Anse Dr. Tamara Gray

President and CEO, Rabata

Anse Dr. Tamara Gray is the founder of Rabata, an organization dedicated to promoting positive cultural change through creative educational experiences. As President and CEO, she focuses on uplifting Muslim women within community and without. She has a special interest in digital spaces in faith communities. Anse Dr. Gray 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 in traditional learning spaces studying Islamic sciences, Quran, and Arabic in Damascus, Syria. Anse Dr. Gray is also an author and translator. Her publications range from several culturally appropriate English language curriculum programs to translations of sacred texts. She has authored two books: Joy Jots: Exercises for a happy heart & Project Lina: Bringing our whole selves to Islam and co-translated the Mukhtasir al-Jami’ fi al-Sīra al-Nabawiyya by Samīra Zayid [Compendium of the Collection of Sources on al-Sīra al-Nabawiyya]. She is currently working on a third book about theology and creed. In addition to her work at Rabata, Anse Dr. Gray also serves as a Senior Fellow at the Yaqeen Institute and is a member of the Fiqh council of North America. She has recently taken on the position of Board Chair for the Minnesota Multifaith Network. Anse Dr. Gray is Full Focus Certified Pro exemplifying her commitment to productivity and impactful leadership. She is a mother of three, grandmother of two, an avid reader and a lover of cultures, coffee, and road trips.

Anse Fatima Salaam

Director of Strategic Growth, Rabata

Anse Fatima Salaam serves as Rabata’s Director of Strategic Growth. She completed her Bachelor of Arts in English at Spelman College and earned her Montessori Elementary Credential from the American Montessori Society. She is also certified in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Anse Fatima started her career in education. First, she was a teacher then a principal, and finally a development director. Later, she became a business owner in the sales and marketing industry. Currently, Anse Fatima is the co-founder and CEO of the Nexus Experience which provides transformative growth experiences and coaching services for educators and schools. Her diverse experiences living and working in different cultures and communities, such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia, have contributed to her ability to connect with people from various backgrounds and create safe spaces for personal and professional growth. Anse Fatima possesses a profound commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowerment. Anse Fatima is the mother of 5 and resides in Georgia. Her interests include reading, traveling, and word puzzles.

Anse Fara Rasiman

Youth Programs Coordinator, Rabata

Anse Fara Rasiman is an educator, volunteer, youth programs leader, and mentor who has dedicated her career to supporting and empowering communities around the world. She began her career in public relations, digital marketing, and community management, gaining extensive experience with global consumer brands, sustainable energy and tech startups, and nonprofit organizations across the Asia-Pacific, European, and North American markets. Born and raised in Malaysia and of Malay and Chinese heritage, Anse Fara spent several years of her youth in Australia before returning home. Her professional and volunteer experiences, including impactful work with organizations such as Cancer Council New South Wales, Camp Quality Australia, and Habitat for Humanity Australia, have strengthened her commitment to nonprofit and community work, which began nearly 20 years ago when she first started volunteering in college. Anse Fara is passionate about working with international communities and has done so particularly across North America, Germany, Southeast Asia, Japan, and China. Anse Fara currently serves as Rabata's Youth Programs Coordinator, overseeing programs that educate and mentor girls aged 6 to 17. Through the Youth Programs, she hopes to create more opportunities centred on international studies and global learning for Rabata's youth. She previously led a halaqa for several years, providing a weekly space for Muslim women to gather and study the sira, tafsir, Imam al-Nawawi's Forty Hadith, and Riyad al-Salihin. A lifelong learner, Anse Fara is currently continuing her studies in special needs education, as well as history and anthropology, with particular interests in Asian contexts and studies. She also continues to study with accomplished educators and scholars in the Islamic sciences and is currently working toward a Quran ijaza. Passionate about education and youth development, Anse Fara aspires to build impactful leadership, volunteer, and international learning opportunities for the youth at Rabata while continuing to contribute to her local community.

Anse Michelle Sekusky

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

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.

Anse Fadiyah Mian

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 Soofia Ahmed

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 Tayyaba Syed

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 Samia Uddin

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 Carla Taylor

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 Dr. Farhana Yunus

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

Anse Walia Wahid is a Zambian-born Bangladeshi-Canadian-American educator who lives in California with her husband and two daughters. She holds a Bachelor of Commerce with a major in Accounting and began her Islamic studies journey in 2014 under the guidance of Dr. Tamara Gray at the Ribaat Academic Institute, now known as Ribāṭ University. In 2022, she graduated as part of the institute’s second cohort to receive the Ribaat Teacher Certificate. Anse Walia currently serves as the Ribāṭ Admin Coordinator and has held a variety of roles within Rabata, supporting students and instructors while contributing to its growth and development. Her approach to teaching is rooted in bringing Islamic learning to life through storytelling, poetry, music, crafts, role-play, and interactive activities. Drawing on the sīra, she connects Prophetic teachings and Islamic values to children’s everyday lives, with the hope of nurturing ihsan, a love for Allah and the Prophet ﷺ, and a strong and joyful Muslim identity. Deeply committed to community service, Anse Walia has served in a variety of educational and leadership roles in her community, including teaching with The Rahmah Foundation’s Young Muslimah Halaqa Program, serving as Youth Coordinator at the SBIA masjid, and leading Rabata’s Bay Area Chapter. She finds great joy in creating spaces where women and youth can strengthen their faith, build meaningful connections, and feel empowered in their Muslim identity. Anse Walia hopes to inspire young Muslims to feel excited and empowered by their faith and to see Islam as a source of joy, connection, and guidance in their everyday lives.

Anse Dr. Sana Ahmed

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

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

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.

Anse Sarah Abe

Anse Sarah Abe works in housing for local government in the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. She earned her undergraduate degree in Sociology at the University of Michigan and dual master’s degrees in Public Policy and Social Work from the University of Minnesota. Born in the small town of Coldwater, Michigan, Anse Sarah moved to Minnesota after completing her undergraduate degree to work for Rabata. Over the past 10 years, Anse Sarah has served on the boards of various Muslim-led organizations in Minnesota. She currently is the Board Chair of Reviving the Islamic Sisterhood for Empowerment (RISE), an organization that amplifies the voice and power of Muslim women. Anse Sarah started studying with Rabata in 2012 and holds an ijāza in the 40 Hadith of Imam an-Nawawi in addition to the Ribaat Teacher Certification. She loves to fill her time with reading, studying, and good company.