Mahanaz Ebadi is a Legislative Aide for a District Supervisor at San Francisco City Hall where she works on resolutions, ordinances and legislation improving the City and County of San Francisco. As an Attorney, she is passionate about working alongside the leaders of tomorrow regarding the injustices that women face globally. She aspires to set an example for Afghan women to be strong, outspoken, determined individuals and take active steps to partake in the betterment of themselves and their community.The youngest of four children, Mahanaz is the child of immigrant parents who were granted political asylum back in the 1920’s during the invasion of Afghanistan. Her grandfather was given an award signed by Rosa Parks in recognition of having his name on the wall of tolerance honoring him for taking a personal and public stand against hate, injustice, and intolerance. His passion for advocacy, public interest, and the law was what inspired her to pursue her Juris Doctor.

Mahanaz completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California Davis with a Bachelors in both Psychology and Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies and two minors in History and UWP (University Writing Program). She graduated from Golden Gate University School of Law with a specialization in Public Interest and Family Law. Reach out to join or learn more about MAPS-California by contacting california@mapsnational.org.

Zeeshan M. Chaudhry is a Senior Loan Servicing Officer at the SBA (Office of Disaster) in San Francisco, CA, has a decade of experience in Loan Servicing and various other roles. In his role as a Loan Officer, he conducts investigations into potential violations and prepares analyses on a variety of Government Loan Servicing, Collection, and Liquidation matters.

Zeeshan is dedicated to continuing his service in the public sector and embarking on a meaningful journey that allows him to work on social causes that are important to him. He draws inspiration from his late Grandfather, who was the first Pakistani to earn a Masters from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Zeeshan’s goal is to build upon this foundation, strive for excellence, and serve as an example for others in the community.

He takes pride in being a Hafiz-e-Quran and finds inspiration in his status as a proud immigrant who moved from Pakistan after completing high school in Lahore. After completing his studies, he relocated to the Bay Area as a teenager and obtained his higher education from Saint Mary’s College of California, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Finance. Throughout his career, Zeeshan has worked for various organizations including Wells Fargo, LinkedIn, and currently the Government at SBA.

Zeeshan’s professional experience includes working on Government EIDL and PPP loans, overseeing a Portfolio of $1.5 trillion in loans for Small Businesses across the United States. He has had the privilege of working with the White House – Office of Congressional Affairs on Congressional inquiries for Fraudulent loans. Zeeshan has also worked with multiple Senators in Congress, including Nancy Pelosi’s office, to investigate Fraudulent loans throughout California. Currently, he is working on servicing loans from risk management, liquidation, charge off loans, and bankruptcy.. Reach out to join or learn more about MAPS-California by contacting california@mapsnational.org.

Sada Ahmed was born and raised in Sacramento, California and cares deeply about the neighborhoods that raised her. Her work sits at the intersection of public health, local government, and community organizing.

Sada previously worked for Councilmember Mai Vang as a Heart and Hustle Fellow, where she led projects related to environmental justice and community based research focused on South Sacramento. She worked closely with residents, city staff, and local organizations to translate community concerns into actionable policy recommendations. During her time in the office, she also proposed and helped launch a Ramadan Live Chat to create space for civic engagement with Muslim residents, and supported the sponsorship of a Ramadan Resolution in 2025 to formally recognize and uplift the Muslim community.

For the past two years, Sada has helped organize Sacramento Unity Eid, one of the largest Muslim community gatherings in the region. In 2024, they anticipated 15,000 attendees and welcomed over 40,000 community members, a powerful reminder of what is possible when our community shows up. In 2025, Sada served as the Sponsorships Committee Chair, leading outreach to local businesses and partners to help fund the event.

Sada served as Secretary for the Meadowview Neighborhood Association in 2024 and currently serves as Vice President of the Meadowview Urban Tree Project, where she works to expand tree canopy, advance environmental equity, and connect families to free tree resources in South Sacramento. In 2025, she also served as a Community Ambassador for the City of Sacramento, supporting outreach and strengthening relationships between residents and city services. Sada was also an intern with the Asian American Liberation Network and a fellow with AAPIs for Civic Engagement, where she deepened my understanding of policy advocacy and civic participation.

Sada graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Global Disease Biology and is currently pursuing her Master of Public Health at George Washington University. Her academic background shaped how she thinks about systems and health, but it was local government that showed her how policy directly impacts people’s everyday lives. Across all of her roles, Sada was motivated by a desire to build spaces where Muslim Americans feel seen, represented, and empowered in public service, and believes community leadership starts with listening, and that lasting change happens when we invest in people, relationships, and long term vision.

