Anse Afshan Malik serves as the Director of Development at Rabata, where she leads fundraising efforts with a heart for community and a vision for sustainability. She holds a BA in English Language and Literature and a Master’s degree in Nonprofit Management, and is currently pursuing her PhD in Education, Leadership, and Organization at Texas Woman’s University.
A lifelong learner, Afshan was among the first graduates of the Ribaat Teacher Certification Program in 2020 and is continuing her journey through the Ribaat Scholar Certification track. Her formal path in Islamic studies began in 2001 at the Georgia Islamic Institute and ultimately led her to Rabata – a place she now calls her forever home in the sacred sciences under the mentorship of Anse Dr. Tamara Gray and a vibrant community of women scholars.
Born in Chicago and raised in Atlanta, Afshan now lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and five children, where they enjoy the warmth of Southern living and strong community ties.
In addition to her work in development, Afshan teaches in Rabata’s youth programs and local halaqas. She also leads programming for the Rabata Houston chapter, creating joyful, faith-centered spaces for Muslim women and girls. She is the author of Pieces, a young adult novel published by Daybreak Press that explores themes of family, mental health, and personal growth.