14th annual gala unveils the next chapter for Muslim Women’s Coalition

Photos by Lila Aryan Photography

The Milwaukee Muslim Women’s Coalition 2024 Board of Directors, Front row, left to right, Ream Bahhur, board secretary, Dr. Dima Adl, Janan Najeeb, founder and executive director, Dr. Sahar Kayata, board treasurer, Soniya Yunus, Dr. Fatoumata Ceesay, Masarat Allaqaband, back row, left to right, Albana Zagloul, Dr. Hana Alqam, Dr. Aishah Aslam, interim board president, Amal Jaber, Dr. Hanadi BuAli and Hadiyyah Clark.

The Muslim Women’s Coalition’s 14th annual gala at the elegant Marcus Center Bradley Pavilion was attended by over 365 guests and live streamed on MWC’s facebook page. This year’s theme, Next Chapter: The Journey Ahead is a nod to the organization’s new name (dropping Milwaukee), color palette and logo design, website and rebranding, as MWC expands its physical footprint.

In the program booklet, MWC Executive Director and Founder Janan Najeeb stated, “We will continue to work tirelessly to build an equitable, inclusive Wisconsin that welcomes all people.  We will continue to impact lives by amplifying voices, creating opportunities for collaboration and unity, and standing up for justice whenever and wherever we can.”

Emceeing the sold out event was comedian, attorney and celebrity matchmaker, Yasmin Elhady.  Known for her humor and commitment to social impact, particularly as an advocate for refugee and women’s rights, her dry wit kept the evening lively and fun.

Celebrity comedian Yasmin Elhady kept everyone laughing throughout the evening. 

Ameen Atta performed the Quran recitation and Kevin Giglinto, president and CEO of Marcus Performing Arts Center, warmly welcomed everyone to the Bradley Pavilion.

Guest speakers represented individuals, groups, institutions, and organizations whose partnerships helped MMWC chart their path and create a better future. Among them in order of appearance, was Karin Tyler, operations manager for the City of Milwaukee office of Community Wellness & Safety, Dr. Jose Trejo, principal at South Division High School, Muntas Osman, senior at South Division,  Dr. Paul Trebian, CEO and president of the International Institute of Wisconsin, Dr. Rev. Richard Shaw, St. Matthew C.M.E. Church, president of Milwaukee Innercity Congregations Allied for Hope, Basema Yasin, program coordinator, Our Peaceful Home, MWC Buddy Program participants,  Ibrahim Amiri and Sumaya Rahimi, Geraud Blanks and Maureen Post, managing partners, Culture x Design.

The 14th annual MWC fundraiser was held at Marcus Performing Arts Center at 929 N. Water St., in the heart of downtown Milwaukee on Dec 8.

Two awards were given during the program. Adela Delic accepted the Volunteer of the Year acknowledgment for her commitment to the Buddy Program. The Together, We Can award went to UWM Popular University for Palestine for their encampment started on Mitchell Hall lawn to urge UW-Milwaukee to end its complicity in Israel’s ongoing genocide and occupation of Gaza and Palestine.

Culture x Design managing partners, Geraud Blanks and Maureen Post, walked through their MWC rebrand and marketing campaign with visuals of billboards and a short video. Their tag line “to bridge cultures and build a vibrant, thriving Milwaukee. Together, we celebrate the diversity and resilience that make our community stronger” is part of the MWC journey ahead…

Ameen Atta, UW-Milwaukee undergraduate and board member of UWM Muslim Student Association opened the event with a Quran recitation.

The mission of MWC was expressed throughout the evening by diverse community leaders, partner organizations and program beneficiaries. It was an appreciation of the work of the MWC team and leadership. We are grateful to all our sponsors, ad sponsors, volunteers and donors.  

If you were not able to be with us, you can still support the MWC’s vital programming here. Thank you!

Interim MWC Board President, Aisha Aslam, M.D. welcomed the community and guests to the gala.

Dr. Jose Trejo, Principal of South Division High School talked about the impact MWC’s youth club has had on its students.

The “Together, We Can” award went to UWM Popular University for Palestine students.

On left, Ameena Yusuf, MWC Youth Development Director holds the mic for 7th grader Ibrahim Amiri from the Milwaukee Academy of Chinese Language School as he talks about his experience in the Afghan Buddy Program. 

Maureen Post, Culture X Design strategic partnerships director presents the The Connecting Hearts and Strengthening Communities campaign with Geraud Blanks, CXD managing and creative director.

Dr. Paul Trebian, CEO and president of the International Institute of Wisconsin spoke of his partnership with MWC.