Ishtiaq Khan

Ishtiaq Khan holds a Master of Arts in Conflict Transformation from the Center for Justice & Peacebuilding at Eastern Mennonite University, with a focus on Peacebuilding, Restorative Justice and Conflict transformation. Since graduating, he has actively applied his skills by establishing a Restorative Justice practice and Mediation program at the Central Illinois Mosque & Islamic Center (CIMIC) in Champaign-Urbana, Illinois, where he leads biweekly community circles, engaging members in restorative practices to foster understanding and cohesion.

As a Restorative Justice practitioner, Ishtiaq has guided individuals and communities on restorative pathways through workshops, community circles, and harm-repair processes in both community and professional settings. His work extends nationally, where he holds virtual circles to support communities outside Illinois, strengthening the wider restorative justice movement.

In his role as a Refugee Resettlement Specialist at The Refugee Center, Ishtiaq empowers refugees through advocacy, assisting them in rebuilding their lives with dignity and opportunity. Originally from Pakistan, he has a strong foundation in community-based work, including experience with Afghan refugees and promoting girls’ education in the tribal regions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border.

He is also a motivational speaker, encouraging his community to pursue modern education and apply their knowledge to improve their homeland. Through his work with CIMIC and other efforts, he remains dedicated to community engagement, human rights, and promoting peace and justice across communities.