MEET THE TEAM
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX
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.
CE Muminah
CE Muminah embraced Islam at the end of 2020, finding purpose and light during a challenging time, Islam became her new focus in life. Originally from China, she moved to the U.S. at 16 and spent a decade in Seattle before settling in Dallas in 2023. A jeweler by profession and life long crafter, she runs a sustainable small business focused on secondhand fiber crafts. As the Embrace DFW Chapter Coordinator and previous founder of The Guardian Sisters in Seattle, she is passionate about supporting converts and building welcoming communities for new Muslims. Recognizing and addressing the unique challenges converts face in finding community and care, she strives to hold the hands of fellow converts, supporting them on their journey in faith.
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.
Dallas/Fort Worth, TX
CE Muminah
CE Muminah embraced Islam at the end of 2020, finding purpose and light during a challenging time, Islam became her new focus in life. Originally from China, she moved to the U.S. at 16 and spent a decade in Seattle before settling in Dallas in 2023. A jeweler by profession and life long crafter, she runs a sustainable small business focused on secondhand fiber crafts. As the Embrace DFW Chapter Coordinator and previous founder of The Guardian Sisters in Seattle, she is passionate about supporting converts and building welcoming communities for new Muslims. Recognizing and addressing the unique challenges converts face in finding community and care, she strives to hold the hands of fellow converts, supporting them on their journey in faith.
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.
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.
Houston, 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.
Houston, 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
Tiffani 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 Core Lead of the Embrace Austin, Texas Chapter
Bahia Amawi
Bahia Amawi has been an active member of the Austin community for over 25 years. Her work involved youth education, dawah, and new Muslim education initiating the first Islam 101 classes in Austin. Her passion for working with new Muslims led her to eventually help establish EMBRACE Austin.
Austin, TX
Tiffani 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 Core 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.
Bahia Amawi
Bahia Amawi has been an active member of the Austin community for over 25 years. Her work involved youth education, dawah, and new Muslim education initiating the first Islam 101 classes in Austin. Her passion for working with new Muslims led her to eventually help establish EMBRACE Austin.
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 is a passionate advocate for human and women’s rights and is dedicated to building strong supportive communities. She has a deep love for service, nature, travel, and lifelong learning. Jacquelyn holds an undergraduate degree in Sociology, Anthropology, and Spanish and a master’s degree in Islamic Leadership as an Embrace Scholar at Bayan Islamic Graduate School. Professionally, she serves as an Assistant Director for Research and Grants for a cancer research non-profit and offers her expertise as a freelance grant writer and consultant for Islamic organizations. Jacquelyn’s favorite Embrace activity is teaching the Step-by-Step New Muslim Course and learning with each cohort.
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 is a passionate advocate for human and women’s rights and is dedicated to building strong supportive communities. She has a deep love for service, nature, travel, and lifelong learning. Jacquelyn holds an undergraduate degree in Sociology, Anthropology, and Spanish and a master’s degree in Islamic Leadership as an Embrace Scholar at Bayan Islamic Graduate School. Professionally, she serves as an Assistant Director for Research and Grants for a cancer research non-profit and offers her expertise as a freelance grant writer and consultant for Islamic organizations. Jacquelyn’s favorite Embrace activity is teaching the Step-by-Step New Muslim Course and learning with each cohort.
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
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
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
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, NY
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.
Sarah Horton
Sarah Horton is a Revert of over six years. Striving to make Islamic education more accessible. She maintains the Embrace website, assists with flyer creation, and works with the Embrace NY+ chapter to coordinate our weekly online program Sunday Revert Reflections. When not working with Embrace, she’s studying for her classes or can be found with her nose in a book.
New York, NY
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.
Sarah Horton
Sarah Horton is a Revert of over six years. Striving to make Islamic education more accessible. She maintains the Embrace website, assists with flyer creation, and works with the Embrace NY+ chapter to coordinate our weekly online program Sunday Revert Reflections. When not working with Embrace, she’s studying for her classes or can be found with her nose in a book.
Southern Florida
Corey Harrington
Corey is originally from North Carolina and now lives in South Florida, where he strives to serve his local Muslim community with sincerity and care. Corey is the current team lead of the Embrace SoFlo chapter.
