How do you overcome entrenched perceptions about individuals and groups? This was the challenge Shakila Ahmad faced as the first female Board Chair and President of the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati. In that role, she used her experiences as an immigrant, corporate professional and her family's experiences after 9/11 to overcome entrenched perceptions about Islam and Muslim women in particular. Shakila T Ahmad is an enthusiastic community leader who has dedicated herself to numerous civic and community causes, building peace and understanding for 25 years. She most recently served 5 years as Chair and President of the Board at the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati (ICGC), being the first woman to serve in this capacity at such an institution across the country. Additionally, Ahmad has or currently serves on numerous executive board of directors including the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, the Ohio Humanities Council, Islamic Networks Group, YWCA Greater Cincinnati, the United Way of Greater Cincinnati, the President's Advisory Council at Xavier University and University of Cincinnati Foundation where she has been instrumental in helping set up the Malik Islamic Studies Professorship at the College of Arts and Sciences, setting the stage for educating generations to come. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx