ILIA 2025 News Feed

Youth at Cheltenham Youth Detention Center participated in individualized EmpowerOne coaching sessions focused on personal growth, emotional regulation, and future planning. Each session offered a private space for youth to discuss challenges, identify strengths, and set meaningful goals with the support of an ILIA coach. The one‑on‑one format allowed for tailored guidance, helping participants build confidence, develop healthier habits, and take practical steps toward positive change. Read more!

ILIA delivered an introductory course on the foundations of Islam to three incarcerated individuals at Wallens Ridge State Prison. Participants explored the meaning of Islam, the Six Articles of Faith, and the Five Pillars through guided discussion, reflection, and scenario‑based learning. The session emphasized spiritual grounding, moral conduct, and applying Islamic principles to daily life, offering participants clarity, purpose, and renewed direction. Read more!

Youth at Victor Cullen Center engaged in personalized EmpowerOne coaching sessions designed to support emotional growth, goal‑setting, and positive decision‑making. Each participant worked one‑on‑one with an ILIA coach to identify strengths, discuss challenges, and develop practical strategies for personal improvement. The individualized format created space for honest reflection, skill‑building, and encouragement tailored to each youth’s needs. Read more!

ILIA youth Marquis traveled 940 miles across SW Virginia and WV to research the forgotten history of Muslims and African Americans in Appalachia. Read more!

ILIA volunteers organized a November food collection and distribution drive to support families experiencing hardship across Baltimore. The initiative provided essential groceries, pantry staples, and warm meals, reflecting ILIA’s ongoing commitment to compassion, service, and uplifting local communities. Youth and adult volunteers worked together to sort, pack, and deliver items with care and dignity. Read more!

Parents participated in an ILIA‑led workshop focused on building healthy, supportive relationships with their teens. The session explored communication strategies, emotional awareness, and practical tools for navigating challenges at home. Through guided discussion and real‑life scenarios, parents gained insights that promote trust, connection, and positive family dynamics. Read more!

ILIA delivered its I Can Lead coaching program to youth at Western Maryland Children’s Center, offering leadership development, character‑building activities, and guided reflection. Participants engaged in discussions on confidence, responsibility, and positive decision‑making, supported by practical exercises that strengthened communication and emotional resilience. The session created a supportive environment where youth explored their potential and practiced essential life and leadership skills. Read more!

Young adults in ILIA’s Grads2Careers program participated in a hands‑on project management training session designed to build real‑world workplace skills. Participants explored planning, task coordination, communication strategies, and problem‑solving through guided activities and practical scenarios. The training strengthened their confidence and readiness for career pathways requiring leadership, organization, and teamwork. Read more!

ILIA volunteers organized a November food collection and distribution drive to support families experiencing hardship across Baltimore. The initiative provided essential groceries, pantry staples, and warm meals, reflecting ILIA’s ongoing commitment to compassion, service, and uplifting local communities. Youth and adult volunteers worked together to sort, pack, and deliver items with care and dignity. Read more!

ILIA delivered its I Can Lead coaching program to youth at Charles H. Hickey, Jr. School, offering leadership development, personal reflection, and character‑building activities. Participants engaged in guided discussions, goal‑setting exercises, and values‑based learning designed to strengthen confidence, decision‑making, and emotional resilience. The session provided a supportive environment where youth explored their potential and practiced essential life and leadership skills. Read more!

Youth at Cheltenham Youth Detention Center participated in an engaging I Can Lead coaching session focused on building self‑confidence, communication skills, and personal responsibility. The workshop introduced practical leadership habits, encouraged youth to reflect on their strengths, and guided them through real‑life scenarios that promote positive decision‑making. The session created a supportive environment where participants could practice new skills and envision healthier paths forward. Read more!

Youth at the Baltimore Juvenile Justice Center participated in a dynamic I Can Lead coaching session focused on self‑awareness, responsibility, and personal growth. The workshop introduced practical leadership habits, helped participants identify their strengths, and guided them through real‑life decision‑making scenarios. The session encouraged youth to reflect on their goals, practice communication skills, and build confidence in their ability to lead themselves and others. Read more!

