Emerald Hills Institute

Emerald Hills Institute Emerald Hills Institute seeks to accomplish its vision by engaging in a variety of civic activities and inviting others to generate and share insights.

Find Your Roots Interfaith Community Service ProjectBuilding Community Through Service, Connection, and Shared HeritageO...
05/27/2026

Find Your Roots Interfaith Community Service Project

Building Community Through Service, Connection, and Shared Heritage

On May 2, Emerald Hills Institute proudly joined neighbors and community partners for the inspiring “Find Your Roots” interfaith community service project in Salt Lake City.

Co-hosted by the Emerson and Garden Park Wards of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, alongside East Liberty Park Community Organization and the Salt Lake City Public Parks Department, the event brought together more than 60 volunteers dedicated to strengthening both the neighborhood and community
connections.

Participants spent the day:
Pulling weeds and cleaning park spaces
Spreading mulch and improving landscaping
Digging tree wells to support healthy urban greenery
Learning about local neighborhood history and civic engagement
Exploring ancestry and family heritage through FamilySearch resources
Beyond the service work, the gathering created meaningful opportunities for people of different backgrounds and faith traditions to connect, collaborate, and build new friendships.

The event reflected the shared values of compassion, service, and community partnership that continue to guide Emerald Hills Institute’s outreach efforts throughout Utah.

“We met new people and found new friends. This was both refreshing and deeply satisfying.”

Emerald Hills Institute extends sincere appreciation to every volunteer, partner organization, and community member who participated and helped make the project a success. Together, we continue building stronger neighborhoods through service and understanding.

05/20/2026

Join us for an evening filled with energy, tradition, and community at a vibrant multicultural celebration 💃🕺🎶

🗓️ May 23
📍 J. Lynn Crane Park, Herriman

Enjoy multicultural dances, arts & crafts vendors, delicious food trucks 🍔🌮🍜, and interactive activities for the whole family 🎨🎉

Bring your family, friends, and don’t forget a blanket or lawn chair to relax and enjoy the festival under the open sky 🌿✨ Link in Bio get your free tickets.

Let’s come together to celebrate culture, creativity, and human connection! ✨ ¡Te invitamos a una experiencia cultural inolvidable!

Ven a disfrutar de una noche llena de energía, tradición y comunidad con una hermosa celebración multicultural 💃🕺🎶

🗓️ 23 de mayo
📍 J. Lynn Crane Park, Herriman

Disfruta de danzas multiculturales, artes y manualidades, food trucks deliciosos 🍔🌮🍜 y actividades interactivas para toda la familia 🎨🎉

Trae a tu familia, amigos y una manta o silla de jardín para relajarte y disfrutar del festival bajo el cielo abierto 🌿✨

¡Celebremos juntos la cultura, la creatividad y la conexión humana!

International Women’s Day Celebration 2026A Beautiful Evening of Sisterhood, Culture, Inspiration, and RecognitionOn Mar...
05/16/2026

International Women’s Day Celebration 2026

A Beautiful Evening of Sisterhood, Culture, Inspiration, and Recognition
On March 27, 2026, women from across the community gathered for a memorable International Women’s Day Celebration, filled with connection, inspiration, cultural appreciation, and heartfelt recognition.

The evening created a warm atmosphere of unity, reflection, and empowerment. Guests enjoyed meaningful conversations, homemade dishes contributed by community members, and a vibrant celebration of heritage and identity.

Cultural Highlights
One of the most memorable parts of the evening was the Traditional Attire Show, where attendees proudly represented their cultures through traditional clothing from around the world. The showcase highlighted the richness and diversity of the community while fostering a joyful and inclusive environment.

The event also featured Community Business Booths, offering local women entrepreneurs and community organizers a platform to share their work, initiatives, and upcoming projects. Participants connected, supported one another, and strengthened community ties through networking and collaboration.
Honoring Outstanding Women in Our Community

A special segment of the evening was dedicated to the Awards Ceremony, recognizing women whose dedication, achievements, service, and leadership continue to inspire others.

Award Recipients
Hz. Aisha Award
Rasha Sultan
Recognizing excellence in academic achievement and dedication to education.

