Alkawthar Program (الكوثر)

Lead on Your Own Terms.

Creating space for Shiite women to learn, lead and shape their own paths.

Supporting Women Who Carry It All

Misbah Trust knows you are juggling a lot. Alkawthar Program is designed for Shiite women who are chasing big academic and professional goals while navigating the deep expectations of family, culture and community.

In our tradition, women have always carried both knowledge and responsibility. This program honors that reality by giving you the tools and space to grow in both.

Misbah Trust offers a structured space where you can build skills, meet role models and speak openly about the real tradeoffs you face. This is an environment where your faith and your ambition are both taken seriously. We encourage you to think clearly about how you want to lead and be seen in the world, without apologizing for who you are.

The Challenge: Talent Without Space

You have the drive to lead, but you are often operating in rooms that don’t understand you. You might be the only visibly Muslim woman in your department or office, constantly navigating questions about representation and belonging. Without a squad of peers who “get it,” it is hard to move from quiet competence to active leadership. We are here to provide the space, the confidence and the examples you need to take that next step.

What Misbah Trust Provides

We combine real talk with real skills to help you take deliberate steps in your career.

  • Thematic Webinars. Honest discussions about the real scenarios you face in Western workplaces and universities.
  • Skill-Building Workshops. Interactive sessions on communication, decision-making and managing your visibility in high-stakes environments.
  • Role Model Conversations. Deep-dive talks with women from our community diverse fields who share the unvarnished truth about their paths, their tradeoffs and their wins.

Leadership That Lasts

This program matters because we treat leadership as a long-term project. It’s not just about getting a promotion; it’s about inner clarity and sustainable success. We show you multiple models of what a “successful” life can look like, proving you can contribute to your field without leaving your commitments behind. Misbah Trust helps you build a leadership style that feels sustainable and true to you.

Launching Spring 2026

The Alkawthar program will launch its first full cycle in Spring 2026, starting with a series of online sessions and exclusive events for a core group of participants.

Get Involved

How You Can Get Involved

This program works because we all show up for each other. Whether you need help or want to give it, there is a place for you here.

For Students & Professionals

If you are a Shiite woman building a career or studying in the West, this is your space. Whether you are a freshman or a manager, we invite you to join us.

For Mentors & Speakers

We need your story. If you are an experienced professional or community organizer, come share your reality with the next generation.