The Peaceful Families Project (PFP) is an initiative devoted to ending domestic violence in Muslim families by facilitating awareness workshops for Muslim leaders and communities, providing cultural sensitivity trainings and technical assistance for professionals, conducting research, and developing resources. PFP was founded by Sharifa Alkhateeb (1946-2004) in the year 2000. As a pioneer of Muslim anti-domestic violence advocacy, Sharifa worked tirelessly on behalf of Muslim victims and collaborated with Muslim leaders, communities, and activists across the U.S. as she provided workshops to raise awareness levels.
In an effort to affect change in all areas impacting victims and survivors of domestic violence, our programming includes prevention and intervention in its approach to community education and development, training and technical assistance, and research. We encourage a holistic approach to addressing domestic violence among Muslim families and communities through collaboration with imams, community leaders, community members, social service professionals, activists, educators, legal providers, and youth leaders.
Our Staff and Board of Directors are visionary community leaders who are dedicated to the mission of ending domestic violence through prevention work. Through their talent and expertise, the Peaceful Families Project is able to execute its mission and vision to promote attitudes and beliefs that emphasize justice, freedom from oppression, and family harmony.
In an effort to affect change in all areas impacting victims and survivors of domestic violence, our programming includes prevention and intervention in its approach to community education and development, training and technical assistance, and research. We encourage a holistic approach to addressing domestic violence among Muslim families and communities through collaboration with imams, community leaders, community members, social service professionals, activists, educators, legal providers, and youth leaders.
Our Staff and Board of Directors are visionary community leaders who are dedicated to the mission of ending domestic violence through prevention work. Through their talent and expertise, the Peaceful Families Project is able to execute its mission and vision to promote attitudes and beliefs that emphasize justice, freedom from oppression, and family harmony.
Our Mission
The mission of Peaceful Families Project is to eliminate family based violence in the diverse US based Muslim community through the core values and models of conduct embedded in Islam.
Peaceful Families Project engages nationally in the activities of Training, Research, Resource Development and Strategic Muslim representation with programming across the lifespan to achieve its goals.
Peaceful Families Project defines family-based violence as a form of oppression for which Muslims are given clear directions to confront. Peaceful Families Project believes that the system of oppression related to family based violence equally harms both brothers and sisters in the Muslim community.
Peaceful Families Project believes that the answer to the dilemma of family based violence is in the teachings of Islam.
Peaceful Families Project engages nationally in the activities of Training, Research, Resource Development and Strategic Muslim representation with programming across the lifespan to achieve its goals.
Peaceful Families Project defines family-based violence as a form of oppression for which Muslims are given clear directions to confront. Peaceful Families Project believes that the system of oppression related to family based violence equally harms both brothers and sisters in the Muslim community.
Peaceful Families Project believes that the answer to the dilemma of family based violence is in the teachings of Islam.
what does pfp do?
Program areas
Peaceful Families: Islamic perspectives on positive family functioning and intimate partner violence
Peaceful Parents: Parenting from a Prophetic Perspective. Raising strong young Muslims without oppression, humiliation, and violence.
Peaceful Futures:
Youth programming on Muslim identity, healthy relationships, development, diversity/tolerance, and cyber citizenship for middle/high school and university-aged youth.
1. Muslim Student Association Outreach/ Muslim Young Adult Counsel Against DV: Specialized programming and events for student leaders and advocates against family-based violence in the Muslim community.
Peaceful Partners
1. Male Allies: Promoting positive Muslim masculinity and leadership in addressing oppression in Muslim homes, communities, and the world.
2. Muslim Abusive Pattern Intervention: A Muslim faith-based curriculum addressing abusive behavior patterns when self-acknowledged or court-referred.
Peaceful Partings: An Islamic model of grief, divorce, and co-parenting with curriculum and programming.
Peaceful World: International programs rooted in PFP materials and curriculums.
Peaceful Parents: Parenting from a Prophetic Perspective. Raising strong young Muslims without oppression, humiliation, and violence.
Peaceful Futures:
Youth programming on Muslim identity, healthy relationships, development, diversity/tolerance, and cyber citizenship for middle/high school and university-aged youth.
1. Muslim Student Association Outreach/ Muslim Young Adult Counsel Against DV: Specialized programming and events for student leaders and advocates against family-based violence in the Muslim community.
