Saadia Ahmed is a nonprofit strategy and development consultant with Talem Consulting, recognized for her leadership in advancing community-based initiatives and national advocacy efforts. She holds a B.A. in International Studies and French from Austin College and will graduate with her Master of Divinity from Bayan Islamic Graduate School at Chicago Theological Seminary in 2026. She also holds a Master’s in Business Administration certification from Columbia University in partnership with the GLEAN Network START spiritual entrepreneurship fellowship.
A driving force in the Dallas/Fort Worth nonprofit sector, Saadia has founded and advised numerous organizations, including Muraqaba School, the Gem Advisers, FLAG Girl’s Mentorship Program, Define 360, Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation, Strong Muslimah, IACC Special Needs Support Group (the first support group in the world for Muslim special needs families), Malikah, and Yaqeen Institute.
Her advocacy background spans local to national platforms, with roles at South Asians for Obama, as a senior fellow for Wendy Davis’s gubernatorial campaign, and in other influential political and civic initiatives. Saadia’s expertise includes youth program development, leadership coaching, advocacy strategy, community building, event management, social media optimization, major gift fundraising, and nonprofit management training.
Fluent in English and Bengali, with proficiency in Hindi, Urdu, Arabic, and French, Saadia serves on the boards of 200 Muslim Women Who Care Dallas, Breakthrough T1D, and Women Organizing Women Democrats, as well as advisory boards for Muraqaba School and American Muslim Professionals of Dallas.
Her work has earned her multiple fellowships and honors, including the Trailblazer Award from Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation, Community Leader of the Year from CAIR DFW, Radio Azad’s inaugural Unsung Hero recognition, and Philanthropist of the Year from the American Muslim Communities Foundation.