Chicago Muslims Green Team (CMGT) was first launched on August 11, 2018 at the Sisters of Islam potluck picnic in the Chicago South Side. Caroline K. Williams introduced CMGT to the sisters while also conducting the DIY (Do It Yourself) Green Cleaner Workshop as her final project after she finished C3 (Chicago Conservation Corps) training. At the picnic, she met Emelda Lawson Bekkal who later joined her as co-founder.
The second launched of CMGT was held on September 18, 2018 in conjunction with DIC (Downtown Islamic Center) Toastmaster Open House. As a member of DIC Toastmaster, Caroline greatly improved her skills and received certificates in leadership and public speaking. DIC was the first mosque to fully support CMGT in organizing multiple eco-friendly events. DIC was also the place where Caroline met co-founder Khawla Hammad and Dr. Rohany Nayan who later served as the first CMGT CEO.
On October 2, 2018, Caroline was given an opportunity to present her project at the Fall 2018 C3 training. She introduced CMGT as the result of her Spring 2018 C3 training and she acknowledged the great benefits she received from the training. All CMGT co-founders and the first CEO are C3 leaders.
Previously, Caroline was inspired to start CMGT after she attended the 2017 the Green Team Summit at the Field Museum organized by Faith in Place, an environmental non-profit that works with interfaith communities across Illinois. Faith in Place becomes the main partner and supporter of CMGT.
CMGT received its 501(c)(3) status in October 2020 and continues to create programs and strengthening the foundation of the organization despite facing many challenges to operate with limited resources as a new and small nonprofit in the era of COVID 19 pandemic. CMGT is grateful to receive support from many organizations including Illinois Muslim Civic Coalition and acknowledgement from the City of Chicago.