MEET THE TEAM
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX
Kenneth Misurella
Kenneth Misurella was born in Lakewood, NJ and currently resides in Bedford, TX. Kenneth learned about Islam during his college years and accepted Islam in 2012. Since then, he has been involved in a variety of causes such as Da’wah, mentoring new muslims, advocacy, and humanitarian aid. During his time as a humanitarian, he visited a number of neglected communities both local and international to provide aid. He is a co-founder of Embrace and currently serves as their National Secretary.
Muhammad Y. Farrakhan
Muhammad Yusuf Farrakhan, from Detroit, MI, embraced Islam more than 20 years ago. He is married withseven children, studied political science and sociology, with a career background in risk management. Muhammad enjoys spending time with family and friends, and doing activities like chess and tennis. Muhammad is the current Embrace Dallas chapter Coordinator
Gyasi McKinzie
A co-founder of Embrace, Shaykh Gyasi (Ja-see) Mckinzie was born in Washington D.C. and raised in Memphis, TN. He accepted Islam in 1991 while he was still in high school. He is a graduate from the Islamic University of Madinah and also holds a Masters degree from Vanderbilt University in Theological Studies. He has over 20 years of experience providing Islamic leadership to schools and organizations. Besides having served as Imam of the Muslim Society of Memphis and as chaplain at two federal prisons, he has been the Youth Director of the Youth and Dawah Center in Memphis, TN. He has also served as an Islamic Studies teacher and school counselor at Pleasant View School and the Islamic school of Irving respectively. He currently serves as the Director of Education for Embrace.
Orenda Dadkhah
Orenda Dadkhah embraced Islam in 1993, a choice that has deeply influenced her life. She is a devoted wife and mother of four adult children. Currently training to become a Hijama practitioner, Orenda is passionate about combining holistic health with her commitment to helping others. As a member of the Embrace Core team, she leads a weekly virtual class for convert sisters across the United States since 2020 Orenda is dedicated to supporting fellow converts, sharing experiences, and guiding others on their journey in Islam. She is inspired by life’s diversity and is committed to continuous learning, personal growth, and making a positive impact.
Kimberly Blevins
Kimberly is a Student Care Coordinator at Dallas College, where she provides support services and hope to students in need. She embraced Islam in September of 1999. She is a wife and mother of two remarkable daughters, Masha Allah. Kimberly was fairly new to Texas and had a difficult time finding community. One day she came upon a flyer on a WhatsApp chat that began, “Are you lonely?” Indeed she was lonely. That flyer was posted by Embrace and advertised a social gathering at a local pizza place. It was there that Sister Kimberly met her new family, Embrace. Sister Kimberly now serves as a core team member, halaqa co-lead, and event planner for Embrace. She feels adamant about providing support to those who move forward on their spiritual journey to cultivate a deeper connection to the creator.
Haseeb Bhatti
Haseeb Bhatti, originally from Queens, NY, moved to Plano three years ago with his wife Arlene and their two daughters, Yasmeen and Hana. With a long history of involvement in Islamic organizations like Young Muslims, ICNA Relief, Helping Hand, and the Muslim Student Association, Haseeb’s passion for supporting the community only deepened when his wife embraced Islam in 2016. Her journey as a new Muslim inspired him to dedicate himself to helping reverts find their way. Now, as part of the Embrace Dallas Team, Haseeb plays a key role in organizing events and help running the weekly Richardson gatherings. Cool under pressure and always ready to lend a hand, he’s all about making the journey easier for those new to the faith.
Walter Weems
Walter Weems entered into Islam in 2019 and has been a part of Embrace since attending his first Embrace event during Ramadan that year. He has served on the Dallas Core Team since 2020 and is a regular reader on the daily Qur’an Study group. Walter is married with 3 kids – two college-age, and one in elementary school. Outside of family and work, Walter enjoys travel, exercise, studying the Islamic sciences, and following soccer, particularly Liverpool FC and FC Dallas.
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX
Kenneth Misurella
Kenneth Misurella was born in Lakewood, NJ and currently resides in Bedford, TX. Kenneth learned about Islam during his college years and accepted Islam in 2012. Since then, he has been involved in a variety of causes such as Da’wah, mentoring new muslims, advocacy, and humanitarian aid. During his time as a humanitarian, he visited a number of neglected communities both local and international to provide aid. He is a co-founder of Embrace and currently serves as their National Secretary.
