Tri-Annual Congress of Women
Istanbul, Türkiye
In October of 2024, we had the incredible opportunity to pursue our shared passion for serving others — and we did so in one of the most remarkable cities in the world.
We both traveled to Istanbul, Türkiye, where Samina had the honor of representing the United States at the Huairou Commission — a women-led social movement bringing together grassroots leaders from poor urban, rural, and indigenous communities across the globe. The gathering was a powerful forum where women shared best practices, tackled pressing issues, and drafted resolutions to be presented before the United Nations.
Chris, drawing on his background in architecture, found meaningful ways to contribute alongside the attendees. He joined brainstorming sessions focused on ADA-compliant housing solutions and shared insights from his hands-on experience designing and working with buildings that serve women and children in Zambia. The conversations were rich, and the connections we made were even richer.
On the weekends, we allowed ourselves to breathe it all in. Chris set up his watercolors and captured the breathtaking mosques, lush gardens, and stunning waterfront views that make Istanbul so unforgettable. And true to form, while Samina was deep in meetings, Chris — ever the free-spirited adventurer — was out exploring the city's streets and its more daring culinary offerings. In classic Chris fashion, he sought out intestines prepared in a traditional style so bold that even many locals won't touch it.
All in all, it was a beautifully balanced trip — work and play, giving back and filling our own cups, and immersing ourselves in the rich history of Islam and the warmth of Turkish culture.
