OUR MISSION
—
Ta'leef provides the space, content, and companionship necessary for a healthy understanding and realization of Islam.
The word “ta’leef” in Arabic means to reconcile and in the context of our work it means to bring hearts together. Inspired by the root word in the Qur’anic verse (8:62-63), God says: “It is He who supported you with His help and with the believers. And brought together their hearts. If you had spent all that is in the earth, you could not have brought their hearts together; but Allah brought them together. Indeed, He is Exalted in Might and Wise.”
Ta’leef was founded in 2005 as an outreach program for those seeking support on their journey into Islam. We thrive on the support of our dedicated volunteers and community, who continue to keep Ta’leef a positive force of energy built on love and service. With campuses in both the Bay Area and Chicagoland, we offer classes, events, retreats and one on one mentorship for seekers to the tradition, newcomers, and the youth. Through dialogue, education, and fellowship, we hope to create a sense of family and community - a place to “come as you are, to Islam as it is” - where both our Muslim and American values co-exist in beautiful harmony and healthy spiritual practice of our faith.
OUR STAFF
—
Mike Swies
Outreach & Community Engagement Director
—
Mike earned his Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology from Rush University in 2008, specializing in swallowing disorder assessment and rehabilitation. He has served the needs of the convert community in Chicago since 2007 by organizing convert-centered social gatherings and educational programs. He began his work with Ta’leef Collective in 2009 in the role of Convert Care Coordinator where he mentored those new to Islam, assisted people in embracing Islam, and provided pastoral care needs specific to the convert population. His current role is Director of Outreach & Community Engagement where he works with our community to develop and oversee all programming and services Ta’leef offers to focus specifically on the populations Ta’leef aims to serve.
Dr. Will Caldwell
Education Director
—
Dr. Will has served for years as a Convert Care Coordinator and now serves as the Director of Education at Ta’leef. He embraced Islam in 2006 while in the blessed city of Jerusalem on his journey towards becoming a priest. He’s spent years teaching foundational classes on Islam, delivering sermons, administering to the needs of the community, providing support and pastoral care to Seekers & Newcomers to Islam. He received his PhD from Northwestern University focusing on the History of Islam in America.
OUR BOARD
—
Melissa Westbrook
Board Member
—
Became a member of the Ta’leef community approximately 5 ½ years ago when she first attended the Being Muslim classes at Ta’leef’s Chicago campus. Since then, she has attended 5 Newcomer’s Retreats, participated in many classes held by Ta’leef, became a volunteer, joined the Board, and in December 2021, went to Mecca and Medina with Ta’leef to perform Umrah. Melissa works in the private sector and is Senior Managing Director, Co-General Counsel and Head of Private Funds-Legal for Guggenheim Partners Investment Management where she has worked since moving to Chicago from New York in 2006. Melissa attended the University of Missouri, Columbia. After she graduated from college, she went on to attend New York University School of Law, where she graduated. She currently lives in the Wicker Park neighborhood of Chicago with her three children.
Naveed Mallick
Board Member
—
Was born and raised in Chicagoland. He has worked and lived in Chicago’s near south side for over 20 years. Naveed has been practicing internal medicine and sleep medicine in multiple settings including the Cook County Health System, IMAN clinic, and in private practice. His current role is Chief of Medical Staff at INSIGHT Hospital & Medical Center, the first Muslim-led safety net hospital in the nation. His community work has focused on Muslim initiatives on the south side of Chicago and he has been attending Ta’leef since 2012. He is the proud father of four and is currently working on getting his table tennis game to the next level!
Zeeshan Mukhtar
Board Member
—
Co-Founder and former BOD President of ILM Tree, an innovative Muslim homeschooling cooperative based in Nothern California. He is an accomplished business and technology leader with 25 year experience in energy procurement, policy, and strategy. As a father of 3 young men, he is very passionate about engaging youth in religious and social activities. He believes that Ta'leef is an organization that strengthens the youth's attachment to Islam and connects them to the Muslim community.
Nikia Marie Bilal
Board Member
—
Is a lawyer, editor, and writer based in Chicago, Illinois. She currenly serves as Manager of Programs at the Inner-City Muslim Action Network (IMAN) where she acts as a bridge between program staff and the development department to ensure complaince with large grants. A Chicago native, Nikia earned her B.A. in Communications from Loyola University Chicago and her J.D. at DePaul University College of Law. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, reading fiction, and practicing her very rudimentary skills as a djembe player.