Hz. Fatima Award
Saynab Hamud
Honoring outstanding young Muslimahs (25 and under) for leadership, achievement, and meaningful contributions to society.

Hz. Khadijah Award
Rawan Eliwat
Presented to the Most Inspirational Woman of the Year for exceptional leadership, service, and community impact.

Hz. Zaynab bint Jahsh Award
Eugenia Menis
Recognizing remarkable contributions in charity, generosity, worship, and community service.

We congratulate all awardees and a special thank you goes to the dedicated organizing committee.

On April 18, Emerald Hills Institute hosted a timely Community Information Session focused on the recent measles outbrea...
04/23/2026

On April 18, Emerald Hills Institute hosted a timely Community Information Session focused on the recent measles outbreak in Utah. With growing concern across the state, this gathering provided an important opportunity for community members to come together, learn, and ask questions in a supportive environment.

A special thank you to our guest speaker, Dr. Leisha Nolen, MD, from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, for sharing her expertise and offering clear, practical guidance on prevention, symptoms, and how families can stay protected.

Attendees gained valuable insights into:
Understanding how measles spreads and why it is highly contagious
Recognizing early symptoms and when to seek care
The importance of vaccination and community awareness
Steps individuals and families can take to reduce risk

We were encouraged by the strong turnout and the thoughtful engagement from participants. Events like this remind us how important it is to stay informed and connected, especially during times that impact public health.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our partners and community members who helped make this session possible. Your continued support strengthens our shared commitment to community well-being.

Stay connected with us for future educational programs and community initiatives.

USU Interfaith Iftar - Fast a Thon On March 18,  Breaking Bread Together - Fast-a-Thon Interfaith Iftar  brought togethe...
04/02/2026

USU Interfaith Iftar - Fast a Thon

On March 18, Breaking Bread Together - Fast-a-Thon Interfaith Iftar brought together approximately 180 participants for an evening of reflection, dialogue, and shared values, organized under the leadership of Utah State University.
The event was organized in collaboration with Emerald Hills Institute, Heravi Peace Institute, and Logan Institute of Religion, alongside local campus and community faith groups representing Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and LDS traditions. The goal was to foster mutual understanding, build bridges across faiths, and highlight shared human values.

“Breaking Bread Together” framed fasting as a universal practice that transcends religious and cultural boundaries. Moderated by Patrick Mason, the panel included Gonca Soyer and Sidi Meyara representing Muslim perspectives, Eliza Rosenberg representing the Jewish tradition, Harrison Kleiner sharing the Catholic perspective, and Julie Delgado representing the Latter-day Saint perspective. Through fasting, participants reflected on themes of moderation, gratitude, generosity, and hospitality, while the Fast-a-Thon offered a unique space for personal reflection and meaningful interfaith dialogue.

A central moment of the evening was the communal iftar meal, which provided a natural setting for connection, conversation, and relationship-building. Overall, the event highlighted how shared spiritual practices, like fasting and breaking bread, can strengthen community bonds, deepen mutual understanding, and promote peaceful harmony. Participants left with new insights into both their own and others’ traditions, as well as a reinforced sense of civic responsibility and interfaith connection.


Logan Institute of Religion

The Heravi Peace Institute at Utah State University

On March 15, The Emerald Hills Institute, and Daybreak Diversity Equity and Inclusion Club  and  Women's Interfaith Gath...
04/01/2026

On March 15, The Emerald Hills Institute, and Daybreak Diversity Equity and Inclusion Club and Women's Interfaith Gatherings group partnered together for a meaningful event.

Over 200 individuals and families came together to learn about Ramadan, share fasting practices, and break bread (or rather, dates!) together. The event was a beautiful celebration of unity and understanding, with panelists from various faiths sharing their perspectives and experiences.

A huge thank you to our amazing panelists - Pastor David Henderson, Bishop Ben Durham, Marlene Teter, Jacob Wilson, and Sarah Shwani - for their heartfelt sharing. We also appreciate the efforts of Women's Interfaith Gatherings and the Daybreak for Diversity and Inclusion Club for making this interfaith event a success.

The evening was filled with meaningful conversations, delicious food, and new connections. We're grateful for the opportunity to come together and celebrate our shared values.


