Shaping Tomorrow: The Journey of Youth Identity

A comprehensive exploration of how young people develop their sense of self. Authored by Esraa Tarek Badr, a researcher, and Ayman Nassar, the Chief of Academics & Research at the Islamic Leadership Institute of America, this insightful guide delves into the multifaceted nature of identity. It covers crucial topics such as the different aspects of identity, the importance of building a strong sense of self in young people, and practical steps for parents and educators to support this process. The guide provides valuable strategies, such as positive reinforcement, opportunities for responsibility, and encouraging open communication. It also offers age-specific scenarios and actionable advice to help young individuals navigate their journey toward self-discovery and fulfillment. Through a well-rounded approach, this work aims to equip parents, educators, and youth with the tools needed to foster a healthy and resilient identity.

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Esraa Badr, MD.

A positive youth development researcher at the Islamic Leadership Institute of America. She holds an MBBCh degree from Alexandria Faculty of Medicine, Egypt with focused training in adult and child neuropsychiatry specialties combined with neurology training at Selcuk University, Turkey. Currently, she is a pediatrician at the Ministry of Health and Population, Egypt, and a participant in the Clinical Research Scholars Training Program (CSRT) by Harvard Medical School. She is focused on mental health issues affecting youth as part of her postgraduate studies at the High Institute of Public Health, Egypt. Esraa is also a member of the Mental Health Research Network in Egypt and has participated in several research projects on different mental health issues. She is a writer and mental health promoter with a special interest in parenting issues. Esraa also participated in many civil work projects targeting public awareness about mental health affairs.

Ayman Nassar, M.Sc.

Founder of the Islamic Leadership Institute of America (ILIA), with over 25 years of experience in enterprise architecture, enterprise, individual transformation, and youth development. Over the past 20 years, he has coached, taught, and counseled hundreds of youth and young professionals and has been a certified mentor and coach with Big Brother Big Sister, Lutheran Social Services, Dar Al-Taqwa, Prince George’s Community College Asian, Latino, African, Native American (ALANA), New Beginnings Youth Center, Howard County Detention Center, and ILIA. Ayman is a member of the Howard County Reentry Council and the Howard County Ethnic Diversity Round Table. He holds two Master's degrees in electrical engineering, engineering management, and systems engineering and holds certifications in half a dozen leadership areas. He has been trained in cultural competence, youth development, reentry, psychology, and curriculum development and has devised over 200+ courses and programs for youth and adults. He was faculty at the University of California,