ISLA Leadership Retreat 2024- Recap of an Inspiring Weekend of Transformation and Growth
The ISLA Leadership Retreat 2024 was held November 8–10, 2024 at the Ascend Camp & Retreat Center in Dallas, Texas. It was an impactful gathering focused on empowering Islamic school leaders to create thriving, supportive, and transformative school cultures. The retreat theme, Leading Thriving Schools: Transformational Leadership and Healthy School Culture, brought together approximately 100 educators, scholars, and leaders for an engaging weekend of workshops, discussions, and networking, making this the largest ever ISLA Leadership Retreat!
Kick-Off at Brighter Horizons Academy
The retreat began with a warm visit to Brighter Horizons Academy (BHA) where attendees enjoyed lunch and participated in a special Jummah prayer led by Imam Dawud Walid. BHA graciously hosted the retreat’s opening events, setting the tone for a meaningful weekend.
Educational leaders from across the country take a group picture at the host school, Brighter Horizons Academy, which operates under the parent organization Islamic Services Foundation, where they were warmly received.
Sister Quran Shakir, ISLA Board Member from Atlanta (GA), enjoying a school tour given by students at BHA.
ISLA Retreat participants were treated to a decadent lunch at BHA, one of the largest Islamic schools in the country.
Friday Evening: Inspiring Sessions and Networking
Following the school visit and Jummah khutbah offered by Imam Dawud Walid, the official retreat program kicked off with welcome activities, including an introduction to the retreat theme by board members Dr. Patricia Salahuddin (Retreat Chair) and Sr. Qur’an Shakir (Program Chair).
Icebreakers and cabin assignments provided an opportunity for participants to connect on a personal level.
The evening continued with a thought-provoking session titled “The Past, Present, and Future: What’s Our Role as Leaders?” led by Imam Dawud Walid.
A stimulating discussion on “AI & the Future of Education,” presented by Ibrahim Murtuza and Mohammed Abdul Jabbar from Nur Al Huda, rounded out the evening.
Afterward, attendees enjoyed desserts, coffee, and networking with sponsors, including baklawa that was generously donated from the “best baklawa in town”- Bigdash.
Friday Coffee helped liven things up on Friday evening for the Sponsors’ Reception.
Bigdash donated the best baklawa in town to sweeten things at the ISLA Leadership Retreat!
Saturday: A Day of Deep Learning and Reflection
The second day began at Fajr with a Khatera on Al Muhasibah for Self-Inventory led by Imam Dawud Walid, followed by a reflective nature walk with Dr. Patricia Salahuddin.
Dr. Anthony Muhammad led the first session on “Understanding and Transforming School Culture,” guiding attendees on creating a positive, inclusive environment in Islamic schools. Imam Dawud Walid then presented on “Defining a Thriving Islamic Community,” encouraging leaders to strengthen community bonds within their schools.
After lunch and prayer, attendees enjoyed outdoor activities like hayrides, archery, and frisbee, fostering a strong sense of community.
The afternoon sessions included “Belonging in Islamic Schools” by Ustadha Rukayat Yakub and “Time for Change! Four Essential Skills for Transformational Leaders” by Dr. Anthony Muhammad. The day ended with a roundtable discussion on “Future-Proofing Our Schools,” followed by a fireside session, “Addressing the Elephant in the Room,” led by Imam Dawud Walid and moderated by Br. Todd McKinney.
Ustadha Rukayat Yakub discussed Belonging in Islamic Schools.
Dr. Athony Muhammad provided workshops about Transformational Leadership and School Culture.
Participants like Dr. Adnan from Intellicor Academy enjoyed the outdoor activities.
Sunday: Wrapping Up with Actionable Insights
Sunday started with Su Ego es no Amigo, a Fajr Khatera by Imam Dawud Walid, followed by a Mindful Body Scan & Visualization Activity led by Br. Wadud Hassan from Muraqaba.
After a hearty breakfast, the retreat concluded with two impactful sessions: “Personal Action Plan” by Imam Dawud Walid and “School Action Plan + Share Outs” by Dr. Anthony Muhammad, moderated by Rasha El-Haggan. ISLA’s Executive Director, Dr. Shaza Khan, closed the retreat with remarks and a final dua led by Imam Dawud Walid.
Acknowledgments and Gratitude
The success of ISLA’s Leadership Retreat 2024 would not have been possible without our dedicated sponsors, speakers, committee members, and volunteers. Special thanks to:
- Sponsors: Islamic Services Foundation (Platinum); Yaqeen Institute, Guidance College, and Amana Mutual Funds (Gold); Noorart (Silver); and Nur Al Huda (Bronze), Bayan Online Graduate School
- In-Kind Sponsors: Aref Educational Solutions, Furqaan Foundation, Muraqaba App, BigDash, Masjidal, The Productive Muslim Company, Nur Hijabs & Accessories.
- Committee Members: Dr. Patricia Salahuddin (Retreat Chair), Sr. Qur’an Shakir (Program Chair), Jelena Naim (Al Falah Academy), Dr. Leila Kayed (Islamic School of Irving), Amaal Aref (MAS Dallas) Volunteer Coordinator, Aziz Ahmed, Mussarut Jabeen, Syeda Khunsa Batool, Dr. Shaza Khan.
ISLA is grateful for the commitment of everyone involved in making this retreat a profound and impactful experience for our community’s leaders. Together, we move forward, inspired to create thriving Islamic schools that nurture students’ faith, growth, and well-being.
