Our Story

At her first podcast conference back in 2019, Uzma learned about major networks buying up smaller podcasts. With that buyout often came the benefit of less work, increased revenue, and more support in creation. Yet it carried a danger of losing autonomy, ownership, and freedom, as podcasters who’d experienced it shared. In fact, the head of a major network advised that independent podcasters find a way to save themselves if uncensored, original content and ownership were important to them. Well, they were to Uzma! In fact, Mommying While Muslim turned down $30K from Google because their name would be on the podcast, but they’d no longer control it.

At that moment, Uzma, a notetaker, stopped writing and felt a gut punch. Women’s voices were going to be stifled yet again. Minority voices were going to be stifled yet again. The thought of losing the voices she loved to hear from others herself gripped her and made her think of “mother.” Not her own, but OUR own: Hawwa. And with that came a gust of air, not from the air conditioning, but from Uzma, as she cried in the second row and knew there was a way to protect all of Hawwa’a children. Everyone would hear them.

Our Mission

Our mission is not just a statement; it's a call to action. We are dedicated to using our platform and the strength of our collective voice to elevate and amplify the experiences of American Muslim Mothers across various forms of media - oral, written, and visual. We recognize the power of storytelling and the importance of these mothers in shaping the next generation. By allowing them to tell THEIR stories, we aim to create a more inclusive and representative narrative in the media landscape.

In pursuit of this goal, one of our key initiatives is to forge alliances with other non-profit organizations that share our mission and values. We believe that aligning ourselves with like-minded groups can significantly broaden our reach and impact. This collaboration is not just about expanding our network; it's about creating a more substantial, united front to advocate for the representation and voices of American Muslim Mothers.

Through these efforts, we hope to bring to light the diverse experiences and perspectives of these women and inspire change and understanding across broader communities. Our vision is to see a world where the stories of American Muslim Mothers are heard, respected, and included as an integral part of the media narrative, enriching our collective understanding of the world.

Meet the Team

  • Dr. Uzma Jafri (Founder)

    Dr. Uzma Jafri is a Houston native with a unique background. Growing up with Muslim immigrant parents from Pakistan and India, she has a deep understanding of both cultures. Uzma is dedicated to dispelling misconceptions about Muslims and Texans, combining her Muslim heritage with the American way of life. She is a strong advocate for diversity and empowerment, making her a true inspiration. As a physician entrepreneru, medical director, writer, and certified Isamic speaker, Uzma wears many hats. She is also a passionate volunteer for refugee and immigrant causes and grassroots activist. Her most cherished role is mothering her four children. Uzma's journey is one of finding her own voice and place in the world, and she's always ready to make a difference for others to do the same.

  • Zaiba Hasan (Co-Founder)

    Zaiba Hasan is a vibrant American Muslim with a unique biracial and bicultural background deeply rooted in her Irish/Pakistani heritage. Hailing from Chicago, her diverse lineage and interfaith experiences naturally positioned her as a bridge between cultures, resonating with HAWA Collective's mission to uplift diverse voices. Her academic pursuits in Political Science, Positive Psychology, and Diversity and Inclusion have sharpened her perspectives on vital topics such as race, immigration, and nationalism, shaping her parenting approach towards nurturing empathetic, globally-conscious children. Beyond her commitments as a podcast host, speaker, and interfaith community builder, Zaiba passionately serves as a parent coach at Emerge Consulting Solutions. Off-duty, she revels in the joy of family life, often seen on the basketball court or baseball field alongside her husband and their four cherished children.

  • Saira Sufi (Board Secretary)

    Saira Sufi is a Kansas-born professional with a rich political science, women's studies, and event management background. Her career has spanned roles on Capitol Hill, with the Civil War Preservation Trust, and at Booz Allen Hamilton, leading to her impactful work at Cornerstones as the Director of Volunteers and Community Engagement.

    Saira's life took a transformative turn with her son Hadi's diagnosis and subsequent battle with Severe Aplastic Anemia, which sadly ended in October 2018. This personal tragedy fueled her dedication to increasing awareness and supporting medical research for bone marrow failure diseases, which she passionately advocates for through her website, www.teamwatience.com.

    Embodying roles from a child loss experiencer and medical research advocate to a Muslim and mother of twins, Saira is deeply committed to amplifying the voices of American Muslim Mothers. She aims to ensure their diverse stories are heard and valued, fostering a more inclusive society.

  • Saleheh Vahaji (Board Treasurer)

    Saleheh, with over 15 years in Finance and IT consulting, is an analytical business leader skilled in transforming IT services in various sectors. At HAWA, she leverages her financial and systems management expertise to ensure compliance. Her proficiency in Cloud Cost Management, product development, and data-driven analysis has influenced decision-makers in tech and non-tech organizations. Passionate about empowering women and Muslim-owned businesses, Saleheh's strategic approach and business acumen drive her charitable endeavors and contribute significantly to HAWA's mission.

  • Solat Zaidi (Fundraising Co-Chair)

    After earning a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, Solat ventured into Finance and IT. Later, she pursued a Master of Science in Biotechnology and entered the Healthcare IT industry.

    Currently, Solat serves as the Director of Software Quality Assurance at IQVIA. However, she is taking a break from her role due to the ongoing impact of Long COVID. Outside of work, Solat dedicates her time as the president of Mind Body and Soul Sisterz, a nonprofit focused on empowering and guiding women through life transitions.

  • Bronislava Shmilovich (Fundraising Co-Chair)

    Meet Bron, a leader in community partnership and empowerment. With her extensive background in non-profit fundraising, she excels in connecting local businesses to HAWA's mission, creating synergies that benefit both the organization and the wider community. Bron's commitment to humanitarian causes infuses her work with compassion and depth, making her an exemplary figure in both professional and philanthropic circles. Her ability to drive change through collaboration and understanding has made her an invaluable asset to our team and an inspiration in our community efforts. Join us in celebrating Bron's impactful journey as she fosters meaningful change.

  • Zara Hasan (Teen Ambassador)

    Zara, is a dynamic addition to the HAWA Collective, infusing the board with a fresh, youthful perspective. Committed to green initiatives, youth leadership, and community building, Zara’s role as an at-large board member is invaluable. Her insights and dedication are crucial in shaping HAWA's mission, emphasizing the importance of sustainability and youth engagement in our work. Her presence is welcomed and deeply appreciated, as she helps steer HAWA towards a more inclusive and forward-thinking future.