bing pixel

Blog

Community Fellows

Posted on
We are excited to announce two Community Fellows joining the Interfaith Institute team this year. They are available to speak to student groups, classes, and others at Augsburg University. Please reach out to Prof. Najeeba Syeed if you would like to arrange a meeting: syeedn@augsburg.edu

Abdirahman Mukhtar poses in a blue suit
Abdirahman Mukhtar

Abdirahman (Abdi) Mukhtar is passionate about the health of the young people in his community. A coach for numerous sports teams, dedicated mentor, and passionate youth worker over two decades, he is widely known on the West Bank of Minneapolis and in the Somali American community in Minnesota for his community work. When he realized opioid overdoses were killing East African young adults in heartbreaking numbers, he set about eliminating the shame that often prevents his Somali community from talking about addiction and getting help for children or grandchildren. He founded Daryeel (the Somali word for “care”) Youth to be a non-judging beacon of light for young people in the throes of active addiction. He welcomes all to his Friday night gatherings, where he supplies food, clean clothing, personal hygiene products, a first aid kit with Narcan, and dressings for wounds. His compassion has earned him the trust of his community, especially parents who are trying to help their children reclaim a healthy life.
Nasrieen Habib poses in a tan hijab and orange dress

Nasrieen Habib

Nasrieen Habib is a humanitarian entrepreneur and community leader advancing equitable access to outdoor recreation, environmental stewardship, and community well being. As the founder of Eco Jariyah and Amanah Recreational Project, she leads initiatives that remove barriers to nature, promote sustainable living, and create inclusive spaces for underserved women and their families. Through Eco Jariyah, Nasrieen develops ethically sourced, climate conscious apparel, including the Hiking Hijabie and Hiking Ummah lines, designed to increase accessibility and representation in outdoor spaces. Her work also supports global community initiatives focused on clean water access, orphan sponsorship, and essential resources for families both locally and globally. She is also the founder of Hiking Hijabie, a community-based outdoor initiative that has engaged over 800 members through programs such as hiking, kayaking, camping, and skill building activities. These programs are designed to improve physical and mental well being, foster social connection, and create safe, welcoming pathways into outdoor recreation. Nasrieen’s broader work includes leading zero waste initiatives, facilitating environmental education, and partnering with local agencies, park systems, and nonprofit organizations to expand community centered programming. She brings a culturally responsive approach to her work, ensuring programs are inclusive, accessible, and reflective of the communities they serve. Drawing from her spiritual values and lived experience as an immigrant, as well as her connection to her African heritage, Nasrieen is committed to building cross cultural connections, increasing access to public lands, and fostering a shared responsibility for environmental care and community resilience.

Celebrating Leadership

Posted on
On Friday, October 2, we gathered to honor the incredible accomplishments of Paul Pribbenow, celebrating 20 years as Augsburg University President.

A group of Interfaith Institute staff and supporters

In a room full of dignitaries it seems fitting that we honor his legacy with our local Cedar Riverside faith leaders. Pastor Jane Bucklee Farley and Imam Sharif Mohamad have worked together for over 20 years. Their flocks are the cornerstone of the neighborhood, one housed in a mosque, and one in a church. They are also beloved by our students!
Last year, Imam Sharif and Pastor Jane hosted an interfaith dinner at Brian Coyle Center moved, and it moved our interfaith scholars so much, now some of our scholars are planning a dinner to honor them in return. Our Augsburg students will present their final community care projects and get community feedback at that dinner.
Over the years, the times we have all shown up to care for each other has been too numerous to count. We celebrate our President, and we celebrate his love for our students and neighborhood. President Pribbenow embodies a Lutheran tradition of deep hospitality; there is so much care for everyone that no one is a stranger, “they are just a neighbor you don’t know yet.”

Mission Matters

Posted on

Mission Matters host Adam Torres recently interviewed our Executive Director, Prof. Najeeba Syeed, as part of the “Better Business Better World” podcast series. The focus of the podcast episode was “Turning Workplace Differences Into Opportunities for Cooperation.” Together, they discussed conflict resolution, religious diversity, and creating more cooperative and understanding workplaces. Mission Matters describes itself as “in-depth journalism for leaders shaping the future of business, technology, and culture.” The episode is available on multiple platforms:

A professional graphic depicts Najeeba Syeed wearing a red hijab, and Adam Torres wearing a business suit, with text describing the episode

Oyate 2026

Posted on

Today our Executive Director Prof. Najeeba Syeed taught over 130 Augsburg University student leaders about models of cooperative problem solving.

A photo of a retreat center in the woods has the text Oyate

Every year, Augsburg’s Multicultural Life office hosts this student leadership retreat  weekend inspired by oyate, the Lakota/Dakota word encompassing meanings related to “people,” “nation,” “community,” and the relationships between all beings and forces of life. Oyate Commons is also the name of a collaborative space in the lower level of the Christensen Center. There, students can connect with the Multicultural Life office and various student organizations, many of which were represented at the retreat.

The Oyate retreat was amazing, and the student leaders are impressive with their enthusiasm, courage, and thoughtfulness. We’re so excited to share how we can use conflict resolution to grow as leaders. These community builders help Augsburg and our neighbors flourish together. Thanks Multicultural Life for the invite; looking forward to working together all year!

A photo collage from the retreat depicts a forest setting, and people talking indoors

Templeton Religion Trust

Posted on

Interfaith leaders post for a group photo in front of the ocean

Last week, our Executive Director, Prof. Najeeba Syeed, joined a group of scholars from around the world who were invited to the Bahamas by the Templeton Religion Trust.

