🤝 AMCF × COR CDC
AMCF Panel Discussion
Empowering Women
through Entrepreneurship
A conversation on the impact of the Banking on Your Success program — and what happens when Muslim women invest in their own futures.
About This Panel
What Happens When Muslim Women Get the Tools to Build?
Muslims are among both the wealthiest and the most economically vulnerable communities in the United States. Closing that gap requires investment in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and community-rooted economic development — and it starts with Muslim women.
Join AMCF for a panel discussion building on the recent COR CDC × AMCF Banking on Your Success collaboration — offered for the first time ever as a women-only cohort in 2026. The 7-week entrepreneurship training program sold out, drawing Muslim women from across Southern California, and concluded with a pitch competition in which three small businesses received cash prizes.
Hear from the managing director of COR CDC, one of the program judges, and the first-place winner about the real-world impact of entrepreneurship training for Muslim women.
Banking on Your Success — 2026 Women’s Cohort
AMCF partnered with COR CDC to bring this entrepreneurship training program to Muslim women for the first time as a women-only cohort — a sold-out, 7-week program followed by a pitch competition with cash prizes for top businesses.
All participants who completed coursework received additional resources, mentorship, and in-kind support.
7
Weeks of Training
3
Cash Prize Winners
100%
Sold-Out Cohort
1st
Women-Only Cohort
Moderator & Panelists
Meet the Speakers
Moderator
Shazeen Mufti
Executive Director, American Muslim Community Foundation (AMCF)
Panelist
Farrah Khan
Managing Director, COR Community Development Corporation
Farrah Khan is the Managing Director of COR CDC, an organization dedicated to empowering communities through economic stability, education, and civic engagement. A longtime advocate for Muslim women’s economic advancement, Farrah is also a member of AMCF’s Women’s Giving Circle and served as Mayor of Irvine, California.
corcdc.org →Panelist
Riaz Surti
Entrepreneur & Founder, Hearthy Foods
Riaz Surti is the founder of Hearthy Foods, a health-focused food brand bringing clean, wholesome products to market. As a judge in the Banking on Your Success pitch competition, Riaz brings a firsthand perspective on what it takes to build a business — and why entrepreneurship training matters for the Muslim community.
hearthyfoods.com →Panelist — First Place Winner
Fiona Motala
Owner & CEO, Lekker Kitchen
Fiona Motala is the owner and CEO of Lekker Kitchen, a catering and food brand built on bold flavors and a commitment to quality. As the first-place winner of the Banking on Your Success pitch competition, Fiona’s story is a testament to what becomes possible when Muslim women have access to the right training, community, and support.
lekkerkitchen.com →Agenda
What to Expect
1
Welcome and introductions — AMCF and speakers
2
Farrah Khan: An overview of the COR CDC Banking on Your Success program — what it is, why it was brought to Muslim women, and the partnership with AMCF
3
Riaz Surti: The need for entrepreneurship training in the Muslim community — and how it creates real financial empowerment for women
4
Fiona Motala: The impact of the program — her experience, her pitch, and what it means for Lekker Kitchen going forward
5
Additional questions from the moderator and open Q&A with attendees
Our Partner
About COR Community Development Corporation
COR CDC is a community development organization committed to empowering underserved individuals and families through resources, education, and economic opportunity. Through innovative programs and partnerships — like Banking on Your Success — COR CDC creates real pathways to financial stability and long-term community transformation.
Learn more at corcdc.org →