Conference Speakers

Basheer Jones is an impassioned leader, motivational speaker, and spoken word artist with a positive message of empowerment and change.  Born in Brooklyn, NY on October 25, 1984 and later transplanted to Cleveland, OH as a child.  He graduated Cum Laude from the distinguished Morehouse College in Atlanta, GA in 2006 with a degree in African-American Studies.  He later pursued graduate studies at Howard University in Washington, D.C.

Basheer understands that true success is giving back, which is why he decided to move back to Cleveland, OH, where he became the youngest news talk radio show host at Radio One. Basheer has been interviewed by Time, JET, and Essence Magazines, and has been a guest correspondent on CNN, MSNBC, and CSPAN.   Basheer played an important role in the city of Cleveland during the 2008 Presidential Election by hosting several Barack Obama rallies and held one of the largest youth voter registration drives in the city. He later became the Regional Field Director for Organizing for America and the Democratic National Committee during the 2012 presidential campaign.

Basheer’s dedication and commitment has enabled him to publish his first book, entitled, “I’ll Speak for Change”.  He is the President and Founder of The Basheer Jones Foundation, as well a proud member of the NAACP and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. He has received various awards and recognition for his accomplishments including the Emerging Leader Award from Congresswoman Marcia Fudge and the Urban League’s Distinguished Men Award.

Basheer’s indebtedness and passion to serve his community propelled him to decide run for City Council and win in Ward 7 of Cleveland’s 2017 election.  He is the creator of the Be the Change Leadership Series, in which Basheer facilitates leadership and character development workshops within various school systems throughout the state of Ohio.

With his compelling, soul-stirring delivery, Basheer continues to bridge the gap between the youth and the elders by sharing his life experiences with words that inspire and motivate all who hear him. His dedication for speaking on behalf of the voiceless has allowed him to travel throughout the country and international circuit delivering his inspirational message of hope and change.  Mr. Jones is a devoted community servant that strives to live by the affirmation that we must “be the change that we want to see in the world.”

As Founder and Chief Empowerment Officer of J.E.S.S.I.C.A Cares,
Asiya Jamillah Nasir is focused on one mission: Equipping girls, teens and women with
the tools they need to embrace their unique talents, achieve goals and develop a satisfying
path in life. After spending more than 25 years in the corporate world gaining powerful
management, financial and leadership experience, Asiya knows the challenges that face
today’s younger generation of women. In addition, her extensive work in community
initiatives teaching battered women and homeless individuals as well as her training as a
chaplain increased her passion for mentoring and heightened her sense of compassion for
others.
These life lessons led her to create the Journey to becoming an Extraordinarily,
Strong, Successful, Individual with Courageous, Aspirations curriculum known as
J.E.S.S.I.C.A Cares. Each carefully crafted step in the curriculum is designed to teach
teens and women how to put negative thoughts behind them by offering them a “how to”
guide that helps them realize their full potential by unlocking their inner strength and
determination.
During one-day workshops, empowerment academies and inspirational annual retreats,
Asiya helps young women overcome their past or current situations and work to set
personal goals for themselves. Through each step of the process, participants discover
self-reliance, boost their self-esteem and increase their empathy for others.
Active in various organizations herself, she designed the J.E.S.S.I.C.A Cares curriculum
to instill the importance of community service as well. By partnering with various nonprofit organizations, women reach out to the people around them and learn how being
connected to their neighbors can provide valuable support that keeps them focused on
their targeted goals. Asiya’s enthusiasm for life shines through and inspires participants
to take small actions every day that will move them closer to fulfilling their dreams.
Since self-publishing her first book, Mirror Mirror On The Wall…Who Am I After All, in
December 2018, Asiya has been a featured author for various nonprofit newsletters such
as Project Rousseau and Angel Wings Bridge Foundation.
Asiya is a respected transformation speaker, life coach and mentor. As a result, she has
received many honors – most recently the United Nations Woman of Impact Award in
January 2019. In addition, she was presented with the P.A.T.H. Award from Ma’oon Inc.
in June 2018 and has earned numerous local community achievement awards, including
County College of Morris: EOF Mentor Program (2016); Face My Abuse: Women Who
Make A Difference (2015); Morristown Neighborhood House: Appreciation for Service
and Dedication to the African American Community (2012); Berkeley College: Featured
Success Student/Changing Lives for 80 years (2011); and Project ReDirect Family
Services: Excellence in Business and Community Service Award (2011).

