Ani Zonneveld's Story

I want to invite you to step behind the scenes and learn more about how MPV was born and the work we've done over the decades to advance Progressive Islam across the world. For the first time, I've documented my experiences guiding MPV for 19 years and how each aspect of our work is anchored in the Islamic values I was raised with in my recently published memoir, "An Unlikely Social Justice Warrior: Making My Life Count As A Muslim Feminist".

In this book, I believe you'll find the many detailed personal and professional stories fascinating. I invite you to read the reviews and a sample of the writing here. 

If you'd like a personalized signed copy, please make a $45 donation (includes signed book, tax and shipping) on this campaign page.  

Onwards and upwards,

Ani Zonneveld, Founder & President of Muslims for Progressive Values

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

An Unlikely Social Justice Warrior: Making My Life Count as a Muslim Feminist

New memoir by Ani Zonneveld explores feminism, faith, and the arts as catalysts for justice

What happens when a Muslim woman defies expectations and challenges patriarchy? In her compelling new memoir, An Unlikely Social Justice Warrior: Making My Life Count as a Muslim Feminist (Lived Places Publishing; ISBN 9781917566995), Ani Zonneveld chronicles a remarkable journey across continents, cultures, and causes.

From Kuala Lumpur to rural Illinois, from the music industry to United Nations forums, Zonneveld has dedicated her life to breaking boundaries and amplifying marginalized voices. Her memoir highlights the intersections of gender, race, and religion, offering a deeply personal account of how faith, feminism, and creativity can be harnessed for social transformation.

Zonneveld’s story is both intimate and global: navigating music studios in Los Angeles, standing before international policymakers, and challenging extremism in defense of human rights. Her voice—both as a Grammy-certified songwriter and as the founder of Muslims for Progressive Values—carries a message of radical empathy and allyship at a time when polarization dominates public discourse.

An Unlikely Social Justice Warrior is an essential read for educators, students, and readers engaged in activism, gender studies, Islamic studies, LGBTQIA+ inclusion, cultural anthropology, and human rights.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ani Zonneveld is an author, singer/songwriter, activist, and the founder and President of Muslims for Progressive Values (MPV) and Alliance of Inclusive Muslims (AIM).

She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations, serves on the U.N. Inter-agency Faith Advisory Council, and in 2023 was named an “inspirational woman” by the Los Angeles Times. Her work has spanned the music industry, faith-based advocacy, and international human rights.

 BOOK INFORMATION

• Title: An Unlikely Social Justice Warrior: Making My Life Count as a Muslim Feminist

• Author: Ani Zonneveld

• Publisher: Lived Places Publishing

• ISBN: 9781917566995

• Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

• Purchase Bookstore Edition: https://tinyurl.com/AniMemoir

• Author Website: AniZonneveld.com | Social: @AniZonneveld