Woman Wednesday with Maaria Mozaffar
Civil rights attorney. Legislative strategist. Conflict mediator. Author.
At her core, Maaria Mozaffar is a bridge builder — bringing people, policy, and purpose together with clarity, compassion, and conviction.
“I trusted that any effort I put in would never go to waste,” she says. “Even if the door I was knocking on didn’t open, something else always did.”
It’s that unwavering belief — and deep spiritual grounding — that shaped her unconventional path. Her journey has been one of resilience, mercy, and a radical commitment to humanity. From drafting the Halal Kosher Bill in Illinois to writing her transformative book More Than Pretty, Maaria doesn’t just speak about change — she creates it.
The Power of Story
Storytelling isn’t a side note in her advocacy — it’s the heartbeat.
“It reminds us of others’ humanity,” she says. “We’re able to see ourselves in other people’s losses and joys — and that’s key to supporting real, inclusive policies.”
In a world quick to debate but slow to listen, her words make space for empathy — and solutions rooted in real life.
Leading with Mercy
Maaria’s approach to leadership is both practical and deeply personal.
“I want to create laws that help people heal,” she explains. “And I believe they should be applied with compassion.”
She calls it “mercy and human-centered” leadership — a vision shaped by her Islamic faith and driven by the belief that policy should empower, not punish.
Faith as Her Compass
That faith isn’t performative — it’s foundational.
“I always ask myself, would my soul be happy with this decision? That’s how I know I’m aligned.”
It’s a question that keeps her grounded in purpose when the stakes are high and the path is unclear.
More Than Pretty
With her book, More Than Pretty, Maaria issues a bold call to the next generation of girls: stop letting culture define your worth.
“We’re raising girls to invest everything in their appearance while starving their confidence,” she says.
“True power comes from within — that’s the real pretty.”
On Being Seen
When asked what advice she’d give to women — especially women of color — who feel unseen or underestimated, her response is unwavering:
“Nobody can unsee you or underestimate you without your permission.”
She challenges all of us to move beyond labels and look through the lens of shared humanity.
How She Recharges
Even changemakers need rest. For Maaria, it’s the gym, her children, and long walks in nature.
“Trees remind you how small you are,” she laughs, “and that’s actually grounding.”
A Verse That Lifts Her Spirit
When she needs strength to keep going, she turns to this verse from the Holy Quran:
“If my believer asks of me if I am here, assure them I am near.”
For Maaria, the nearness of God is not only a comfort — it’s a charge to keep building, keep healing, and keep believing in what’s possible.
