We are Yusef Ramelize and Samira Abdul-Karim, a couple from Atlanta Georgia with a commitment to creating a more just world, and unwavering hope in humanity’s collective ability to achieve it. Our approach to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion​ work is influenced by our identities as Black Muslim American professionals. Each of those identities, when isolated, connects us to billions of people. When they are held together they form unique intersectional perspectives that have influenced nearly every aspect of our lived experience.

We appreciate each of our identity factors for how they’ve helped shape who we are. We believe each person should also have that space to demonstrate how their identity has shaped them without feeling the need to hide or mute it. When organizations successfully tap into both the connection and uniqueness that each individual brings their impact and output can increase exponentially.

Samira is thoughtful, inviting, direct, and process-focused. Samira has helped thousands of people with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion work and holds a master’s degree in Social Organizational Psychology from Columbia University. Yusef is creative, energetic, perseverant, and outcomes-focused. Yusef has worked in many sectors of the design, project management and communications field and holds a master’s degree in Strategic Communications & Design also from Columbia University.

Combined we have over twenty five years of experience and are applying our skills and experience to our passion for uplifting the marginalized in society. We are motivated by the drive to make sure that both our kids can experience a world where their values are unquestioned and voice are celebrated. By implementing sustainable and meaningful change in social cause organizations we hope to enable others toward that future for their children as well.

​Lots of Love,
Samira & Yusef

To learn more about the Hyphens and Spaces team click here.