Words That Witness

From Stigma to Support

As a mental health advocate, I support individuals and communities, in the US and abroad, through the lenses of trauma, identity, and intergenerational healing. My work is rooted in decolonized, culturally responsive, and spiritually attuned frameworks that honor both the inner lives of individuals and the collective systems that shape them. I strive to create spaces where mental health can be explored with compassion, cultural humility, and sacred intention.

Through workshops, community events, and speaking engagements, I engage with a wide range of topics. I often speak on destigmatizing mental health in Muslim and immigrant communities, exploring trauma through a relational and spiritual lens, and reimagining parenting, resilience, and identity with depth and dignity. My offerings weave together insights from Islamic psychology, neuroscience, epigenetics, expressive arts, and trauma-informed care, inviting participants into spaces of reflection, learning, and transformation.

At the heart of my work is the belief that healing is not meant to happen in isolation. It is nurtured in safe relationships, sustained in community, and made sacred when we are witnessed with compassion. My voice serves as both mirror and bridge, gently reflecting the truths we carry and guiding us back to what is ours to reclaim. If you're envisioning a workshop, retreat, conference, or community gathering rooted in healing and connection, I would be honored to collaborate and co-create something meaningful with you.

Speaking Formats

Workshops · Keynotes · Panels · Trainings · Community Dialogues

Key Topics

  • Destigmatizing Mental Health in Muslim & Immigrant Communities

  • Trauma-Informed Healing Through a Spiritual & Relational Lens

  • Reclaiming Identity, Resilience & Parenting Across Generations

  • Integrating Faith, Culture & Mental Wellness in Practice

  • Culturally Responsive Approaches to Collective Care

Speaking Engagements

With gratitude, I share these moments from my speaking journey. 

Each flyer reflects a gathering of hearts, a conversation on healing, and a step toward nurturing awareness in our communities. 

Please scroll through the slideshow to explore these engagements.

Testimonials

"As the organizer of Reviving the Ummah, Strengthening Our Future,' I would like to sincerely thank Maria Siddiqui for her thoughtful and inspiring talk. Her presence and her words added so much depth and heart to the conversation about the future of our community.

Through her insights, she reminded us of the importance of healing, hope, and intentional action as we work to build a stronger ummah. Her gentle and powerful message resonated with many, offering encouragement and vision for the road ahead.

We are grateful for her contribution to our gathering and for the sincerity she brought to the stage. May Allah continue to bless her efforts and allow her to be a source of light and strength for others.

Nabila Zubair

Organizer

ICNA | Minnesota

Maria's workshop, Unveiling the Silence, was deeply engaging and culturally attuned. Participants appreciated the integration of Islamic values with trauma-informed, practical tools. Her facilitation style was warm, inclusive, and reflective, our community left with language, insight, and next steps. 

Maria created a welcoming, non-judgmental and immersive environment to discuss mental health topics. Attendees appreciated that her workshop was rooted in Islamic knowledge that affirmed mental health challenges and difficulties rather than dismissed them. We look forward to inviting her again.

Ladan Hadafow

Operations Manager

Sukoon Healing of the Minds

Maria Karim Siddiqui was invited by the Department of Psychology at the University of Sindh, Jamshoro, to deliver a talk titled "Self-Awareness as a Strength: Navigating Emotions and Identity in Young Adulthood."

The event drew a diverse audience, including faculty members, researchers, think tank professionals, and a large number of students, all of whom showed great interest in the topic. Ms. Siddiqui effectively covered all aspects of the subject, demonstrating her deep expertise throughout the presentation. She delivered her talk with great clarity and charisma, and the audience remained fully engaged.

At the end of the session, she responded thoughtfully to questions from the participants. The chairperson and faculty members of the department expressed their appreciation and interest in organizing more such informative and enriching sessions with Ms. Siddiqui in the future.

Dr. Fozia Amir

Assistant Professor

University of Sindh, Pakistan

Let's Collaborate

I'm honored to be considered for your upcoming event, workshop, or community offering. Please fill out the form below to help me understand your vision and how I can best support your audience. I'll be in touch shortly to explore possibilities together.