Omar Uddin
Omar Uddin is grateful to be the SoFlo Embrace chapters Education Lead. A Florida native born to Pakistani and Nicaraguan parents. He is the son, husband, and brother-in-law to revert Muslimas, and father of 3 young Muslim adults, and a business owner. He is passionate about helping others discover the heart-centered knowledge and wisdom rooted in Islamic sources. He benefited greatly from an array of diverse teachers from all walks of life and Islamic scholarly backgrounds that visited or settled in Florida.
Anisa Perez
My name is Anisa Perez, and I was born in the Dominican Republic but raised in the USA. I am a proud mother, and I currently serve as the Marketing Lead for ICNA’s Embrace division in South Florida. Since I reverted to Islam in 2015, I have dedicated myself to helping new Muslims integrate into and navigate life in their predominantly non-Muslim country. Through Embrace, I provide guidance and support to reverts, drawing from my own experiences to ease their transition. I’m known for always smiling and my love of meeting new people. I enjoy speaking about how Islam has helped me bridge the worlds of Muslims and non-Muslims, embracing my Islamic beliefs while fostering common ground and understanding.
Kim Dunn
Kim is a native of Miami, now serving as Assistant Lead of the Embrace South Florida core team. She is a mom of three daughters, and an attorney who has dedicated her career to public service. Kim approaches the work of convert care with great enthusiasm, always striving to ensure that every new Muslim she encounters feels totally supported and connected. She is also passionate about issues pertaining to cultural authenticity and Muslim-American identity. This interest has found expression through her active participation in public relations efforts at her home mosque, where she thrives in environments which present opportunities to facilitate bridge building between the non-Muslim mainstream and her beloved faith community. Kim accepted Islam in March of 2020.
Fayette Bruun
Faye reverted to Islam in 2022 and describes the journey as coming home to her truest self — a path she now recognizes as guided by Allah’s perfect plan, even through her darkest seasons. Growing up in West Virginia, Faye witnessed how isolation can breed ignorance and fear, and carries deep gratitude for the people who expanded her world. It is that same gift she strives to offer others. Her approach is rooted in genuine curiosity — meeting people where they are, learning their stories, and building real connection through that understanding. Within Embrace South Florida, she serves as Events Lead and heads the online community for local reverts. She also contributes to the Islamic Center of Boca Raton’s interfaith and charity outreach efforts, and occasionally facilitates Embrace workshops weaving book-based knowledge with Islamic wisdom. Professionally, she works as a Lead Community Manager and operations strategist for educational and health-focused organizations.
Mariah Hunter
Mariah is a proud Houston, Texas native who reverted to Islam in 2022 during the blessed month of Ramadan, a moment that was years in the making. Her journey to Islam began during her college years, where she also discovered her love for creating welcoming spaces while serving as the Food and Hospitality Chair for her university’s American Cancer Society chapter. It was in those same college years that Islam first called to her heart, and after years of reflection and growth, she took that courageous step toward Allah, who guided her the rest of the way. Now living in South Florida, Mariah serves as the Hospitality Chair for the Embrace Reverts South Florida chapter, bringing that same spirit and love for people to everything she does, creating spaces where others feel seen, welcomed, and free to be themselves. She believes deeply in the power of community and is dedicated to making every revert feel at home in their new journey.
Annie Lin
Annie embraced Islam in 2001, and her journey continues to shape how she approaches faith, education, and care, with a deep respect for individual paths and lived experience. Born and raised in New York, she later lived in Texas before settling in South Florida. This shaped her appreciation for diverse Muslim communities and meaningful connection. A former middle and high school science teacher, Annie is a professor, clinical nutritionist, and herbalist who brings together education, health, and faith. She has formally studied Islamic studies and approaches whole-person health by integrating Sunnah and science, drawing from nutrition, hijama, and herbal practices. Much of her work centers on youth, education, and community wellbeing. Annie is grateful to contribute to the South Florida chapter of Embrace as the Assistant Education Lead.
Abdullah
Abdullah works diligently as the Embrace Florida Dawah lead. He organizes street dawah events where he and other volunteers establishes open spaces where interested parties can ask questions about the deen, then they follow up with them through the chapter’s Mighty community. Additionally, Abdullah also uses his networking abilities to grow close connections with other organizations making it even easier for Florida reverts to find a welcoming environment for them to embody their deen.
Southern Florida, FL
Corey Harrington
Corey is originally from North Carolina and now lives in South Florida, where he strives to serve his local Muslim community with sincerity and care. Corey is the current team lead of the Embrace SoFlo chapter.
