Muslimahs in Motion: Professional Pursuits

Want to Say Salaam or share a career tip ? Click here ! (It may be shared on our next episode!!)

Salam sis,
 I know what it’s like to feel completely drained... like you’re showing up every day with nothing left to give. In this episode of Muslimahs in Motion, I’m sharing how I keep building even in those low-energy seasons.

I’ll walk you through how I personally use time blocking and task batching to stay organized and protect my energy. I also open up about dealing with faux productivity: you know, when you’re busy all day but nothing actually moves forward?

We’ll talk about:

• What to do when you’re too tired to be "productive"
• How focusing on one major goal at a time has helped me simplify my workflow
• Why trusting Allah’s plan is the ultimate time management strategy
• The shift from hustle to barakah-paced productivity

If you’ve ever felt behind, burnt out, or just... stuck, this one's for you.
 
Tune in for a faith-based, practical take on staying in motion—even when you feel like you’re running on empty.

00:00 How to Build Something when you feel like nothing
00:28 Introduction to Muslimahs in Motion
01:34 Understanding Faux Productivity
02:11 Time Blocking and Time Batching Explained
04:59 Challenges of Sticking to a Schedule
11:45 Seasons of Focus: A New Approach
13:52 Building Habits and Prioritization
19:38 Trusting the Process and Allah's Plan
27:58 Practical Framework: The 1, 2, 3 Method
35:58 Conclusion and Call to Action

Take Break ! Stretch and whatnot and check out our Qahwa Collective !! 

Support the show

Follow Us:
IG & TikTok: @muslimahsinmotionpod

Connect With Me:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hmsylla/

For More on our Podcast:
https://mimpod.substack.com/

Would you or someone you know like to share your story? Visit us on
beacons.ai/muslimahsinmotion/ and fill out the form !

Contribute to the Following Causes:

• https://www.savethechildren.org/us/where-we-work/democratic-republic-of-congo
• https://www.savethechildren.org/us/where-we-work/sudan
• https://irusa.org/middle-east/palestine/ 
  
  

All Melodies Used are vocals + percussion only 

Want to Say Salaam or share a career tip ? Click here ! (It may be shared on our next episode!!)

You know that moment when you can quote every line from a movie but can't remember what you studied for tomorrow's exam? That exact frustration sparked Nafisa Bashar Anmul's journey into the fascinating intersection of neuroscience and computer science.

But this conversation goes way deeper than academic achievements. We're talking about standing at immigration gates thinking you're ready for anything, then needing a friend to walk you back to your dorm because navigating a new country at midnight hits different than expected.

What we dive into:

• Why breakthrough research takes forever to reach people who need it (and how she's changing that)
• Building interactive hallway installations that help students decompress
• The person who told her she'd never make it to university—and how that became fuel
• Being an only child studying thousands of miles from home
• Her favorite ayah that keeps her grounded when everything feels overwhelming

Nafisa's reminder that stuck with me: "Don't give up—but know WHY you're not giving up. Find that reason and stick to it."

She's living proof that you can master the technical stuff without losing sight of why you're doing it—to help people, to bridge gaps, to make technology accessible for researchers back home who are still working with outdated tools.

This one's for us daughters our parents believed in before we had proof. For anyone building something meaningful while carrying the weight of representation.

Connect with Nafisa: LinkedIn & Instagram: Nafisa Bashar Anmul

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:35 Meet Nafisa: A Journey in Tech and Research

01:15 Desert Island Picks: Nafisa's Essentials

02:30 The Love for Reading: Pandemic Stories

04:20 Exploring E-Devices for Reading

07:07 Nafisa's Passion for Neuroscience and Tech

10:44 Research and Project Management Experience

19:13 Transition to Life in a New Country

24:24 Experiencing the First Snow

25:10 Challenges of Snowy Weather

28:39 Adapting to a New Culture

32:06 Seeking Help and Trusting Others

37:28 Overcoming Doubts and Proving Yourself

41:07 Advice for Future Generations

45:09 Reflecting on Parental Support

47:03 Favorite Quranic Verse and Conclusion

Take Break ! Stretch and whatnot and check out our Qahwa Collective !! 

