Fatima grew up in The Bull City – Durham, NC. As a kid, she enjoyed masjid camping trips which eventually inspired a passion for hiking and camping. Starting locally, Fatima has since had the chance to backpack with her college peers in the Pisgah National Forest and the Tayseer Wilderness program in the San Juan Mountains in Colorado and Intro to Backpacking in TN. She’s gone camping with friends and family all over the country with some favorites being annual trips to Stone Mountain in NC and national parks like Big Bend and the Great Sand Dunes. 

Her motivation to be on the Wilderness team stems from a passion for connecting with and building community. Some of the best moments in the field come after a long and difficult day, circled up at the campfire with peers. No matter the destination, Fatima is most excited to connect with the people drawn to Tayseer Wilderness’ value for spirituality and companionship in nature. 

Fatima studied social work and nonprofit management in graduate school and works in research ethics and oversight at her alma mater, NC State University. Along with being in Tayseer Wilderness Leadership training, she’s also a full time student at Tayseer Seminary, Class of 2026.