The gathering included interfaith thought leaders whose insight could shape the future of the Trust’s grantmaking. We look forward to continuing to contribute to local, national and international conversations!

Interfaith leaders gather in a conference room

Living Stories

Posted on
A poster with a tree, religious symbols, and the text "Living Stories"
The Interfaith Institute is pleased to announce the upcoming return of the Living Stories series, in collaboration with Augsburg Campus Ministries and the Religion and Philosophy departments. Augsburg University Professors Syeed and Sheinfeld will share their own stories from Muslim and Jewish traditions, and talk about how they weave together a sacred friendship.
In the fall and spring semesters, we will have more campus and community colleagues join us from various traditions! You won’t want to miss these dynamic gatherings; come share your own story!

Wed, Sept 16
Noon, Halverson Chapel

A poster with photos of Doctor Sheinfeld and Professor Syeed, promoting the event at noon on September 16

 

Article: New Connections

Posted on

Our executive director Prof Najeeba Syeed and President Paul Pribbenow were quoted in the Star Tribune newspaper this past week! In the article, they shared reflections about interfaith solidarity and connections made across the Twin Cities. These relationships have been especially important in the past year, and new connections continue being made, as reported by Minnesota journalist Mara Klecker.

“Minnesotans turned to faith communities to help during the ICE surge. Some stayed for Sunday worship.”

Read More

newspaper clipping

 

2026 Interfaith America Summit

Posted on

The Interfaith Institute team attended the recent Interfaith America Leadership Summit in Chicago! August 6-9, thousands of educators, higher education staff, students, and donors from across the country attended the summit to connect, share inspiration, and strengthen bridge-building skills. This year’s theme, A Road Forward, invited attendees to reflect on America’s 250th year and our shared commitment to cooperation across difference.

Augsburg’s Interfaith team attended plenary sessions from engaging speakers like the Inheritance Theater Project and activist Loretta Ross. One recurring theme was practicing getting comfortable with discomfort, recognizing there will still be unanswered questions and opposing opinions when people team up to make good things happen together. The Interfaith team also participated in training sessions on how to increase pluralism on campus. Professor Syeed co-led a series of sessions for professionals entitled “Campus Culture Starts with Me.” It was also a great opportunity for networking with colleagues from other schools!

Thanks to funding from the Arthur Vining Davis Foundations, we were able to bring 8 EMBLEM (Emerging Muslim Leaders Engaging the Midwest) grantee campuses from across the midwest to the summit! Students and advisors from Augsburg, Augustana College (IL), Carleton College (MN), Concordia College – Moorhead (MN), Gustavus Adolphus College (MN), University of St. Catherine (MN), University of Michigan, and Lewis University (IL) attended a special gathering to make connections and celebrate their EMBLEM projects. It also provided an opportunity to reflect on the impact of the summit.

Ian Avers of the University of Michigan reflected; “The main thing I will be taking back from the summit is the stories I heard from others. I can say with confidence that I am more comfortable having ‘uncomfortable’ conversations after everyone’s vulnerability and honesty.” Farah Abdalla, of Concordia College, highlighted the importance of listening, with the reminder that “Interfaith conversations don’t always need to be an argument.” Students and advisors expressed gratitude for the chance to connect with interfaith leaders from different campuses. It was an energizing gathering and we look forward to sharing more about EMBLEM in the weeks to come!

Chautauqua Lecture

Posted on

Najeeba Syeed speaks ‘from the broken heart of democracy’ on interfaith peace

 

Professor Najeeba Syeed participated in the Chautauqua Institution’s Interfaith Lecture Series: Faith in the Public Square.

 

 

“Democracy is not a religious act; it is a spiritual struggle.”

Professor Syeed structured her lecture on the teachings of Christian ethicist Glen Stassen and U.S. religion sociologist Robert Bellah.

Read about her lecture in the Chautauquan Daily and watch the video online.

In Defense of Awkward Spaces

Posted on

Prof. Najeeba Syeed has written a reflection “In Defense of Awkward Spaces”:

Najeeba Syeed, wearing a red hijab and hoop earrings, smiles at a microphone and gestures to the audience

I am back home after another set of travels, a summer of teaching and learning and growing in the work of Peacebuilding.
I’ve written before about safe spaces and brave spaces and now I am writing in defense of awkward spaces.

The spark that ignites understanding, before the magic of humanizing one for another comes through the space that feels hard, feels unnavigable, it pulls on our imagination.

I spent much of my summer as a steward of awkward space. Teaching mediators, leaders, students, university administrators, community organizers and others to *hold* that space.

The flourishing silences, the unpredictable exchanges, the fumbling moments, the times when we pray our tongue is untied for others to understand us (that is a prayer of Musa (Moses) that I shared this summer with others from the Muslim tradition.

Leadership needs us to to be vulnerable and awkward. Maybe we need to hold our selves as examples of works in progress not just paragons of perfection, and to hold others when they fall apart, maybe just a little maybe sometimes a lot.

I am here for your awkwardness I embrace it and you. I hope you will do the same for me.

Together I believe it’s the only way we will all flourish.

It can be helpful to model awkwardness as a facilitator. I know this is counter intuitive when you want to seem the expert, I’ve learned people respond much more to authenticity. Share a story of what didn’t work in the past, be honest about a time you were nervous about a conversation.

Facilitators who’ve had to navigate awkwardness together and came out of the tunnel as closer colleagues and friends are often a great team to lead these kinds of spaces.

And remember every space is awkward for someone in the room.

Maybe it’s time we all embrace, and even celebrate those awkward moments.