Ibtihaj Muhammad

Ibtihaj Muhammad is an entrepreneur, activist, speaker and Olympic medalist in fencing. A 2016 Olympic bronze medalist, 5-time Senior World medalist and World Champion, in 2016, Muhammad became the first American woman to compete in the Olympics in hijab. Muhammad was a 3-time All American at Duke University where she graduated with a dual major in International Relations and African Studies. In 2014, Muhammad launched her own clothing company, Louella, which aims to bring modest, fashionable and affordable clothing to the United States market. In 2017, Mattel announced their first hijabi Barbie, modeled in Muhammad’s likeness, as part of Barbie’s “Shero” line of dolls. The Barbie became available for purchase in July 2018. Muhammad also released her debut memoir, PROUD: My Fight for an Unlikely American Dream. In September of 2019, Muhammad released her first children’s book The Proudest Blue: A Story of Hijab and Family, which instantly became a New York Times Best Seller.

Muhammad is a sports ambassador with the U.S. Department of State’s Empowering Women and Girls through Sport Initiative and was nominated by President Obama as a member of the President’s Council on Fitness, Health & Nutrition. She works closely with organizations like Athletes for Impact, the Special Olympics, and Laureus Sport for Good. Named to Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential list, Muhammad is an important figure in a larger global discussion on equality and the importance of sport. Her voice continues to unite both the sports and non-sports world.