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Ramadan Top 30 Illuminator: Maryam Deanna Jaafar

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:

Maryam Deanna Jaafar: Miss New York Finalist Launches Fashion Line

Queens-based beauty queen Maryam Deanna Jaafar competed in the Miss New York USA contest. Despite initial push-back from her family, who were unsure she would be able to compete while wearing hijab, she placed in the top 20 out of hundreds of hopefuls. Since then, Jaafar has also founded her own fashion line, focusing on haute couture hijabs.

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