Youth at Victor Cullen Center participated in ILIA’s I Can Lead coaching program, taking part in activities designed to strengthen confidence, character, and leadership skills. Through guided discussions, reflection exercises, and practical teamwork challenges, participants explored responsibility, communication, and positive decision‑making. The session offered a supportive environment for youth to grow as emerging leaders and build skills for future success. Read more!

Youth at Backbone Mountain Youth Center took part in ILIA’s I Can Lead coaching program, engaging in activities that build confidence, character, and leadership skills. Through guided discussions, reflection exercises, and practical teamwork challenges, participants explored responsibility, communication, and positive decision‑making. The session offered a supportive space for youth to strengthen their potential and grow as emerging leaders. Read more!

ILIA volunteers organized a community food collection and distribution drive to support families facing hardship across Baltimore. The effort provided essential groceries, pantry items, and warm meals to households in need, reflecting ILIA’s commitment to service, compassion, and uplifting local communities. Youth and adult volunteers worked together to sort, pack, and deliver items with care and dignity. Read more!

Youth at ILIA’s STEM Center & Constructions program gained hands‑on experience in asphalt sealing, learning practical trade skills through real‑world application. Participants practiced surface preparation, sealing techniques, and safety procedures while building teamwork and confidence. The session supported career exploration and introduced youth to skills they can carry into future employment opportunities. Read more!

ILIA delivered an educational session on the foundations of Islam to fifty incarcerated individuals at Red Onion State Prison. Participants explored the meaning of Islam, the Six Articles of Faith, and the Five Pillars through guided discussion and reflection. The session emphasized spiritual growth, moral conduct, and applying Islamic principles to daily life, offering participants clarity, grounding, and renewed purpose. Read more!

ILIA delivered a Friday Khutbah and mentorship session for individuals at Howard County Detention Center, offering spiritual guidance, reflection, and supportive conversation. Participants engaged in discussions on faith, character, and personal responsibility, gaining encouragement and direction through one‑on‑one and group‑based mentorship. Read more!

ILIA delivered a Friday Khutbah and mentorship session for incarcerated individuals at Howard County Detention Center, offering spiritual guidance and space for reflection. Participants engaged in discussions on faith, character, and personal responsibility, supported by one‑on‑one mentorship that encouraged resilience, positive decision‑making, and renewed purpose. Read more!

ILIA delivered an introductory course on the foundations of Islam to an incarcerated participant at Buckingham Correctional Center. The session explored the meaning of Islam, the Six Articles of Faith, and the Five Pillars, supported by reflection and scenario‑based learning. The individualized format allowed for deeper discussion on worship, moral conduct, and applying Islamic principles to daily life and personal growth. Read more!

ILIA delivered a combined EmpowerOne coaching session for fifty‑seven Muslim youth at the Baltimore Juvenile Justice Center, offering both one‑on‑one mentorship and group‑based reflection. Youth explored emotional resilience, identity, and faith‑centered decision‑making through guided dialogue and peer learning. The session provided a supportive space for growth, confidence‑building, and renewed purpose. Read more!

ILIA delivered a Friday Khutbah and mentorship session for incarcerated individuals at Red Onion State Prison. The gathering offered spiritual guidance, reflection on Quranic teachings, and one‑on‑one mentorship focused on resilience and personal growth. Participants engaged in meaningful dialogue that strengthened faith, encouraged positive decision‑making, and fostered a renewed sense of purpose. Read more!

ILIA delivered personalized EmpowerOne coaching to two incarcerated individuals at Cold Springs Correctional Unit, focusing on reflection and lessons from Surah Al‑Kahf. Participants explored themes of faith, humility, knowledge, and responsibility through guided discussion and one‑on‑one mentorship. The session supported spiritual growth, emotional resilience, and deeper understanding of the Surah’s timeless guidance. Read more!

