Meet Sadia

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Sadia. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Sadia below.

Sadia, thank you so much for joining us today. Let’s jump right into something we’re really interested in hearing about from you – being the only one in the room. So many of us find ourselves as the only woman in the room, the only immigrant or the only artist in the room, etc. Can you talk to us about how you have learned to be effective and successful in situations where you are the only one in the room like you?

Being the only one in the room, especially as a Muslim woman of color, has often led me to question my place in professional spaces. I battled with imposter syndrome, doubting whether I belonged or if I was enough. Over time, however, I came to realize that the very things that made me feel different were actually my greatest strengths.

One pivotal moment in my journey came during a leadership meeting where I was not only the youngest but also the only woman of color in the room. Initially, I felt those familiar doubts creeping in, but then I reminded myself that my voice—my unique perspective—was my signature, something no one else could offer. I chose to speak up, sharing insights grounded in my lived experiences, particularly around diversity, equity, and inclusion. That moment became a turning point. Not only did my contributions shape key decisions, but it also reinforced that my voice had immense value, even when I was the only one like me at the table.

To thrive in these spaces, I’ve learned the importance of balancing confidence with humility. I bring my authentic self into every room, embracing my distinct identity as a strength rather than a barrier. This approach has allowed me to forge genuine connections, advocate for meaningful change, and create environments where others also feel empowered to bring their full selves to work. Over time, it has not only helped me succeed but has also fostered inclusive cultures in every space I’ve been part of.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

I specialize in creating inclusive, people-first work cultures, with a strong emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Through optimizing HR processes, enhancing employee engagement, and driving organizational success, I’ve helped various organizations thrive. I hold a BBA in Human Resources Management and am currently pursuing my MBA to further deepen my expertise.

One of my most fulfilling roles is serving as a Human Resources Consultant and Advisory Board Member at Asiyah Women’s Center, New York City’s first domestic violence center for South Asian women. Here, I offer strategic HR guidance, manage employee relations, and conduct workshops to align staff with best HR practices, fostering an environment of safety, support, and empowerment for both employees and the women they serve.

As the founder of SadiaSaidSo, I’ve created a platform dedicated to empowering Muslim women to confidently navigate business while staying true to their faith. Whether it’s through career coaching, resume services, or personal branding strategies, I am passionate about providing tools and actionable strategies that allow women to excel professionally. My approach blends business acumen with emotional intelligence, creating lasting impacts for individuals and organizations alike.

In addition to my work with organizations, I am also an instructor for youth programs at YMJ, where I teach a specialized course on entrepreneurship. The course focuses on building Islamic ethics-based business models, guiding young students to create ventures that prioritize both ethical standards and profitability. It’s an honor to mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs and empower them to integrate their faith into their business practices.

Now, I’m excited to take this mission further with my upcoming event, Elevate & Empower: The Level Up Masterclass, on December 14th in New York City! This exclusive event is designed to help Muslim and BIPOC women unlock their potential, elevate their careers, and build impactful personal brands as they set their goals for 2025. With hands-on vision board creation, personal branding workshops, a discussion on tawakkul (trust in God’s plan), and meaningful networking opportunities, this event will provide the tools to lay the foundation for a successful and purpose-driven year. Let’s come together, elevate, and set ourselves up for success in 2025!

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Emotional Intelligence (EI): Emotional intelligence has been the foundation of my professional success. It has allowed me to navigate complex interpersonal dynamics, understand the perspectives of others, and build authentic connections. Whether I’m leading a team or working with clients, being attuned to emotions—both mine and others’—helps foster collaboration and trust. For those starting, I’d advise practicing active listening and being self-aware. Emotional intelligence isn’t just about being empathetic, it’s also about managing your own emotions in high-pressure situations.

Resilience: The ability to bounce back from setbacks has been key throughout my journey. Working in leadership and human resources often comes with challenges, from navigating difficult conversations to handling organizational changes. Learning to stay calm and focused despite obstacles has helped me stay grounded and continue pushing forward. My advice is to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth and not be afraid to fail—what matters is how you get back up.

Strategic Thinking: Having a clear vision and the ability to think long-term has made a huge difference in my ability to contribute meaningfully to organizations. Whether planning HR initiatives or guiding others in their career paths, strategic thinking allows you to align your actions with larger goals. For those early in their careers, I recommend honing this skill by setting short-term and long-term goals and regularly reflecting on how your daily actions support your overall vision.

One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?

I’m always open to collaborating with individuals and organizations that share a vision for empowering women, in both professional and personal growth. I’m especially interested in partnering with brands, organizations, and thought leaders who focus on career development, personal branding, and entrepreneurship.

For my upcoming event, Elevate & Empower: The Level Up Masterclass, I’m seeking partnerships with businesses and sponsors who are passionate about supporting women’s empowerment, whether through providing resources, promoting personal development, or creating entrepreneurial opportunities. I’m also looking to collaborate with brands that cater to Muslim women, such as hijabi fashion brands or Islamic lifestyle companies.

If you are interested in partnering or collaborating, I’d love to connect! You can reach out to me via email at [email protected], or connect with me through my website SadiaSaidSo.com or Instagram @SadiaSaidSo. Let’s work together to create impactful and meaningful opportunities for women to elevate and succeed.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

The photographer is @D.1.Media

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