Daybreak for Diversity & Inclusion
Kimberly C. Ishoy
Ben Durham
Rachanee Guinyard Berg
Zeynep Kariparduc
Marlene Teter
Sarah Shwani
David Henderson
Jacob Edward Wilson

Bridging Communities: Interfaith Iftar in LehiOn March 14, 2026, we had the privilege of hosting a meaningful Interfaith...
04/01/2026

Bridging Communities: Interfaith Iftar in Lehi

On March 14, 2026, we had the privilege of hosting a meaningful Interfaith Iftar at a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints ward in Lehi. The evening brought together individuals from diverse backgrounds to share not only a meal, but also a deeper understanding of one another’s traditions and values.
The program offered a thoughtful introduction to the spirit of Ramadan, highlighting themes of reflection, gratitude, generosity, and community. Through brief presentations and personal reflections, guests were invited to experience the significance of fasting and the intention behind it.
As the time to break the fast approached, a sense of unity and anticipation filled the space. The shared meal that followed created a warm and welcoming environment where conversations flowed naturally, fostering connection and mutual respect.
More than just a dinner, the evening served as a bridge—bringing people together across different perspectives, encouraging dialogue, and strengthening community bonds. We are grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to making this gathering both memorable and impactful.
We extend our sincere thanks to Debra and Don Oaks for their collaboration with Emerald Hills Institute in organizing this special gathering. Their partnership and support played an essential role in creating such a welcoming and impactful event.

Honoring America 250 Ramadan Dinner at the University of UtahOn March 3 at the University of Utah Life and Prosperity Ep...
03/17/2026

Honoring America 250 Ramadan Dinner at the University of Utah

On March 3 at the University of Utah Life and Prosperity Epicenter, students, community members, and guests gathered for a meaningful iftar that brought people from diverse backgrounds together to learn, reflect, and share in the spirit of Ramadan. The evening also served as a tribute to America’s upcoming 250th anniversary, highlighting the values that have long strengthened the nation—community engagement, civic participation, educational opportunity, and mutual respect.

The event was organized in partnership with Interfaith U and Emerald Hills Institute, with the goal of fostering dialogue, connection, and greater understanding across faiths and communities.

Throughout the evening, guests heard thoughtful remarks on interfaith engagement, community involvement, and the significance of Ramadan, helping many gain a deeper appreciation for the values of gratitude, empathy, and reflection that the month represents. Speakers also reflected on the important role of higher education in shaping America’s progress, emphasizing how universities like the University of Utah contribute to the nation’s development by cultivating leadership, civic responsibility, and collaboration among diverse communities.

During the program, Emerald Hills Institute presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the Hinckley Institute of Politics in recognition of its continued support of civic engagement, student leadership, and initiatives that bring communities together through its internship program. Emerald Hills Institute is grateful for the ongoing partnership with the Hinckley Institute of Politics and remains committed to continuing this collaboration.

The gathering served as a reminder that events like this create meaningful opportunities for dialogue and shared experiences—strengthening relationships, celebrating community, and reflecting on the values that continue to shape America’s future as it approaches its 250th anniversary.


Hinckley Institute of Politics

EMERALD YOUTH İFTAR GATHERINGOn February 20, the Emerald Hills Institute Youth Club hosted a special iftar gathering, we...
03/16/2026

EMERALD YOUTH İFTAR GATHERING
On February 20, the Emerald Hills Institute Youth Club hosted a special iftar gathering, welcoming friends from many different backgrounds and traditions to their community center.

The evening began with a warm welcome and a brief introduction to the meaning of Ramadan, followed by thoughtful conversations where guests had the opportunity to ask questions and learn about the spirit and purpose of the month. As the call to prayer marked the time to break the fast, everyone gathered to share a meal, turning the table into a space of genuine dialogue, friendship, and connection.

Reflecting the mission of the Emerald Hills Institute to bring people together through understanding, education, and meaningful engagement, the gathering created a moment where differences became an opportunity for learning and unity.

The evening concluded with a lighthearted group activity and continued conversations, leaving behind a beautiful reminder that when people come together with openness, hospitality, and respect, communities grow stronger.

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6715 South 1300 East Suite: 100
South Salt Lake, UT
84121

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