IMAN LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
By fostering civic literacy and cultivating future candidates, organizers, and advocates, the IMAN Leadership Academy is creating a pipeline from community empowerment to elected office — ensuring that Muslim leadership in Indiana continues to grow and thrive for generations to come.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the Tides Foundation and Reviving Islamic Sisterhood for Empowerment for their generous support in helping remove financial barriers for Indiana Muslim community members to attend this program.
As part of our commitment to equity and accessibility, we are offering financial assistance to qualified candidates who may otherwise be unable to participate due to cost. If this applies to you, please indicate your need for support in the appropriate section of the application.
What is the IMAN Leadership Academy?
The journey of Muslim political representation in Indiana is marked by historic firsts and groundbreaking leadership. Over the years, we have witnessed the profound impact of Muslim Hoosiers in civic engagement and public service. In 2002, Judge David Shaheed became the first Muslim American male to serve as a judge in Indiana through the Marion County Superior Court. Indiana also sent the first Muslim Congressman, Andre Carson, to Washington, D.C., and in 2020, elected Fady Qaddoura as the first Muslim State Senator in the Indiana General Assembly. These milestones have paved the way for future Muslim candidates to step into leadership roles at both the state and federal levels.
Building on this legacy, we are proud to announce the inaugural launch of the IMAN Leadership Academy. This weekend long program equips Muslim Hoosiers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to engage in public service. By fostering civic literacy and cultivating future candidates, organizers, and advocates, the Academy is creating a pipeline from community empowerment to elected office — ensuring that Muslim leadership in Indiana continues to grow and thrive for generations to come.
Through interactive workshops led by experienced trainers, attendees will learn strategic, practical ways Muslims can shape policies, serve their communities, and shape the future of Indiana. From understanding how government works, to building relationships with decision-makers, this conference will equip participants with the tools to make a real difference. The IMAN Leadership Academy attendees will:
Uncover their drive for community service
Learn how to be more effective advocates for their communities
Understand the unique role of Muslims in shaping Indiana’s future
Be inspired to run for local office