The Voice She Became: Shakila Ahmad’s Journey as a Muslim Woman in America

In this episode of Roots, Routes, and Voices, Clara Matonhodze and Bryan Wright engage with Shakila Ahmad to explore the journey that has defined her as a Muslim woman in America. Moving to Cincinnati from Pakistan at nine years old, Shakila faced the challenge of being the only brown Muslim girl in her class. Her experiences during these formative years fostered a sense of resilience and belonging, ultimately leading her to become the first woman to chair the board of a mosque in the United States.

Shakila reflects on adapting to a new country, overcoming language and cultural barriers, and building meaningful friendships across different faiths and backgrounds. She highlights the critical moments that encouraged her to embrace leadership roles instead of retreating during tough times. Her commitment to servant leadership and her efforts to build trust within interfaith, civic, and professional communities are central to her story. Through her initiative, Empowering Spaces, Shakila combines decades of experience to help organizations cultivate more welcoming and engaged communities. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes the significance of authentic voices and the bravery required to make oneself heard.

Join us for a thoughtful discussion about the roots that ground us, the paths we navigate, and the voices that contribute to shaping America's future.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction
00:40 - Navigating Identity and Adaptation
09:23 - Discovering Community in America
14:46 - Classroom of Shared Core Values
20:58 - Grassroots Spirituality and Community Building
21:49 - Cincinnati's Foundation: Welcoming Islamic Community
29:20 - Cultural Fusion and Faithful Gathering
34:03 - Building Community Through Relationship Education
38:38 - Finding Your Voice Amid Threats
44:32 - "Mentorship and Immersion Impact"
50:50 - Grounded by Faith, Family, Community
59:46 - Launching Consulting Career
01:05:27 - "Hope Through Inspirational People"
01:06:09 - Podcast Credits and Acknowledgments
01:06:48 - Outro

Quotes:

"Being vulnerable is being brave. If I hadn't spoken up, others would define me. I chose to step forward because being truly seen is the first step to belonging."- Shakila Ahmad

"We all seek community and understanding. By truly listening to each other's stories, we discover our shared humanity."- Clara Matonhodze

"At the heart of migration and leadership lies trust and community. Through vulnerability and learning, we foster lasting belonging and change."- Bryan Wright

Key Takeaways

Roots and Routes
The Power of Belonging and Authentic Friendship
Discovery of Universal Values
Hybrid Identity
Building Inclusive Community
Stepping Forward in Times of Crisis
Trailblazing Leadership
Faith, Family, and Community as Anchors
Emotional Labor and the Importance of Self-Care
Empowering Spaces
Hope in Community

Connect with Shakila Ahmad:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shakila-ahmad-57a286179/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/karlaboldery/
Website: https://empowering-spaces.com/

Call To Action:

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