Support the show

Follow Us:
IG & TikTok: @muslimahsinmotionpod

Connect With Me:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hmsylla/

For More on our Podcast:
https://mimpod.substack.com/

Would you or someone you know like to share your story? Visit us on
beacons.ai/muslimahsinmotion/ and fill out the form !

Contribute to the Following Causes:

• https://www.savethechildren.org/us/where-we-work/democratic-republic-of-congo
• https://www.savethechildren.org/us/where-we-work/sudan
• https://irusa.org/middle-east/palestine/ 
  
  

All Melodies Used are vocals + percussion only 

Want to Say Salaam or share a career tip ? Click here ! (It may be shared on our next episode!!)

Ready to meet the tech mentor we all needed? Ayah Abdeldayem's journey from a curious college student to an international cybersecurity leader will make you rethink everything you thought was possible in tech. Through her infectious energy and real-talk approach, she's showing us how to turn those "I don't belong here" moments into "just watch me" victories.

From crushing it at Lexmark with smart automation solutions to becoming one of America's most inspiring tech mentors, Ayah's keeping it real about the ups and downs of being a hijabi woman in tech. She's been there - from shaky hands during her first conference talk to now commanding international stages like she owns them. Whether you're dreaming of a tech career or looking to level up your cybersecurity game, Ayah's sharing all her secrets on building an authentic personal brand, staying safe online, and lifting others as you climb. Trust me, this is the kind of story that'll have you texting your sis saying, "Girl, we need to talk about this!"

Find Ayah:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/ayah-abdeldayem/

https://topmate.io/ayah

https://substack.com/@ayahabdeldayem1

https://medium.com/@ayahdayem03

Take Break ! Stretch and whatnot and check out our Qahwa Collective !! 

Support the show

Follow Us:
IG & TikTok: @muslimahsinmotionpod

Connect With Me:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hmsylla/

For More on our Podcast:
https://mimpod.substack.com/

Would you or someone you know like to share your story? Visit us on
beacons.ai/muslimahsinmotion/ and fill out the form !

Contribute to the Following Causes:

• https://www.savethechildren.org/us/where-we-work/democratic-republic-of-congo
• https://www.savethechildren.org/us/where-we-work/sudan
• https://irusa.org/middle-east/palestine/ 
  
  

All Melodies Used are vocals + percussion only 

Want to Say Salaam or share a career tip ? Click here ! (It may be shared on our next episode!!)

Sister, you're about to meet someone who turned a gap year into an empire and co-founded an AI sustainability company – but here's the thing: she's figuring it out just like we all are.

Our host Hawa sits down with Rukaiah Edhah for the kind of conversation that makes you think "okay, maybe I really can do this." We're talking real strategies for resilience, making data-driven decisions when everything feels uncertain, and how to balance big dreams with staying true to your values.

Whether you're dreaming of tech, sustainability, or just your next brave move, this one's going to remind you that you belong in these spaces.

What We're Diving Into:

• 00:00 The Beginning of an Idea
• 01:03 Introduction to the Guest: Rukaiah Edhah
• 02:02 Desert Island Essentials
• 03:16 Rukaiah's Journey in Tech and Entrepreneurship
• 06:32 The Gap Year Business Venture (this part hits different)
• 12:23 Founding Masari Tech
• 20:11 Balancing Innovation and Personal Values
• 21:26 Navigating Multiple Industries
• 21:38 Advice for Young Muslim Women in Tech (screenshot this part)
• 22:05 Embracing Failure and Learning
• 22:49 Challenges Faced by Muslim Women
• 23:28 Cultural and Religious Distinctions
• 25:27 Personal Journey and Background
• 27:01 Future Aspirations and Mentorship
• 27:54 Sustainability and Fashion
• 33:47 The Importance of Delegation
• 35:59 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Come for the inspiration, stay for the practical wisdom that'll actually change how you see your own possibilities.

Take Break ! Stretch and whatnot and check out our Qahwa Collective !! 

