Saleha Jabeen
U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, 2019-present

Saleha Jabeen
U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force, 2019-present

Saleha Jabeen grew up in India and came to the United States in the mid-2000s as an international student to earn an MBA and join the corporate world. Within two years, her outlook changed due to her experiences with prejudice. Financial concerns left Jabeen with a choice—move back to India or seek financial independence in America. Inspired by her brother’s military service, Jabeen initially joined the U.S. Army, working alongside chaplains. She then became a chaplain candidate and commissioned as a second lieutenant by the U.S. Air Force Chief of Chaplains on December 18, 2019, becoming the first woman Muslim chaplain in the Department of Defense. Of her service, Jabeen says, “When other people look at what I have done, I want them to know that God has a plan for you and to go out there and be the best version of yourself and accomplish the mission you were specifically designed to complete. Don’t let anyone or anything stop you and when they try—be kind, be generous, be resilient and don’t quit.”