Emerald Hills Institute Celebrates International World Women’s Day:
On February 22, Emerald Hills Institute hosted its 7th annual World Women’s Day party for Muslim women. The event included dinner, games, music, dancing, and an award ceremony. Over 150 people attended. Alaa Kergaye presented the event and entertained the guests. Four awards were given out during the ceremony—the Hz. Khadijah award, Hz. Zaynap Bint Jahsh award, Hz. Aisha award, and the Hz. Fatima award.
The Hz. Khadijah award was given to Shazia Faizi for her impact on her community and dedication to youth engagement, women’s empowerment and cultural preservation. Maysa Kergaye was given the Hz. Zaynab Bint Jahsh award for her selflessness and generosity to her community. The Hz. Aisha award was given to Ruksana Begum in honor of her excellent academic achievements. Leena Kergaye received the Hz. Fatima award, which is dedicated to young Muslimahs, highlighting her excellence in academics.
The 7th annual World Women’s Day celebration at Emerald Hills Institute was a night of joy, recognition, and community spirit. With over 150 attendees, the event brought Muslim women together to celebrate their achievements and contributions. Through awards, entertainment, and shared experiences, the evening honored the strength and dedication of women who continue to inspire and uplift their communities.
|
Shazia Faize
|
Maysa Kergaye
|
Ruksana Begum
|
Leena Kergaye
|
| She is a community leader dedicated to youth engagement, women’s empowerment, and cultural preservation. Since 2006, she has led the Al Mustafa Foundation of Utah, founded Utah’s first Muslim Girl Scout troop and Heritage Festival, and is spearheading the Muslim History Project. She also leads a women’s dhikr group and promotes women’s achievements. In her free time, she enjoys historical research, global cooking, and traveling with family. | She has been part of this community for the past 32 years. She is a mother of 4 and grandma to 3 little girls. She taught math at Salt Lake Community College for 15 years, and Zumba for the past 14 years. She runs the Islamic speakers bureau, is active in interfaith work, helps Syrian and Iraqi refugees, and volunteered at many different organisations and mosques. She loves teaching at Sunday school and converts. | She is a data science engineer with over eight years of experience in data analysis, research, and technology, working with biomedical and neuroscience researchers to apply machine learning to healthcare challenges. She also collaborates with startups, using data science and social media analytics for growth. Passionate about mentoring women returning to the workforce, she believes in using data for meaningful impact in research, community initiatives, and mentorship programs. | She is in her last semester studying Health & Kinesiology with a minor in nutrition at the University of Utah. Outside of school she likes to read, spend time with family, and go on hikes. She says, “I love being a part of my community here in Utah because it provides me with so many opportunities to learn and grow! I love contributing to my community through the Muslim Student Association at the U because being a part of a student organization that does so much is very rewarding and engaging!” |
#internationalworldwomensday
