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Dr. Sophia Chadda is a practicing Muslim, a periodontist, mother of two and an active member of many professional and community associations.
Living in a multicultural, multi-faith community, she believes in an integrated society and finds it odd when people in America only have friends of their own ethnic or religious background.
“American culture has so many good things in it – one of these is the diversity we can live in. You have to take the good and leave the bad, and you can really realize the American dream!” she says. “Rather than keeping isolated, it’s possible to integrate while keeping your own identity.”
Sophia’s husband converted to Islam before they met, and they share the same values despite their different experiences. “When I got married, it was unusual for people of different backgrounds to be together, but these days I notice a lot of couples with mixed backgrounds,” she says, reflecting on her diverse family. “The great thing about this country is that we get to see so many different religions and cultures together, and that’s what our strength is
Sophia believes in keeping her personal life out of her professional arena. “There can be a lot of discrimination,” she says, “So, while I am very comfortable with my identity, I don’t think I would unnecessarily bring up my religion in a professional context.” Discrimination is not something Sophia accepts, rather something she chooses to realistically deal with. “It’s out there, but you can choose to be caught up in the negativity or you can choose to move on.”
“Not everyone has to be on a crusade to represent Islam – some of us just want to be good, involved members of our communities with our faith a part of our personal lives,” she says. She does instill a sense of pride in being Muslim in her two children, ages 6 and 8, and sends them to Sunday School. “It is very important that they learn about their family values and traditions – they can be Muslim and American and feel comfortable knowing they can do anything even if they are a minority.”
Posted November 2007
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