proven record
Iman has a proven record of service, leadership, and advocacy in community and at the Capitol. She has the experience needed to successfully represent the people of HD41 in the legislature.
legislative experience
As the former Deputy Political Director and now Community Advocate and Liaison for Interfaith Alliance Colorado and as a board member for Colorado’s Women’s Lobby, Iman has spent the last several years working at the Capitol and in community. She has empowered Coloradans to share their stories and influence policy at the Capitol, she has worked with legislators to protect the rights of Coloradans, and has been in community educating people on legislation that will impact their lives.
SB20-100/ SB19-182, Repeal of the Death Penalty: In 2019, Iman and the Interfaith Alliance dedicated their “Day at the Capitol” to repealing the death penalty. In that work, they empowered people with training on how to give testimony and put together a panel on repealing the death penalty from a faith-based perspective. Iman was supportive again in 2020 and thrilled the legislature repealed the death penalty this year.
SB20-188/ SB19-188, FAMLI - Family Medical Leave Insurance Program: Stalled because of the mid-session adjournment, advocates have been fighting for Paid Family Leave in Colorado for five sessions now. Iman deeply supports a public insurance program like this for our state as it would enhance the lives of everyone in Colorado. As a board member, Iman supported Women’s Lobby in making FAMLI a legislative priority this session and then took that to Interfaith Alliance to ensure it was a priority bill for them as well. As someone who would have deeply benefited from this program when she was caring for her ailing father, Iman has been a vocal supporter of a public FAMLI program stumping for the program at meetings, events, and forums across Aurora.
HB20-1294, Replace the Term “Illegal Alien” with “Unauthorized Workers”: Related to state contracts, this bill was still in the works when the legislature went on recess. Iman was advising the sponsors on amendments making sure changes were in line with the values Iman had testified about, emphasizing the impact that language like “illegal alien” has on someone’s self-worth, encouraging our legislators update the way our state refers to people.
HB18-1273/ HB17-1230, Protect Colorado Residents from Federal Government Overreach: Killed in the Senate, this bill was in response to the harsh rhetoric from the Trump campaign and later the White House referencing Muslim internment camps and a Muslim registry. This bill would have protected the rights of any marginalized groups. Deeply involved, Iman was the liaison between lawmakers and multiple communities who would be impacted by Trump’s actions. She connected Fmr. Rep. Joe Salazar to the Muslim community, reviewed the legislation, and lined up testimony in support of the bill. She also spent a great deal of time educating potentially impacted communities on the risks presented in action of this kind from the Trump administration. Read more here. This version died in committee but in 2019, this bill came back in a new form protecting our immigrants from federal overreach by ICE.
SB18-087, In-State Tuition for Refugees, Combat Interpreters and Other Foreign Nationals: Signed by Gov. Hickenlooper, this bill provided in-state tuition for refugees, combat interpreters and other foreign nationals who supported our troops in combat. This landmark legislation is now model policy for other states. Iman used her knowledge of the legislative process to guide a community group toward the successful passage of the bill. Partnering with her now husband Maytham, Iman taught DRIVE Project members how to testify and write a testimony - taught members how to get a bill turned into law - and got the bill on the bill tracker for Women’s Lobby & Interfaith Alliance. She was dedicated to making sure lawmakers heard from people impacted first-hand by this policy, lifting up community to make sure they have a voice.
HB18-1256, Sunset Continue Civil Rights Division and Commission: The Colorado Civil Rights Division (CCRD) was the first of its kind in the country - and Iman worked hard to successfully support its continued existence and its mission to protect all Coloradans. While she lent her own voice with important testimony as a minority and as a small business owner she also made sure other communities she’s connected to understood how important the CCRD is in protecting their rights.
HCR18-1002, Repeal Exception to Constitutional Ban on Slavery: Through her work with the Interfaith Alliance, Iman was a part of passing historic legislation and the campaign that removed slavery from the Colorado constitution, working with the Muslim community to garner important support for Amendment A.
Beyond that important work, Iman has supported and opposed numerous other bills through her work with the Women’s Lobby and Interfaith Alliance, helping to make our state work better for its people.
SB20-076, Parole Eligibility for Youth Offenders: Someone’s mistakes in their youth should not destroy the rest of their lives. Arranging for a formerly incarcerated individual to share his story, Iman supported this bill that expands an early parole possibility to those 18-24 who are serving a sentence for a felony offense.
