50 Leading Women: Mona Kafeel

In honor and celebration of our Women’s Division‘s 50th Anniversary, we will be spotlighting 50 Leading Women making an impact, raising their voice, and leading the next generation of women in the workforce and Plano community.

Introducing, Mona Kafeel, Chief Executive Officer, of the Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation. Texas Muslim Women’s Foundation (TMWF) was founded in Collin County in 2005 with a mission to empower, promote and support all women while being an ambassador of a peaceful, caring Muslim community. TMWF aims to promote peace and understanding within the family unit and across the many diverse communities in North Texas.  Mona joined TMWF in 2007, serving in various roles such as Chief philanthropy and Operating Officer, before being name the Chief Executive Officer in April of 2020. Mona and TMWF have been encouraging conversation and leading the change for domestic violence awareness in the community. Since their inception, they have successfully established two 24/7 crisis shelters for survivors of family and domestic violence, united Imams (Muslim religious leaders) in North Texas with a zero-tolerance pledge against domestic violence, & spearheaded the creation of the Contemporary Arab & Muslim Cultural Institute (CAMSCI) at the University of North Texas; just to list a few of their impactful accomplishments.

Mona is a proud Plano resident and served several years as a member on a Plano Independent School District PTA. Mona has continued to give back to the community through participation in the Plano Senior Advisory Board where she served as a Senior Advisory Board Member to the Mayor of Plano. In addition she served as a Public Policy Committee member for Texas Council on Family Violence, and was a Cultural Diversity Trainer to the Dallas Fire Department. Mona and TMWF are continuing to make an impact and create a safer world for the next generation of women leaders.

1. Describe your leadership style and how you lead others.

I am a compassionate leader who strives for transformation within my team.  The nature of my business is that most of my team members choose to spend their time working at our studio as their fun, side gig. I appreciate the time they dedicate to The Barre Code community outside of their full-time jobs, school, and families. It’s important for me to provide them with support and ensure that they are happy in their roles so that their lives are enhanced by the time they spend working at TBC.  I challenge my instructors to always strive for improvement and growth, which often requires stepping out of their comfort zones. I like to think that I can often see what they are truly capable of before they realize their full potential, and I make it my goal to help them exceed their own expectations.

2. How can women develop their leadership skills in the workforce?

Women commonly struggle with establishing credibility, “managing up”, negotiation, and influencing others. They should take the lead in shaping conversations about their career, which begins by creating a personal leadership development strategy which includes expanding your capabilities and skills. Seek mentorship! Doing so can provide guidance and support from senior leaders to integrate what they’ve learned into day-to-day operations. Create the right relationships, they are an asset in getting access to information, resources, promotions and gaining opportunities.

3. What are the most important decisions you make as a leader?

Every. Single. Day. How do I put dignity back into the system that doesn’t support it. Operationalize this concept while keeping the integrity and impact of the organization is always at the forefront while I navigate tough decisions.

4. What has been one of your biggest joys as a leader?

My biggest joy is seeing others achieve more than they thought they were capable of.

5. What strategies could be used to promote inclusion in the workplace?

The first step towards inclusion is self-assessment of workplace. From staff to stakeholders and even the population you serve has to be taken into account. Review policies such as: Offer break room snacks and company lunches that satisfy employees dietary restrictions rising from religious affiliations or physical health needs. Provide an anonymous feedback system so employees can report instances of discrimination or exclusion. Encourage employees to use preferred pronouns and neutral terminology like “spouse” or “partner.” Make sure office areas are accessible for people with disabilities. Be flexible and accommodate and support employees’ family, religious, cultural, personal and health needs. Offer paid time off to volunteer to encourage employees to participate in causes they care about.

6. What advice would you give your 25-year-old self?

That would be a very long list! However, in short ‘relationships are the foundation of accomplishment’ is one liner, I would repeat.

7. What advice can you give to the next generation of female leaders?

Whether you are a super-planner or spontaneous person. Create a sacred space where you’re able to go back a say ‘how will I cope’ when life turns out differently. Create a place where you give yourself grace and you have a core group of people who will cheer you on no matter what! Another lesson worth knowing is you learn a ‘little’ from theory, ‘some’ from practice and a ‘lot; from mistakes so it’s okay to make mistakes. Only those willing to help solve a problem, even in a small way, are allowed to complain about or point to problems in the first place.

8. Who inspired you and why?

My professional mentor: She taught me the virtue of resilience, vision of a compassionate world! My mother and sister: The power in infinite thinking. My daughter: Embodiment of grit, courage, and purpose!

9. What do you want to be remembered for?

I am a daughter and a granddaughter of women who stood on principles of family, faith, and community!