Dr. Samia Hussein is a public health professional with over 15 years of experience leading development, and community engagement. Her work spans local and state government, academic institutions, private and nonprofit organizations, with a strong foundation in public health policy, program development, strategic planning and training facilitation.

Dr. Hussein currently serves in a state government position as Director of the Office of Multicultural Health Equity for the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, where she oversees equity initiatives for over 3500 state employees and advises agency leadership on equitable policy and practice. She holds certifications as an EMT, CPR Instructor, and diversity and change management professional. She is also an ASTHO DELPH Scholar, is a member of the National Association for Doctors of Public Health, American Public Health Association, and has co-authorship of publications focused on DEI implementation in state health systems. She continues to serve as a thought-leader and invited speaker for conferences.

Dr. Hussein is the Founder and CEO of African Adornments, a social enterprise supporting African artisans through fair trade, and is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Heyya Consulting, an equity-focused public health consulting firm helping organizations drive strategy with impact. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Central Connecticut State University, Master of Public Health from the University of Connecticut, and a Doctor of Public Health, with a concentration in Diverse populations and Health Equity, from Mercer University.

Sabit Nasir is a sustainability professional with experience advancing climate adaptation, flood mitigation, and clean energy transition initiatives across municipal, state, and academic institutions. His work centers on climate action planning, resilient infrastructure, and equitable energy systems, with a focus on long-term climate readiness, Environmental Justice, and community-centered solutions in the United States and South Asia.

Sabit currently serves as the Sustainability and Resilience Manager for the Town of Groton, where he leads the Town’s climate action, resilience, and clean energy transition efforts with an emphasis on long-term climate readiness, inclusive community engagement, and practical strategies to reduce emissions and climate risk. Previously, he supported large-scale coastal resilience and flood adaptation initiatives with the City of Boston and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, contributing to municipal and state-led efforts addressing flooding, extreme weather, and climate vulnerability.

Sabit holds a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies with a minor in Geography from the University of Connecticut, and a Master’s degree in Energy and Environmental Management. He brings expertise in climate planning, GIS analysis, and infrastructure delivery, is fluent in Bengali with working proficiency in Spanish, and continues to mentor emerging professionals pursuing careers in climate, energy, and sustainability.

Judge Samia Naseem was appointed as an Immigration Judge by Attorney General William Barr in December 2019, and has presided over cases in the Chicago Immigration Court for nearly six years.

Her extensive legal career includes service as a law clerk to the Honorable Judith N. Macaluso in Washington, D.C. from 2004 - 2005, as an attorney at the Law Offices of Khalid Naseem in Massachusetts from 2005 - 2007, and as a Trial Attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Immigration Litigation, where she represented the federal government before multiple circuit courts from 2007 - 2010. Before her judicial appointment, Judge Naseem served as an Assistant Chief Counsel with the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, in both New York City and Chicago from 2010 - 2019.

Judge Naseem is a member of the State Bar of New York. She is also a member of the Asian American Judges’ Association of Illinois (AAJAI), the Muslim Bar Association of Chicago (MBA), the South Asian Bar Association of Chicago (SABA), the Asian American Bar Association of Chicago (AABA), and the National Asian Pacific Bar Association (NAPABA). She proudly serves as the treasurer of AAJAI, a mentor for the MBA, an Advisory Council member for MAPS, and a Judicial Council member for NAPABA.

Judge Naseem earned a Bachelor of Arts in 2001 from Simmons College and a Juris Doctor in 2004 from the George Washington University Law School, where she received the distinction of Thurgood Marshall Scholar. As part of her Juris Doctor program, she studied International Human Rights Law and Refugee Law at Oxford University in the United Kingdom.

Wardah Alvi currently works as a Financial Institution Specialist for the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in Chicago, where she evaluates Chicagoland area banks and their risk management approaches for safety and soundness. She is a graduate of Southern Methodist University, where she earned a degree in History with minors in Creative Computation, Sociology, and Digital Humanities. She has experience with social media, podcasting, marketing, and advertising.

Previously, Wardah worked as the Administrative Director for MSA Lone Star Council, supporting and connecting MSAs and Muslim students across Texas. Wardah was able to successfully enter public service in no small part due to MAPS’ Resume workshops and MAPS members who mentored and guided her. Her lifelong goal is to support Muslims professionals, women, and students on their career journeys and hopes to pay it forward.

Safiyah Zaidi is the Policy Director for the Illinois chapter of the Muslim American Public Service. She is a first-year law student at the University of Chicago Law School, where she focuses on international humanitarian law and the role of law in advancing human rights and democratic accountability. At UChicago, Safiyah supports the Global Human Rights Clinic and is active in the Muslim Law Students Association and the International Refugee Assistance Project.

