Ibtihaj Muhammad -- the first American woman to to compete, and medal, in a hijab during the Olympics -- will bring her story to a SUNY Oswego audience in a 6:30 p.m. March 9 virtual talk in the “I Am Oz” Diversity Speaker Series.
Online registration is open for this free event.
Muhammad is an entrepreneur, activist, speaker and a 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, five-time Senior World medalist and World Champion in 2016. But in addition to her fencing skill, Muhammad is a sporting pioneer, becoming the first American woman to compete in the Olympics in hijab, as well as to medal, in those 2016 games.
She published a debut memoir, “PROUD: My Fight for an Unlikely American Dream.” and in September 2019 released her first children’s book “The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family,” which instantly became a New York Times Best Seller.
In 2017, Mattel announced their first hijabi Barbie, modeled in Muhammad’s likeness, as part of Barbie’s “Shero” line of dolls. The Barbie became available for purchase in July 2018.
In 2014, Muhammad launched her own clothing company, Louella, which aims to bring modest, fashionable and affordable clothing to the United States market.
Muhammad is a sports ambassador with the U.S. Department of State’s Empowering Women and Girls through Sport Initiative and was nominated by President Barack Obama as a member of the President’s Council on Fitness, Health and Nutrition. She works closely with organizations like Athletes for Impact, the Special Olympics, and Laureus Sport for Good.
Named to Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential list, Muhammad is an important figure in a larger global discussion on equality and the importance of sport. Her voice continues to unite both the sports and non-sports world.
A three-time All-American at Duke University, Muhammad graduated with a dual major in international relations and African studies.
SUNY Oswego’s "I Am Oz" Diversity Speaker Series began in 2014 as a way to create awareness of the many perspectives, experiences and issues that impact communities.