Aliya Danzeisen

Allyn Sue Danzeisen , known as Aliya Danzeisen, is an American–New Zealand lawyer, teacher and the national coordinator of the Islamic Women's Council of New Zealand (IWCNZ). Danzeisen was appointed an Honorary Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2024 for services to the Muslim community and women.

Academic career Danzeisen grew up a Christian in a small rural community in the mid-west of the USA. She completed a Master of Laws at the University of Waikato and a doctorate of laws in America. From 2015 she was the assistant national coordinator for the Islamic Women's Council, and from 2020 is the national coordinator. She wrote the Council's response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the Christchurch mosque attacks. and about how the Royal Commission of Inquiry did not serve justice. She is a member of Kāpuia, the Ministerial Advisory group on the Government’s Response to the Royal Commission of Inquiry.

Honours and awards Danzeisen was appointed an Honorary Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2024 King's Birthday Honours, for services to the Muslim community and women.

In 2022, Danzeisen was a finalist for the E Tū Whānau Ann Dysart Kahukura Award, which is awarded in recognition of inspirational community leadership. She was also a finalist in the New Zealand Women of Influence Awards in 2016 and 2020.