Muhammad Y. Farrakhan
Muhammad Yusuf Farrakhan, from Detroit, MI, embraced Islam more than 20 years ago. He is married withseven children, studied political science and sociology, with a career background in risk management. Muhammad enjoys spending time with family and friends, and doing activities like chess and tennis. Muhammad is the current Embrace Dallas chapter Coordinator
Gyasi McKinzie
A co-founder of Embrace, Shaykh Gyasi (Ja-see) Mckinzie was born in Washington D.C. and raised in Memphis, TN. He accepted Islam in 1991 while he was still in high school. He is a graduate from the Islamic University of Madinah and also holds a Masters degree from Vanderbilt University in Theological Studies. He has over 20 years of experience providing Islamic leadership to schools and organizations. Besides having served as Imam of the Muslim Society of Memphis and as chaplain at two federal prisons, he has been the Youth Director of the Youth and Dawah Center in Memphis, TN. He has also served as an Islamic Studies teacher and school counselor at Pleasant View School and the Islamic school of Irving respectively. He currently serves as the Director of Education for Embrace.
Orenda Dadkhah
Orenda Dadkhah embraced Islam in 1993, a choice that has deeply influenced her life. She is a devoted wife and mother of four adult children. Currently training to become a Hijama practitioner, Orenda is passionate about combining holistic health with her commitment to helping others. As a member of the Embrace Core team, she leads a weekly virtual class for convert sisters across the United States since 2020 Orenda is dedicated to supporting fellow converts, sharing experiences, and guiding others on their journey in Islam. She is inspired by life’s diversity and is committed to continuous learning, personal growth, and making a positive impact.
Kimberly Blevins
Kimberly is a Student Care Coordinator at Dallas College, where she provides support services and *hope* to students in need. She embraced Islam in September of 1999. She is a wife and mother of two remarkable daughters, Masha Allah. Kimberly was fairly new to Texas and had a difficult time finding community. One day she came upon a flyer on a WhatsApp chat that began, “Are you lonely?” Indeed she was lonely. That flyer was posted by Embrace and advertised a social gathering at a local pizza place. It was there that Sister Kimberly met her new family, Embrace. Sister Kimberly now serves as a core team member, halaqa co-lead, and event planner for Embrace. She feels adamant about providing support to those who move forward on their spiritual journey to cultivate a deeper connection to the creator.
Haseeb Bhatti
Haseeb Bhatti, originally from Queens, NY, moved to Plano three years ago with his wife Arlene and their two daughters, Yasmeen and Hana. With a long history of involvement in Islamic organizations like Young Muslims, ICNA Relief, Helping Hand, and the Muslim Student Association, Haseeb’s passion for supporting the community only deepened when his wife embraced Islam in 2016. Her journey as a new Muslim inspired him to dedicate himself to helping reverts find their way. Now, as part of the Embrace Dallas Team, Haseeb plays a key role in organizing events and help running the weekly Richardson gatherings. Cool under pressure and always ready to lend a hand, he’s all about making the journey easier for those new to the faith.
Walter Weems
Walter Weems entered into Islam in 2019 and has been a part of Embrace since attending his first Embrace event during Ramadan that year. He has served on the Dallas Core Team since 2020 and is a regular reader on the daily Qur’an Study group. Walter is married with 3 kids – two college-age, and one in elementary school. Outside of family and work, Walter enjoys travel, exercise, studying the Islamic sciences, and following soccer, particularly Liverpool FC and FC Dallas.
Houstin, TX
Lonnie “Abdul Aleem” Isaac
Brother Abdul Aleem accepted Islam in 2006 and has been part of Embrace since 2018. He iis very passionate about giving dawah and helping others. He enjoys studying Arabic, volunteering, and playing sports. He is currently leading the Embrace Houston chapter.
Azizah Granderson
Sister Azizah began her journey to Islam in 2021, after the loss of a sibling. Her passions are helping others, and giving back to the community. Some of Her hobbies include studying the deen, taking care of family and spending time with animals. She is currently the co-lead of the Embrace Houston Chapter.