Peaceful Partners
1. Male Allies: Promoting positive Muslim masculinity and leadership in addressing oppression in Muslim homes, communities, and the world.
2. Muslim Abusive Pattern Intervention: A Muslim faith-based curriculum addressing abusive behavior patterns when self-acknowledged or court-referred.
Peaceful Partings: An Islamic model of grief, divorce, and co-parenting with curriculum and programming.
Peaceful World: International programs rooted in PFP materials and curriculums.
Executive Team
Dr. Denise Berte |
Dr. Denise Ziya Berte is a licensed doctoral level clinical psychologist with over 25 years experience in forensic psychology and trauma (including domestic violence) and international issues related to mental health , war and refugees. Dr. Berte graduated from Temple University in Philadelphia with a Bachelors degree in Psychology and from the State University of New York at Albany with a Masters and Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. She is a licensed psychologist in Pennsylvania, Delaware and the State of Palestine. Dr. Berte was previously the Director of the Liberty Center for Survivors of Torture and the Clinical Director of An Najah Child Institute in Nablus, Palestine as well as a visiting professor for over five years at the Medical faculty at An Najah National University of Palestine. Dr. Berte has worked in Latin America, West Africa, the Middle East and Asia. She speaks Spanish and English fluently and French and Arabic with moderate fluency. Dr. Berte had published over 17 articles in professional journals and three book chapters. Dr. Berte is an international trainer in the areas of Mental Health and Trauma presenting to community and professional audiences on a regular basis. Dr. Berte is currently practicing in the PA, NJ and DE areas. Dr. Berte is a practicing Muslim and strives to enrich and enhance Muslim communities whenever possible.
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Tahani ChaudhryCoordinator of Research and Resource Development
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Tahani Chaudhry is currently pursuing a PhD in Clinical Psychology at George Mason University. She is passionate about serving the mental health needs of the Muslim and South Asian communities. Her research focuses on trauma and resilience, particularly the role of religion in facilitating resilience for Muslim survivors of intimate partner violence. Beyond research, she is passionate about community work with marginalized communities, facilitating access to services, and promoting resilience. Tahani has volunteered with domestic violence organizations serving South Asians and Muslims, creating professional development workshops for residents at a local shelter. Tahani recently moved to Northern Virginia and is looking forward to becoming a part of the Muslim community in the area.
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Anan helwihSocial Media Coordinator
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Anan Helwih is a digital marketing professional with 7 years of experience. Formerly a Business Development and Marketing Manager for a consulting agency and Marketing Director at a private school, Anan now serves as the Social Media Coordinator at Peaceful Families Project, where she's thrilled to contribute her expertise. Passionate about leveraging digital platforms, Anan excels in social media campaigns, email marketing, and content creation, driving impactful results in every role.
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Board of Directors
Bonita McGee |
Ms. McGee is a trainer, facilitator, consultant, and instructor, building community capacity and supporting organizational outcomes. Ms. McGee is a Certified Public Manager, holds a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt, and has a Master's in Islamic Studies and Bachelor's degree in Business Administration.
