How to be Visibly Muslim in the US Government – Fatima Pashaei

Living Our Beliefs: Exploring Faith & Religion in Daily Life

Episode 83.
Is someone in your family an immigrant? Or are you yourself an immigrant? Are you visibly a member of a race or religion? And how do these markers of identity affect your work life and general sense of belonging?

In this conversation we explore the complexities of her life experience – being part of an extended family of mixed cultures and religions, being visibly Muslim at work, the 9/11 terrorist attack, and a bit about Christmas, perfect in the run up to that holiday.
Bio:
Fatima Pashaei, an American-born Muslim woman, has worked for the Federal government for the last 25 years. She is currently President of Mosaic - Muslim Federal Employee Association, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, which supports Muslims serving in the executive branch of government. Fatima is passionate about creating inclusive workplaces for people of all faith backgrounds. Fatima grew up in Washington, DC. with her six siblings, the daughter of an Iranian immigrant father and American mother, who instilled in her the value of service to others. Fatima lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, two sons, hairless cat, and rescue dog.
Highlights:
· Shia a minority Islamic sect globally, but the majority in Iran.

· Mother's conversion to Islam and integration of mixed cultural practices.

· Focus on broad Muslim identity rather than sectarian differences.

· Witnessed 9/11 attacks; felt impact on the Pentagon.

· Uncomfortable incidents with derogatory comments about Middle Eastern and Iraqi backgrounds.

· The challenge of being a woman in a male-dominated workforce and a Muslim in a non-Muslim area.

· Positive work experiences and cultural understanding moments.

· Christmas celebration – family time and cookies

· Jesus (Isa in Arabic) as prophet in Islam who performs miracles.

Social Media links for Fatima:
LinkedIn – www.linkedin.com/in/fatima-pashaei
Instagram – @fatipash
Mosaic (Muslim Federal Employee Association) – www.mosaicfeds.org

Social Media links for Méli:
Website – Talking with God Project
LinkedIn – Meli Solomon
Facebook – Meli Solomon
Transcript on Buzzsprout

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The Living Our Beliefs podcast offers a place to learn about other religions and faith practices. When you hear about how observant Christians, Jews and Muslims live their faith, new ideas and questions arise: Is your way similar or different? Is there an idea or practice that you want to explore? Understanding how other people live opens your mind and heart to new people you meet.
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The Living Our Beliefs podcast is part of the Talking with God Project – https://www.talkingwithgodproject.org/