Intersections of Faith, Feminism, and Activism: Progressive Islam and Social Justice

OLLI at BCC Distinguished Speakers Series presents:

Intersections of Faith, Feminism, and Activism: Progressive Islam and Social Justice

with Ani Zonneveld

Sponsored by Kimball Farms Life Care 

Monday, March 30 at 7 p.m.

Live streamed and in-person
at Zion Lutheran Church
74 First St, Pittsfield, MA 01201
Free and Open to the Public

Join us for an insightful lecture exploring Ani Zonneveld's compelling book, An Unlikely Social Justice Warrior: Making My Life Count as a Muslim Feminist. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the intersections between faith, feminism, and activism and the various initiatives Ani created in countering patriarchy and sexism in society including her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and in opposing the misuse of religion to justify prejudice.

Zonneveld, an award winning songwriter, and the founder and president of Muslims for Progressive Values, will share her personal and professional experiences when advocating for human rights, gender equality, and religious freedom. The lecture will bring theory to life in an in-depth application of progressive Islamic theology and human rights norms in her work.

In preparation, we encourage you to watch a short film about Ani Zonneveld titled "al-imam". Explore how her experiences can inform academic discourse on religion, gender studies, and social justice. This webinar promises to enrich your understanding and inspire meaningful dialogue.

Ani Zonneveld is an author, writer, a singer/songwriter, and speaker. She is the founder and president 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, advocacy and the arts. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the Multi-Faith Advisory Council to the U.N., a board member of Friends of the Parent Circle, and Community Partners Foundation in Los Angeles. 

As an officiant, Ani pioneered MPV's Islamic interfaith marriage services and has officiated hundreds of weddings since 2006. She is the subject of an award winning documentary titled "al-imam" screened at the Cannes Film Festival in 2019. As a Grammy certified songwriter, she utilizes the power of music against hate, and in creating a new American Muslim culture. Ani’s memoir titled The Unlikely Social Justice Warrior: Making My Life Count as a Muslim Feminist was published by Lived Places Publishing, 2025. 

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.

See a complete CV of Ani Zonneveld. 

Sign up today!

Register online or call 413.236.2190 (M-F 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.)