Dr. Dilara Sayeed: From the Classroom to Civic Leadership

In this episode of the American Muslim Podcast, host Imam Tariq El-Amin interviews Dr. Dilara Sayeed, President of the Muslim Civic Coalition. Dr. Sayeed discusses the formative experiences that shaped her commitment to equity and civic justice, including the impact of childhood bullying. She emphasizes the importance of creating safe spaces and draws on her background as an educator to advocate for community engagement and policy change. Explaining her leadership through partnership and coalition building, Dr. Sayeed also highlights the role of allyship and the work done by the Muslim Civic Coalition at local and national levels. The episode underscores the continuous effort needed to make systemic changes and the significance of maintaining core relationships and values.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:27 Guest Introduction: Dr. Dilara Sayeed

00:47 Formative Experiences and Early Challenges

05:12 Impact of Spiritual Teachers

10:57 Founding the Muslim Civic Coalition

12:42 Building Civic Power and Allyship

15:16 Connecting Teaching and Community Work

21:59 Leadership and Vision

23:27 Prioritizing Relationships: Creator, Self, and Family

25:43 Community Engagement and Advocacy

26:47 Leadership and Vision

28:23 Challenges and Triumphs in Civic Work

32:00 Coalition Building and National Impact

40:13 Empowering the Next Generation

42:54 Final Reflections and Podcast Information

Cover Art & Intro Music - Tariq I. El-Amin @ImamTariqElamin

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