ILIA delivered individualized EmpowerOne coaching to thirty‑seven incarcerated individuals at Red Onion State Prison, offering personal mentorship focused on emotional resilience, goal‑setting, and faith‑centered reflection. Participants engaged in meaningful one‑on‑one conversations that supported their personal growth, strengthened their decision‑making, and encouraged a renewed sense of purpose. Read more!

ILIA delivered personalized EmpowerOne coaching to thirty‑one incarcerated individuals at Keen Mountain Correctional Center. The session offered one‑on‑one mentorship focused on emotional resilience, goal‑setting, and faith‑centered reflection. Participants engaged in meaningful dialogue, exploring their strengths and building strategies for personal growth and reintegration. Read more!

ILIA volunteers gathered to launch a food collection and distribution drive supporting families in need across Baltimore. The initiative provided essential groceries, pantry staples, and warm meals to dozens of households, reinforcing ILIA’s commitment to service, dignity, and community care. Youth and adult volunteers worked side by side to sort, pack, and deliver items with compassion and purpose. Read more!

Grads2Careers(G2C) 2025 launches this November with a new wave of ambition and purpose. As young adults step into ILIA’s career empowerment program, they bring with them stories of resilience, untapped potential, and a hunger to grow. Over four weeks, they’ll gain hands-on experience, workplace coaching, and the confidence to lead in spaces they once felt excluded from. Read more!

I Can Lead program returns this fall with a renewed commitment to shaping ethical, confident youth leaders. As new participants join the weekend initiative, the energy in Baltimore shifts—young minds eager to grow, reflect, and lead are stepping into a space built for transformation. Read more!

At Maryum Islamic Center, ILIA delivered a powerful khutbah on Raising Kids in the Era of AI, urging Muslim families to lead, not follow, in shaping tomorrow’s world. The message called for intentional parenting, ethical leadership, and proactive engagement with technology, reminding the community that our test in America is to guide change toward the Sunnah. Muslims must be agents of positive transformation, building youth who are spiritually anchored and intellectually equipped to navigate the future with clarity and conviction. Read more!

EmpowerOne Young Professional program delivered focused one-on-one coaching to 2 youth at the Baltimore site, guiding them through goal-setting, job readiness, and workplace habits. Participants practiced setting and reviewing daily goals, explored strategies for finding employment, and discussed how to maintain professionalism and consistency once hired. Read more!

ILIA’s chaplaincy and coaching team led a spiritually grounded Friday Khutbah and group coaching session with 14 incarcerated individuals at the Howard County Detention Center (HCDC). The gathering offered a space for reflection, renewal, and values-based mentorship—bridging Islamic teachings with personal development in a setting where hope and healing are deeply needed. Read more!

ILIA’s Islamic Studies Distance Learning program launched its Introduction to the Pillars of Islam course across Red Onion and Wallens Ridge State Prisons, reaching 56 incarcerated students with structured, values-based education. Read more!

ILIA’s Youth hosted a Food Collection & Drive, mobilizing 10 volunteers to serve 13 beneficiaries with compassion and care. From 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, families gathered at 4903 Liberty Heights Avenue to receive essential food items and contribute donations that would support neighbors in need. Read more!

ILIA’s chaplaincy and coaching team led a spiritually grounded Friday Khutbah and group coaching session with 14 incarcerated individuals at the Howard County Detention Center (HCDC). The gathering offered a space for reflection, renewal, and values-based mentorship—bridging Islamic teachings with personal development in a setting where hope and healing are deeply needed. Read more!

On August 15th, ILIA’s chaplaincy team facilitated a powerful Friday Khutbah and group coaching session with 23 incarcerated individuals at the Howard County Detention Center (HCDC). The session offered a space for spiritual grounding and personal reflection, blending core Islamic teachings with open, respectful dialogue. Read more!

In a focused and intimate Friday Khutbah session, ILIA’s chaplaincy team engaged 8 incarcerated individuals at the Howard County Detention Center (HCDC) in a journey of spiritual clarity and personal accountability. The session blended Qur’anic reflection with open coaching dialogue, creating space for honest questions and meaningful growth. Read more!

