RabaTEENS is a nurturing space for deep and meaningful Islamic spiritual mentorship with compassionate and caring mentors. We design fun, creative, and positive educational experiences to help teens grow confidently and comfortably into their faith.


Class Description


The Confident & Called: Leadership for Young Muslim Women course is designed to support teen girls who have ideas, passions, and a desire to make a difference, but may not always feel confident speaking up or stepping forward. This class offers a warm and encouraging space where students can explore what leadership really means, not as something reserved for a few, but as something within their reach. The aim is to help them build confidence, strengthen their voices, and recognize their ability to positively impact the spaces around them. 

In this engaging five-week class, students will explore what it truly means to be a confident and effective leader in their everyday lives. They will learn how to define leadership beyond titles or popularity, develop communication skills such as speaking, listening, and sharing ideas in group settings, and practice taking initiative with confidence and responsibility. The course also encourages students to navigate challenges with a positive mindset while reflecting on leadership through an Islamic lens that emphasizes character, sincerity, and service to others. 

Through discussions, activities, and a final project centered around an idea or cause they care about, students will have opportunities to put leadership into practice in a supportive setting. By the end of the class, they will leave with greater confidence, a stronger sense of purpose, and practical tools they can continue using in their daily lives as thoughtful and capable leaders in their communities. 



Class Outline


Week 1:  What is Leadership? 

Students will explore what leadership really means and why it is not limited to titles or popularity. The focus is on understanding leadership as responsibility, character, and positive influence in everyday life. Students will reflect on examples of leadership in their own experiences and in the Muslim tradition.  


Week 2:  Confidence & Identity 

Students will learn how confidence is connected to self-awareness, intention, and personal identity. This session helps them understand how self-doubt shows up and how to begin building a stronger, more grounded sense of self. Students will also reflect on how their values and faith shape the way they see themselves as leaders. 


Week 3:  Communication Skills 

Students will practice how to express their thoughts clearly and confidently in different situations. This includes speaking with clarity, listening actively, and participating in respectful discussions. The goal is to help students feel more comfortable sharing their voice in both small and group settings. 


Week 4:  Taking Initiative & Problem-Solving 

Students will learn how leaders step up in everyday situations, even when it feels uncomfortable. This session focuses on noticing problems, thinking through solutions, and taking small but meaningful action. Students will explore how responsibility and initiative can show up in school, home, and community life. 


Week 5:  Leadership in Action (Final Project) 

Students will bring everything together by applying what they have learned throughout the course. They will create and share a short presentation about a cause, idea, or action they care about. This final session helps them see themselves as capable leaders who can make a positive impact in their own spaces.


Class Activity Materials

Pen/Paper (note taking)

Recommended Books (Optional)



Muhammad (ﷺ) : 11 Leadership Qualities that Changed the World 
by Nabeel Al-Azami 

You can get it HERE

Class Day & Time

Sundays, 11:30 AM - 12:30 PM Central Time 

Session dates: June 28 - July 26

Students must attend Zoom live sessions. Classes are NOT recorded.


*Enrollment into the RabaTEENS program is on a per-student basis. If two (or more) students are planning to attend a class together by sharing a screen, each student will need to enroll for class individually. 

**RabaTEENS programs are for girls aged 12-17 ONLY. Students are required to be 12 already in order to join any of RabaTEENS programs.

Certificate of Participation

Certificates of participation are available upon request.

Refund Policy

No refunds are issued once the session begins. 

Confident & Called: Leadership for Young Muslim Women

Meets once a week for one hour (5-week session)

Instructor

Anse Aqsa Akram

Anse Aqsa Akram was born and raised in New Jersey. She holds a BA in Economics, an MBA in Finance and a Masters in Science in International Business. She is currently pursuing a Project Management certification. She started her journey with Ribaat in 2016, where she is from the second graduating class of Ribaat of 2022. She has taught for Rabata's youth program, Dragonflies, and is also an assistant for the Chapters community group, and an active volunteer for the New Jersey chapter. She serves on the Board of Director for Sakinah Institute, a New Jersey-based educational institution. Professionally, Anse Aqsa is the Team Leader, for the Health and Welfare domain, at Alight Solutions. Personally, she loves to read, keep up with her Harry Potter trivia knowledge, and connect with family and friends.