Support the show

Follow Us:
IG & TikTok: @muslimahsinmotionpod

Connect With Me:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hmsylla/

For More on our Podcast:
https://mimpod.substack.com/

Would you or someone you know like to share your story? Visit us on
beacons.ai/muslimahsinmotion/ and fill out the form !

Contribute to the Following Causes:

• https://www.savethechildren.org/us/where-we-work/democratic-republic-of-congo
• https://www.savethechildren.org/us/where-we-work/sudan
• https://irusa.org/middle-east/palestine/ 
  
  

All Melodies Used are vocals + percussion only 

Want to Say Salaam or share a career tip ? Click here ! (It may be shared on our next episode!!)

In this episode of Muslimahs in Motion: Professional Pursuits, I’m so excited to welcome Suma of Suma Speaks—a life coach, psychological wellbeing practitioner, and founder of The Striving Woman. We dive into her journey of empowerment, community building, and professional success, uncovering how she creates meaningful spaces for personal and spiritual growth. From launching pre-Ramadan retreats to offering life-changing coaching, Suma’s work is all about uplifting Muslim women to step into their power. Tune in as we explore the importance of community, radical self-care, and trusting in Allah’s plan while striving for greatness. Your heart is going to catch fire. 🔥
 
Guest Info & Links:

• Instagram: @sumahx_
• Linktree (all resources): linktr.ee/Sumaspeaks

 
 You’ll walk away with:

• ✨ Empowerment insights: How Suma turned her passion for psychological wellbeing into a thriving coaching practice
• 🤝 Community building: The philosophies behind The Striving Woman and why sisterhood matters now more than ever
• 🕌 Pre-Ramadan Retreats: How she blends luxury experiences with spiritual prep for sisters to truly connect and grow
• 🌿 Tawakkul framework: Acceptance, action, dua, and sabr—practical steps for telling your mountain how big your Allah is
   
  Grab your qahwa, find a cozy corner, and get ready to light up your own path to greatness. And hey—let me know which tip resonated most by dropping a comment or sliding into my DMs!
   
  Chapters:
  00:00 Intro & Hook
  00:45 Who Is Suma & What She Does
  03:20 The Striving Woman: Origins & Impact
  08:10 Pre-Ramadan Retreats: Purpose & Prep
  12:55 Strategies for Psychological Wellbeing
  18:30 Building Community in a Digital World
  24:15 Radical Self-Care Practices
  29:40 Trusting Divine Timing in Your Career
  34:05 Final Reflections & Takeaways
   
  Follow along on Instagram @muslimahsinmotionpod and join our sisterhood with #MuslimahsInMotion—because you deserve a space to grow, belong, and thrive.

Take Break ! Stretch and whatnot and check out our Qahwa Collective !! 

Support the show

Follow Us:
IG & TikTok: @muslimahsinmotionpod

Connect With Me:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hmsylla/

For More on our Podcast:
https://mimpod.substack.com/

Would you or someone you know like to share your story? Visit us on
beacons.ai/muslimahsinmotion/ and fill out the form !

Contribute to the Following Causes:

• https://www.savethechildren.org/us/where-we-work/democratic-republic-of-congo
• https://www.savethechildren.org/us/where-we-work/sudan
• https://irusa.org/middle-east/palestine/ 
  
  

All Melodies Used are vocals + percussion only 

Want to Say Salaam or share a career tip ? Click here ! (It may be shared on our next episode!!)

Feel like you’re stuck chasing someone else’s definition of success?

In this episode, Zahra Al Jabri breaks down how to wake up from the matrix of dunya-thinking and finally realign with your real purpose.

If you’ve ever felt like your 9-5, school, or even your spiritual routine feels empty—this is your reminder that there’s another way.

Hit play. Your ruh’s been waiting for this one.

Ready to break free from the matrix? Connect with Zahra at PracticalMuslim.com 

Or follow her on IG @practicalmuslim

to discover resources for spiritual growth and authentic living.