Nadim S. Ali is a therapist and consultant from Atlanta, Ga. where he counsels, facilitates Stress Management, Pre-Marital, Couples Counseling, and Tai Chi sessions.

He has been actively involved in educating individuals about the dangers of substance abuse, HIV and Hepatitis prevention, and has counseled both adolescents and adult clients.

Mr. Ali has presented to conferences in the U.S. and in the Middle East on the topics of Substance Abuse, domestic violence, and conflict resolution. He has also used alternative methods such as Tai Chi, the ancient Chinese slow motion exercise, as an intervention for the treatment of addiction and stress, and anger management.

Mr. Ali has a Bachelors degree in Communications from Shippensburg State University and a Master’s degree in counseling psychology from the Georgia School for Professional Psychology. He has worked in the human service field since 1977.  He has a strong interest in helping people overcome the psychological and spiritual blockages that contribute to individual and relationship dysfunctions.

Mr. Ali helps couples identify destructive patterns that infect healthy relationships. He helps adolescents get over the hump of life called adolescence, and help them to navigate life without drugs and alcohol, and other dysfunctional behaviors. Mr. Ali also helps people identify the underlying causes of anger, and impart skills to increase emotional intelligence.  He also specializes in relapse prevention to help recovering people attain, and maintain sobriety.

Umm Zakiyyah, also known by her birth name Ruby Moore, is the internationally acclaimed, award-winning author of the If I Should Speak trilogy and Reverencing the Wombs That Broke You. She has written more than twenty books, including novels, short stories, and self-help. Her books are used in high schools and universities in the United States and worldwide, and her work has been translated into multiple languages. Her work has earned praise from writers, professors, and filmmakers. Her novel His Other Wife is now a short film.

Umm Zakiyyah has traveled the world training both first-time authors and published writers in story writing. Her clients include journalists, professional athletes, educators, and entertainers.

Umm Zakiyyah has a BA degree in Elementary Education, an MA in English Language Learning, and Cambridge’s CELTA (Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults). She has more than fifteen years experience teaching writing in the United States and abroad and has worked as a consultant for Macmillan Education.

Umm Zakiyyah studied Arabic, Qur’an, Islamic sciences, ‘aqeedah, and tafseer in America, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia for more than fifteen years. She currently teaches tajweed (rules of reciting Qur’an) and tafseer.

In 2019 Umm Zakiyyah founded Life Sharing University, an interfaith-based learning and support network, which offers a safe space for the spiritually inclined as they seek to improve their financial, business, personal, and spiritual lives

In the year of 1999 He stepped on stage as a Stand up Comedian in his hometown of Detroit. Then moved to Los Angeles the next year and now has a strong fan base in South Africa, Australia, Malaysia, United Kingdom. After working in Hollywood for 14 years appearing in 4 feature films, 2 commercials and was the Double for Chris Tucker in Rush Hour 2. Omar Regan has founded “HALALYWOOD”
A platform for Muslims Worldwide to tell our own stories through films, original TV series, cartoons etc. Halalywood will provide opportunities for Muslims of all ages who would love to Act, Write, Produce, Direct without compromising Their self discipline and beliefs.

