In this episode of Women Transcend, we are going to try to demystify Islam. This is the second in my 2 part series focusing on Islam and women. 

When I decided to do this 2 part series, I’m going to be honest. It was a little out of my comfort zone. Sure, I have Muslim friends. I work with Muslims. But I had never actually had a conversation with any of them about what it meant to them to be a Muslim. What I found when I took that first step to open a dialog was that not only did I learn a great deal about Islam, but I learned a great deal about our assumptions and popular misconceptions about Islam.

I had the great privilege of talking with some amazing women for these 2 podcasts who were incandescently positive and hopeful, despite the rancor, xenophobia and nationalism going on in our society. In this episode, I interview Hassanah El-Yacoubi, a religious studies graduate student, to discuss and demystify, Islam

So I encourage you to take a chance, step out of your comfort zone, and start a conversation, or even a dialog, with someone of a different faith. Maybe even a Muslim. It might feel scary, but Ipromise it's worth it.