Ms. McGee has over 20 years of experience in domestic violence and sexual assault awareness advocacy, 20 years in community advocacy, facilitation, capacity building, and 13 years of public health experience. Previously Bonita worked at a domestic violence shelter and volunteered at Sexual Assault Response Network of Central Ohio (SARNCO) in Columbus, Ohio. Bonita served as Program Chair for Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) Domestic Violence Awareness Activities and developed a domestic violence website for ISNA in 2000. Ms. McGee is a member of the Muslim Advocacy Network Against Domestic Violence (MANADV) and continues to provide training and assessments for communities in need to address gender-based and sexual violence issues. She is a former board member of the Islamic Social Services Association-USA (ISSA-USA) and a former board member and co-founder of the Muslim Family Services of Ohio. Ms. McGee is one of the founding members of the Islamic Seminary Foundation. |
Mohamed Dewji
executive board member |
Mohamed Dewji was born in Kenya and moved to Canada in 1976 where he has been living since. He is now retired from a career in Pharmacy after having practiced for over 30 years. Mohamed has always been an active member of the Muslim community having served in multiple roles including mosque administration and being a founding member of the Az-Zahraa Islamic Academy. Most recently, he and his wife, Fatema, have set up the Rahma Foundation through which they provide welfare, education, and peer support services. Besides facilitating for Peaceful Families, Mohamed is a trained facilitator of numerous other programs including Compassionate Integrity Training, Leadership Development, NeuroPsychology for Learning and Raising Successful Kids. He is a father of four and has three lovely grandchildren. Mohamed loves hiking and reading and Sufi poetry. |
Lina Hashem |
Lina Hashem is a native to Northern Virginia and has worked with several organizations over the years to help facilitate and organize opportunities for others to learn and support social and humanitarian causes through organizations such as the Muslim Students Association, Islamic Relief, Foundation for Appropriate and Immediate Temporary Help's (FAITH) ‘Herndon without Hunger’ program, and the ‘United Against Malaria’ campaign. She has worked with the Deen Intensive's Rihla program to organize academic and spiritual trips in the US, Spain, and Turkey where students studied and learned from scholars on various topics including the social sciences of Islam. Lina has over 10 years of experience in the IT industry as an IT consultant and has worked in the DC metro area for business and management consulting firms. Her experience was nationally recognized through the Women of Color STEM award. She served as VP of MSA National and chaired the advisory board which connected her to students across the US and Canada where she organized and promoted student leading programs in activism, leadership, spiritual guidance, and helped organize regional and national conferences. Her passion in connecting people and resources led her to form her own company, Lina Hashem PR. Her first client was Zarqa Nawaz, creator of the Canadian hit sitcom, ‘Little Mosque on the Prairie’. Through Lina Hashem PR, Lina has represented authors, social media personalities, and organized speaking tours and events.
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Antonio GlennBoard Member
[email protected] |
Antonio Glenn graduated from the University of Dayton School of Law in 2008, with a focus in Business Law. He passed the Maryland Bar in 2010 and Texas Bar in 2016. Antonio was also selected and licensed to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States in 2017. While in law school, Antonio held law clerk positions at several law firms as well as the Maryland Public Defender’s office. In February 2007, he took a position as a Consultant at the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) where he assisted home building executives to develop corporate entity strategies, business plans, and sales techniques, so they could successfully navigate the housing downturn from 2008-2011. Antonio remained at the NAHB until March 2012, when he founded The Law Office of Antonio M. Glenn, LLC, a solo practice specializing in small business consulting, succession planning and family estate planning. Antonio has built his practice into a profitable brand with a strong reputation by providing sound legal advice to his clients and developing lasting relationships built on a foundation of trust, rapport, and reliability. The law office has been newly formed in Maryland and Texas and named AMG Counsel, but the Antonio remains committed to offering high quality, yet affordable, legal representation. Antonio is a member of the State Bar of Texas Estate Planning Section, Dallas Bar Association, the American Bar Association Business Law and Estate Planning Section. He is currently studying to become a Certified Financial Planner. Antonio regularly provides pro bono estate planning and probate services through Wills for Heroes or the Dallas Volunteer Assistance Program. In his spare time, he enjoys yoga, horseback riding, kayaking and is training for a triathlon in April 2019. He is also an avid traveler and a sci-fi enthusiast.
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Saba AlviBoard Member
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Saba Alvi is Deputy Chief Compliance Officer at a publicly traded multinational company, where she oversees the company's investigations, third party due diligence, antitrust, regulatory, and global compliance programs. Saba previously served as North American Employment Counsel for the company, providing daily counsel to HR and business leaders on a variety of labor and employment issues, conducting employment law training, drafting policies, responding to demand letters and agency charges, and managing outside counsel. Saba was previously an associate at the world's largest management-side labor and employment law firm, where she represented employers in a broad range of labor and employment matters, in federal and state courts, arbitrations and mediations, and before state and federal agencies; drafted employment handbooks and policies; conducted investigations; and conducted training on employment law matters. Saba received her B.A. from Vanderbilt University, where she double-majored in Religious Studies and Public Policy Studies and minored in Islamic Studies. Saba received her J.D. from Emory University.
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Advisory Board
Salma Abugideiri |
Salma Elkadi Abugideiri is a founding board member of PFP. She has had various leadership positions with the Peaceful Families Project beginning with Co-Director in 2005. Salma currently serves on the Advisory Board.
