Dalia Mogahed: Remaining hopeful when facing trials in life

The Muslim American Society (MAS) Milwaukee held its 12th Annual Conference on March 30 and 31 at the Crowne Plaza Milwaukee Airport. The Wisconsin Muslim Journal attended the two-day program, recording keynote speakers and photo documenting the event which also served as a community platform. This feature is part of an editorial series put together to highlight the many important topics that were discussed by national leaders over the weekend.

A Wisconsin native, Dalia unexpectedly attended this years conference with her sister Yasmin, and presented a moving speech to the audience as an introduction.

She is best known outside of non-Muslim circles for her 2016 TED Talk about what it is like being a Muslim in America, a compelling speech about choosing empathy over prejudice. Dalia was selected as an advisor by U.S. President Barack Obama on the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, and is focused on fighting misperceptions of her faith in the news media.

“When you look at me, what do you see? A woman of faith? A scholar, a mom, a sister? Or an oppressed, brainwashed, potential terrorist?” – Dalia Mogahed