ILIA youth visited Becton Dickinson (BD) in Maryland for an immersive employer engagement focused on healthcare innovation and ethical leadership. Through guided tours and mentorship, students learned how BD advances medical technology to improve patient care and global health outcomes. Read more!

ILIA youth visited NASA Goddard Space Flight Center for a hands-on employer engagement experience that connected science, ethics, and aspiration. Students explored active space missions, met engineers and scientists, and learned how careers in STEM can align with values and purpose. Read more!

As part of ILIA’s summer employer engagement series, youth participated in a hands-on volunteer day focused on oyster reef rehabilitation in Baltimore. The visit introduced students to environmental science, marine restoration, and career pathways in conservation. Through direct service and mentorship, participants learned how ecological stewardship connects to leadership, ethics, and community impact. Read more!

ILIA’s EmpowerOne initiative reached Red Onion State Prison with a powerful blend of one-on-one and group coaching for 18 incarcerated individuals. Through sessions rooted in Tawhid, Shahadah, and the Pillars of Islam and Emaan, participants explored spiritual clarity and personal accountability. Read more!

On Sunday, July 27th, ILIA’s Baltimore site hosted a vibrant Food Collection & Drive, mobilizing 14 volunteers to serve 10 beneficiaries with compassion and care. From 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, families gathered at 4903 Liberty Heights Avenue to receive essential food items and contribute donations that would support neighbors in need. Read more!

ILIA’s chaplaincy and coaching team led a spiritually grounded Friday Khutbah and group coaching session with 11 incarcerated individuals at the Howard County Detention Center (HCDC). The gathering created space for reflection, renewal, and values-based mentorship—bridging Islamic teachings with personal development in a setting where hope and healing are deeply needed. Read more!

ILIA’s chaplaincy and coaching team led a focused Friday Khutbah and group coaching session with 10 incarcerated individuals at the Howard County Detention Center (HCDC). The gathering offered a space for spiritual reflection and personal growth, blending Islamic teachings with values-based mentorship in an intimate setting. Read more!

EmpoweReer Baltimore 2025 program continues to gain momentum as fresh youth energy fuels its mission of career empowerment and ethical leadership. With new participants joining the summer initiative, ILIA is expanding its reach and deepening its impact, offering hands-on experiences, mentorship, and values-based training that prepare youth for real-world challenges. This infusion of talent and enthusiasm reflects the growing demand for purpose-driven opportunities that uplift communities and shape future changemakers. Read more!

In a moment that pierced through the shadows, a 14-year-old youth brought hope into one of the darkest corners of the justice system, a New Hampshire prison cell. Through ILIA’s Prison Empowerment Program, this young leader shared a message of resilience and faith with an incarcerated individual, reminding us that even behind bars, light can reach the soul. The encounter reflects ILIA’s unwavering belief in the power of youth to uplift, heal, and transform lives, no matter the setting. Read more!

In a heartening moment of compassion and care, two chimney swifts were safely guided to a wildlife rehabilitation center after being discovered in need. These aerial insectivores, known for their high-speed flight and distinctive chittering, are increasingly vulnerable due to habitat loss and urban development. ILIA’s swift response highlights the importance of community awareness and ethical stewardship of our environment. Read more!

ILIA’s chaplaincy and coaching team delivered a spiritually grounded Friday Khutbah and group coaching session to 16 incarcerated individuals at the Howard County Detention Center (HCDC). The gathering offered a space for reflection, renewal, and values-based mentorship—bridging Islamic teachings with personal development in a setting where hope and healing are deeply needed. Read more!

At the Maryland Department of Juvenile Services on Gay Street, ILIA’s EmpowerOne coaching team delivered a transformative session for youth navigating the justice system. Through one-on-one and group coaching, participants explored core Islamic principles. Read more!

ILIA’s chaplaincy and coaching team returned to the Howard County Detention Center (HCDC) to deliver a spiritually grounded Friday Khutbah and group coaching session to 15 incarcerated individuals. The gathering offered a space for reflection, renewal, and values-based mentorship—bridging Islamic teachings with personal development in a setting where hope and healing are deeply needed. Read more!

