"The Legacy of Believing Women in Islam" Bayan by Dr. Debbie Almontaser (2/26/21)

In this inspiring pre-khutbah bayan (speech), Dr. Debbie Almontaser -- the first Muslim woman to offer a prayer during the American presidential inauguration -- walks us through Islam's strong history of Muslim women leaders and sheroes, and she enlightens us with lessons we can learn from each of them. She ends with a powerful message for all Muslim women everywhere to take a stand and keep the legacy of Prophet Muhammad's feminist example alive in our memories, homes, and communities.

Bio:
Dr. Debbie Almontaser is an internationally recognized, award-winning educator, entrepreneur, speaker, authority on cross cultural understanding and author of Leading While Muslim. She is an influential community leader and the Founder and CEO of Bridging Cultures Group Inc., a for-profit business that provides professional development and coaching for companies, universities, firms, and K–12 education personnel.

Dr. Almontaser was the founding and former principal of the Khalil Gibran International Academy in Brooklyn, NY. A twenty-five-year veteran of the NYC Public School System, she taught special education, inclusion, trained teachers in literacy, and served as a multicultural specialist and diversity advisor. Currently, she is the Board President of the Muslim Community Network and sits on the boards of Therapy and Learning Center Preschool, 21in21, EMGAGE National, and ADC National.

She frequently lectures, serves on panels, facilitates teacher and public workshops on cultural diversity, conflict resolution, Arab Culture, Islam, Muslims in America, interfaith coalition building and youth leadership at schools, universities, libraries, museums, faith-based organizations, churches, synagogues, as well as national and international conferences. Dr. Almontaser is also known for her leadership role in organizing the historic Yemeni Bodega Strike Rally and I Am a Muslim Too Rally.