Celebrity Judging Panel
The “Celebrating Cultural Muslims” competition is judged by a diverse group of celebrity judges.
Mustafa Akyol
A contributor to the New York Times and fellow at the Cato Institute, Akyol is one the leading thinkers about the future of Muslim identity in the West. His books “Islam Without Extremes” and “Reopening Muslim Minds” have won widespread acclaim. A native of Turkey, he is the parent of two young Muslim American boys.
Fadoua Massat
An investigative reporter and human rights advocate, Massat first rose to prominence with daring undercover reporting in her native Morocco. Massat is also a digital storyteller and editor, guiding publications including MBN Digital and Maghreb Voices. She is currently Editor-in-Chief of FMB Digital Media.
Syed M. Masood
An author, practicing attorney, and three-time author, Masood’s storytelling weaves humor, insight, and the fundamentals of humanity together. He has written to young adult novels (More Than Just a Pretty Face and Sway With Me), as well as an adult literary fiction novel (The Bad Muslim Discount).
Maya Abdulaal
An artist and jewelry-maker, Maya Abdulaal weaves culture and heritage into delicate metalwork. An immigrant from Syria, Abdulaal moved to NYC as a young woman, and has since become the Creative Director of Product Design at one of New York’s most prestigious gem companies. Meanwhile, she also runs her own business, where she sells more personal and complex pieces of jewelry.
Karim Miske
Winner of the Grand Prix de Littérature Policiére for his debut crime thriller Arab Jazz, Miske is at home in fiction and nonfiction alike. His documentary films cover topics ranging from deafness to religion, while his fiction offers both thrills and insight.