TAAF Staff Picks: Fatima Wahidi

Tell us what you do at TAAF, and where you’re based.

As the Grants & Programs Associate at TAAF I work on the administrative and operational needs for the Programs Team, and I am based in St. Louis, Missouri.

‍What films or TV shows are you excited about right now?

I recently watched The Swimmers on Netflix and it made me cry. It was such a beautiful heartbreaking film based on a true story of sisters Yusra and Sara Mardini. I am also in the middle of Barzakh, a Pakistani series that is enchanting and focused around grief, love, and regret.

Do you have a favorite book or author you're reading?

Currently I am reading Elif Shafak’s The Forty Rules of Love, a novel about the Islamic mystics Shams of Tabriz and Rumi as well as Divine Codes by Oya Divine, a beautifully written memoir and ancestral guide to healing and self-discovery.  

What song is on repeat on your playlist?

My taste in music depends on the mood and varies so I can go from "Una Lady Como Tu" by Manuel Turizo to "Dua" by Zack Knight. Zayn’s new Konnakol album was recently released and I am once again blown away by the variety and range that he is able to deliver as an artist. 

What's your top travel destination or bucket list vacation?

Thailand would be a dream vacation! My sister studied abroad in Thailand when she was in undergrad and raved about the natural beauty, kindness of the local people, and the incredible food. Ever since then the “land of smiles” has been up on my list! 

Any local AAPI owned restaurants or small businesses that you recommend?‍

Fork and Stix and Simply Thai have incredible Thai food. Mai Lee has phenomenal Pho. Akar has Malaysian fusion food that I love! I also recently found out about Mubarak & Co. which is based in NYC and is an AAPI and Muslim owned business that designs decor, cards, and gifting for Muslim celebrations like Eid! I thought that it was so special to have custom celebratory gifts which is not something that I grew up with. I love learning about small businesses and initiatives like this that are furthering our sense of belonging!

Stay tuned for picks from another TAAF staffer next month!