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Portrait of Maaria Mozaffar

Attorney. Policymaker. Advocate.

Maaria Mozaffar is a multifaceted changemaker. As an attorney, policy drafter, mediator, author, speaker, and founder of AWF Global, she has been advancing equity through mediation and legislative change for over 20 years.

Read Maaria's Full Bio

Connect with me

Speaking

Maaria inspires individuals to break echo chambers and live lives of impact and substance.

Learn More ›

Legislation

The impact of Maaria's work extends to thousands of lives annually, with her legislative models being replicated throughout the country.

Learn More ›

Building A Life of Impact

A virtual course to help you reimagine your pathway and tap into your personal power to make it a reality.

Learn More ›

A Way Forward with Maaria Mozaffar

On her A Way Forward podcast, Maaria talks to thought leaders, artists, subject matter experts, and more to help us break out of our digital echo chambers and uplift humanity one conversation at a time.

YouTube Spotify

A Way Forward with Maaria Mozaffar

On her A Way Forward podcast, Maaria talks to thought leaders, artists, subject matter experts, and more to help us break out of our digital echo chambers and uplift humanity one conversation at a time.

Subscribe on

Leading & Joining Global Conversations

Nationwide Virtual Religious Liberties Policy TownHall 2026 Livestream

Maaria Mozaffar

The Beauty of a Multicultural Life — Kuwait, America, Pakistan

Maaria Mozaffar

A Purpose-Driven Life

Maaria Mozaffar

Portrait of Maaria Mozaffar

Attorney. Policymaker. Advocate.

Maaria Mozaffar is a multifaceted changemaker. As an attorney, policy drafter, mediator, author, speaker, and founder of AWF Global, she has been advancing equity through mediation and legislative change for over 20 years.

Read Maaria's Full Bio

Connect with me

Speaking

Maaria inspires individuals to break echo chambers and live lives of impact and substance.

Learn More ›

Legislation

The impact of Maaria's work extends to thousands of lives annually, with her legislative models being replicated throughout the country.

Learn More ›

Building A Life of Impact

A virtual course to help you reimagine your pathway and tap into your personal power to make it a reality.

Learn More ›

A Way Forward with Maaria Mozaffar

On her A Way Forward podcast, Maaria talks to thought leaders, artists, subject matter experts, and more to help us break out of our digital echo chambers and uplift humanity one conversation at a time.

YouTube Spotify

Leading & Joining Global Conversations

Nationwide Virtual Religious Liberties Policy TownHall 2026 Livestream

Maaria Mozaffar

The Beauty of a Multicultural Life — Kuwait, America, Pakistan

Maaria Mozaffar

A Purpose-Driven Life

Maaria Mozaffar

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Ways to Connect

Maaria Mozaffar profile photo Maaria Mozaffar Instagram
Maaria Mozaffar profile photo Maaria Mozaffar Facebook
Maaria Mozaffar profile photo Maaria Mozaffar YouTube
Maaria Mozaffar

Maaria Mozaffar
Breaks Echo Chambers

Maaria Mozaffar is an attorney, policy drafter, mediator, author and speaker. A fierce advocate for equity and human rights, Maaria has dedicated her career to crafting legislation and leading conversations that challenge systemic inequality and uplift the dignity of all people.

Her groundbreaking legislative work focuses on various issue areas, including social services, education, healthcare, criminal justice reform and women's empowerment. Maaria has crafted over a dozen legislations that have successfully become law and were replicated around the nation. She has also led policy initiatives for various community organizations with a focus on tackling dehumanization, including crafting the Wadee Resolution, which was passed by the U.S. Senate, recognizing the 2023 murder of 6-year old Wadee Alfayoumi, a Palestinian-American Muslim boy in Illinois, as a hate crime.

