I have been described as a speaker, teacher, organizer, consultant, leader, facilitator, mediator, entrepreneur, innovator and executive. I strive to use these skills toward a singular focus: increasing intercultural understanding. At my core, I am a community-builder and peace-maker.
Knowing this about myself was often a challenge in a corporate environment. I was born in Egypt, raised in Texas, and for many years kept my multiple identities — Egyptian, American, Muslim — separate.
Around the time I turned 40, I made a pivotal decision — to bring those identities together and be the same person in public and at work as I was at home. I began covering my hair following Islamic tradition. At first I felt self-conscious, but I learned that by projecting confidence, whether I felt it or not, others were more likely to accept me.
At the time, I was a Human Resources manager at Georgia-Pacific. In that corporate setting, I came to understand that leadership traits and skills can be deeply rooted in an individual’s cultural background. I explored the concept that “bringing your whole self to work” is a proven way to strengthen teams, foster creativity, and increase productivity.
For Muslims in Atlanta, this presented a real challenge. We often felt misunderstood and invisible. I saw a clear need for engagement across religious and cultural divides.
In August 2001, a group of Atlantans gathered to launch an organization to promote understanding and fight bigotry through education and engagement: the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Atlanta (ISB). Less than one month after ISB’s first training, 9/11 happened — proving, without a doubt, the importance and potential impact of our mission. As preconceptions about Muslims became entrenched, ISB sent trained speakers to corporations, civic groups, churches, synagogues, law enforcement agencies and schools.
Since then, we have provided opportunities to learn about Islam and Muslims objectively through dialogue, outreach programs, presentations and panels. Now approaching our 25th year, I see the long-term impact of our work in every sector of our city.
Even in today’s political climate, I’m proud of Atlanta’s companies that stand up for and celebrate the diversity of their employees and our community. Law firms, hospitals, and corporations are honoring Muslim traditions alongside other faiths. I’ve attended Ramadan Iftar dinners hosted by firms I never imagined would do so. Atlanta’s flagship companies like Southern Company, Coca-Cola, Delta, The Home Depot, and others are finding meaningful ways to publicly recognize their employees’ varied backgrounds.
This embrace of diversity is not just outward-facing or for marketing purposes. Internally, these companies have adopted the “bring your whole self to work” approach, helping employees feel a sense of belonging. Atlanta’s business community understands that a diverse workforce is more innovative, entrepreneurial, profitable and successful.
I know this from personal experience. Working at Georgia-Pacific taught me how different ideas and perspectives can lead to even better solutions. Today, this mindset is widespread:
- Hospitals and medical practices now recognize that patients come from diverse backgrounds, and they tailor care accordingly, leading to better outcomes.
- Organizations of all types, from nonprofits to corporations, are seeking Muslim men and women for leadership roles to better serve their communities and strengthen their teams.
Through the lens of a large corporation, I saw and felt the challenges faced by religious and ethnic minorities in the workplace. I have also seen how individuals make a difference. If each of us takes the responsibility to personally connect with someone from a different culture or background, then recognizing the value of everyone becomes more than a slogan. It becomes a way of life.
Now, all these years later, ISB Atlanta acknowledges how far we’ve come and the hard work that is still ahead. We take pride in recognizing companies like Georgia-Pacific and Southern Company that champion inclusion and belonging, encouraging employees to bring their whole selves to work.
Join us on Sept. 20 as we honor the leadership of Chris Womack and Southern Company for their role in making Atlanta a more connected city. During the elegant and joyful ISB Atlanta Annual Gala, we will present the ISB Atlanta Distinguished Leadership Award and celebrate our community’s growth as a place of welcoming and belonging.