HB20-1188, Persons Who Have Illegally Reentered the US: Through her work with Interfaith Alliance, Iman testified against this bill that would remove protections for hard-working Coloradans.
HB20-1098, Prohibition on Abortion After Twenty-two Weeks & HB20-1075, Protect Human Life at Conception: On behalf of both the Women’s Lobby and Interfaith Alliance, Iman testified against these bills that would take away women’s reproductive rights.
SB19-085, Equal Pay for Equal Work: Iman proudly testified for increased protections for employees and restrictions on inquiries employers could make about an employee’s prior wages.
HB19-1120, Youth Mental Health Education and Suicide Prevention: An advocate of strong mental health support and coverage, Iman supported this bill that saves lives by giving adolescents access to mental health professionals and services without the consent of an adult.
HB19-1025, Limits on Job Applicant Criminal History Inquiries: Popularly known as “Ban the Box,” Iman supported this important bill that removes inquiries into an applicant’s criminal history on initial applications, removing a barrier to employment and creating opportunities for those trying to get back on their feet.
HB19-1156, Proof of Citizenship to Register to Vote: As a strong supporter of enfranchisement and democracy, Iman opposed this bill that has been shown to suppress voter turn out.
HB18-1276, Teaching Competent History in Schools: Killed in the Senate, this bill aimed at widening the historical lens given to our students, by including the perspectives of American Indians, Asian-Americans, African-Americans and Hispanic Americans. This bill would have given Colorado students a distinct advantage in global business, science and policy by familiarizing them with the customs and contributions of the world around them.
HB18-1067, the Right to Rest Act: Through Iman’s work at the Interfaith Alliance, she worked with local advocacy groups and fought against the notion that being homeless is a choice.
Professional experience
Meet the Middle East, Executive Director (2008 - Present): Non-profit organization aimed at building relationships between the US and the Middle East through cultural events, consulting, classes and travel. Worked closely with the US Attorney General, Denver Mayor, Colorado Governor, University of Denver, Denver Health Hospital, Children Hospital on cultural competency around Islam and engaging with Muslim immigrant and refugee communities.
University of Denver, University College, Adjunct Lecturer (2014 – 2018): Taught three courses for continuing education adults. From Ancient History to Today’s Headlines, The Israeli Palestinian Conflict: a Palestinian Perspective, Islam 101
Colorado Muslim Leadership Council, Co-Founder (2015 - Present): Established to create unity and transparency throughout the entire Muslim community in Colorado.
Colorado Muslim Society, Spokesperson (2017 - Present): First woman spokesperson for the largest mosque in the Rocky Mountain region.
Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, Community Advocate & Liaison (2018 - Present): This work earned Iman the title of “Rights Fighter” by Colorado Politics. Formerly the Deputy Political Director, responsible for monitoring all religious civil liberty legislation, which includes testifying, building relationships with representatives and stakeholders and attending press conferences, events and trainings centered around bold, progressive inclusion.
Seeking Common Ground, Development Coordinator (2009 - 2010): Developed systems for the fundraising team, including a grants prospect chart, prospect profiles, and sponsorship and marketing packets.
Abraham Path Initiative, Development Coordinator (2008): Brokered partnerships between API and numerous organizations, including Engineers Without Borders International, that lead to social and environmental projects in the Middle East, such as converting abandoned home into eco-friendly rest stops generating income for 20 local families.
Rigor Engineering, Assistant Manager (2006): Co-creator of two-week cultural competency course that prepared civilian and military personnel before deployment to the Middle East.
Board Membership & Volunteer Service
Ready to Work Aurora, Board Member (2020 - Present): Working to end homelessness in Aurora and beyond through job training and housing.
Colorado Coalition Against Hate, Member (2109 - Present): Represent the Colorado Muslim Society and Interfaith Alliance Colorado in the coalition which aims to reduce the occurrence of hate crimes in Colorado. More.
The Women’s Lobby of Colorado, Board Member (2018 - Present): Ensuring that public policies reflect gender equity and justice.
DRIVE, Organizer (2018): Helped orchestrate Colorado’s first voter registration drive for Muslims.
The Village Exchange Center, Board Member (2017 - Present): A community center and multi-faith worship space creating an inclusive environment where residents from all background can access resources, interact, and develop together to serve immigrants and refugees.
The Interfaith Alliance of Colorado, Board Member (2016 - 2018): A faith-based advocacy organization that gives a voice to Coloradans who want to put their faith into action as a force for good in public life.