Houstin, TX
Azizah Granderson
Sister Azizah began her journey to Islam in 2021, after the loss of a sibling. Her passions are helping others, and giving back to the community. Some of Her hobbies include studying the deen, taking care of family and spending time with animals. She is currently the co-lead of the Embrace Houston Chapter.
Lonnie “Abdul Aleem” Isaac
Brother Abdul Aleem accepted Islam in 2006 and has been part of Embrace since 2018. He iis very passionate about giving dawah and helping others. He enjoys studying Arabic, volunteering, and playing sports. He is currently leading the Embrace Houston chapter.
Austin, TX
Jami Vandiver-Sesay
Sister Jami accepted Islam in 2014. She is passionate about creating safe, welcoming, and positive spaces for new Muslims no matter where they are in their Islamic journey. She is a wife, mother, and elementary school librarian who enjoys reading a variety of genres, leading her daughters’ Girl Scout troop, and visiting indie bookstores and museums. She currently leads the Embrace Austin Chapter.
Tiffany McAdoo
Tiffani’s journey into Islam began in November 2022, igniting her passion for deepening her understanding of the deen. With a strong commitment to community change and food security, she actively works to make a positive impact. Tiffani currently serves as the Co-Lead of the Embrace Austin, Texas Chapter
Shanada Lewis
When Sister Shanada moved to Austin in 1996, it sparked a spiritual journey (crisis) which ultimately led her to embrace Islam in 2006 officially. Shanada is a wife, mom of seven, hijama therapist, doula, and childbirth educator. She is passionate about birth equity, education, and advocacy, particularly for Muslims and Black women. She has enjoyed volunteering in her local community, especially in dawah, working with the youth, and in revert support for over 15 years. She currently serves as a core member of the Embrace Austin Chapter.
Austin, TX
Jami Vandiver-Sesay
Sister Jami accepted Islam in 2014. She is passionate about creating safe, welcoming, and positive spaces for new Muslims no matter where they are in their Islamic journey. She is a wife, mother, and elementary school librarian who enjoys reading a variety of genres, leading her daughters’ Girl Scout troop, and visiting indie bookstores and museums. She currently leads the Embrace Austin Chapter.
Shanada Lewis
When Sister Shanada moved to Austin in 1996, it sparked a spiritual journey (crisis) which ultimately led her to embrace Islam in 2006 officially. Shanada is a wife, mom of seven, hijama therapist, doula, and childbirth educator. She is passionate about birth equity, education, and advocacy, particularly for Muslims and Black women. She has enjoyed volunteering in her local community, especially in dawah, working with the youth, and in revert support for over 15 years. She currently serves as a core member of the Embrace Austin Chapter.
Tiffany McAdoo
Tiffani’s journey into Islam began in November 2022, igniting her passion for deepening her understanding of the deen. With a strong commitment to community change and food security, she actively works to make a positive impact. Tiffani currently serves as the Co-Lead of the Embrace Austin, Texas Chapter
Philadelphia, PA
Daniel Rebholz
Daniel was born and raised in Reading, PA and converted to Islam in February of 2017. Since then, Daniel enjoys teaching Sunday School at his local mosque and being involved with several islamic organizations: including ICNA, WhyIslam, MuslimServe, and Embrace. Daniel serves as the assistant lead for the Embrace Philadelphia chapter. He hopes his efforts in the Embrace Project will help find the support, care, and love that is needed for converts to further appreciate their Islam and integrate them into their respective communities.
Jacquelyn Crutchley
Jacquelyn was born in New Jersey but currently resides in Philadelphia, PA. Accepting Islam in 2016, Jaquelyn is a Senior Program Coordinator at the American Association for Cancer Research. She also served on the board and as the Program Chair for Women International Leaders of Philadelphia. She has worked as an Account Analyst, Consultant for Business Development, and Event Planner. She advocates for human/women’s rights and is an active community builder. She is also a lover of service, nature, traveling, and learning. Jacquelyn currently serves as the core lead for the Embrace Philadelphia chapter.
