Staff Bio

Ayesha Al-Akhdar is currently pursuing her M.A. in Women's Studies at the University of Alabama. Her research interests include racialized and gendered implications of contemporary drug policy, related policy reforms, and spirituality as a liberatory practice. She is currently an instructor of Intro to Women's Studies. A certified recovery support specialist through the Alabama Department of Mental Health, Ayesha teaches life skills and leads therapeutic groups at a local state-funded treatment center which serves low SES populations. A person in long-term recovery, Ayesha has been involved in UA's CRC for six years. Ayesha believes that the intersection of recovery and education holds the potential to create the large-scale change needed to address racism, sexism, and colonialism. Outside of her academic and professional endeavors, Ayesha is working to reclaim Arab cultural practices and grow closer to her Islamic faith, as these things were neglected for safety in a post-9/11 world. As a result, Ayesha is often in the kitchen working to master a family recipe. Ayesha is also an avid crafter and loves all things fiber related.