IRVINE, Calif. -- In three, two, one—on air, appearing confident, she spreads the word about Islam to young Muslims around the world, and she does it proudly wearing her hijab.

As a Muslim living in the United States, Marwa Latif, 20, is one of those who are taking the lead to influence Muslim youth in America and around the world.

"I think the youth are kind of scared of the religion. There are a lot of ‘no’s,’ and youth are automatically turning away from ‘no’s,’" Latif said.

Not so long ago, Ariana Afghanistan Television, an Afghan station broadcasted from Orange County, opened with three programs aired around the world. However, none of the three programs were about Islam, which led Latif to start one. The program began, Latif said, as a cultural show, but it slowly became an Islamic show.

Although Latif was born in Kabul, Afghanistan, she and her family moved to the Netherlands when she was 3 and then to the United States when she was 11. Islam and its influence has been the constant presence in Latif’s life and it automatically made more sense to present a show about Islam.

"It’s not enough for me to talk about culture," the Irvine resident said. "The show started off in Farsi and then we aimed toward the youth all over the world because it’s international. Slowly we changed the language to English."

Appropriately titled "Dareechi Farda" or "A window to tomorrow," Latif’s main focus in the weekly show is to provide a way for the youth to educate, to communicate with each other, and to find a means for them to interact with each other.

One of the topics she addresses is bridging what Latif said is a gap between older and younger generations of Muslims, especially in Afghan families. She lets both sides voice their expectations. "Basically, it’s about building bridges with the parents and youth and talking about what each is expecting from the other," she said.

Every week, Latif, who is also a political science student at Orange Coast College, invites guest speakers and role models to address a topic and answer questions.

"We have had Hussam Ayloush, a real life example here in America who is activating the youth with something positive," Latif said. Other guests have been author Munira Lekovic, Shaikh Yassir Fazaga, Dr. Yasser Aman from the UMMA Community Clinic, representatives from Islamic relief, and more.

Latif said that to many, Islam seems like a difficult way to live with many restrictions, but she emphasizes that Islam is a way of life and that after learning about it, it is actually very easy.

And the feedback, she said, has been encouraging and it is part of what makes her continue to host the program. She’s hoping to expand her show in the years to come to make it more advanced, but without the help of the community, it cannot be done.

Latif credits her parents for encouraging her to continue and helping her through every step of the way.

"I think she does a good job and I’m proud of her. I thank God for giving me such a daughter. I think she has a lot of opportunities and hopefully she reaches her goals in her life," said Latif’s dad, Nabi.

And there’s someone else who has given Latif the time and guidance through her work as the show’s host. It’s Shaikh Sadullah Khan, who Latif calls her present day Malcom X.

"He has always been there and made time for me, regardless of how busy his schedule was. His speeches have inspired me and many others, in every aspect of my life. He is able to really connect with the youth and motivate us," Latif said.

As for Khan, he said Latif is committed to her religion and is proud to present it through her everyday interactions with others.

"Marwa is a highly dedicated and a very committed person to her cause, and I think from the way I know her, she’s always willing to learn and always willing to impart what she knows to improve relations and empower relations. She’s very proud of being a Muslim and that’s what stands out about her," Khan said.

Latif said that communicating with youth around the world has become her responsibility to reach out and help them connect.

"I feel like it’s my responsibly to provide them with the best speakers, the best visuals, the best everything," said the rising Muslim woman.