ILIA’s chaplaincy and coaching team returned to the Howard County Detention Center (HCDC) to deliver a spiritually grounded Friday Khutbah and group coaching session to 19 incarcerated individuals. The gathering offered a space for reflection, renewal, and values-based mentorship—bridging Islamic teachings with personal development in a setting where hope and healing are deeply needed. Read more!

EmpowerOne Coaching program delivered personalized one-on-one sessions to three EmpoweReer youth at the Baltimore site, helping them build clarity, confidence, and career direction. Through structured goal-setting, emotional check-ins, and values-based mentorship, each participant explored their strengths and refined their summer objectives. Read more!

Islamic Leadership Institute of America (ILIA) proudly launched the EmpoweReer Baltimore 2025 program, igniting a summer of growth, leadership, and career exploration for youth across the region. With a focus on values-driven empowerment, the kickoff event brought together students, mentors, and community leaders to celebrate the start of a transformative journey. From hands-on workshops to leadership development and industry exposure, EmpoweReer is shaping the next generation of changemakers, one experience at a time. Read more!

ILIA’s chaplaincy and coaching team returned to the Howard County Detention Center (HCDC) to deliver a spiritually grounded Friday Khutbah and group coaching session to 18 incarcerated individuals. The gathering offered a space for reflection, renewal, and values-based mentorship—bridging Islamic teachings with personal development in a setting where hope and healing are deeply needed. Read more!

ILIA’s Baltimore team hosted a community meat distribution on Saturday, June 7th, serving 10 beneficiaries with the support of 5 dedicated volunteers. From 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, families arrived at 4903 Liberty Heights Avenue to receive fresh or frozen halal meat in 2–3 lb pouches—no registration required, just compassion offered first-come, first-served. The drive reflected ILIA’s commitment to food justice, mercy, and youth-led service, ensuring that every distribution is rooted in dignity and care. Supplies were limited, but the impact was lasting—each pouch a symbol of solidarity and shared responsibility. Read more!

ILIA offers versatile rental spaces for hosting family events, social meetings and community gatherings. Our space provides a welcoming and well-equipped venue for community members. Read more!

We are proud to announce a meaningful milestone in the journey of Muslim Connector, our flagship educational publication dedicated to faith, empowerment, and resilience. Now available at the Hancock County Safety Complex in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, this expansion marks a pivotal moment as our work reaches the Deep South.  Read more!

Islamic Leadership Institute of America (ILIA) proudly participated in the Baltimore Youth Development Exhibition, hosted by the Baltimore Children & Youth Fund. With over 100 attendees, including Mayor Brandon Scott, the event spotlighted ILIA’s commitment to youth leadership, civic engagement, and wellness. Through interactive activities like affirmation writing and assertive communication exercises, ILIA’s exhibit emphasized the power of youth voice and ethical leadership. Read more!

ILIA showcased its youth leadership programs at the Baltimore Youth Development Exhibition, engaging attendees through interactive activities and powerful conversations. Team members Shane Ford, Yomna Nassar, and Ayman Nassar represented ILIA as part of BCYF’s Youth Development Strategy Circle. Mayor Brandon Scott was in attendance and shared strategic remarks about Baltimore's youth development ecosystem. The event was attended by more than 400 funders, city leaders, nonprofit changemakers, youth leaders and highlights ILIA's commitment to empowering youth and supporting schools and nonprofits through consulting and capacity-building services.  Read more.

ILIA hosted a community-centered Food Collection & Drive, mobilizing 3 volunteers to serve 13 beneficiaries with dignity and care. From 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, neighbors gathered at 4903 Liberty Heights Avenue to receive essential food items and contribute donations that would support families in need. The drive reflected ILIA’s values of mercy, trustworthiness, and service—offering not just groceries, but hope and solidarity. Read more!

ILIA’s Kareem Mursi Scholarship Award Ceremony celebrates the dedication and achievements of outstanding students, highlighting their hard work and commitment to academic success. Read more!

