biography

Born: Maplewood, NJ

Resides: Los Angeles, CA

Studies: Columbia High School, Duke University

Team: United States Olympic Team— Fencing

Ibtihaj Muhammad is an entrepreneur, New York Times bestselling author, activist, and Olympic medalist. A five-time Senior World medalist and World Champion, she made history at the 2016 Olympic Games as the first American woman to compete in hijab and the first Muslim American woman to win an Olympic medal. She also became the first Black woman to win an Olympic medal in sabre.

Beyond sport, Muhammad has built a career centered on representation, inclusion, and creating opportunities for women and girls. She founded the modest-fashion brand Louella and, in 2017, inspired Mattel’s first hijab-wearing Barbie made in her likeness as part of its “Shero” collection. She is the author of the memoir PROUD: My Fight for an Unlikely American Dream and the bestselling children’s series The Proudest Blue, The Kindest Red, and The Boldest White.

Named one of TIME magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, Muhammad has worked with organizations and initiatives around the world to advance equity through sport. Her impact extends far beyond the fencing strip, using entrepreneurship, storytelling, advocacy, and sport to expand representation and inspire the next generation.