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Our Story

In September 2015, a handful of Muslim women gathered in the offices of Pollen in the North Loop of Minneapolis. They began to share their experiences and their observations about female leadership, civic engagement, and community involvement. Muslim women were teachers, scholars, professionals, activists, philanthropists—doing the work but going unacknowledged. Coupled with anti-Muslim rhetoric and a rise in harassment and hate crimes targeting Muslim women, the need for a platform founded on sisterhood was clear.

On Jan 28, 2016, Reviving the Islamic Sisterhood for Empowerment was officially incorporated.

We became determined to build a sisterhood and, through it, create sustainable change. As our network grew, it became apparent to us that many women were creating a positive impact in their communities but remaining unseen. No platform or space existed to showcase their work, help them grow and develop as leaders, or provide a seat at the table where decisions are made.

In order to address this lack of representation and the corresponding inequities that we observed, Reviving Sisterhood bridges the gap between faith and storytelling, leadership development, and advocacy. We have created a space—for Muslim women, by Muslim women—centering our voices and our lived experiences in order to impact change in our communities.

Whether we are reclaiming our narrative or reclaiming our power, Muslim women drive the direction and the decision-making processes involved in our work. 

 
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RISE Is Paving Pathways

Paving Pathways is a space dedicated to amplifying the voices of Muslim women who have engaged with our programs and found empowerment, community, and growth along the way. Through their stories, we witness the impact of inclusive, value-driven initiatives that honor identity, foster leadership, and support long-term transformation. These testimonies reflect the heart of our mission as a nonprofit committed to creating meaningful opportunities and paving pathways toward a more just and inspired future.


Annie Qaiser: SHERO & PANEL SPEAKER

"As a mission-driven entrepreneur, being involved with RISE has been empowering, strengthening my confidence in my faith and cultural identity. I deeply value the experiences and insight gained from being featured as a Shero attending various events as both a market vendor and a panel speaker. I am consistently impressed by the diverse talent and knowledge the RISE team highlights at their events and grateful for a space at the RISE table."

binta bah: business incubator winner

“Through RISE and their small business incubator, I was able to grow my small business to the point where I was able to quit my job and pursue this full time; I now have two brick and mortars and even hired an employee. I got the confidence that I could do this and I did it. I would absolutely recommend the incubator to anyone who is looking to start a business.”

selma karaduz: rise events attendee

"I have been to many RISE events and workshops, from their annual conference to their economic empowerment workshops and most recently I took their self defense class for a second time! I didn't expect to remember so much from just doing the class last year. I have some concepts down now like dropping low, always facing your opponent and moving yourself away instead of trying to move them. This class is so impactful!"


 

chantal BLAKE: expressions writer & workshop speaker

"I first discovered RISE through Instagram and love how engaged and relevant their organization is. From policy advocacy to self-defense classes, I admired their work at a distance, but felt called to contribute when I saw their strides in period equity and securing free menstrual products in Minnesota public schools. Shortly after, I reached out to contribute a blog about Period-Powered Activism and was recently asked to host the virtual workshop: Five Keys to a Peaceful Period. I've never had a reason to visit Minnesota, but now my RISE sisters make that trip sound like a much-needed reunion. It warms my heart to see the diversity and passion fueling RISE initiatives, and I look forward to collaborating in-person in the near future."

sarah abe: board member

“Over 10 years ago, RISE’s founder Nausheena Hussain told me about this idea she had to uplift the voices and power of Muslim women. Since then, I’ve had the great honor and pleasure to serve as a Founding Board member, watch RISE grow from humble office origins at the back of Rabata’s Bookshop (Daybreak in those days), attended many conferences, brainstorming sessions and events, and now come back to serve on the Board again! RISE has helped me grow in leadership, grow in my career (I work in housing for local government), and grow in my confidence and abilities to support my community. I’m so excited to see how the org will continue to have a positive impact on myself and many others for years to come insha’Allah!”

 

RISE Monthly Recaps:

This monthly recaps offer a snapshot of the moments, milestones, and memories that shape our journey each month. From workshops and events to community impact and growth, this section highlights the heartbeat of our work—month by month.

 
 

June 2025 Monthly Recap

 

May 2025 Monthly Recap

 

April 2025 Monthly Recap

 

March 2025 Monthly Recap

 
 

February 2025 Monthly Recap

 

January 2025 Monthly Recap

 

December 2024 Monthly Recap

 

November 2024 Monthly Recap

 
 

October 2024 Monthly Recap

 

September 2024 Monthly Recap

 

August 2024 Monthly Recap

 

July 2024 Monthly Recap

 
 

June 2024 Monthly Recap

 
 

At Reviving Sisterhood, our voices and our lived experiences are centered in order to impact sustainable change in our communities.

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Staff and Shura Council

We have removed our staff and Shura Council from our website in order to protect their identities from Islamophobic/white supremacist targeting and security threats. If you would like to learn more about our team, please email us at contact@revivingsisterhood.org.

 
 
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