aBOUT ME

I find peace in travel, the hums of accents and foreign languages across the aisle, with a foot in each world.  Growing up in five countries, I use storytelling to share what connects us and advocate for social change.

 

As a freelance journalist, I report on culture, science and travel with bylines in TIME, BBC, Guardian, 

Washington Post, Fast Company, NBC and other publications. I am also a book critic for NPR. 

​

I am currently the Research Director at Clean Creatives, a global campaign to help creatives and agencies

say no to fossil fuel clients. I manage our investigative research and editorial reports. 

​

In response to the 2016 immigration ban, I created Unapologetically Muslim, a 82-page trend report to explore the power and influence of Muslim women around the world and explain how people and brands can thoughtfully support them. Over the years, Unapologetically Muslim has become a global movement, with coverage from Vogue India, Teen Vogue, Dazed, The Drum, Campaign US and The Hindu. It has developed into a community page on Instagram where Muslim women can share their stories, and a photo series on the front page of Refinery29 celebrating South Asian Muslim creatives and how their identity influences their art.​ 

 

I also founded the South Asian creative community and event series Defining Desi, 

which currently operates as a virtual writing club.

​

For my work around identity and inclusion, I've been recognized with the ADCOLOR Rising Star Award,

the Campaign Female Frontier Award and a place on The Drum 50 Under 30 list.​

​

I'm available for new projects related to climate, culture, and mental health and wellbeing.