Meet Sakina Ibrahim

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Sakina Ibrahim a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Sakina , so excited to talk about all sorts of important topics with you today. The first one we want to jump into is about being the only one in the room – for some that’s being the only person of color or the only non-native English speaker or the only non-MBA, etc Can you talk to us about how you have managed to be successful even when you were the only one in the room that looked like you?
I’ve often found myself as the only African American woman and millennial in the room, I’ve been in white institutions since high school. Navigating these spaces comes with cultural and emotional hurdles that can make one feel isolated. However, even with these challenges, I’ve discovered the undeniable significance of my voice, perspective, and experiences.

Years of experience have taught me to become an excellent listener and be observant to the room’s dynamics. This awareness empowers me to communicate my thoughts with clarity and precision. I’ve honed the skill of articulating my opinions and ideas in a way can help others become aware of any limitations they might possess. My journey, spanning roles as an academic educator, board member of various organizations, and entrepreneurial pursuits within corporate spaces has granted me the privilege of being present in those rooms but remember to stand as an individual.

Advocating for my needs and setting boundaries has been a crucial lesson. There’s a misconception that, because we’ve earned a spot in these rooms, we must shoulder extra burdens to prove our worthiness. Over time, I’ve found healing from this mindset, transcending the imposter syndrome. This approach helped me to prioritize self-care and recognize the value of delegation.

My experiences have paved the way for growth, not just for me, but for those who will follow. Through resilience and determination, I strive to create a world where diversity is embraced and empowerment knows no bounds. It’s my hope for a world where the presence of women of color in thriving capacities becomes the norm, not the exception.

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 am Sakina Ibrahim, I wear multiple hats, each representing a unique aspect of my gifts and mission to make a positive impact on those I cross paths with.

I’m an author with a deep commitment to self-help and healing. My books, “To Begin A Journey in Self Love and Healing” and the NAACP Image Award-winning “Big Words to Little Me: Advice to the Younger Self,” hold a special place in my heart. These works are dedicated to guiding girls and women of color on a journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and healing. It’s incredibly gratifying to witness readers embracing the tools and insights I provide, and using them to cultivate self-love and personal growth.

I’m also the Founder and Director of Dance Arts Academy. My company offers arts education and cultural diversity programming to both schools and corporations. What excites me most about this venture is the opportunity to instill discipline and creativity in young minds and connect with buys adult who forget the importance to community and being a life-long learner. By exposing them to the world of arts, I’m helping them develop essential life skills while fostering their imagination and self-expression.

At the core of my brand are the pillars of impact, culture, and community. These values guide everything I do. It brings me joy to see the transformative effects of my programs on my clients, students, and readers. Witnessing them discover a sense of purpose and passion.

For me, creative expression isn’t just a personal outlet; it’s a means to create positive change. I pour my heart into crafting programs, stories, and experiences that resonate with individuals from diverse backgrounds. Through my work, I’m able to bridge gaps, promote understanding, and cultivate a sense of unity within our communities. One of my proudest moments was facilitating a mindfulness and stretching master class with Google (State of Black Women). Creating a space for us as women of color to connect during moments of intense pressure to perform was vital and the moderator Kasandra Moultrie did a wonderful job curating this event centered on wellness in the work place.

My journey is fueled by a deep-seated commitment to empower, uplift, and inspire. Whether it’s through the pages of my books, the Studio Dance Arts Academy in Santa Ana, or the connections I forge with high performers, I’m dedicated to leaving a lasting legacy of growth, transformation, and a boundless love in the world.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back I believe Empathy, Growth and Perseverance are the the qualities that have been most impactful on my journey. To those who are at the beginning of their journey, I encourage you to embrace these qualities with dedication and curiosity. Remember that empathy helps us to connect and see ourselves in others, growth is a continuous process, and as they say “its not about the destination, its about the journey.” Stay open to learning from both successes and setbacks, and don’t be afraid to pause and reset. I have learned there is a difference between preserving and fighting to go in the wrong direction. Pausing is powerful and learning you can trust there is a wonderful plan for your life unfolding is a great mentality to have when things get tough.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?
This question excites me, I love books! They’ve been my guides, shaping my healing journey and contributing to my desire to be successful, some of my favorites are “Purpose Awakening” by Ekhart Tolle, this was my first self -help book which helped me to dedicate my life journey to discovering true purpose. “The Four Agreements” gave me insight on how to gain personal freedom and the power of what we align our thoughts with. A newer favorite is “Letting Go” which offered me the tools of how to let go when life is shifting and moving, my boyfriend gave me this book when we first met and I am so grateful because it was truly a life skill I needed to embrace. Also, I love the Bible, it provides me with a spiritual connection that anchors me with wisdom. Each of these books have made a powerful impact on me.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Kenneth “K.L.” Wright Jr. – Kloooksvis.com Curtisha Thomas – Graysegments.com Michale Tullberg

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