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Ramadan Top 30 Illuminator: Deqa Dhalac

Artists, innovators, and entrepreneurs of Muslim heritage are indelibly shaping Western societies. To shine a light on these inspiring innovators who transcend stereotypes and enrich modern life, Hayat Life presents its annual “Ramadan Top 30” list of Muslim achievers impacting the world in 2022. Some honorees are global pop cultural icons, others unsung heroes making extraordinary contributions outside the limelight.

The awards highlight a Muslim achiever for every day of the month of Ramadan. The holiday is traditionally a time to reflect on personal impact and re-commit to finding ways to help improve the world – a spirit of illumination symbolized by the traditional Ramadan lanterns. Hayat Life’s “Ramadan Top 30” honorees in 2022 bring a modern twist to that centuries-old heritage.

In that spirit, we are honored to present:

Deqa Dhalac: Somali Refugee Becomes America’s First African-Born Female Mayor

Deqa Dhalac fled war-torn Somalia 30 years ago and was resettled in the US. Dhalac ran her own interpreting service for many years before entering politics. Winning a landslide 90% of the vote in a predominantly white Maine town, Dhalac recently became Mayor of South Portland. She credits her election to a decade of hard work building grassroots civic relationships.

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