Bmore STEAM is committed to equipping young minds with the tools, knowledge, and leadership skills needed to excel in STEM fields while fostering creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking. Read more!

ILIA’s Friday Khutbah at HCDC offers spiritual guidance, encouragement, and connection to individuals seeking faith and renewal in their journey. Read more!

Ellicott City Weekly Halaqa provides a space for young Muslim adults to explore spiritual growth, intellectual discussions, and leadership development, helping them reconcile Islamic principles with modern-day realities. Read more!

ILIA’s Food Drive is a community-driven initiative, led by college student Shane Ford, that brings volunteers together to support families in need through food collection, distribution, and outreach. Read more!

Bmore STEAM is committed to equipping young minds with the tools, knowledge, and leadership skills needed to excel in STEM fields while fostering creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking. Read more!

ILIA’s Friday Khutbah at HCDC offers spiritual guidance, encouragement, and connection to individuals seeking faith and renewal in their journey. Read more!

ILIA’s Food Drive Volunteer Kickoff & Planning Event unites passionate individuals to strategize, mobilize, and make a real impact in the fight against hunger. Read more!

ILIA’s Community Iftar brought together individuals of all ages to share in the blessings of Ramadan, fostering unity, reflection, and meaningful connections. Read more!

ILIA’s Friday Khutbah at HCDC offers spiritual guidance, encouragement, and connection to individuals seeking faith and renewal in their journey. Read more!

Adolescence is a pivotal stage in life, marked by growth, challenges, and transformation. ILIA’s Five Skills for Healthy Parent-Teen Relations webinar provides parents with essential tools and strategies to support their teens in navigating adolescence with confidence and understanding. Read more!

ILIA’s EmpowerOne initiative provides personalized and group coaching for Muslim youth, equipping them with the tools, confidence, and guidance to navigate their personal and professional journeys. Read more!

ILIA’s Youth Crisis Line remains a lifeline for young individuals in need, offering guidance, reassurance, and critical assistance during difficult times. Read more!

ILIA’s Teacher Professional Development Day is dedicated to empowering educators with the tools, strategies, and insights needed to enhance their teaching effectiveness and leadership in the classroom. Read more!

ILIA’s Community Leadership Empowerment Weekend is designed to equip individuals with the skills, confidence, and strategic mindset needed to drive meaningful change in their communities. Read more!

Stronger Than You Think – Advocating & Serving Muslim Communities, Empowerment begins with action. Stronger Than You Think is an initiative dedicated to mobilizing students, raising awareness, and fostering meaningful community service to support Muslim communities. Read more!

Feeding Communities, Changing Lives, ILIA’s Food Collection & Drive is a powerful initiative aimed at providing essential nourishment to families in need, ensuring that no one in our communities goes hungry. Read more!

Elhaam Academy had the honor of welcoming Ayman Nassar, Founder and Board Trustee Member of Islamic Leadership Institute of America (ILIA), and a leading voice in Islamic leadership and digital transformation.  Read more!

Building Community Through Service, ILIA’s Intermediate Volunteering initiative invites young individuals to give back, connect, and take ownership of their community spaces. This hands-on effort ensures that ILIA remains welcoming, clean, and beautiful, while fostering teamwork and a shared mission of service. Read more!

Sharpen Your Voice: Khateeb & Public Speaking Basics at River Hill High School, ILIA’s Khateeb & Public Speaking Basics workshop equips students with essential speaking skills, leadership presence, and confidence to effectively deliver khutbahs, speeches, and presentations. Read more!

ILIA’s Intermediate Volunteering Training brings together individuals eager to make a meaningful impact in their communities, whether through STEAM education, scholarships, food drives, or clothing initiatives. Read more!

A fresh start to another year of mentorship, skill-building, and career development. Discover how ILIA’s College Internship Program continues to empower young adults with real-world experience and professional growth. Read more!

Empowering Future Leaders: High School Internship Program Resume in January 2025 ILIA’s High School Internship Program offers young students a unique opportunity to develop leadership, gain hands-on experience, and explore career pathways, all while making a meaningful impact in their communities.. Read more!