Anse Dr. Tamara Gray is the founder of Rabata, an organization dedicated to promoting positive cultural change through creative educational experiences. She holds a doctorate in leadership from the University of St. Thomas, a master’s degree in Curriculum Theory and Instruction from Temple University, and spent twenty years studying traditional and classical Islamic sciences, Quran, and Arabic in Damascus, Syria. Dr. Gray worked in the field of education for twenty-five years before moving into the non-profit world. She is now both the Executive Director of Rabata and its Chief Spirituality Officer. Her work includes the daily nitty gritty of project design as well as the support and mentorship of hundreds of women around the world. Dr. Gray is also an author, translator, and public speaker. Her publications range from several culturally appropriate English language curriculum programs to translations of sacred texts. Dr. Tamara’s most recent work is the translation of Mukhtasir al-Jami’ fi al-Sīra al-Nabawiyya by Samīra Zayid [Compendium of the Collection of Sources on al-Sīra al-Nabawiyya] (Co-translator). Her book, Joy Jots: Exercises for a Happy Heart, is in its second print. Dr. Gray is often engaged to speak about issues of gender, leadership, Islam, and spirituality; locally, nationally and globally. Some of her platforms have included the International Leadership Association, the World Parliament of Religions, the Islamic Society of North America and several universities, including Princeton, Virginia Tech and Oxford University. She sits on the board of the Collegeville Institute’s Inter-religious Fellows Program, working to develop educational programming for faith leaders around social justice issues and on the academic council of The Islamic Seminary of America where she is also a faculty member. She serves as a council member at the Fiqh Council of North America and Senior Fellow at the Yaqeen Institute. Dr. Gray lives in Minnesota where she enjoys coffee, the seasons, and her grandchildren.
Anse Eamaan Rabbat was raised in the United States and in Syria, where she benefited from renowned female teachers of the Islamic sciences, including tajwid, sirah, hadith, fiqh, and aqīdah. After moving to the United Arab Emirates, she earned her Bachelor’s in Mass Communications with concentrations in Advertising and Journalism and later earned a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Administration. Since graduating university, she has dedicated her time to the education and upbringing of children and adults. She has held various positions in educational institutions and schools, and volunteered at various educational centers. She has been honored to serve as director of the Ribaat Academic Institute since its inception in Fall 2013 and presently serves as Rabata's Education Director.
Anse Fara Rasiman serves as Rabata’s Youth Program Education Administrator, which includes the RabaTEENS and Dragonflies programs. Hailing from the culturally rich and humid landscapes of Malaysia, Anse Fara lived in Australia for a few years in her 20s, before moving back to her home country. Seeing herself as a global citizen, Anse Fara's career has spanned various sectors, including startups, sustainable energy, and nonprofits, touching lives across the Asia-Pacific, European, and North American markets. Despite this, her passion lies in volunteering and working on community projects. Anse Fara’s professional and volunteer experiences, including impactful work with organizations like the Cancer Council New South Wales, Camp Quality Australia, and Habitat for Humanity Australia, paved the way for her engagement with Rabata. Beyond her role, she also volunteers as Rabata's Social Media Coordinator and a Ribaat Course Admin. Outside of work, Anse Fara is a student of accomplished teachers specializing in Quran and hosts a halaqah group for Muslim women to gather weekly to learn about the Sira, Tafsir, and Al-Nawawi’s 40 Hadith and Riyad as-Salihin. Looking ahead, Anse Fara aspires to build impactful leadership and volunteering programs for the youth at Rabata, while she works towards achieving her Quran Ijāza and continues on the path of memorizing the Quran.
Anse Michelle Sekusky, an Ohio native, embraced Islam in 2011. In 2013, she enrolled in the Ribaat Academic Institute, studying traditional Islamic education under the guidance of Anse Shaykha Dr. Tamara Gray. Within the Columbus, Ohio community, Anse Michelle served on the board of the Noor Islamic Cultural Center for four years and actively volunteered with local masjid committees. There, she also developed a support system for and worked closely with converts for eight years. As an accomplished songwriter and vocalist, Anse Michelle is known for writing, performing, and conducting workshops across the nation. Her foundation in the performing arts, cultivated during her time in middle and high school, was further enriched by touring during her college years. She is passionate about using music to connect women of all ages to their faith through nasheed and singing. Currently, she is a proud member of the Twin City Women’s Choir and serves on the board of Her Voice Productions. Anse Michelle is the Rabata Cultural Center Manager. She remains an enthusiastic student of the Ribaat Academic Institute and actively teaches for Rabata’s Dragonflies and RabaTEENS youth programs. She also contributes by supporting Rabata’s Convert Care program. In 2022, she obtained her ijaza (certification) in the 40 Hadith of Imam an-Nawawi. Recently, Anse Michelle joined the speakers and board of the Islamic Resource Group (IRG), where she educates the wider community about Islam.
