Inclusion is the Solution. The moto of the Muslim Women Social Work Association displays the driving philosophy behind the efforts of this Wayne State Social Work student organization. Founded in May 2018, the association is led by BSW student Masuma Jinnat with the support of Vice President Manar Al-Asady, Secretary Jordan Lindsay and Treasurer Fahima Mumin.

Located in the heart of Detroit, the Wayne State School of Social Work provides a distinct set of challenges and opportunities for students to leverage their classroom studies into community action. The association has tapped into this urban environment advantage and commitment to the betterment of our local community through partnerships with local food banks and community organizations. Recently the association worked with Gleaners Community Food Bank of Metro Detroit to assemble canned food boxes, package frozen vegetables and prepare meals that were distributed to the surrounding community. They also hosted a Blessing Bags event on campus, which included a collection and the creation of 200 bags filled with food and daily living resources for the local homeless community.

With support from Social Work Lecturer and CHAMPS Director, Judith Wineman, and Program Coordinator and Data Technician in the Center for Behavioral Health and Justice, Tamarie Willis, the association has strived to impart their commitment to outreach and student success to social work graduate and undergraduate students. The association aspires to provide academic, professional, and personal development support for students while promoting the values of diversity and equality. The association is open to any Wayne State student.

The association continued its commitment to service through support of Wayne State's World Suicide Prevention Day activities in late 2018 and the Center for Behavioral Health and Justice's Re-Entry Drive to support those re-entering the community after incarceration.

The future of the association includes plans to continue its community outreach activities, expand its support of Wayne students to include a mentoring program and bring awareness to mental health stigma in the Muslim community through a panel discussion of stigma and resources which will be held on April 12.

Al-Asady noted, "The Muslim Women Social Work Association encourages a diverse group of individuals to work together to serve vulnerable populations. We hope as an association we continue to make a positive impact on our community and future social workers."