Philadelphia, PA
Daniel Rebholz
Daniel was born and raised in Reading, PA and converted to Islam in February of 2017. Since then, Daniel enjoys teaching Sunday School at his local mosque and being involved with several islamic organizations: including ICNA, WhyIslam, MuslimServe, and Embrace. Daniel serves as the assistant lead for the Embrace Philadelphia chapter. He hopes his efforts in the Embrace Project will help find the support, care, and love that is needed for converts to further appreciate their Islam and integrate them into their respective communities.
Jacquelyn Crutchley
Jacquelyn was born in New Jersey but currently resides in Philadelphia, PA. Accepting Islam in 2016, Jaquelyn is a Senior Program Coordinator at the American Association for Cancer Research. She also served on the board and as the Program Chair for Women International Leaders of Philadelphia. She has worked as an Account Analyst, Consultant for Business Development, and Event Planner. She advocates for human/women’s rights and is an active community builder. She is also a lover of service, nature, traveling, and learning. Jacquelyn currently serves as the core lead for the Embrace Philadelphia chapter.
Connecticut
Vina McDermott
Vina was born and raised in Connecticut and converted to Islam in 2007. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and works with children on the autism spectrum and children with other developmental disabilities as well as children who need behavioral support due to social and emotional needs. Vina is also certified as a Hijama Therapist and offers this service as well as other cupping therapy to Muslim sisters and women in Connecticut. Vina finds her connection to Islam through nature and is often out camping, hiking, kayaking or exploring the beauty within God’s creations. She is always seeking knowledge on Islam and advises that learning about Islam is a lifelong journey. Vina serves as the Co-Lead for the Connecticut Chapter of Embrace and is passionate about supporting new Muslims as they begin their journey in Islam.
Genevieve & Marshall Elmer
Genevieve & Marshall Elmer serve as the core leads of the Connecticut chapter of Embrace. Both accepting Islam around 2021, Genevieve is passionate about the role of women in Islam, and the rights and responsibilities of a Muslim. Coupled with Marshall’s passion about Islamic psychology and personal development, the two are Embrace CT’s power couple doing what they can to serve and empower the converts of Conneticutt.
Connecticut
Vina McDermott
Vina was born and raised in Connecticut and converted to Islam in 2007. She is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and works with children on the autism spectrum and children with other developmental disabilities as well as children who need behavioral support due to social and emotional needs. Vina is also certified as a Hijama Therapist and offers this service as well as other cupping therapy to Muslim sisters and women in Connecticut. Vina finds her connection to Islam through nature and is often out camping, hiking, kayaking or exploring the beauty within God’s creations. She is always seeking knowledge on Islam and advises that learning about Islam is a lifelong journey. Vina serves as the Co-Lead for the Connecticut Chapter of Embrace and is passionate about supporting new Muslims as they begin their journey in Islam.
Genevieve & Marshall Elmer
Genevieve & Marshall Elmer serve as the core leads of the Connecticut chapter of Embrace. Both accepting Islam around 2021, Genevieve is passionate about the role of women in Islam, and the rights and responsibilities of a Muslim. Coupled with Marshall’s passion about Islamic psychology and personal development, the two are Embrace CT’s power couple doing what they can to serve and empower the converts of Conneticutt.
Minnesota
Shannen Espelien
Shannen is a homeschooling mother of four, wife, student, public speaker, and active volunteer in her local community. She is a life-long learner, currently studying Islamic Sciences in the degree program at Mishkah University. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology. Since Shannen embraced Islam in 2007, she has engaged with her local community in a variety of ways; like giving dawah at prison, local churches, schools, and community education programs. She has a gift for finding commonality and diffusing high-conflict situations, always working to build conversation and education from a shared connection.
In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, knitting, and generally avoiding housework. She currently serves as the core lead for the Embrace Minnesota chapter.
Bethany Waldron
Bethany Waldron is the assistant core lead of the Minnesota Embrace Chapter, which was created in 2021. She accepted Islam in 1992. Her passions include spending time with friends and family, community activism, and laughing. She has her Masters degree in Multicultural College Teaching and Learning and looks forward to a career as an advisor in a community college.
Shawn Thompson
Brother Shawn accepted Islam around 30 years ago. While acting as the Embrace Minnesota lead and Co-Instructor, he is also the Vice Principal of As-Suffah Academy. He also teaches fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grades the English Language Arts and 7th/8th grades Science. Shawn is passionate about teaching, and loves to read and write. Shawn considers himself a lifelong student of Islam and the Liberal Arts, loving to learn about the Qur’an and theology along with history, grammar, and philosophy.