Prior to law school, Safiyah spent three years in Washington, D.C. working as a federal contractor and as a summer fellow with large law firms, where she focused on litigation support, strategic communications, and data analysis. Her work bridged legal advocacy with policy and public-facing strategy.Safiyah is deeply committed to ensuring that Muslim Americans feel at home in civic life and empowered to lead within public service institutions.

Safiyah earned her B.S. in Biology, with minors in Spanish and Political Science, from the University of Texas at Dallas.

Sofia Abdi is currently the Community Engagement Manager for Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, where she is dedicated to serving and advocating for the constituents, community partners, and municipalities of the Massachusetts 7th district. In her role, Sofia addresses diverse needs spanning immigration, housing, education, public safety, and various other areas.

Previously, Sofia served as the Program Outreach Coordinator for the City of Boston’s Diversity Office under Mayor Martin Walsh’s administration. In this role, she spearheaded impactful initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion within the Boston Police and Fire Department. Sofia’s work involved conducting in-depth research to identify areas for improvement and implementing strategies to enhance diversity recruitment and retention efforts within these vital public safety organizations. Moreover, Sofia played a crucial role in facilitating the successful reintegration of returning citizens into society. Through her efficient and empathetic approach, she addressed the diverse needs of returning citizens, providing them with the necessary support and resources to navigate the challenges of reentry.

Sofia also gained valuable experience working on Capitol Hill in Senator Ed Markey’s office. In this capacity, she ensured constituents’ voices were effectively represented on a wide range of issues, including healthcare, education, environment, and economic development.

Sofia pursued her academic journey at Northeastern University and Cambridge College, earning a bachelor’s degree in political science and psychology. Proudly calling Boston home, she actively advocates for marginalized communities, working tirelessly to create spaces where Muslim and immigrant voices are heard and their needs addressed. Her commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion underscores her passion for building equitable and empowered communities.

Hodan Hashi is a communications professional, photographer, and first-generation Somali American Muslim, committed to promoting diversity and representation in her field. In a landscape where representation is often lacking, she strives to break barriers and pave the path for individuals sharing her immigrant identity. As the Communications and Community Outreach Director for Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune, Hodan leverages her skills to foster community engagement and empower underrepresented groups.  

Hodan also co-founded Black Boston, an organization dedicated to supporting Black Bostonians and addressing racial disparities, reflecting her deep connection to her community and her commitment to positive change. Her advocacy work led her to serve as a field organizer for current Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell’s 2021 Boston mayoral campaign, where she applied her knowledge of politics and social issues to make a meaningful impact.

Her efforts were recognized when she received the Boston Magazine Social Justice Advocate of the Year award in 2021, affirming her dedication to amplifying marginalized voices and advancing social equity.

Hodan earned her bachelor’s degree from Boston University, where she studied political science and African American Studies.

Faarooq Sahabdeen has an intentional focus on uplifting and serving historically underserved communities. Currently he serves as the Regional Director for United States Senator Ed Markey. Leading the Senators portfolios on Housing, Small Business, and advising the Senator on Justice and Antiracism matters.

Prior to joining the United States Senate, Faarooq served as the Secretary for the NAACP – Boston Branch, the first chartered Branch of the Association.  In his role as a Secretary, he assisted the Executive Leadership with all internal and external communications, in-take, supported the Branch in its advocacy-based priorities, and helped support the 114th National NAACP Convention which was held in Boston. During the pandemic Faarooq co-founded the Boston Black Hospitality Coalition and served as the inaugural Executive Director. He worked to prioritize the needs of Black and minority owned restaurants in the City of Boston as well as advocating for equitable policy changes in the hospitality industry. Faarooq also served as the Director of Research, Policy, and Budget for a Boston City Councilor. In this position he penned policy which includes: The Elected School Committee Home Rule Petition (HRP), Boston’s Tree Canopy (HRP), Food Waste Recovery Ordinance, and helped finalize Boston’s Reparations Task Force Ordinance.

Faarooq grew up and went to high school in Amherst, MA, and is the son of immigrants from the island of Sri Lanka. He is the oldest of three with two younger sisters. Faarooq received his B.A. in Political Science with a concentration in American Politics from Emmanuel College in Boston. Faarooq is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.

Abdullah Beckett, a Boston native born to Muslim American parents, is the Director of Engagement and Constituent Services for Boston City Council Vice President Brian Worrell. Growing up in the vibrant city of Boston, he was deeply influenced by its diversity and the struggles faced by marginalized communities, particularly the African American population.

