One of the very first Muslim Youth for Positive Impact (MYPI) events was a mother-daughter relationship empowerment session in January of 2018. Through this inaugural event, MYPI was able to directly impact both daughters and mothers by helping them build bridges of communication, understanding and empathy. This single event, like a single drop of water, not only created a positive ripple effect in the lives of the youth and their families, but also created the tidal wave of momentum that is MYPI today.

Our Founder and Executive Director, Huma Babak Ebadi, who served as a Sunday school teacher for 17 years, was personally moved by the various issues causing a seemingly endless spiral of despair being experienced by the Muslim youth. First-person stories of youth struggling with depression, identity crisis, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, trouble at home and more created a drive to develop outlets for the youth. The realization of the urgent need for guidance, mentorship, support and services fueled the passion to act; the overwhelming sense of powerlessness soon became an effort to empower.

Inspired by the African proverb, “It takes a village to raise a child,” our Executive Director identified community organizations and leaders already exerting efforts to support the youth, aligned with the same purpose and passion to help springboard MYPI. This network orchestration commenced by connecting with Nadeen Ibrahim, a youth leader known to be the nexus of the Denver community. Immediately after, the inclusion of Aisha Mohamed-Zullali, Asifa Abassi, Aieshah Wisall Safi, Mina Hashem, Sara Rusta and Yusra Shaikh -- all of whom were already leading efforts to support youth, formed MYPI’s first Board of Directors. Together, this passionate and committed leadership team focused on crafting the foundation for MYPI that would support and empower youth in all aspects of their lives.

MYPI benefits more than just the youth: it gives adults, like our founder who saw a need in our community, the chance to be of service. MYPI provides opportunities for individuals to become mentors, tutors, volunteers and leaders serving the youth. We have created a powerful community that creates a sense of belonging, instills a sense of confidence, builds on individual identity centered around Islamic principles, stewardship, leadership, and personal wellness. MYPI is a community of torch carriers, and we are all walking behind the Muslim youth making positive impacts.

MYPI has been blessed, our prayers have been answered and we pray that Allah(SWT) allows us to continue our efforts in serving youth and their families, empowering the youth to impact the world.