Civic Pulse Podcast

In this powerful episode of the Muslim Civic Coalition Podcast, we sit down with Arlene Limas, Olympic gold medalist, trailblazing martial artist, and CEO of PAVE Prevention. Arlene opens up about her early life, the discipline that shaped her, and the journey that led her to become the first American to win an Olympic gold medal in taekwondo.

But Arlene’s story goes far beyond athletic achievement. She shares how her platform as an Olympian became a catalyst for decades of work in violence prevention, social justice, and community empowerment. Today, as the CEO of PAVE Prevention, Arlene leads efforts to stop violence before it starts through education, training, and systemic change.

Join us for an inspiring conversation that weaves together resilience, purpose, and leadership, showing how one woman transformed personal excellence into a career of service.

Stories shape how children see the world and themselves. In this episode, we sit down with Shifa Safadi, a Muslim children’s author whose work brings underrepresented voices and experiences to life. Through stories that celebrate culture, faith, and identity, Shifa is helping young readers see the beauty in their differences and the power in their stories. Together, we explore why representation matters, how diverse books can spark empathy and confidence, and what it means to create stories where every child can truly belong.

What exactly does the U.S. Department of Education do — and how does it decide where the money goes? In this episode, Dr. Dilara Sayeed sits down with Dr. Catherine Pozniak to unpack how education budgets are built, who sets the priorities, and what it takes to fund public schools across the country. We explore the mission of the Department of Education, how it supports states and students, and why funding decisions are about more than just numbers. Whether you're an educator, student, parent, or curious citizen, this conversation sheds light on the real work happening behind the scenes — and why it matters.

In this episode, Dr. Dilara Sayeed sits down with Riaz Surti, a successful business owner and candidate for city council. Riaz shares his journey of building a thriving business, the unique challenges and triumphs of being a minority entrepreneur, and his practical advice for young people who dream of launching their own ventures. The conversation also dives into leadership, civic engagement, and what inspires Riaz to step into the political arena. Tune in for a powerful discussion on business, representation, and making a difference.

These are unprecedented times! 

Join an intense Civic Pulse episode between Dr. Dilara Sayeed and Imam Ubaydullah Evans. Imam Ubaydullah is a scholar, a global leader, and a proud African American Muslim. 

The discussion includes the impact of Juneteenth on us today, challenges of our young men during Men’s Mental Health Month, our relationships with LGBTQ neighbors, and other critical issues of our time.

Dehumanization has devastating consequences for all of us. 

In this season of celebration across many faiths, from Holi to Eid and Passover, Christians will be celebrating Easter this coming weekend.

Ramadan has come and gone like the wind. 

As this blessed month is quickly closing upon us, the real spiritual and civic work begins well beyond Ramadan. 

What does that look like? How do we stay civically engaged through the rest of the year beyond Ramadan? 

Imam Tariq I. El Amin from Masjid al-Taqwa in Chicago joins Dr. Dilara Sayeed for a powerful and heart softening conversation that answers all of those questions.

Ohio State Representative Munira Abdullahi is a trailblazer in her own right.