The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today thanked congressional sponsor Rep. Donald Beyer (D-VA), organizational cosponsors Diyanet Center of America, Islamic Society of the Washington Area (ISWA), Islamic Society of Frederick, Islamic Society of Baltimore (ISB), and all those who helped make its 10th annual Muslim Youth Leadership Symposium (MYLS) a sold-out success.
The event, open to youth between the ages of 13-19 based in Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia, was held at the Rayburn House Office Building on Capitol Hill.
This year’s program was themed “Voices Unshaken: Defending Justice, Cultivating Resilience.”
MYLS 2025 keynote speaker Maryam Fakhruddin centered mental health to allow advocates to fully support one another and continue pushing for justice with clarity, compassion, and strength.
“CAIR thanks all of our sponsors and the community who helped make our 10th annual MYLS this year a resounding success. This support enables us to continue to provide opportunities to empower our next generation of leaders and equip them with knowledge and tools to help them succeed,” said CAIR Maryland’s Director Zainab Chaudry.
“MYLS 2025 is more than just a leadership symposium—it’s a space where young Muslims can find their voice, build power, and grow in confidence. Our youth deserve to feel empowered, supported, and seen,”said CAIR Maryland’s Outreach Coordinator, Kimberly Syuardi.
Highlights from the event included tours of the U.S. Capitol and Library of Congress, and opportunities to connect with congressional staffers.
The Washington-based civil rights organization has been organizing Muslim youth leadership programs in states across the country for more than a decade. Participants have gone on to become respected community leaders, public servants, activists, community organizers, and youth leaders.
MYLS is designed to encourage civic and political engagement by American Muslim youth, empower them to guide their communities from the margins to the mainstream of society and to provide resources to foster a well-integrated American Muslim identity that flourishes in a pluralistic America.
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, protect civil rights, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR Maryland Director Zainab Chaudry, zchaudry@cair.com, 410-971-6062; CAIR Maryland Outreach Coordinator Kim Syuardi, ksyuardi@cair.com, 202-850-9293; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, rmccaw@cair.com