The California chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-CA), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, proudly concluded its 19th annual Muslim Youth Leadership Program (MYLP) at the State Capitol in Sacramento, held from July 23 through July 26.
The four-day intensive program brought together 35 Muslim high school students from across California, selected from a competitive statewide pool. These aspiring leaders participated in workshops on community organizing, leadership development, and public speaking, gaining essential skills and knowledge to prepare them for future roles in government, law, and media.
SEE: MYLP Photos
Program Highlights
Key highlights of this year’s MYLP were mock committee hearings—where participants examined proposed bills, delivered testimony, and debated their merits—and a mock Assembly session, where they simulated floor debate and voting. Together, these experiences offered a hands-on understanding of how state laws are shaped and passed.
Participants also heard a keynote address from Hafsa Kaka, Senior Advisor on Homelessness to Governor Gavin Newsom. Drawing from her experience in public service, Kaka emphasized the importance of engaging with government officials—including those with opposing views—with both conviction and integrity. She encouraged students to build relationships rooted in mutual respect while remaining firmly grounded in their own values.
Reflecting on the program’s impact, CAIR-CA Legislative and Government Affairs Director Oussama Mokeddem said:
“MYLP is where our students come to realize that politics isn’t just something that happens to them; it’s something they can shape. As an alumnus from a low-income, immigrant household whose life was transformed by this program, I learned that my voice matters and can lead to real change. Watching these students walk into the Capitol with confidence—ready to lead, debate, and build—is a powerful reminder that we are raising a generation that won’t just be heard; they will help lead the way.”
CAIR San Francisco Bay Area Executive Director Zahra Billoo added:
“In a year when Muslim students are being silenced and censored, this program reminds us of the power and clarity they hold. These youth didn’t just learn how government works. They stepped into the roles themselves, asked tough questions, and spoke with courage and conviction. They are the future of our communities, and they give me so much hope.”
Background
Since its inception in 2005, MYLP has empowered more than 600 Muslim high school students from across California. Many alumni have gone on to attend top universities—including Harvard, Stanford, Cornell, Johns Hopkins, UC Berkeley, and UCLA—and to serve as elected officials, community organizers, and leaders in law, education, and advocacy.
The success of the 19th annual MYLP reflects CAIR-CA’s long-standing commitment to building a statewide foundation for Muslim civic engagement. As the program grows year after year, it continues to serve as a launching pad, not just for individual students, but for a broader movement of young Muslims shaping the future of California public life.
CAIR-CA is a chapter of CAIR, America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
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CONTACTS: CAIR Greater Los Angeles Senior Communications Coordinator Madi Hameed, mmorse-hameed@cair.com; CAIR Sacramento Valley/Central California Communications Contact Tasneem Manjra, 916.441.6269, tmanjra@cair.com; CAIR San Diego Executive Director Tazheen Nizam, 760.201.7626, tnizam@cair.com; CAIR San Francisco Bay Area Communications Manager Lorrie Adam, 408.498.5779, ladam@cair.com