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. She graduated from Duke University as a 3-time All American 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 released her debut memoir, "PROUD: My Fight for an Unlikely American Dream" in July 2018, and in September 2019, she 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. Additionally, during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, she partnered with NBC, covering 62 fencing matches, and has advocated for changes in International Olympic Committee rules to promote equality.

Ibtihaj Muhammad's engagement with civil rights, social justice, mental health advocacy, and her contributions to design and fashion are recognized globally. She remains active in humanitarian and philanthropy efforts, promoting women's equality, workplace diversity, and youth advocacy, further establishing her role as a transformative figure both within and outside the realm of sports.