Nabeela M Zubair
One of the key founding members of the Minnesota chapter, Nabeela is a Pakistani-born American citizen who studied in Saudi Arabia and earned a BA in Arabic literature. She is fluent in three languages and is currently pursuing a higher degree in Islamic studies. Nabeela has a passion for serving the Muslim community, especially those who embrace Islam. She is a board member of ICNA Relief and a representative of the ICNA Sisters Minnesota Chapter.
Minnesota, PA
Shannen Espelien
Shannen is a homeschooling mother of four, wife, student, public speaker, and active volunteer in her local community. She is a life-long learner, currently studying Islamic Sciences in the degree program at Mishkah University. She also earned a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology. Since Shannen embraced Islam in 2007, she has engaged with her local community in a variety of ways; like giving dawah at prison, local churches, schools, and community education programs. She has a gift for finding commonality and diffusing high-conflict situations, always working to build conversation and education from a shared connection. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, reading, knitting, and generally avoiding housework. She currently serves as the core lead for the Embrace Minnesota chapter.
Nabeela M Zubair
One of the key founding members of the Minnesota chapter, Nabeela is a Pakistani-born American citizen who studied in Saudi Arabia and earned a BA in Arabic literature. She is fluent in three languages and is currently pursuing a higher degree in Islamic studies. Nabeela has a passion for serving the Muslim community, especially those who embrace Islam. She is a board member of ICNA Relief and a representative of the ICNA Sisters Minnesota Chapter.
Shawn Thompson
Brother Shawn accepted Islam around 30 years ago. While acting as the Embrace Minnesota lead and Co-Instructor, he is also the Vice Principal of As-Suffah Academy. He also teaches fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grades the English Language Arts and 7th/8th grades Science. Shawn is passionate about teaching, and loves to read and write. Shawn considers himself a lifelong student of Islam and the Liberal Arts, loving to learn about the Qur’an and theology along with history, grammar, and philosophy.
Bethany Waldron
Bethany Waldron is the assistant core lead of the Minnesota Embrace Chapter, which was created in 2021. She accepted Islam in 1992. Her passions include spending time with friends and family, community activism, and laughing. She has her Masters degree in Multicultural College Teaching and Learning and looks forward to a career as an advisor in a community college.
Southern California
Brian “Isa” Gordon:
Isa is the head of Marketing for Embrace SoCal. He is a youthful and determined revert striving to develop and secure social equality for Muslims. He has some experience with street dawah and two years within The Embrace Community. While Focusing on decreasing the number of reverts leaving Islam, he also participates in events that increase the Iman of consistent brothers and sisters. He loves building the organization through planning, organizing, brainstorming, and executing plans.
Noah Sheifullah:
Noah Seifullah is a student of knowledge currently attending Bayyan Institute . He studied Communications at Howard University and serves as the head of Embrace Greater Los Angeles.
Abdullah Ali
A veteran Muslim, Abdullah accepted Islam in the early 1980’s. He is a husband, father, and basketball coach. While serving as the core lead for the Embrace South Bay area, he is also the Director of Dawah and Outreach at his local mosque,the Islamic Center of Hawthorne.
Francisco Aragon
A Mexican American convert, Francisco accepted Islam in Ramadan 2023. In his free time he likes to go hiking , reading, and trying different kinds of food. He is currently the Secretary of Embrace SoCal in the Greater Los Angeles region.
Southern California
Brian “Isa” Gordon:
A Isa is the head of Marketing for Embrace SoCal. He is a youthful and determined revert striving to develop and secure social equality for Muslims. He has some experience with street dawah and two years within The Embrace Community. While Focusing on decreasing the number of reverts leaving Islam, he also participates in events that increase the Iman of consistent brothers and sisters. He loves building the organization through planning, organizing, brainstorming, and executing plans.
Noah Sheifullah:
Noah Seifullah is a student of knowledge currently attending Bayyan Institute . He studied Communications at Howard University and serves as the head of Embrace Greater Los Angeles.
