As the Israel-Hamas conflict continues and we see the alarming uptick in reported incidents of identity-based harm across the nation, we must take steps to address and prevent the scourge of Antisemitism and Anti-Arab racism and Islamophobia from taking hold in our community.
Marium F. Mohiuddin and Zack Ritter, Ph.D., are the lead facilitators for Isma’/Shema Consulting and experts in interfaith dialogue, Muslim-Jewish relations, and conflict resolution. Mohiuddin and Ritter will provide multiple workshops to offer some history and context for the unfolding war and share their perspectives and personal experiences. These sessions will provide attendees with a real-world understanding of the consequences of discrimination and the harmful effects of Antisemitism and Islamophobia while also providing a framework for dialogue and empathy, with the goal of creating a safe and inclusive campus environment that promotes allyship and healthy conflict resolution.
Part I will consist of virtual sessions for students and staff/faculty on Monday, Sept. 16. Part II will consist of in-person sessions for students and staff/faculty on Thursday, Sept. 26. Please sign up in advance. (Flyer attached.)
Marium Mohiuddin brings more than 25 years of experience as a community organizer and communications expert. From pivotal roles at the Muslim Public Affairs Council to founding CAIR-Austin and leading the Communications team at the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region, she has dedicated her career to education, crisis response and promoting the Muslim American identity. After earning her bachelor's degree from Texas A&M University, Mohiuddin began her career at the Austin American-Statesman before contributing to publications like the Islamic Crescent and New Horizons. Her nonprofit work includes fellowships with NewGround and USC's American Muslim Civic Leadership Institute. In 2014, Mohiuddin established a consulting business focusing on small nonprofits and female entrepreneurs. She holds an MBA in Nonprofit Management from American Jewish University and actively engages in the Los Angeles interfaith scene. A sought-after speaker on interfaith relations and civic engagement, Mohiuddin has appeared on major media outlets such as CNN, NPR and The Hollywood Reporter, advocating for dialogue and understanding.
A higher education professional with extensive experience in diversity and inclusion initiatives, Zack Ritter holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History, as well as a Doctor of Philosophy degree and two master's degrees in Education and Higher Education Administration, all earned from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He has held various administrative and teaching roles at UCLA, Harvey Mudd College, American Jewish University, University of Redlands and California State University-Dominguez Hills, where he currently serves as the Senior Diversity Officer. As a Diversity Consultant, Ritter has expertise in developing diversity curricula, fostering inclusive academic environments and supporting underrepresented student populations. He also has experience in international student visa regulations, career services, peer mentoring and residential life.
