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The author, writer, singer/songwriter and speaker discusses her new memoir, "An Unlikely Social Justice Warrior: Making my Life Count as a Muslim Feminist," and gives a musical performance.
Book signing to follow.
About the Book (from the publisher): What happens when a Malaysian Muslim woman defies expectations and challenges patriarchy?
Ani Zonneveld shares her journey from Kuala Lumpur to rural Illinois, confronting invisible lines drawn by religion, gender, and race—all in pursuit of truth and justice.
From the music industry to global human rights forums, Ani uses her voice—literally and figuratively—to advocate for freedom of expression, women’s rights, and LGBTQIA+ inclusion within Islam. Whether navigating UN corridors or standing up to extremists, her story challenges dominant narratives and fosters radical empathy. Her memoir is a bold invitation to step out of tribalism and into allyship, using the intersections of feminism, faith, and the arts as tools for transformation.
About the Author: 
Ani Zonneveld is a Grammy-certified songwriter, activist, and founder of Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV), which advocates for freedom of expression and of conscience, and human rights for all through an inclusive interpretation of Islam. Ani promotes these values through public education, music, advocacy and the arts. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Multi-Faith Advisory Council to the U.N., and a board member of Community Partners Foundation in Los Angeles. She champions women’s rights, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, and freedom of expression. Born in Malaysia, Ani, a Muslim since birth, spent a good portion of her formative years raised in Germany, Egypt and India as an Ambassador’s daughter. Her exposure to different politics, religions and cultures has shaped her inclusive worldview.
About the Moderator:
Ambreen Ali is a freelance reporter based in Hopewell and the founder of Central Desi, a newsletter by and about South Asians in New Jersey. Her work has appeared in The Washington Post, Bloomberg, Fortune magazine, Agence France Presse, Edible Jersey and The Counter.
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Presented with support from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Any views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this programming do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.