While in college, Abdullah founded the National award winning NAACP chapter at UMASS Boston and served as Vice President . He’s also the Founder and first President of the UMASS Boston chapter of My Brother’s Keeper where he championed mentorship and youth development as the university and still serves as an advisor for the fellowship program.

He recently served as a commissioner for the City of Boston’s Commission on Black Men and Boys and was apart of the Education and Youth Development subcommittee, where he used his position to advise Boston’s Mayor on equitable initiatives for black males in the city.

Abdullah earned his B.S in Exercise Health Science from UMASS Boston.

Armaya Doremi, M.S, is an experienced Social Media Manager, Content Creator, and founder of AYAMRA MEDIA LLC, a Boston-based social media agency. With over five years of experience in social and digital communication, she brings a creative and strategic lens to storytelling and audience engagement. She holds a Master’s degree in Communication from Northeastern University, with a focus in Public Relations.

In her role as Communication Director at MAPS, Armaya leads internal and external communication strategies to ensure alignment with the organization’s mission—uplifting and connecting Muslim American public servants through impactful digital platforms.

Her background includes managing digital campaigns for small businesses across Boston and delivering powerful visual narratives through video production, graphic design, and email marketing. Passionate about representation and community-building, she leverages her skills to amplify diverse voices and support initiatives that promote equity and inclusion in public service.

Machhadie Assi (Micho) holds a position at the Michigan Democratic Caucus, as the office manager of the Michigan House Dem Communication, under the leadership of Speaker of the House Joe Tate. With over a decade of experience, Micho’s career journey exemplifies a strong dedication to justice and equality, governmental and nonprofit leadership, and operations, project management, and advocacy. Starting as a teaching assistant at the University of Michigan Dearborn’s Criminal Justice program, she transitioned to roles at the Washtenaw County Public Defender’s Office and later the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, notably as a special victim advocate on the flint water case, criminal prosecution unit

Micho has demonstrated proficiency in political campaigns, operational management, strategic communication, and outreach, particularly within the Arab American and Muslim American communities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she led operational efforts at the Michigan Muslim Community Council, establishing partnerships and leading crisis response initiatives,  serving over 27 community centers in 11 counties across Michigan.

Dedicated to enhancing diversity and inclusion, Micho advocates for voter engagement and collaborates with local and national nonprofit organizations to empower women of color and mobilize new American voters. Her insights have garnered recognition in various media outlets, and she has been a featured speaker at conventions nationally addressing topics such as political activism and immigrant empowerment. Her efforts highlight the significant role of naturalized citizens in shaping community and political landscapes, making her a prominent leader and advocate within her communities.

She has received numerous prestigious awards, recognizing her exceptional leadership, skills, and dedication to her values. Some of her notable achievements include being named a “Difference Maker” by the University of Michigan in 2017, recognized nationally among Arab America’s “40 under 40” in 2023, honored as a women leader by USA Hello in 2020, and receiving the 2022 Sgt Vincent J. Bell Service Award. She has also been acknowledged as an Arab American leader by NPNA in 2023 and distinguished as the “Voice of the Voiceless”  by the Washington Center 2023. Additionally, she has been recognized as “Women on the Move” by We Are All America.

Omar Sharjah currently serves as legal counsel for the State House Republicans, leveraging his extensive legal experience to support legislative efforts.

Prior to this, Omar was an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Wayne County, where he became the first Yemeni American prosecutor in the county’s history. In this role, he brought a unique perspective to his work, focusing on enhancing safety and justice in diverse communities. Omar is an active member of the Michigan State Bar and the Federalist Society, reflecting his deep commitment to both his profession and his legal values.

Omar earned his undergraduate degree from Eastern Michigan University and his Juris Doctorate from Thomas Cooley Law School.

Aiyah Kassem currently works as a Deputy Court Clerk at the 19th District Court in Dearborn, Michigan. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice and is currently completing her Master’s in Public Administration and Public Policy (MPAP) at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

Her professional experience includes roles at the 36th District Court in Detroit and an internship at the Frank Murphy Hall of Justice, where she developed strong knowledge of court operations, legal documentation, and case management. She is also a state-certified driving instructor, providing structured instruction in traffic safety, Michigan driving laws, and responsible road behavior to both teens and adults.

Aiyah is deeply involved in community service. She has volunteered with organizations such as the Detroit Eviction Defense, ACCESS, Michigan Muslim Community food drives, and the SAFE Coalition. She has also supported civic engagement efforts by assisting political campaigns, distributing resources to families in need, and participating in events focused on social and racial justice.

