Biography

“I strive to create an environment where people

can learn from each other in a way that doesn’t

make one person right and the other wrong.

My hope is that we can create a place where fear

and hatred is replaced by friendship and peace.”

-Mahnaz Shabbir

A Message Of Diversity

Learn first-hand and share the experiences of a United States citizen who is a member of a religious minority. In her presentation, Mahnaz explores how many Americans confuse cultural practices with the Muslim faith, such as expelling the myth that Islam is oppressive to women. For example,Muslim women were the first women in the world given the right to divorce and own property in their own name over 1,400 years ago! Shabbir often wears a hijab(traditional scarf) while presenting and draws upon her real-world experiences to break down barriers and educate on the true meaning of more than 7 million Muslims in the United States.

Working To Make The World A Better Place

“Salaam alaikum” is a greeting of peace.Mahnaz speaks these words to people of her own faith, and has included the

greeting to numerous groups she has spoken to since the September 11 terrorist attacks. Shabbir is simply trying to make the words, “One Nation Under God, Indivisible for Liberty and Justice for All” a reality foreveryone. She states: “The silent moderate Muslim community can no longer be silent. We have to share ourselves with others so that our children won’t face discrimination and racism. I can’t say I have lost my inhibitions and fears. They are all there, but what is stronger is my identity of who I am and as someone who is different, someone who is an American Muslim Woman.”

Keeping Martin Luther's Dream Alive

Mahnaz Shabbir is a nationally known speaker on topics of diversity. She has spoken at

the General Command Staff College at Fort Leavenworth in Kansas and the Army

Management College at Fort Belvoir in Virginia.

Here is an excerpt from a speech that Mahnaz gave to the NAACP chapter in Kansas City at a Martin Luther King celebration:

“… In his inspiring speech, “I have  a Dream”, Dr. King reflected on his dreams that he had for his children.  He  said, “ I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color  of their skin but by the content of their character”.

Hmm. I always felt that my children would be able to live in this country like any other  citizen--able to grow and contribute. Yet, in the wake of the tragedy of 9/11, my children, my family, my community are now  judged by their name, by their skin color, by our religion as being Muslims…

So, what can we learn from Dr. King today? What lessons did he teach us so that history  won’t repeat itself? Let’s examine those now and reflect on today’s situation….”

Mahnaz Shabbir has received the racial justice award from the YWCA in 2003 and the ACLU in 2007. In 2008, she received the Humanitarian Award from Harmony, an organization  recognizing citizens ranging from Harry Truman, Walter Cronkite to Buck O’Neil, committed to achieving their life’s work while supporting and promoting cultural diversity and inclusiveness.

Mahnaz Shabbir speaks from a place were the audience can hear their own life stories and be inspired in celebrating diversity.

“Mahnaz Shabbir is recognized as an agent of change who embraces

crowds and individuals with her professionalism and wonderful

personality. She is practical and inspirational. She asks the tough

questions that allow anybody to identify and remove barriers in

order to fulfill our destiny of a transformed community.”

-Juan M. Rangel, Jr.

Executive Director for The National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ)

“ You continue to lead in the area of understanding and relationships.

You are in my modern list of profiles of courage.”

- Jim Stacy, President: MC Lioness Realty Group, LLC

“ Mahnaz is an extraordinary visionary who has already made key contributions in building interfaith community. With her business skills, personal charm, and spiritual commitment, she makes hope for a better future palpable, and enables others to join in the process of mutual understanding, respect, and cooperation.”

The Reverend Vern Barnet, DMn Convener, The Kansas City Interfaith

Council and Kansas City Star Faith Columnist

You continue to amaze me. Your outreach and active leadership in promoting interfaith understanding is truly remarkable.

Ben Craig, Board Chair

Metcalf Bank

Mahnaz was an excellent resource as we developed our workplace event on the Islamic Religion and Ramadan. As our featured speaker, she did a superb job in presenting information about the Muslim people, Islam and the celebration of Eid in a clear, unassuming, professional manner. Based on all the comments, it was an overwhelming success. This would not have been possible without her involvement.

 Sue Kreamer, Project Leader, Hallmark Mass Sales Team

Hallmark Cards

 Your training was excellent.  It not only provided much needed information to help us address the various needs of our clients but it also challenged staff to consider personal filters.  I’m very grateful!

Karen K. Streeter, Executive Director 
Sheffield Place 

I just received the comments from the evaluation forms that people turned in at the Diversity Grand Rounds. Every single comment was “excellent” or “very interesting” or “great!”  This is the highest-rated Diversity Grand Rounds we’ve ever presented!  Thanks again for the tremendous job that you did – you know doctors well enough to know that they don’t dish out praise like this unless they really mean it.

Barbara Mueth, Vice President

Children’s Mercy Hospitals

As a Board of Trustee member,and on behalf of the planning team, I want to thank Mahnaz for sharing her story about what it felt like to be a Muslim woman after 9-11.  It takes courage to share personal feelings and perceptions with others who may not understand the depth of what happened.  It is in sharing  personal stories that people will begin to think about things that they may not have considered before, and the result can be life-changing for those who are willing to step out of the box and walk for a moment in someone else's shoes.  Mahnaz is a remarkable woman. 

Karen Hernandez, Board of Trustees

Kansas City Kansas Community College

I have engaged Mrs. Mahnaz Shabbir on more than a dozen occasions since 2003 in my elective course-Middle East Strategic Studies-at the US Army Command and General Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas .  Mrs. Shabbir has been an effective and articulate spokesperson in a variety of related subjects. As a result of her engagement with my students-middle grade KSUS military officers from all Services, and officers from more than a dozen countries-she has consistently provided a positive image countering a multitude of widespread stereotypes and myths. Students will carry their impressions of her presentation and example long after they've forgotten everything they read.

Professor John N. Cary

Department of Joint and Multinational Operations

US Army Command and General Staff College

Fort Leavenworth, KS