Photographer Eman Mohammed, a member of the Muslim-American community, began reflecting on how little she knew about the accomplishments of other Muslim-American women. Determined to showcase their stories, she launched a long-term portraiture project highlighting the achievements of these women, especially in sports.
“The project isn’t aiming to break stereotypes because these women already shattered them,” Mohammed explains. “My goal is to highlight these women as they do it.”
Through her portraits, Mohammed documents the unique paths of Muslim-American women athletes, aiming to inspire others in the community by showing real-life representation.
Subreen Dari – 37-Year-Old Weightlifting Champion
Subreen Dari, 37, is a Palestinian-American weightlifter from Strongsville, Ohio, and one of the few Muslim-Hijabi women in her sport. A mother of two, full-time office manager, and part-time nursing student, Dari discovered her passion for weightlifting after meeting her son’s trainer at a sports facility.
She soon began competing locally and has ambitions for international competitions, including the 2024 Olympics in Paris.
“I feel so empowered doing what I love while staying true to myself,” Dari says. “It makes me proud as a mom and humbles me to set a positive example for my daughter, so she knows she can be anything she wants.”
Aprar Hassan – 23-Year-Old Karate Prodigy
Aprar Hassan, 23, is a Muslim-American karate athlete holding a Sandan (third-degree black belt). She started karate at age three, encouraged by her father and coach, Yasser Salama, a former Egyptian national competitor. By age five, Hassan was competing in U.S. national championships, winning her first national title in 2017.
Hassan has faced challenges due to her identity and Hijab, including a near-disqualification at the World Karate Championships in Scotland. However, she persevered and continues to compete at national and international levels.
“Being a Muslim Hijabi athlete can be challenging because of misunderstandings about my identity,” she says, “but I stay focused on my goals and love representing my community.”
Sara Yogi – 27-Year-Old Skateboarding Enthusiast
Sara Yogi, 27, a Nepali-American living in San Diego, California, began skateboarding just three years ago as a hobby. Quickly, her interest grew into a serious pursuit, as she became actively involved in competitions.
“As a woman of color and Muslim Hijabi, I feel welcomed and accepted within the skating community,” Yogi says. “The competition is friendly and encourages sharing knowledge and passion for the sport.”
Balancing her full-time retail job and college classes, Yogi is working toward professional competition while inspiring other women in similar communities.
Additional Young Athlete – 19-Year-Old Rising Star
Among the community of Muslim-American athletes is a 19-year-old rising star excelling in track and field. Starting competitive sports at a young age, she represents a new generation of young Muslim-American athletes making their mark in U.S. sports.
Her dedication highlights the growing presence of Muslim-American girls in athletics, inspiring younger athletes to pursue their dreams without fear of discrimination or exclusion.
The Broader Impact
These stories highlight the growing representation of Muslim-American women in U.S. sports. From weightlifting to karate and skateboarding, their achievements break stereotypes and provide visible role models for young Muslim-American girls.
Through Eman Mohammed’s ongoing portrait project, the accomplishments of these women are celebrated, preserving their legacy and inspiring future generations to embrace sports, empowerment, and cultural pride.