My story.
I am a first-generation American Muslim. I am a social entrepreneur and a trusted community builder. I am the daughter of immigrant parents who survived a civil war in East Pakistan which gained its independence in 1971 to become Bangladesh. I am the granddaughter of a judge, school teacher, mustard and rice farmer and the daughter of a doctor and family manager. My parents believed going to parochial schools would ensure that the morals and values I grew up within my faith of Islam would be protected. Every day of my life is an interfaith and inter-cultural experience which makes me the best equipped in building a welcoming and belonging city.
I was born in the Motor City (aka Detroit) and grew up in Bay City, Michigan. I went to college, grad school, and law school and spent 20 years building communities through organizing, legal representation and advocacy. I fell in love with my husband, best friend and cheerleader Tim and moved to Sioux Falls in 2012 so he could pursue his dream of being a doctor. And now he serves our vets as a hospitalist at the VA. We have two energetic boys who love baseball, football and fishing and a dog who keeps up with their energy.
We are South Dakotan. Sioux Falls is our home. And with your support, we’ll build a campaign that puts Sioux Falls on a path to be a welcoming home for all.