Salma has numerous publications in the fields of domestic violence and mental health including the facilitator guide for the training program Garments for One Another: Ending Domestic Violence in Muslim Families, the chapter entitled Domestic Violence in Counseling Muslims: Handbook of Mental Health Issues & Interventions, and the chapter entitled Domestic Violence Among Muslims Seeking Mental Health Counseling in Change from Within: Diverse Perspectives on Domestic Violence in Muslim Communities. She has co-authored What Islam Says About Domestic Violence: A Guide for Helping Muslim Families, and Before You Tie the Knot: A Guide for Couples. Salma is the owner and Clinical Director of Wellness Through Counseling. She specializes in couples counseling and the treatment of trauma. Her passions include the prevention of relationship and mental health issues, and integrating spirituality into prevention and treatment approaches. |
Imam
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Imam Magid is the Executive Imam of All Dulles Area Muslim Society. He is also the Chairman of International Interfaith Peace Corp. and the co-President of Religions for Peace. Imam Magid has a long history of commitment to public service, training religious leaders on the issues of violence against women, leading initiatives to protect religious minorities in Muslim majority countries, and working with other faith leaders to promote peace and tolerance all over the world. Imam Magid also served as the Former President of ISNA
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Mona MalikAdvisory Board Member
[email protected] |
Mona Malik served as the President of Peaceful Families Project (PFP) from 2010-2017. As a social worker with over 15 years of experience, she has worked with abused children, recent immigrants, youth and victims of domestic violence. She is a Founding Member of Muslim Mothers Against Violence (MMAV). MMAV educates communities about bullying and teaches nonviolent conflict resolution skills to Muslim teenagers. Ms. Malik serves on the Virginia State Board of Social Services. She serves as a Commissioner for the County Office of Human Rights in Fairfax County, VA. She serves as a Board Member for the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center Museum in her hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio. Ms. Malik serves as a Board member for the Duke Islamic Studies Center. Ms. Malik received her M.A. and B.A. degrees in Social Work from the University of Cincinnati. She resides in Northern Virginia with her husband and three children.
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Irfana AnwerAdvisory Board Member
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Irfana Anwer was recently the Pakistan Program Associate at Inclusive Security, where she increased the capacity of women leaders to enhance peace and security so that they can take an active part in countering violent extremism in their country. Previously, Irfana was Director of the Language Access program at Ayuda, a legal services organization in Washington, DC. She also represented women in matters of humanitarian-based immigration law. Prior to her position at Ayuda, Irfana was Director of the Family Law Division, at Karamah: Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights, an international human rights organization in Washington, DC. Irfana has worked for over 10 years on issues of interfaith dialogue, violence and gender in Muslim communities.
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Dr. Altaf HusainAdvisory Board Member
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Dr. Altaf Husain is a native of Cleveland, Ohio , and a double alumnus of Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland , Ohio , having earned his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering and his M.S. in Social Work. He received his Ph.D. in Social Work from Howard University in Washington, D.C. Dr. Husain's research interests include the mental health and integration of immigrant and refugee families, and especially Muslim adolescents, in the United States. He serves as Vice President of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research and an advisory board member of the Peaceful Families Project - dedicated to the prevention of domestic violence. His past service to the community includes serving as a two-term national president of the Muslim Students Association (MSA National), an executive committee member of the Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA), a board member of the Peaceful Families Project and board member then Vice President of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA). Dr. Husain and his family live in Northern Virginia.
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Lubabah AbdullahAdvisory Board Member
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Lubabah Abdullah serves as the Executive Director of CAIR-Houston. Prior to joining Cair-Houston, Lubabah was a practicing attorney in St. Louis, Missouri, where she has served many families in the areas of Islamic estate planning, family based immigration and family law for the past 10 years. Before starting her own firm, her journey began with Karamah: Muslim Women Lawyers for Human Rights, where she counseled women on the interplay between Islamic law and civil law, especially in matters pertaining to family law. Later, she served as the Executive Director of the Muslim Alliance of Indiana (MAI), where she spent most of her time developing and overseeing 4 legal programs including a modest means legal clinic, a refugee legal assistance program, a protection order project and immigration services for victims of domestic violence through one of the only Family Justice Center's in the US. She organized trainings and served as a speaker on domestic violence, immigration law, Islam and Muslims. Today, she also serves on the boards of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA) and her Islamic school in St. Louis.
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