White House to honor Wisconsin Muslim woman for environmental work

By Annysa Johnson of the Journal Sentinel

A Wisconsin woman who has spent more than a decade promoting environmental preservation as an Islamic faith ethic is among a dozen people who will be honored by the White House on this week for their work protecting communities from the effects of climate change.

Huda Alkaff of West Bend, founder and director of the Islamic Environmental Group of Wisconsin — now called Wisconsin Green Muslims — will be honored as a "Champion of Change."

"These champions have demonstrated clear leadership across the United States and around the world through their grassroots efforts to green their communities and educate others on the moral and social justice implications of climate change," the White House said in a statement.

"It's an honor, of course," said Alkaff, an environmentalist with degrees in conservation ecology, sustainable development and environmental education.

Though she has been singled out for the award, she said she would be accepting for everyone who has taken part in the initiatives — both in the Muslim and interfaith communities.

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