00:00 Intro & Hook

00:29 Guest Introduction and Background

02:10 Deserted Island Question

03:56 Personal Journey and Early Life

08:21 Unlearning Harsh Beliefs About Allah

14:56 Breaking Free from the Matrix

34:21 Materialism and Its Impact

35:07 The Value of Integrity

35:50 Consumerism and Social Awareness

44:17 The Sacredness of Life and Resources

53:01 The Importance of Self-Worth

57:49 Islamic Perspective on Life and Success

01:03:38 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Take Break ! Stretch and whatnot and check out our Qahwa Collective !! 

Support the show

Follow Us:
IG & TikTok: @muslimahsinmotionpod

Connect With Me:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hmsylla/

For More on our Podcast:
https://mimpod.substack.com/

Would you or someone you know like to share your story? Visit us on
beacons.ai/muslimahsinmotion/ and fill out the form !

Contribute to the Following Causes:

• https://www.savethechildren.org/us/where-we-work/democratic-republic-of-congo
• https://www.savethechildren.org/us/where-we-work/sudan
• https://irusa.org/middle-east/palestine/ 
  
  

All Melodies Used are vocals + percussion only 

Want to Say Salaam or share a career tip ? Click here ! (It may be shared on our next episode!!)

Ready to be completely inspired? Pull up a chair, sis - we're sitting down with the absolutely incredible Aminata Cisse in this week's episode of Muslimahs in Motion. As a powerhouse data engineer, Aminata is doing the kind of work that makes us all want to dream bigger and reach higher.

Get ready to hear how our girl went from being "the only one" in her computer science classes to becoming a force for change in the energy sector. Trust me, her story of pushing through those tough early days will have you nodding along and saying "mash'Allah" more times than you can count.

But here's what we love most - Aminata isn't just coding away in her corner. She's using her tech superpowers to lift up communities that have been overlooked for far too long. And yes, she's doing it all while staying beautifully authentic to her faith and values (because who says we can't have it all?).

Whether you're already deep in those tech trenches, dreaming of your first engineering role, or just love seeing our sisters break barriers, this episode is your sign to believe in those big dreams of yours. Come join our heart-to-heart with Aminata as we talk resilience, purpose, and how to stay true to yourself while climbing that career ladder. Seriously, you won't want to miss this one! 💕

Take Break ! Stretch and whatnot and check out our Qahwa Collective !! 

Support the show

Follow Us:
IG & TikTok: @muslimahsinmotionpod

Connect With Me:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hmsylla/

For More on our Podcast:
https://mimpod.substack.com/

Would you or someone you know like to share your story? Visit us on
beacons.ai/muslimahsinmotion/ and fill out the form !

Contribute to the Following Causes:

• https://www.savethechildren.org/us/where-we-work/democratic-republic-of-congo
• https://www.savethechildren.org/us/where-we-work/sudan
• https://irusa.org/middle-east/palestine/ 
  
  

All Melodies Used are vocals + percussion only 

Want to Say Salaam or share a career tip ? Click here ! (It may be shared on our next episode!!)

Listen up, because this story is about to change your whole perspective! When chemistry knocked Tameenat down, she didn't just get back up – she built an entire empire. This conversation is EVERYTHING: raw truths about career pivots, turning pandemic problems into profits, and creating tech that actually makes a difference. No filter, no fluff – just pure inspiration served straight up.

The episode that'll have you taking notes:

• The plot twist that turned her from almost-doctor to tech visionary (and why it was the best "failure" ever)
• How she built a whole fashion business from her bedroom during lockdown (because why waste a crisis?)
• The late-night lightbulb moment that sparked her game-changing campus safety app
• Real talk about building connections that actually matter (not just LinkedIn flex)
• The unfiltered internship hunt story (rejection emails and all)
• Finding strength in faith when everything else feels shaky
• Why divine timing > your timeline

✨ This isn't just another success story – it's your wake-up call to stop waiting and start creating. Ready to rewrite your own story sis? Listen Today.

Take Break ! Stretch and whatnot and check out our Qahwa Collective !! 

Support the show

Follow Us:
IG & TikTok: @muslimahsinmotionpod

Connect With Me:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hmsylla/

For More on our Podcast:
https://mimpod.substack.com/

Would you or someone you know like to share your story? Visit us on
beacons.ai/muslimahsinmotion/ and fill out the form !