Omar Uddin
Omar Uddin is grateful to be the SoFlo Embrace chapters Education Lead. A Florida native born to Pakistani and Nicaraguan parents. He is the son, husband, and brother-in-law to revert Muslimas, and father of 3 young Muslim adults, and a business owner. He is passionate about helping others discover the heart-centered knowledge and wisdom rooted in Islamic sources. He benefited greatly from an array of diverse teachers from all walks of life and Islamic scholarly backgrounds that visited or settled in Florida.
Anisa Perez
My name is Anisa Perez, and I was born in the Dominican Republic but raised in the USA. I am a proud mother, and I currently serve as the Marketing Lead for ICNA’s Embrace division in South Florida. Since I reverted to Islam in 2015, I have dedicated myself to helping new Muslims integrate into and navigate life in their predominantly non-Muslim country. Through Embrace, I provide guidance and support to reverts, drawing from my own experiences to ease their transition. I’m known for always smiling and my love of meeting new people. I enjoy speaking about how Islam has helped me bridge the worlds of Muslims and non-Muslims, embracing my Islamic beliefs while fostering common ground and understanding.
Kim Dunn
Kim is a native of Miami, now serving as Assistant Lead of the Embrace South Florida core team. She is a mom of three daughters, and an attorney who has dedicated her career to public service. Kim approaches the work of convert care with great enthusiasm, always striving to ensure that every new Muslim she encounters feels totally supported and connected. She is also passionate about issues pertaining to cultural authenticity and Muslim-American identity. This interest has found expression through her active participation in public relations efforts at her home mosque, where she thrives in environments which present opportunities to facilitate bridge building between the non-Muslim mainstream and her beloved faith community. Kim accepted Islam in March of 2020.
Feyette Brunn
Faye reverted to Islam in 2022 and describes the journey as coming home to her truest self — a path she now recognizes as guided by Allah’s perfect plan, even through her darkest seasons. Growing up in West Virginia, Faye witnessed how isolation can breed ignorance and fear, and carries deep gratitude for the people who expanded her world. It is that same gift she strives to offer others. Her approach is rooted in genuine curiosity — meeting people where they are, learning their stories, and building real connection through that understanding. Within Embrace South Florida, she serves as Events Lead and heads the online community for local reverts. She also contributes to the Islamic Center of Boca Raton’s interfaith and charity outreach efforts, and occasionally facilitates Embrace workshops weaving book-based knowledge with Islamic wisdom. Professionally, she works as a Lead Community Manager and operations strategist for educational and health-focused organizations.
Mariah Hunter
Mariah is a proud Houston, Texas native who reverted to Islam in 2022 during the blessed month of Ramadan, a moment that was years in the making. Her journey to Islam began during her college years, where she also discovered her love for creating welcoming spaces while serving as the Food and Hospitality Chair for her university’s American Cancer Society chapter. It was in those same college years that Islam first called to her heart, and after years of reflection and growth, she took that courageous step toward Allah, who guided her the rest of the way. Now living in South Florida, Mariah serves as the Hospitality Chair for the Embrace Reverts South Florida chapter, bringing that same spirit and love for people to everything she does, creating spaces where others feel seen, welcomed, and free to be themselves. She believes deeply in the power of community and is dedicated to making every revert feel at home in their new journey.
Annie Lin
Annie embraced Islam in 2001, and her journey continues to shape how she approaches faith, education, and care, with a deep respect for individual paths and lived experience. Born and raised in New York, she later lived in Texas before settling in South Florida. This shaped her appreciation for diverse Muslim communities and meaningful connection. A former middle and high school science teacher, Annie is a professor, clinical nutritionist, and herbalist who brings together education, health, and faith. She has formally studied Islamic studies and approaches whole-person health by integrating Sunnah and science, drawing from nutrition, hijama, and herbal practices. Much of her work centers on youth, education, and community wellbeing. Annie is grateful to contribute to the South Florida chapter of Embrace as the Assistant Education Lead.
Abdullah
Abdullah works diligently as the Embrace Florida Dawah lead. He organizes street dawah events where he and other volunteers establishes open spaces where interested parties can ask questions about the deen, then they follow up with them through the chapter’s Mighty community. Additionally, Abdullah also uses his networking abilities to grow close connections with other organizations making it even easier for Florida reverts to find a welcoming environment for them to embody their deen.
Let’s make meaningful change in the lives of Muslim converts
For Reverts By Reverts
Embracereverts@gmail.com