I'm a community organizer currently based in Southwest Georgia who works with local rural communities to build progressive infrastructure. Born and raised in the D.C. area, I grew up in a traditional, but progressive, Pakistani household that was politically engaged. I studied political science at the University of Maryland,  and was deeply involved in Israel/Palestine activism, on the ground and also in the American Jewish community, which was deeply formative. I transitioned to domestic politics after the election of Donald Trump, and moved to Georgia to work on congressional campaigns and organize on economic justice issues. While I'm finding meaning in it, foreign policy is still my touchstone, and I'd like to return to that world professionally in the next few years. 

I feel strongly about what being American and being Muslim mean in terms of responsibilities and values, which is why I do the work I do. In general, my work is mostly my life (I don't have the healthiest balance!), but I love reading romance novels and watching good television, and spending time with friends! I miss D.C. a lot, and would like to end up back there, but I'm really enjoying working and learning in parts of the country and world that are so different from where I grew up. I like taking risks and working through challenges, especially in places that are outside of my comfort zone. Most of my life and work have been with people who are different- while I grew up religious and feel connected to desi identity, most of my friends and circles have been non-Muslims, and non-desis, which I love and have really appreciated. However, I'd like to be with someone who can help me on my path of being a better Muslim. 

It's important to me to be with someone who is passionate and progressive- I grew up talking about religion and politics every night at the dinner table, and I'd like that in a partner. I'm introverted, but I love people and I'm also talkative. I like dark humor and sarcasm. My death row meal would be pineapple pizza and jalapenos. My ideal first date would be coffee and a long walk, I think!