Maaria holds a B.A. and J.D. from the University of Illinois. In 2019, she was appointed to the Illinois Council on Women and Girls, where she co-chairs the Leadership and Inclusion Committee. Her committee introduced the first Illinois Girls Lead mentoring program. Maaria's passion for creating pathways for people to realize their full potential inspired her book, More Than Pretty: How to Live a Life of Substance in an Artificial World. Maaria has been profiled in Crain's Chicago, Chicago Parent, the Illinois State Bar Journal, and as a "Four Star Chicagoan" by WGN. She's also featured in the PBS Documentary The Great Muslim American Road Trip as one of twenty changemakers in the U.S. In addition, her writings on dehumanization and policy have been published in national and global publications.

Maaria is also passionate about breaking people out of their echo chambers, and thinking critically about the ways social media has been used to perpetuate divisions in our society. With her podcast A Way Forward, Maaria engages in conversations with an array of thought leaders, artists, subject matter experts and more, to help us see the possibilities for personal and social change where we feel that there are none.

In The Field

Moments from the Work

Legislative Work & Policy Wins

"At the core of my work is a belief that systems and institutions should treat all people fairly and with dignity."

The following are some of Maaria's legislative victories, achieved in partnership with elected officials, community organizations and issue-based coalitions.

Wadee Alfayoumi, the 6-year-old Palestinian-Muslim boy honored by the Wadee Resolution
Legislation

The Wadee Resolution

ABC7 Chicago

The U.S. Senate recognized the murder of 6-year-old Palestinian-Muslim boy Wadee Alfayoumi in Illinois as a hate crime.

Learn More →
CBS News Chicago coverage of the Faith By Plate Act
Legislation

Faith By Plate Act

CBS News Chicago

Mandates halal and kosher meal options in all Illinois state institutions, like schools, hospitals and correctional facilities.

Learn More →
Illinois General Assembly, source of the Faith Behind Bars Act
Legislation

Faith Behind Bars Act

Illinois General Assembly

Institutes the right to practice faith in a correctional institution or facility.

Learn More →
Coverage of the first Muhammad Ali Day celebrated in Illinois
Legislation

Muhammad Ali Day

ABC7 Chicago

Made January 17 Muhammad Ali Day in Illinois and provided that the teaching of U.S. history include contributions made by Americans of different faiths.

Learn More →
A hijab-wearing student athlete competing in track and field
Legislation

Inclusive Athletic Attire Act

Interfaith America

Amends school code to allow students to wear hijab, an undershirt, leggings, or other modest attire in accordance with one's religion when playing sports.

Learn More →
Illinois General Assembly, source of the Illinois Drug School Act
Legislation

Illinois Drug School Act

Illinois General Assembly

Established a drug intervention and education program for non-violent drug offenders.

Learn More →
ABC7 Chicago Newsviews segment on the Illinois Council on Women and Girls
Legislation

Illinois Council on Women and Girls Act

ABC7 Chicago

Formed the Illinois Council for Women and Girls, giving them a greater voice in crafting state laws that impact them.

Learn More →
Mediate.com illustration accompanying Maaria's article on bias-based bullying
Legislation

Cross-Cultural Mediation in Bullying Act

Mediate.com

Requires mediation between parties for school incidents involving bias-based bullying based on race, gender, class, ethnicity, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.

Learn More →
Overview graphic explaining Illinois' media literacy law
Legislation

Media Literacy

IMEDIA, University of Illinois

Every public high school may include in its curriculum a unit of instruction on media literacy.

Learn More →
Placeholder image representing the Illinois Grocery Initiative
Advocacy

Food Deserts Resolution Advocacy

Illinois DCEO

Addresses inadequate access to fresh food in Illinois "food deserts."

Learn More →

Podcast

Maaria Mozaffar recording the A Way Forward podcast

A Way Forward

With her podcast, A Way Forward, Maaria features impactful conversations with thought leaders, artists and experts across fields that inspire us to reflect and see possibilities for personal and social change.

