal can be found biking, woodworking, or simply enjoying the outdoors.

Walaa Abas
Assistant to the Higher Education Administrator

Walaa Abas was born in Damascus Syria, where she earned her degree in chemistry from the university of Damascus. She later moved to Istanbul with her husband and two children where she started a career in teaching English and science. She enjoys learning languages, coffee, and spending time with her friends and family.

Dr. Anna-Maria Ramezanzadeh

Dr. Anna-Maria Ramezanzadeh serves as Consultant for Arabic language instruction within the Ribaat Academic Institute, with the aim of producing an engaging, effective, and accessible curriculum for those wishing to use the language to access sacred sources. Dr. Anna-Maria is a language researcher and curriculum developer with a wealth of experience and expertise in the field of Arabic language studies. She received her doctorate in Education, specializing in Arabic Applied Linguistics, from the University of Oxford, along with her MSc in Applied Linguistics and Second Language Acquisition, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Arabic and Persian.

Dr. Anna-Maria currently works in the University of Oxford’s Department of Education. She conducts a review of existing research on the teaching and learning of the Arabic language. She also produced research for the British Council and the AHRC Creative Multilingualism project.

She served as an Arabic instructor at undergraduate and graduate levels at the University of Oxford, as well as the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies and the Department for Continuing Education.

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