“In the Name of the Pen”
Honoring the Sacred Ink of Revelation, Knowledge, and the Women who Carry it Forward
Hostess: Asha Kabirou
Special Guest: Fajr Malika DeLane
Special Guest: Linnita Hosten
Keynote Speaker: To be Announced
Photography: To be Announced
Inspired by the profound teachings found in Surah Al-Qalam (“The Pen”) and the opening verse of Surah Al-Alaq, this theme underscores the sacred significance of writing and knowledge in Islam. These divine revelations highlight how the act of writing is not merely a skill but a means of spiritual elevation and enlightenment. The pen emerges as a powerful emblem representing more than just literacy; it symbolizes the legacy we leave behind, the purposeful intentions that guide us, and the transformative power of education and reflection.
This special gala will host a delightful brunch spread, providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere for our guests. Throughout the event, we will feature inspiring guest speakers who will share insights on the importance of intellectual and spiritual development, particularly focusing on empowering young girls.
Attendees will also enjoy unique signature experiences designed to engage and inspire. The afternoon will be a joyous celebration dedicated to supporting the growth of young girls as they deepen their understanding and strengthen their connection to their faith and knowledge. Together, we aim to nurture the next generation of empowered, enlightened sisters within our community.
The afternoon will be a joyous celebration dedicated fundraise for Fun.Fit.Fabulous. F3 is a health and wellness organization for girls with a primary focus on personal empowerment through physical, mental, and nutritional education. Together, we aim to nurture the next generation of empowered, enlightened sisters within our community.
Hostess: Asha Kabirou
Asha Kabirou is the Founder and Research Director of Halaqah Tingz and the proud owner of Bold By Rai Coffee. She established Halaqah Tingz to make intricate Islamic concepts accessible and relatable, with a focus on building a grounded and supportive community for women in the DMV (Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia) area.
She is the author of The Invisible Hand: Exploring the Visible and Invisible Design in Nature, a book that explores the interconnectedness of scientific and spiritual perspectives on the natural world. Asha holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology, with a concentration on animal function, and a Master’s in Biotechnology, specializing in biodefense and biosecurity. With over six years of experience at the National Institutes of Health, she has contributed to key projects related to COVID-19, infectious diseases, antibiotic resistance, and more. Her work reflects a deep commitment to understanding the complexities of biological systems and their impact on public health.
In addition to her research, Asha is a passionate public speaker who frequently draws connections between scientific concepts and spirituality. Her ability to bridge these fields allows her to inspire diverse audiences and help them recognize the harmony between faith and the natural world. Through her work at Halaqah Tingz, she continues to foster a deeper understanding of Islam and its relationship with science and spirituality.
Special Guest: Fajr DeLane
Fajr Malika DeLane is the Founder and CEO of F3: Fun. Fit. Fabulous, a health and wellness organization dedicated to empowering women and girls to become their best selves through physical, mental, and nutritional education. Rooted in the signature philosophy of Fun, Fitness, and Fabulosity, F3 offers culturally tailored programs that promote self-esteem, inner beauty, and holistic well-being.
A proud Bill and Melinda Gates Millennium Scholar, DeLane earned her Master of Public Health in Health Management and Policy from Georgia State University in May 2024, following her 2020 graduation from Howard University with a Bachelors in International Business and a concentration in Finance. In 2024, she represented the United States as a delegate at the Youth G7 (Y7) Summit in Rome, Italy, where she contributed to global policy discussions on Inclusion and Equal Opportunities.
Her passion for service, global leadership, and community advocacy is deeply influenced by her domestic and international experiences, which instilled in her the importance of good character, humility, and cultural exchange. Fajr is committed to using her growing expertise in business development and creative programming to build innovative, equity-driven platforms that support thriving and empowered communities. Through her global experiences and community-rooted work, Fajr continues to champion creative, equity-centered solutions that inspire, uplift, and transform lives.
Special Guest: Linnita Hosten
Linnita Hosten is the nation's leading holistic communications coach, helping professionals earn their leadership by learning to communicate with confidence, courage, and connection. With a decade of experience across government, corporate, and academic sectors, she has trained over 10,000 professionals in communication strategies that build confident leaders and cohesive teams.
Her clients include the United States Army, United States Navy, National Institutes of Health, National Society of Black Engineers, and more than 50 colleges, universities, and professional associations nationwide. She is the founder of Vocal Value, a boutique training and development firm that delivers coaching, workshops, and digital learning programs.
Through Vocal Value, organizational leaders learn to use their voice to build teams that feel seen, heard, and connected, so collaboration comes naturally. Linnita's signature approach integrates wellness, neuroscience, and storytelling. As a Certified Holistic Coach, she teaches communication practices that support both high performance and well-being, empowering leaders to sustain their influence without compromising who they are. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Mass Communication from Towson University and a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management from the University of Maryland.
Key Note Speaker: To be Announced