Writing Cohort
Welcome to our 2024 House of Amal writing cohort! We have a fantastic group of 8 students who will be spending the year in the House as we work to create a disciplined writing practice, build our manuscripts, polish our writing skills, and build a lifelong community of writers to uplift and support each other. You will see these lovely writers at least 1-2x this year on our weekly House of Amal writing hour.
Bayan Fares
Bayan is a Palestinian writer, published poet, Licensed Social Worker, Tatreez Instructor, and founder of Badan Collective–a creative design house and educational space for Palestinian embroidery. She resides in the Chicagoland area, and received her masters in Social Service Administration from the University of Chicago. She has been writing for over 10 years with a focus on poetry, short stories, and journaling. Bayan loves to teach, and believes writing is the gateway to the soul, to building community, and is something everyone is welcome to participate in.
Zameenah Naqvi
Zameenah is a spoken-word poet based in Birmingham, UK. As well as this, she thoroughly enjoys her career as an optometrist. Zameenah began writing because she found it was a way to gather her thoughts in a way words could never fully express, and has been publishing her works via Instagram (@thethirddaugthersgift). Zameenah is passionate about relearning her faith, and taking bigger breaths of it each time, iA, and she writes as she documents this journey. You are most welcome to come along.
Walid Kessal
Walid Kessal is an Electronics engineering graduate from El Bachir El Ibrahimi University, specialized in Telecommunications and Microelectronics. He has a passion for human and machine communication, reflected in his interests such as poetry, sound and video editing, and software development. Walid's pursuit of personal and professional growth led him to complete programs including an Academic Writing course by Ms. Leung, public speaking training by Pathos.ps, and a media literacy camp by the AMLC.
In the world of poetry, his main motivation is to inspire a shift from the philosophically liberal to the Islamic way of life through the power of words.
Sundus Aladra
Sundus Aladra is a California-born everywhere-raised writer of Palestinian origin. Writing has been one of her most steadfast companions in the face of life's unpredictable ups and downs, and she thinks we all could use a little more of it in our world. Sundus holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science and International Relations and in her free time can be found trying to juggle her wide expanse of creative hobbies.
Michaya Mcmillan-Haqq
Michaya Toni is a multifaceted force weaving creativity, spirituality, and healing into her life’s work. She is a wife, mother and intuitive expressionist, who’s story unfolds as an inspirational Youtuber, poet and abstract artist. Since childhood, writing has been her sanctuary–a steadfast companion and compass in navigating life’s challenges. Her journey into poetry and public speaking began at the tender age of 9 years old, when she delivered her first speech. This early exploration laid the foundation for a lifelong passion for the arts that has since lead her to many extraordinary places. In her writing, Michaya delves into the beauty of nature, the sovereignty of God, self love and the intricate workings of the human mind. Having faced her own hardships, Michaya now walks a purposeful path towards healing and helping others. With her unique blend of creativity, spirituality, and empathy, she aims to uplift everyone she encounters on their journey toward wellness and self discovery. Michaya invites you to join her exploration of faith on YouTube @MichayaToni, where she provides a platform for discussion, understanding and connection. She is also sharing her poetry on Instagram and TikTok @MichayaToni.
Layanne Khaskia
Layanne Khaskia is a Palestinian-American and Muslim writer, poet, and biochemist. Born and raised in Maryland, she is currently a student at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Layanne was first introduced to the world of poetry at the age of 17 and has been captivated ever since. Her work centers Palestinian culture, Islamic spirituality, and a deep connection with community and environment.
Zainab Hashmi
Zainab Hashmi is 24 years old and she graduated from Virginia Tech in 2017 with a Bachelor of Architecture. She is currently an architect located in the Northern Virginia area working in DC. She has been writing short stories, poetry, and excerpts ever since she was a young child. She loves reading poetry, painting (calligraphy specifically), and baking everything from cakes to cookies. Zainab also has a penchant for traveling (her favorite place has been Iceland thus far), hiking (Blacksburg has some of the best hiking spots in her opinion), and she is an avid stargazer. She loves meeting new people and being well rounded in different experiences.
Safiya Khan
Safiya Khan is a writer passionate about youth advocacy and empowerment. She is currently studying Government and International Politics on a pre-law track. She recently self-published her debut poetry collection "Starlit Storms" which was a #1 New Release in Asian-American Poetry on Amazon. Her work explores themes of identity, nature, spirituality, and mental health. She also tutors Arabic reading and teaches poetry workshops. With her writing and teaching, she hopes to inspire others to take the leap and never stop pursuing their passions.
What’s Included
Weekly Writing Studio
Spend two hours focusing on your craft and getting feedback from other dedicated writers.
Mentorship Opportunities
Be mentored & mentor, as you get support from a writer whose been in the game longer than you.
Publishing Opportunities
Get access to opportunities & contests.
Goal Setting
Learn how to set realistic, achievable writing goals while learning accountability through the support of your cohort.
Portfolio Building
Develop your portfolio by adding newly developed pieces, and polishing your older works. This will prepare you to apply to writing programs & jobs.
Network Building
The most important part of it all: connecting with passionate, dedicated, like-minded individuals who are on a path just like you.