Dr. Tamara Gray is the founder and CEO of Rabata, an organization dedicated to promoting positive cultural change through creative educational experiences, and President of Ribāṭ University, Rabata’s higher education initiative. In her work as President and CEO, she focuses on uplifting Muslim women within their communities and beyond. She has a special interest in digital spaces and their role in faith-centered community building.
Dr. Gray’s academic work includes a doctorate in leadership, a master’s degree in Curriculum Theory and Instruction, and a certificate in fundraising management. She is currently pursuing a Master of Arts in History as part of her personal commitment to continued learning. She also spent twenty years in traditional learning spaces studying Islamic sciences, Quran, and Arabic in Damascus, Syria.
Dr. Gray is also an author and translator. Her publications with Daybreak Press range from culturally appropriate English-language curriculum programs to translations of sacred texts. She has authored two books: Joy Jots: Exercises for a Happy Heart and Project Lina: Bringing Our Whole Selves to Islam. She has also co-translated two works by Shaykha Samīra Zayid: Compendium of the Collection of Sources on al-Sīra al-Nabawiyya and A Practical Manual of the Creed of Tawḥīd from the Quran and Sunna.
In addition to her work at Rabata, Dr. Gray also serves as a Senior Fellow at the Yaqeen Institute and a Board Chair for the Minnesota Multifaith Network. Dr. Gray is Full Focus Certified Pro exemplifying her commitment to productivity and impactful leadership.
She is a mother of three, grandmother of two, an avid reader and a lover of cultures, coffee, and road trips.
Awards and Honors
President's Award – The Islamic Society of America (2026)
In May 2026, Anse Dr. Tamara Gray received the President's Award from The Islamic Society of America, one of the organization's highest honors recognizing exceptional service and leadership within the Muslim community. This award celebrates Dr. Gray's enduring contributions to Islamic scholarship, education, and institution-building, including her foundational role in shaping graduate-level Islamic education, mentoring students, and cultivating ethical leadership. It reflects a lifetime dedicated to serving the Ummah with knowledge, excellence, and vision.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, Ibrahim Souadda from Dar Al-Hijrah Islamic Center recognized Anse Dr. Tamara Gray as one of their distinguished Women of Honor. This recognition underscores her impactful leadership and contributions to uplifting women in the community.
Joy Jots: Exercises for a Happy Heart received the Living Now Book Award in 2018, honored in the categories of Personal Growth/Self-Help and Enlightenment/Spirituality. This award highlights its impactful role in fostering personal and spiritual growth.
Best Community Building Platform & Women’s Programming
Rabata was honored by the Center for Global Muslim Life with two prestigious awards: Best Community Building Platform and Best Women’s Focused Programming. These accolades reflect Rabata’s unwavering commitment to empowering women and strengthening communities worldwide.
We are proud to celebrate Anse Dr. Tamara Gray for receiving the Excellence in Education award from the Planting People Growing Justice Leadership Institute. This esteemed recognition highlights her dedication to advancing education, fostering community development, and inspiring transformative change.
In 2017, Anse Dr. Tamara Gray was recognized as one of Pollen’s 50 Over 50, celebrating fifty of Minnesota’s most inspiring and accomplished leaders for their remarkable contributions and achievements.
Project Lina was recognized as the First Runner-Up for the Eric Hoffer Book Award in the Legacy Nonfiction category, celebrating its profound contribution to literature and legacy-focused narratives.