Drawing upon her experience as a mediator, attorney, civil rights advocate, and motivational speaker, Maaria is committed to breaking out of the echo chamber and uplifting our humanity, one conversation at a time.

Book

Book cover for More Than Pretty: How to Live a Life of Substance in an Artificial World by Maaria Mozaffar

More Than Pretty: How to Live a Life of Substance in an Artificial World is Maaria's guide to reconnecting with what's real in a digital, image-driven age.

"I wrote this book to support those seeking help with navigating the artificial nature of daily life in this digital era, and want to reconnect with what is real. In the end we are all searching for peace. We are all searching for substance."
Order Now
Maaria Mozaffar signing copies of her book Maaria Mozaffar holding her book alongside a reader

Building A Life of Impact

Maaria Mozaffar working at a laptop
I believe people who want to make an impact start from a place of curiosity and hope. If you're looking for direction, inspiration or a template, you are not alone.

With each module, this free course will guide you through a mental shift by taking stock of your current distractions, gaining clarity on your desires and purpose, and reminding you of the power of your intuition.

Placeholder image representing the Building A Life of Impact course

This course is for you if you find yourself asking:

  • What is my purpose?
  • Where am I headed?
  • Is this all there is?
  • What is my next step?
  • Can I change my circumstances?
  • How do I make my dreams a reality?
Enroll Now

Course Curriculum

Speaking

Photo one
Photo two

Empower. Inspire. Make an Impact.

Maaria is dedicated to breaking echo chambers and inspiring us as a global society to recognize our shared humanity. She challenges our increasingly artificial and materialistic world by encouraging people to live lives of substance and impact. Her talks offer an optimistic vision of what's possible when we work together to bridge divides.

Past Hosts

  • American Muslim Women's Association
  • Benedictine University
  • Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago
  • Google Women's Summit Chicago
  • Illinois Council of Women and Girls
  • Images & Perceptions Diversity Conference
  • International Media Literacy Research Symposium
  • Islamic Foundation Villa Park
  • Islamic Society of North America
  • Men 4 Chicago: Do Better Forum
  • Muslim Legal Fund of America
  • National American Muslim Policy Conference
  • The Citizens Foundation
  • The Skinless Project
  • UCLA
  • University of Illinois at Chicago
  • University of Illinois College of Law
  • Wellesley College
  • Women's March Chicago

Press & Media

ABC7 Interview

4 Star Chicagoan: Maaria Mozaffar

Maaria Mozaffar empowers people through pro bono legal advocacy, mediation, and legislative consulting for meaningful change.

Crain's Chicago Business

Profile on Maaria's advocacy work and career across law and policy.

Read more →

Chicago Parent

Feature on balancing family life with public advocacy.

Read more →

Illinois State Bar Journal

Legal community spotlight on legislative achievements.

Read more →

WGN — Four Star Chicagoan

Television feature recognizing Maaria's community impact.

Watch →

PBS — The Great Muslim American Road Trip

Documentary appearance exploring Muslim American life and identity.

Learn more →

See ongoing coverage on Google News →

Contact

Maaria Mozaffar

For media, speaking, and consulting requests, or other inquiries, please use the form below.

Maaria Mozaffar

Attorney, policy drafter, mediator, author, speaker, and founder of AWF Global.

Connect

© 2026 Maaria Mozaffar. All rights reserved.

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Ways to Connect

Maaria Mozaffar profile photo Maaria Mozaffar Instagram
Maaria Mozaffar profile photo Maaria Mozaffar Facebook
Maaria Mozaffar profile photo Maaria Mozaffar YouTube

Maaria Mozaffar
Breaks Echo Chambers

Maaria Mozaffar is an attorney, policy drafter, mediator, author and speaker. A fierce advocate for equity and human rights, Maaria has dedicated her career to crafting legislation and leading conversations that challenge systemic inequality and uplift the dignity of all people.

Her groundbreaking legislative work focuses on various issue areas, including social services, education, healthcare, criminal justice reform and women's empowerment. Maaria has crafted over a dozen legislations that have successfully become law and were replicated around the nation. She has also led policy initiatives for various community organizations with a focus on tackling dehumanization, including crafting the Wadee Resolution, which was passed by the U.S. Senate, recognizing the 2023 murder of 6-year old Wadee Alfayoumi, a Palestinian-American Muslim boy in Illinois, as a hate crime.

Maaria holds a B.A. and J.D. from the University of Illinois. In 2019, she was appointed to the Illinois Council on Women and Girls, where she co-chairs the Leadership and Inclusion Committee. Her committee introduced the first Illinois Girls Lead mentoring program. Maaria's passion for creating pathways for people to realize their full potential inspired her book, More Than Pretty: How to Live a Life of Substance in an Artificial World. Maaria has been profiled in Crain's Chicago, Chicago Parent, the Illinois State Bar Journal, and as a "Four Star Chicagoan" by WGN. She's also featured in the PBS Documentary The Great Muslim American Road Trip as one of twenty changemakers in the U.S. In addition, her writings on dehumanization and policy have been published in national and global publications.

Maaria is also passionate about breaking people out of their echo chambers, and thinking critically about the ways social media has been used to perpetuate divisions in our society. With her podcast A Way Forward, Maaria engages in conversations with an array of thought leaders, artists, subject matter experts and more, to help us see the possibilities for personal and social change where we feel that there are none.

Maaria Mozaffar

In The Field

Moments from the Work

Legislative Work & Policy Wins

"At the core of my work is a belief that systems and institutions should treat all people fairly and with dignity."

The following are some of Maaria's legislative victories, achieved in partnership with elected officials, community organizations and issue-based coalitions.

Wadee Alfayoumi, the 6-year-old Palestinian-Muslim boy honored by the Wadee Resolution
Legislation

The Wadee Resolution

ABC7 Chicago

The U.S. Senate recognized the murder of 6-year-old Palestinian-Muslim boy Wadee Alfayoumi in Illinois as a hate crime.

Learn More →
CBS News Chicago coverage of the Faith By Plate Act
Legislation

Faith By Plate Act

CBS News Chicago

Mandates halal and kosher meal options in all Illinois state institutions, like schools, hospitals and correctional facilities.

Learn More →
Illinois General Assembly, source of the Faith Behind Bars Act
Legislation

Faith Behind Bars Act

Illinois General Assembly

Institutes the right to practice faith in a correctional institution or facility.

Learn More →
Coverage of the first Muhammad Ali Day celebrated in Illinois
Legislation

Muhammad Ali Day

ABC7 Chicago

Made January 17 Muhammad Ali Day in Illinois and provided that the teaching of U.S. history include contributions made by Americans of different faiths.

Learn More →
A hijab-wearing student athlete competing in track and field
Legislation

Inclusive Athletic Attire Act

Interfaith America

Amends school code to allow students to wear hijab, an undershirt, leggings, or other modest attire in accordance with one's religion when playing sports.

Learn More →
Illinois General Assembly, source of the Illinois Drug School Act
Legislation

Illinois Drug School Act

Illinois General Assembly

Established a drug intervention and education program for non-violent drug offenders.

Learn More →
ABC7 Chicago Newsviews segment on the Illinois Council on Women and Girls
Legislation

Illinois Council on Women and Girls Act

ABC7 Chicago

Formed the Illinois Council for Women and Girls, giving them a greater voice in crafting state laws that impact them.

Learn More →
Mediate.com illustration accompanying Maaria's article on bias-based bullying
Legislation

Cross-Cultural Mediation in Bullying Act

Mediate.com

Requires mediation between parties for school incidents involving bias-based bullying based on race, gender, class, ethnicity, religion, disability, or sexual orientation.

Learn More →
Overview graphic explaining Illinois' media literacy law
Legislation

Media Literacy

IMEDIA, University of Illinois

Every public high school may include in its curriculum a unit of instruction on media literacy.

