If you could not work for a year, what would you do?

I love to Travel I think travel puts a smile on my face faster than almost anything else. It’s just exciting. Whether you are immersed on an Serengeti safari in Tanzania or chilling in Southeast Asia; you’re having adventures, exploring the world, and seeing with your own two eyes those things most people only witness on the screen. Every day would hold a new experience and a new memory to last a lifetime. Traveling would allow me to take more risks, meet people, see the world and grow as a person.

What advice would you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Believe in yourself. The world is yours don’t let anyone or anything stop you! Be confident in decisions. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. Don’t turn down an opportunity, even if it’s a small one. You will learn from that opportunity, and you never know what might come from it.

What makes you happy?

Being around my family and friends, they are my support system and my motivation to be the best version of me. They love and accept me for who I am.

How do you measure success?

Success for me is my resilience; measured how many times I can bounce back from failure or setbacks.

What historical event inspires you the most?

When the first two Muslim women were elected to Congress in 2018. My parents moved from East Africa and started their own business. I am a product of their American Dream. When I saw Muslim women like myself being elected to congress, it gave me a feeling of knowing that I have a voice and I can help protect my family’s American Dream. These women did not let any social stigmas or social constructs stop them. Every day we get one step closer to the true equality of men vs. women and it makes me proud to see the progress taking place.

Have you ever had an ah-ha moment? And if so, what did you learn from it?

I recently happened to have an ah-ha moment, when I realized I don’t have to be “perfect” at everything I do or that comes my way. I learned that I am allowed to make mistakes and be my authentic self. One must not be discouraged by these mistakes. Instead, we must view them as proof that we are on our way to becoming successful. Coleman Hawkins said, “If you don’t make mistakes, you aren’t really trying.” Trying is a big part of being successful. It is when we go and take the risk for the sake of our goals and our dreams. There will be times when we fail and succeed in certain tasks; either way each act brings us closer to our goals.