Anse Dana Nass is a dedicated educator who has a passion for empowering Muslim youth to become the best versions of themselves. Anse Dana has a B.S. degree in Arabic Literature from Damascus University and a Master's degree of Science in Psychology from Grand Canyon University. In addition, she studied traditional Islamic Studies directly from famous scholars in Damascus and Rabata. She received her ijāzah in the Hafs recitation of the Quran and an ijāzah in the Forty Hadith of Imam Nawawi. While serving as a board member and educational director for seven years at the Islamic Center of Northeast Valley, she led the Sunday School and numerous successful women and youth programs in empowerment, mental health support, religious identity, mentorship, community outreach, and interfaith groups. She is a co-founder of a non-profit organization, Grow Together, working to establish a mentoring relationship with young people in foster care who are disconnected from their faith community. Anse Dana loves coffee and crocheting while enjoying the beautiful view of Arizona skies.
Masjid Rabata is honored to be under the leadership and guidance of Imam Anse Fadiyah Mian, New Jersey mother of four, tajwid instructor, and educator. She grew up in Michigan with her three sisters who were raised in a family that valued Islamic learning, spiritual tarbiya, and community care. Anse Fadiyah embarked on the journey of a lifetime over twenty years ago to study Islamic sciences in the blessed city of Damascus. She completed her training in tajwid and received her ijaza from the late Shaykh Muhyi-al-Din al-Kurdi. It was during this transformational time in Damascus that Anse Fadiyah also met Anse Shaykha Dr. Tamara Gray and studied under her and other female scholars. Anse Fadiyah is part of the first alumni cohort at the Ribaat Academic Institute who graduated in 2020. She also received an ijaza in the 40 Hadith of Imam Nawawi. She is an enthusiastic teacher for the Rabata Dragonflies and RabaTEENS youth programs. In her local spaces, she nurtures both animals and humans, showing love and care to all of Allah’s creations. Anse Fadiyah also leads women’s halaqat and volunteers as the Rabata New Jersey chapter lead.
Anse Afshan Malik currently serves as Rabata’s Director of Development, and previously as Program Manager from 2017 – 2019. She holds a BA in English Language and Literature from Northeastern Illinois University and an MA in Nonprofit Management from the University of Houston-Downtown. She graduated in 2020 as part of the first Ribaat Academic Institute cohort for the Islamic Studies Teacher Certificate. In nonprofit work, Anse Afshan always seeks opportunities to expand her skillset, through which she benefits and leads Rabata’s fundraising strategies. With this objective in mind, she received certificates in social media marketing management and in Fundraising Management from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy. When not researching grant proposals and writing reports, Anse Afshan likes to indulge in Dr. Pepper, afternoon naps, and historical fiction. She is a Chicago native but currently resides in Houston, Texas with her husband and five children. She is the author of a young adult novel titled Pieces, which tells the story of a close-knit family dealing with the struggles of adolescence, mental illness, and change, published by Daybreak Press.
Anse Tayyaba Syed is the multiple award-winning author of the children’s picture books THE BLESSED BANANAS and HAFSA’S KISSES. She has written for 20+ book titles for Muslim kids including Encyclopedia Britannica. As a journalist, her bylines have been in numerous publications such as NPR, Chicago Parent and ISNA’s Islamic Horizons Magazine. She serves on the Rabata Board of Directors, teaches writing to communities everywhere, leads a local women’s halaqa, and performs readily as a fun storyteller. She has worked as the Creative Developer for Noor Kids educational books and as a co-author for the Jannah Jewels chapter-book series. As a public speaker, she has conducted 100+ literary and faith-based presentations from all over the U.S. to Qatar and Turkey. Anse Tayyaba completed the Ribaat Teacher Certification through the Ribaat Academic Institute and holds an ijāza in the 40 hadith of Imām Nawawi. She lives with her husband and three children in Illinois, where she is an elected member of her local school district’s Board of Education.
Anse Soofia Ahmed is a teacher and a real estate broker residing in Chicago, IL. She graduated from Elmhurst College, majoring in Secondary Education/English Literature and minoring in Intercultural studies with a focus on social justice. Anse Soofia also has a middle school history teaching certification. She has led teaching initiatives for street children in India, taught in UK Islamic schools, where she and her family resided for almost 8 years, and has taught in both public and private schools in the US. Anse Soofia has her masters in project management and loves being solution-oriented. She loves horses, even though she's madly allergic to them and enjoys spending her free time exploring nature with her three beautiful bairns. She received her Ribaat Teachers Certificate in 2022 and is currently pursuing the Ribaat Scholar Certification.