Ndola Owuo-Hagood is the founder of M’Balia Leadership Academy, a homeschool co-op program
established in 2013. There she is both administrator and teacher having founded the school after
completing her graduate degree, taking time off from academia to spend time with her small children
and eventually working in a private elementary school for one year. Ndola’s journey to the classroom of her own founding and design began with her formal training in pedagogy at Georgia State University where she taught Philosophy 1101 to a classroom full of college freshman. After teaching a few sections of Philosophy, she taught an introductory Religious Studies course. She went on to be a part of the cohort that developed the core Religious Studies course for the University System of Georgia Board of Regents while obtaining her Master’s in Religious Studies.
Ndola holds 2 bachelors, the first in Religious Studies with a minor in Philosophy and the other in Anthropology with a concentration in Women’s Studies, as well as a Master’s degree in Religious Studies with a concentration in Islam. She currently serves on the Alumni Advisory Board at Georgia State University in the Religious Studies department. Married for 12 years and mother of 3, Ndola helped her daughters launch J.A.S., a natural skincare line, and Z by Aziza, a fashion design company which showed at the Annual Sealed Nectar event as well as the We Buy Black convention. She also bakes and does cake design in for her company, Ndigo Cakes.

Halimah Deoliveira is a New York native , Public Speaker, 2 x Author, Business Strategist, Philanthropist, Creator of the Not Without My Hijab Play, and the Boss Hijabi Society Brunch Series. She empowers Professional Muslim Women to build Boss Brands that make a Social Impact while staying true to their Faith

As CEO of Be You In HD her mission is to ensure she her team provide coaching that inspires their global clients to live bold, authentic and purposeful lives through any of their programs, intense interactive workshops, webinars or one on one sessions.

The Be You In HD team seeks to provide proven strategies, tools, resources for female entrepreneurs and thought leaders looking to make a social impact and grow their professional brands.

Halimah believes if we can improve a woman’s self esteem, thought process and economic status we will positively change the Muslim narrative,
drive social impact and raise awareness for an inclusive society.

You can find her hosting a Business Brunch in a city near you or her podcast “Boss Hijabi-Preneur”, promoting her books “Jennah’s First Hijab” and “Not Without My Hijab: 11 Steps To Reclaiming Your Faith” globally and on a 50 State tour across the U.S. and beyond with her “Not Without My Hijab” Workshop and Play all aimed at empowering women, like you to own your identity and Be You In HD!

Please connect or follow her on all her social media platforms:

@BEYOUINHD

Website: www.beyouinhd.com

Dr. Shaakira Abdul Razzaq is a Family Nurse Practitioner who has earned a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree from Rutgers University. Dr. Shaakira is strongly passionate about implementing her empowering sex education program adapted uniquely for Muslim youth with Quran and Sunnah. Her and her organization, Love Beyond Love, aim to challenge and inspire youth to love beyond the artificial love portrayed by the media and begin to yearn for and experience true love for Allah, themselves, and future spouse. Dr. Shaakira Abdul Razzaq’s strategies have been proven effective through valid research for our Muslim American youth. She will earn a PhD in Sex Education from Widener University in 2023.

From a young age, Bilqis Abdul-Qaadir knew she wanted basketball to be a part of her life. After first picking up a ball at the age of four at a local YMCA, Bilqis’ love for the game began. Living in a practicing Muslim household, Bilqis was to follow her religious beliefs as she grew older. She began wearing a hijab, a traditional head covering for Muslim women, and practiced modesty on the court by covering all skin except her hands. She parlayed her skills into a full ride scholarship to the University of Memphis where she played four years (2009-13) and graduated magna cum laude with a degree in exercise science.

Her goal was to continue playing professionally in Europe, but quickly ended due to the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) rule prohibiting head gear larger than five inches. Unwilling to stray in her beliefs, Bilqis chose faith over basketball and became an advocate working alongside other Muslim players who began a Change.org petition and with Shirzanan Media and Advocacy Organization as an Athlete Ambassador. Through an op-ed published by TIME, an open letter signed by Olympic, retired and professional athletes, high-level speaking engagements and interviews with BBC Sport – and their 55 million strong audience, Bilqis raised her voice for the next generation and effectively forced FIBA to uplift the ban.

Bilqis is currently living in London, Ontario, Canada with her husband working at London Islamic School. They also run their basketball program called Dribbling Down Barriers, hosting camps in clinics for the youth in the US and Canada.