Abdullah Ali
A veteran Muslim, Abdullah accepted Islam in the early 1980’s. He is a husband, father, and basketball coach. While serving as the core lead for the Embrace South Bay area, he is also the Director of Dawah and Outreach at his local mosque,the Islamic Center of Hawthorne.
Francisco Aragon
A Mexican American convert, Francisco accepted Islam in Ramadan 2023. In his free time he likes to go hiking , reading, and trying different kinds of food. He is currently the Secretary of Embrace SoCal in the Greater Los Angeles region.
New York
Dr. Abdus-Salaam Musa
Dr. Musa is the current core lead of the Embrace NY chapter. His duties include managing the Embrace NY core team and ensuring the growth of Embrace in the New York City and Long Island area. A veteran Muslim, he formally accepted Islam in 1988. But has been calling himself Muslim since 1969.
Wilfredo Cotto Jr.
Wilfredo Cotto Jr., AKA “Abdul Malik Hud” was born a Muslim but fully embraced Islam in his early twenties. His passions include the deen, martial arts, and helping others. His role in Embrace NY is educational development. He strives to be a productive member and to be a support to others in shaa Allah.
Alexander P Rothowski
Alexander is thirty two years old and was a certified minister at Chirst Tabernacle before going on a personal journey to find God, which led him to Islam in 2021. His passions are fitness, Islamic Theology and Philosophy as well as Usul- Al Fiqh. With his role as spiritual advisor for Embrace NY, he uses his time in both Christianity and Islam to bridge the Gap for reverts coming in and make the deen of Islam digestible
Neftali Kratc
Neftali Kratc aka “Yusuf Ali”, took his shahadah in Islamic Center of Long Island on Friday December 22nd, 2022. He works closely with the Embrace NY team as an Ambassador to invite reverts from NYC/LI to join Embrace.
Alishba Iftikhar
A born and raised New Yorker, Alishba comes from a Muslim background and underwent many hardships as an American youth. By the mercy of Allah she was able to find peace and solace in Islam when she was at her lowest point. Through her journey of healing and self-discovery, she found a deep sense of purpose and drive to make a positive impact in the lives of young Muslims in her community. She chose to focus on creating safe spaces for other Muslimahs to find community, compassion, friendship, and sisterhood. She hopes to offer the support and care for new Muslims to establish a stronger connection with their faith. Alishba currently serves as the Co-Lead for the Embrace New York Chapter.
New York
Dr. Abdus-Salaam Musa
Dr. Musa is the current core lead of the Embrace NY chapter. His duties include managing the Embrace NY core team and ensuring the growth of Embrace in the New York City and Long Island area. A veteran Muslim, he formally accepted Islam in 1988. But has been calling himself Muslim since 1969.
Wilfredo Cotto Jr.
Wilfredo Cotto Jr., AKA “Abdul Malik Hud” was born a Muslim but fully embraced Islam in his early twenties. His passions include the deen, martial arts, and helping others. His role in Embrace NY is educational development. He strives to be a productive member and to be a support to others in shaa Allah.
Alexander P Rothowski
Alexander is thirty two years old and was a certified minister at Chirst Tabernacle before going on a personal journey to find God, which led him to Islam in 2021. His passions are fitness, Islamic Theology and Philosophy as well as Usul- Al Fiqh. With his role as spiritual advisor for Embrace NY, he uses his time in both Christianity and Islam to bridge the Gap for reverts coming in and make the deen of Islam digestible.
Neftali Kratc
Neftali Kratc aka “Yusuf Ali”, took his shahadah in Islamic Center of Long Island on Friday December 22nd, 2022. He works closely with the Embrace NY team as an Ambassador to invite reverts from NYC/LI to join Embrace.
Alishba Iftikhar
A born and raised New Yorker, Alishba comes from a Muslim background and underwent many hardships as an American youth. By the mercy of Allah she was able to find peace and solace in Islam when she was at her lowest point. Through her journey of healing and self-discovery, she found a deep sense of purpose and drive to make a positive impact in the lives of young Muslims in her community. She chose to focus on creating safe spaces for other Muslimahs to find community, compassion, friendship, and sisterhood. She hopes to offer the support and care for new Muslims to establish a stronger connection with their faith. Alishba currently serves as the Co-Lead for the Embrace New York Chapter.
