Bennie alumna answers questions, gives insight

Editor’s note: These questions were asked by the CSB Alumnae Board for inclusion in this column.

What is your current position?

I have 15-plus years of experience in the US, UK, India and the Arab world.

My areas of expertise include Courageous Leadership, Resilience, Social Justice and US-Gulf Negotiation.

I am an Associate Fellow at the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences, as well as a Lifetime Member of Psi Chi and HER Network Europe.

I am also on the CSB Alumnae Association Board of Directors, and in the process of establishing a CSB chapter in the Gulf region.

I have worked with many NGOs, grassroot organizations and academic institutions, that include the United Nations, Refugee Youth Project, Pennies 4 Pads, Good Shepherd Services and Saint Cloud Correctional Facility.

My life was featured in Sharjah Broadcasting Authority’s 2024 Ramadan series on New Muslims and the impact they are having on the world. I am currently in the running for the Taqdeer Award, organized by the Government of Dubai for recognizing distinguished startups, businesses and individuals.

What advice did someone give you in college and/or in career that has left an impact on you?

After graduating from CSB+SJU in 2008, I undertook a year of service with Good Shepherd Volunteers. I was placed as a Youth Development Counselor at Euphrasian Residence in Manhattan, N.Y.

One weekend, all of us volunteers traveled to upstate N.Y. for a Silent Retreat. Silence is considered integral to developing spiritual consciousness and our connection with God. We carried on our activities quietly and did not speak with each other.

It was a difficult two days for me as I am quite the chatterbox!

On the third day, each of us was called for a private session with a nun.

When it was my turn, I entered the room. I found the nun seated and waiting for me. In her hand was a bag filled with many colored stones. She asked me to put my hand into the bag and pull out only one stone.

When I followed her instructions and did so, the stone that I pulled out bore the word “Faith.”

After a moment of contemplation, the nun marveled, “There are many stones in this bag. And most have the same quality as another stone. But there is only one Faith stone in this bag. Isn’t it strange that the only non-Christian in the retreat should be chosen by our Lord to receive this stone? In life you will take courage from your faith. And others will take courage from your courage.”

At the time of these words, I was Hindu and 22-23 years of age. Today I am Muslim and 38 years. These words have been the hallmark of my life so far and become truer with each passing day.

They form the foundation of my resilience against great odds, including my sister’s death to cancer, a violent psychopathic husband, an abusive narcissistic father and the generational chains of patriarchy and misogyny that were normalized in my family.

I am who I am because of my faith in God. And yes, I still have the Faith.