American Muslims Research Institute holds two talks on the experiences of American Muslims in public service

After a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the American Muslims research institute (AMRI), directed by IAS faculty member Karam Dana, held two virtual talks highlighting the experiences of American Muslims in public service in March.

The first public official to be invited to speak was Varisha Khan, who is a city of Redmond Council Member. She is the youngest person to ever hold a seat on the council, and one of the first two Americans Muslim women to ever be elected to public office in Washington State.

The second public official was Rami Al-Kabra, who is a city of Bothell council member and the deputy mayor. He is the first immigrant, Palestinian, Muslim American to serve on the city of Bothell’s city council. Both speakers referenced their experiences as their motivation to be more involved in local politics, and to pave new paths for members of other marginalized communities to be more active in their local communities.