About Us

Radical Belonging is a justice-centered equity practice dedicated to disrupting anti-Muslim hate and fostering inclusive environments where Muslim communities are genuinely valued and empowered. We support organizations in moving beyond surface-level diversity efforts to implement systemic, equity-driven change that centers lived experience and cultural humility.

Our work spans educational institutions, non-profits, government agencies, corporate DEI teams, and public institutions. Through tailored workshops, keynote speaking, policy review, and equity advising, we help clients confront Islamophobia, dismantle barriers, and redesign practices and policies through a framework of radical inclusion.

At Radical Belonging, true belonging is not optional or performative. It is deliberate, transformative, and bold. We build spaces that embody radical belonging, where Muslim voices are valued, heard, and respected.

Radical Belonging is based in Kingston, Ontario. We collaborate with clients locally and across Canada, and are available for both in-person travel and virtual engagements.

Our Mission + Vision

Our mission is to challenge anti-Muslim hate by equipping organizations with the strategies, tools, and knowledge they need to foster radically inclusive spaces. We work alongside institutions to center Muslim voices, dismantle systemic barriers, and drive lasting, equity-driven change grounded in cultural humility and justice.

Our vision is a world where Muslim communities are not just tolerated, but actively embraced and celebrated. We envision a future where harmful stereotypes and misinformation are dismantled, policies are rooted in truth and equity, and every space reflects a deep commitment to justice and belonging.

Meet Aysha

Aysha Yaqoob is an educator, speaker, equity strategist, and the founder of Radical Belonging. She holds a Master of Education, a Bachelor of Education, and a Bachelor of Arts. Her ongoing research explores the experiences of Muslim students in Canadian education, informing her culturally responsive and evidence-based approach.

Aysha has been honoured with several awards recognizing her leadership and commitment to social justice, including the CBC Future 40 Under 40. She is also the founder of Pencils of Hope (2015-2023), a nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing educational inequities by bridging funding gaps for schools, particularly those serving Indigenous communities. This initiative actively responded to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action by advocating for equitable resources and opportunities for schools in First Nations communities. These experiences continue to inform and inspire her justice-driven advisory work.

Drawing on her lived experiences as a Muslim woman and mother, Aysha applies a culturally humble and intersectional lens to challenge systemic barriers and promote radical inclusion. She collaborates with organizations to develop equity-centered strategies and sustainable practices that foster authentic belonging. Her work is rooted in transformative justice, cultural humility, and a deep commitment to advancing equity for Muslim communities and beyond.