Learn More →
Placeholder image representing the Illinois Grocery Initiative
Advocacy

Food Deserts Resolution Advocacy

Illinois DCEO

Addresses inadequate access to fresh food in Illinois "food deserts."

Learn More →

Podcast

Maaria Mozaffar recording the A Way Forward podcast

A Way Forward

With her podcast, A Way Forward, Maaria features impactful conversations with thought leaders, artists and experts across fields that inspire us to reflect and see possibilities for personal and social change.

Drawing upon her experience as a mediator, attorney, civil rights advocate, and motivational speaker, Maaria is committed to breaking out of the echo chamber and uplifting our humanity, one conversation at a time.

Listen now on Spotify Watch on YouTube

Book

Book cover for More Than Pretty: How to Live a Life of Substance in an Artificial World by Maaria Mozaffar

More Than Pretty: How to Live a Life of Substance in an Artificial World is Maaria's guide to reconnecting with what's real in a digital, image-driven age.

"I wrote this book to support those seeking help with navigating the artificial nature of daily life in this digital era, and want to reconnect with what is real. In the end we are all searching for peace. We are all searching for substance."
Order Now
Maaria Mozaffar signing copies of her book Maaria Mozaffar holding her book alongside a reader

Building A Life of Impact

Maaria Mozaffar working at a laptop
I believe people who want to make an impact start from a place of curiosity and hope. If you're looking for direction, inspiration or a template, you are not alone.

With each module, this free course will guide you through a mental shift by taking stock of your current distractions, gaining clarity on your desires and purpose, and reminding you of the power of your intuition.

Placeholder image representing the Building A Life of Impact course

This course is for you if you find yourself asking:

  • What is my purpose?
  • Where am I headed?
  • Is this all there is?
  • What is my next step?
  • Can I change my circumstances?
  • How do I make my dreams a reality?
Enroll Now

Course Curriculum

Speaking

Photo one
Photo two


Empower. Inspire. Make an Impact.

Maaria is dedicated to breaking echo chambers and inspiring us as a global society to recognize our shared humanity. She challenges our increasingly artificial and materialistic world by encouraging people to live lives of substance and impact. Her talks offer an optimistic vision of what's possible when we work together to bridge divides.

Past Hosts

  • American Muslim Women's Association
  • Benedictine University
  • Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago
  • Google Women's Summit Chicago
  • Illinois Council of Women and Girls
  • Images & Perceptions Diversity Conference
  • International Media Literacy Research Symposium
  • Islamic Foundation Villa Park
  • Islamic Society of North America
  • Men 4 Chicago: Do Better Forum
  • Muslim Legal Fund of America
  • National American Muslim Policy Conference
  • The Citizens Foundation
  • The Skinless Project
  • UCLA
  • University of Illinois at Chicago
  • University of Illinois College of Law
  • Wellesley College
  • Women's March Chicago

Press & Media

ABC7 Interview

4 Star Chicagoan: Maaria Mozaffar

Maaria Mozaffar empowers people through pro bono legal advocacy, mediation, and legislative consulting for meaningful change.

Crain's Chicago Business

Profile on Maaria's advocacy work and career across law and policy.

Read more →

Chicago Parent

Feature on balancing family life with public advocacy.

Read more →

Illinois State Bar Journal

Legal community spotlight on legislative achievements.

Read more →

WGN — Four Star Chicagoan

Television feature recognizing Maaria's community impact.

Watch →

PBS — The Great Muslim American Road Trip

Documentary appearance exploring Muslim American life and identity.

Learn more →

See ongoing coverage on Google News →

Contact

Maaria Mozaffar

For media, speaking, and consulting requests, or other inquiries, please use the form below.

Maaria Mozaffar

Attorney, policy drafter, mediator, author, speaker, and founder of AWF Global.

Connect

© 2026 Maaria Mozaffar. All rights reserved.