Anse Carla Taylor was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she attended San Jose State University and received her B.S. in Health Science. She has worked in the nonprofit field for over 10 years, where many of her roles have allowed her to provide community mentorship and outreach. She is currently working on completing her Ribaat Teaching Certificate while homeschooling her 3 kids. Anse Carla enjoys hiking and backpacking with her family while discussing and exploring Islamic teachings. Anse Carla takes a holistic approach to education, placing a high importance on fostering personal development and empathy in the youth. Both her daughters have been part of Dragonflies since its inception, and she’s looking forward to teaching and learning with the students.
Anse Samia Uddin lives in Michigan with her husband and two children. She is a 2022 graduate of the Ribaat Academic Institute’s Teacher Certification program. Anse Samia also has a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Mathematics and a Masters in Secondary Education. Anse Samia is currently the co-lead of the Masjid Rabata team and the Rabata Michigan chapter.
Anse Kiashe Pugh converted to Islam as a freshman in college, while attending Rutgers University, where she double majored in Psychology and Biology. After graduating she taught for a year and then went to the Middle East for nearly two decades with her family. She studied Tajweed, learned an appreciation for loving Allah’s Messenger, and took care of her family. Anse Kiashe continues to seek Islamic Knowledge and she enjoys reading, traveling, and cooking for family and friends.
Anse Dr. Farhana Yunus is a lifelong student of sacred knowledge. She has completed the Ribaat Teacher Certification through the Ribaat Academic Institute, completed Bayyinah Access 1, 2, and 3, studied the Ajroomiyah with Qutoof Academy, completed tajwīd and studied the Jazariyyah with Rahman School of Orlando, and studied with Islamic Online Institute with the Islamic Circle of North America Sisters Wing. She has been teaching Tafseer of the Quran for over 10 years and currently runs a study circle for women of Quran Tafseer and Seerah. She also organizes the women’s Annual Spirit Retreat, has served on the Muslim Womens Organization Board, and is a Girlscout Troop leader. She joined Ribaat as an instructor in 2021, and also teaches for both the Rabata youth programs, Rabateens and Dragonflies.
Anse Walia Wahid is a Zambian born Bangladeshi Canadian who currently lives in California with her husband and two daughters. She has a Bachelors of Commerce with a major in Accounting. In the Bay Area she has volunteered for various organizations including The Rahmah Foundation’s Young Muslimah Halaqa Program as a teacher as well as the Youth Coordinator for the SBIA masjid. Anse Walia had the great honor and privilege to begin her Islamic Studies at the Ribaat Academic Institute in 2014 under the tutelage of Dr. Tamara Gray. In 2022, she was part of the second graduating class to receive the teacher certification. At Ribaat she has played a variety of roles and currently serves as a TA, advisor, and the Ribaat Admin Coordinator. Anse Walia also teaches for Rabata’s Dragonflies children’s program and is the Rabata Bay Area Chapter Lead. She hopes to inspire those around her to feel excited and empowered by their faith.
Anse Dr. Sana Shireen Ahmed has completed her Ribaat Teacher Certification through the Ribaat Academic Institute. She is a doctor who works as a “disease detective” investigating outbreaks and has authored public health articles. She enjoyed combining her learning with travel, having studied Arabic in Egypt and tropical medicine in Peru. She has taught elementary- aged students sira and basic tajwid at the Islamic Society of Northwest Suburbs and is a Ribaat volunteer. She loves spending time with her four sisters, journalling, hiking, and raising plants. She lives in Illinois with her husband.
Anse Leslie Sakina Bennani is an enthusiastic educator with a passion for learning. She received her B.A in Communication from University of Delaware and her M.Ed. in Elementary Studies from Wilmington University. She also holds additional certification in Special Education. Anse Leslie embraced Islam over 25 years ago and currently serves her local community by teaching at her local Islamic school, and mentoring new converts to Islam. She is also a part of the Dawah Committee at her local masjid. Anse Leslie is currently pursuing Ribaat Teacher Certification and is a student of sacred knowledge at Ribaat Academic Institute. Anse Leslie enjoys spending time with her husband and 3 grown children and learning about natural healing and Prophetic medicine. Anse Leslie currently resides with her family in Delaware.
Anse Heather Elsayed serves as the spiritual advisor for Believe It App, a Muslim faith-based goal setting app, and as an educator. She holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration Marketing and a minor in Women's Studies. She earned a certification in personal training with a certification in spiritual life coaching and has over 15 years of experience developing programs for the community that focus on wellness of the mind, body, and soul. Currently, she is pursuing her master's degree in Islamic Studies through Bayan Graduate Program. Anse Heather is also a published writer who focuses her content on the Muslim narrative in America, leads spaces dedicated to facilitating interfaith dialogue, and is committed to Islamic historical research. Anse Heather is a knowledge seeker and plans to be a lifelong student under the tutelage of Anse Dr. Tamara Gray and the Anisaat of Ribaat for as long as Allah wills it to be possible. In her free time, Anse Heather enjoys baking and camping with her husband and children.