In 2012, Zara J. released her first bestselling novel, Fallen, and has since then written 5
additional novels including the Uptown’s Princess series, Dowry Divas and American Boy, all
gracing the Amazon bestselling list in the Urban fiction and Muslim fiction genres. In 2015, she
established Zara J. Matchmaking, eventually known as Black Muslim Singles Society, a private
match service for Muslim professionals looking to meet and marry those within the African
diaspora from all over the globe. Zara is the host of the Courtship Code podcast, which provides
informative discussions around relationships, courtship, and single life for Muslim singles. Zara
is also the creator of the Courtship Club signature program, which specializes in providing a
safe space and support for women during the courtship process. She has been featured in
publications such as The Source Magazine and the Philadelphia Inquirer for her books and work
with Muslim Singles, and continues to use her compassion for the black Muslim experience to
help bring perspective and impact for the Muslim community.

Husband And Father Of five. Was Youth director at the Muslim Detroit for over five years. Found member of the Ansar collective a group of Scholars, Organizers, and Brothers on the ground level who have made it our duty to bring sound traditional Islamic knowledge, education and multifaceted programs specifically targeting inner city African American Community. Was also Very active in the Detroit hip hop community for many years.

Those who know Hasan Clay quickly recognize his unique deep voice, kangol and quick humor right away! His professional colleagues know his flair to inspire others to build relationships with targeted populations, such as incarcerated and formerly-incarcerated men. Through his company, Global Leadership Integrated, people know the job readiness class he teaches in the prison system. His relationship coaching clients know his old-school style as he educates and often becomes an extension of their family unit. With his innate ambition and education, a B.A. in Psychology, an M.B.A. and ABD in International Business and Management, Hasan gets the biggest kick out of teaching “pull yourself up by your bootstraps” to folks others have written off from society, such as ex-felons and those who’ve lost their way with no one to support them.
There are a few things, his wife, Naa’ila Clay wants to do as she grows into who God wants her to be. For now, Naa’ila, a Southern Belle from NC, focuses on her work in the mental health field for over 20 years. She loves that stuff! Her record includes an undergraduate degree in English and M.S. in Counseling. She worked within the non-profit sector as Executive Director of a free health clinic, owned and operated by Muslims, has served on several Board of Directors for non-profit and civic organizations. She has written for several publications, is a Goodmon Fellow and graduate of Leadership Triangle.
Together, their example of iconic love has them dubbed as the “Ossie and Ruby Dee of Marriage Counseling.” With clients on 5 continents, their work has been shared internationally via ebooks, radio shows and gone viral via social media. Their YouTube channel ranks #12 counseling channel. They are highly sought after for clarity on “real-life-but-don’t-talk-about-that” issues many shy away from! If it can happen, they’ve likely seen it already and will break through the lies and secrets folks keep, to get to the truth and to a resolution.

That Clay Couple, as they are also affectionately known, guides you to have a genius relationship with self so you can master all other relationships that matter to you the most! Their clients come from various religious backgrounds, but as practicing muslims, their key source for a counseling resource is always Islam. For those desiring a spiritual approach, wit and time-honored wisdom, That Clay Couple has it!

Atiyya worked in the customer service business most of her career. She went to school and received a criminal law degree in 2012. She worked in the criminal justice field for a while until she decided it was time for a change. She wanted something more rewarding and exciting. After moving to Atlanta 2 years ago, she then decided to embark on a long desired career as a Real Estate Agent. She was then able to join her love for customer service and real estate as she assists her clients in buying or selling property. She has been in real estate for 2 years and she believes it is the best industry in the world. She has now started coaching and mentoring others as she helps them get into real estate as well. Atiyya’s future plans is to become a broker and start 2 non-profit organizations that she will disclose in the near future. Please contact her for any real estate needs.

Drea d’Nur is a Sound Vessel, Producer, and Community Worker. Her work has reached national and international acclaim, with several European singles and an Award-Winning musical and visual homage to the legendary Nina Simone, Spirit of Nina. D’Nur released two independent music projects, produced two short films about Nina Simone, directed a music video, produced two stage productions, and has album credits on the new Gorillaz album, HUMANZ. D’Nur is currently touring Dear Nina with a Strings ensemble, fighting human trafficking as a FT volunteer at Project Mona’s House and running an organic, safe and halal food pantry all while raising five gifted children. Visit www.officialdreadnur.com for more.

