FBI Little Rock
Public Affairs Officer Jessica Franklin
April 21, 2020

Chairwoman of the Madina Institute and Mosque Receives FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award

LITTLE ROCK, AR—Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Diane Upchurch of the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) Little Rock Field Office is pleased to announce that the 2019 FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award will be presented to Sophia Said, Chairwoman of the Madina Institute and Mosque located in Little Rock, Arkansas. Ms. Said also serves as the Executive Director of the Interfaith Center of Arkansas.

“Ms. Said is an invaluable partner for us,” said SAC Upchurch. “Her work in bringing together law enforcement agencies, religious congregations, and community leaders for FBI-led civil rights and terrorism trainings has benefited our whole state. The Little Rock FBI Office cannot fulfill our mission of protecting the American people without the support of Arkansans like Ms. Said.”

As one of the key Interfaith Center leaders in our state and Chairwoman for the Madina Institute, Sophia Said is integral in bringing together religious leaders from across the state and developing trainings focused on hate crimes, active attackers, and terrorism. She also frequently coordinates with local law enforcement departments to organize FBI trainings designed to prevent terrorist attacks in the state of Arkansas.

“Faith communities must come together to fight against the religious hatred,” said Ms. Said. “Strong collaborations with the FBI and other organizations are key to raising awareness about hate crimes and protecting our congregations. I am honored to receive the Director’s Community Leadership Award for this very important work.”

The FBI Director’s Community Leadership Award was formally created in 1990 to honor individuals and organizations for their efforts in combating crime, terrorism, drugs, and violence in the United States. Every year FBI field offices throughout the country select a community partner to receive the prestigious award. Last year’s Little Rock area recipient was Edna Ramirez, an advocate for Arkansas victims of violent crime.

FBI Little Rock congratulates Sophia Said and thanks her for her work in protecting our Arkansas communities.