Tampa’s Clevenger advances to national post at Council on American-Islamic Relations
WASHINGTON, D.C., 3/4/2021 – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today announced that CAIR-Florida’s chief operations director Thania Diaz Clevenger has been named national chief operating officer at its Capitol Hill headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Clevenger graduated magna cum laude from Saint Leo University with a degree in Criminal Justice and received her law degree from Stetson University College of Law. Prior to working with CAIR-Florida, Clevenger was a member of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) where she investigated employment discrimination claims.
She became the civil rights director for CAIR-Florida in 2011, where she fielded hundreds of legal intakes for civil liberties issues. She oversaw the litigation docket, determined case strategies, implemented proactive community lawyering services, and conducted “Know Your Rights” seminars across Florida. In 2019, Thania took over the duties and responsibilities of Acting Operation Director and in 2020 officially was promoted.
Clevenger helped CAIR-Florida develop their own series of professional development education and workshops for organizations committed to diversity and inclusion. She helped lead outreach to law enforcement agencies, school districts, and health facilities to educate organizations on the Islamic faith and circumvent typical violations of religious and civil rights.
“What is remarkable is that CAIR embodies its ‘strength in diversity’ message in its appointment of me; a Christian, Cuban-American, wife, and mother to direct the operations of the nation’s largest Muslim civil liberties organization,” said Clevenger. “I am excited to continue to grow personally and professionally with an organization that has given me the opportunity to serve those that are still fighting for a seat at the table.”
“We are excited to have a leader like Thania join our national team and continue the fight for those marginalized in our communities,” said CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad. “She has proven herself professionally and has earned this advancement without question.”
CAIR is America’s largest Muslim civil liberties and advocacy organization. Its mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
CONTACT: CAIR National Communications Manager Ayan Ajeen, 202-774-0770, aajeen@cair.com; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, ihooper@cair.com