Contribute to the Following Causes:

• https://www.savethechildren.org/us/where-we-work/democratic-republic-of-congo
• https://www.savethechildren.org/us/where-we-work/sudan
• https://irusa.org/middle-east/palestine/ 
  
  

All Melodies Used are vocals + percussion only 

Want to Say Salaam or share a career tip ? Click here ! (It may be shared on our next episode!!)

Talk about a glow-up! Mariyaah Muttalib didn't just break into tech – she shattered expectations and claimed her spot among the stars at NASA. In this can't-miss episode, she's spilling ALL the tea about her journey from presentation-panicked to powerhouse speaker. Trust me, you'll want to hear how this sister turned her biggest fear into her superpower while reaching for the stars.

Get ready for the realness:

• The moment she decided to face her fear head-on (even when her voice was shaking)
• Her secret sauce for mixing creativity with public speaking (because tech talks don't have to be boring!)
• The FULL scoop on conquering NASA presentations (including the parts they don't post on LinkedIn)
• How she transformed from presentation wallflower to stage superstar
• The truth bombs about speaking in STEM that Instagram won't tell you
• Building a support system that celebrates your voice AND helps you find it
• Keeping your deen strong when facing your fears

This isn't your average career podcast – these are the conversations that'll have you texting your bestie "Girl, you NEED to hear this!" Listen today. 

Take Break ! Stretch and whatnot and check out our Qahwa Collective !! 

Support the show

Follow Us:
IG & TikTok: @muslimahsinmotionpod

Connect With Me:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hmsylla/

For More on our Podcast:
https://mimpod.substack.com/

Would you or someone you know like to share your story? Visit us on
beacons.ai/muslimahsinmotion/ and fill out the form !

Contribute to the Following Causes:

• https://www.savethechildren.org/us/where-we-work/democratic-republic-of-congo
• https://www.savethechildren.org/us/where-we-work/sudan
• https://irusa.org/middle-east/palestine/ 
  
  

All Melodies Used are vocals + percussion only 

Want to Say Salaam or share a career tip ? Click here ! (It may be shared on our next episode!!)

Today we're sitting down with the incredible Aazain Jan, a tech queen who's literally changing the game from Quetta, Pakistan. Through her Dev Diaries blog, she's showing us what's possible when you decide to take up space in tech - even when the world isn't exactly rolling out the red carpet!

Y'all, the wisdom she dropped in this episode? LIFE-CHANGING!My favorite quote has to be when she said "Education isn't just a tool. It's a lifeline to a brighter future." Like, can we just take a moment to let that sink in?

In this episode, we're diving deep into:
* Breaking those "but girls don't code" stereotypes (bye, haters! 👋)
* That journey from "I can't do this" to "Just watch me!"
* Dealing with those moments when you feel like a total fake (spoiler: you're not!)
* Creating your own tech sister circle when you need it most

Listen, if you've ever felt like the only girl in the room during a coding class, or if you're dreaming of tech but feeling scared to start - this episode is literally YOUR sign to go for it!

Perfect for every sister out there who's been told "maybe try something else" but knows in her heart that tech is her calling. Trust me, after listening to Aazain's story, you'll be ready to open that laptop and show the world what you're made of!

Links to Connect with Aazain:

1. LinkedIn: Aazain Jan
2. Blog: AZ Jan Dev Diary
3. Instagram: @.niazaa.
4. Snapchat: aazain_jan2408

#WomenInTech #MuslimahsInSTEM #DreamBigger #TechSisterhood

Take Break ! Stretch and whatnot and check out our Qahwa Collective !! 

Support the show

Follow Us:
IG & TikTok: @muslimahsinmotionpod

Connect With Me:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hmsylla/

For More on our Podcast:
https://mimpod.substack.com/

Would you or someone you know like to share your story? Visit us on
beacons.ai/muslimahsinmotion/ and fill out the form !

Contribute to the Following Causes:

• https://www.savethechildren.org/us/where-we-work/democratic-republic-of-congo
• https://www.savethechildren.org/us/where-we-work/sudan
• https://irusa.org/middle-east/palestine/ 
  
  

All Melodies Used are vocals + percussion only