Iman Doroudi - Author

Iman Doroudi is a writer, children's book author, theatre practitioner, and mom whose work bridges faith, storytelling, and performance. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, she studied politics and drama with the conviction that the arts have a unique power to draw people closer to one another—and to God. She later earned a master’s degree in arts management, equipping her with administrative tools to build and sustain arts-centered initiatives.

Iman’s literary work of over 14 titles from 2019 onward focuses primarily on children’s faith-based storytelling, where she translates theological, historical, and ethical concepts into emotionally resonant narratives. Known for her structured verse and lyrical prose, she often grounds her stories in Qur'an & Hadith (tradition) while ensuring accessibility for contemporary families.

Beyond authorship, Iman has contributed creatively to organizations such as Noor Kids, Kisa Kids, and MECCA LLC. She has taught performance to Muslim middle and high school students, helping young people find confidence in presence, and purposeful expression.

Across disciplines—writing, theatre, education, and craft—Iman’s work is unified by a single aim: to cultivate spiritually literate storytelling that strengthens faith, preserves heritage, and inspires young audiences to see themselves as active participants in history.

Lastly, Iman has a deep love for Muslim fiction and is committed to expanding her personal collection of over 500 Muslim own-voices titles across children’s, middle grade, YA, and adult literature, continually seeking out and championing stories that reflect the breadth, nuance, and lived realities of Muslim experiences.

Afnan Nizam - Illustrator

Afnan is a rising digital illustrator based in Gaza, Palestine whose work reflects both technical skill and remarkable resilience. Afnan graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Multimedia & Web Development in March 2026 from the Islamic University of Gaza, despite facing two displacements. She has steadily built a strong artistic presence online, amassing an Instagram following of over 13K who connect with her visual arts.

We were introduced to Afnan through Taqat Careers, an initiative that connects talented freelancers in Gaza with organizations around the world. Through this platform, her work has reached international audiences, including Kuwait and France, opening doors to meaningful creative collaborations. We worked together with Afnan to tell the story of "Shoes of Resilience" based on a proverb she grew up hearing.

Beyond her commissioned illustration work, Afnan is deeply committed to artistic mentorship. She has led multiple art workshops for fellow students and currently teaches a digital storytelling illustration course for aspiring artists, equipping the next generation with both technical tools and narrative confidence.

In just a few short years—while navigating multiple displacements—Afnan has achieved what many artists take decades to build. Her long-term vision is to establish her own art and animation studio, creating opportunities for other young creatives and contributing to a thriving visual arts community in Palestine.

Michile Khan - Illustrator

Michile Khan is a children’s book illustrator whose work brings cultural stories and experiences to life through vibrant, engaging visuals. She has illustrated Hamza and Aliya Share the Ramadan Cheer, a heart-warming picture book written by Marzieh Abbas that celebrates community, kindness, and the joy of Ramadan for young readers.

In addition, Michile provided illustrations for ABC’s of Pakistan: A Glimpse Into Pakistani Culture, another collaboration with Marzieh Abbas that introduces children to landmarks, traditions, foods, festivals, and everyday life through playful alphabet exploration.

Based in London and active in the children’s publishing world, Michile’s art combines bright color palettes, expressive characters, and thoughtful cultural details that support diverse storytelling and inclusive representation. She works professionally as an illustrator with Kisa Kids, contributing her talent to books that both educate and delight young audiences.

We are blessed to be working with her on our upcoming book, The Great Gummy Qurbani, where she brings humor, heart, and visual charm to a playful story rooted in faith and sacrifice. Through her artistry, the characters leap off the page with personality, transforming a sweet tale into a memorable visual experience that children will delight in, almost as much as halal gummies.