Aaron and Nura Goodson are husband and wife team who started Good Aim Archery with the mission to revive the sunnah of our beloved prophet (SAWS) by exposing youth and adults to the sport of archery in a safe and fun way. We aim to build skills in focus, concentration, patience, and consistency that will support students in life as well as in sport.

Born is Chicago, raised in Connecticut, live in Memphis. Studied in Syria and Morocco for a total of 6 years. Married for 10 years and blessed with children. Founder of Measured Tones Institute of Quran, aspiring entrepreneur (own + help run 2 businesses), board member of Muslim Prisoner Project.

Khalil Ismail is a creative director and award-winning independent artist and producer. He is the founder and manager of KI Creative Studios, which recently launched its new film directing component. Born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Khalil was inspired from childhood to use creativity and grassroots initiatives to address the often harsh realities of life. This solution-driven vision continues to inspire his conscious music and community service work.

A world-renowned musician and lyricist, Khalil Ismail has released six studio albums and is currently producing two additional albums. His music is enjoyed in more than 40 countries and has been licensed to major companies including
Discovery Channel, PBS, the NBA (National Basketball Association), CBS Sports, Fox dramas, and Red Bull. His single “Knocking” charted number 3 on indie radio, and he won the Best Solo Artist award from Music Aid. He has also written jingles for advertisements and podcast theme songs.

Khalil Ismail is a soul-stirring performer whose commitment to social responsibility and emotional honesty is reflected both on and off stage. “When I perform, I let go and let it flow from the heart,” he says. “I definitely do a lot of preparation before a show, but I also love the spontaneity that I get from the energy of the crowd and the symbiosis with my band.”

Khalil Ismail has performed worldwide with audiences spanning from Germany, Australia, and Amsterdam to the United Kingdom as well as West and South Africa. He has performed at the Apollo Theatre and the New York Met’s Stadium, as well as the Global Peace and Unity Conferences in the UK. He has shared the stage with prominent artists such as Yuna, Rakim, Brother Ali, Freeway, Vic Mensa, and Mos Def, as well as international nasheed artists such as Zain Bhikha, Maher Zain, and Native Deen.

As a performing artist, Khalil has a unique penchant for connecting authentically to a wide variety of audiences, cultures, and nationalities. As a producer, Khalil loves to tell a soulful, moving story with instruments. He achieves this by fusing simplicity with dynamic attention to detail.

As a filmmaker, Khalil Ismail has recently directed two short films and is currently planning his first feature length film. Already an experienced storyteller with songs and music production, his evolution into filmmaking has been natural and seamless.
“I’ve been editing videos for ten years now, I also produce and engineer audio,” he says. “When I started making films, I was able to draw on what I learned from all the song production, music videos, and short script writing I’ve done over the years. I also love working with actors and seeing others’ work come to fruition, so the transition to filmmaking has been exciting and rewarding.” Khalil Ismail has directed films for internationally acclaimed author Umm Zakiyyah and former NFL player Hamza Abdullah via KI Creative Studios.

Khalil has an ever-expanding résumé of groundbreaking, award winning art and music, but his strongest passion lies in uplifting underserved communities. He worked for seven years at the Maryland Food Bank and an additional seven years as Operations Manager at a women’s shelter. Khalil has traveled throughout the United States and the world offering workshops for youth and faith communities. In 2015, he founded Finding Peace Project, a non-profit community outreach organization aimed at serving disadvantaged populations.

Khalil Ismail now hosts events and programs that combine entertainment with educational workshops, social upliftment forums, and spiritual consciousness, with a focus on topics that impact humanity on personal and community levels. His mission to empower others through art, humanitarian work, and engaging discussions.

To book Khalil Ismail for a performance, speaking engagement, or workshop, email booking@khalilismail.com