She plans to pursue law school to further her commitment to justice, public service, and deepen her impact in the legal field.

Ola Albayati currently serves as the Legislative Director for Wayne County Commissioner Sam Baydoun, where she oversees daily office operations and leads legislative initiatives. She is a graduate of Wayne State University, where she earned a degree in Political Science with a minor in Business Law. Previously, Ola worked as the Field Director for Michigan State Representative Alabas Farhat, leading canvassing efforts and voter engagement strategies. She also completed a prestigious legislative affairs internship with Congressman André Carson in Washington, D.C., through the Congressional Leadership Development Program (CLDP), powered by the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC).

Ola’s commitment to public service is reflected in her work on the campaign team for Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, as well as her volunteer efforts with Emgage, where she helped register and mobilize Muslim American voters across Michigan. She has also been appointed to the Wayne County Advisory Council, where she has contributed to local policy discussions aimed at engaging younger generations.

Saja Badawi currently serves as a victims advocate with using her background in criminal justice, legislative research, and community advocacy. Saja brings valuable experience and a strong commitment to advancing our mission, making her a great addition to the MAPS Michigan team.

Fatima Abdelsalam brings a deep commitment to public service and advancing equity through the law. Fatima serves as a Deputy Attorney General with the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General. She handles legal matters related to labor relations and workplace practices across state agencies as part of the Employment Counseling and Labor Section.

Previously, Fatima worked as a judicial law clerk in the Criminal Division of the Bergen County Superior Court. Her professional experience spans more than a decade in both the non-profit and government sectors, with a focus on immigration advocacy, legal empowerment, and social justice. She has served with organizations such as Volunteer Lawyers for Justice, Catholic Migration Services, AmeriCorps, and the International Rescue Committee. During law school at Rutgers University, Fatima held a number of leadership roles, including Director of the International Refugee Assistance Project, Senior IT Editor of the Rutgers Law Record, Co-Chair of the Rutgers National Arab American Bar Association, and various positions with the Muslim Law Students Association.

Beyond her professional work, Fatima is passionate about increasing representation and opportunities for Muslim Americans in civic and government spaces. She is an active member of the Attorney General’s Employee Resource Group for Muslim employees and the New Jersey Muslim Lawyers Association.

Fatima earned both her B.A. in Political Science and her J.D. from Rutgers University.

Tajnia Hussain is a public servant with experience in immigration advocacy, constituent services, and civic engagement. She formerly served as a Constituent Advocate with the United States Senate, where she supported constituents across Pennsylvania by managing complex casework portfolios, including immigration, passport services, and consular services. In this role, Tajnia collaborated closely with federal agencies, state and local stakeholders, and internal teams to ensure constituents of the Commonwealth receive timely and effective assistance.

Previously, Tajnia worked as a Survivor Services Case Manager at the Nationalities Service Center (NSC) in Philadelphia, where she provided comprehensive support to survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence. Her work included conducting intakes, managing cases, coordinating referrals, and engaging in outreach with community-based organizations, faithbased groups, and service providers.

Tajnia’s family immigrated to the United States from Bangladesh in the early 2000s, an experience that shaped her desire to pursue a career in public service centered on uplifting immigrant voices. This commitment guided her work with the International Rescue Committee while she was in college — supporting refugees and asylees with immigration applications, case management, and access to public benefits, which ultimately led her to work at NSC and the U.S. Senate, where she sought to expand her impact by addressing systemic barriers and advocating for constituents at the federal level.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Temple University and is a proud Philadelphia native, now living with her husband in Central Jersey. She is an active member and volunteer for Sabeel NJ and is also a member of the Middlesex County Young Democrats. Tajnia is driven by a strong commitment to increasing visibility, representation, and opportunity for Muslim Americans in local, state, and federal government institutions. She is passionate about building inclusive spaces for civic engagement and is especially interested in creating meaningful networking and leadership opportunities for members in New Jersey.

Basem’s passion for wielding communication as a tool for good has earned him the reputation as a pivotal figure in driving positive social change and fostering a more inclusive global society.

He is a seasoned communications strategist and executive leader, currently serving within the NYC Mayor’s Office.

His strategic vision and execution capabilities have been instrumental in overseeing national strategy development with the highest levels of government and foreign embassies.

Prior to his current role in government, Basem’s experience includes significant contributions to mission-driven causes, leveraging his skills in activating communities and creating culturally responsive communications that influence policy makers around the world to work for all people. Basem’s work has had a profound impact on creating equity for marginalized and vulnerable communities across America and internationally.

Basem is also a former tenured Associate Professor of Visual Communications and research academic with multiple Master’s Degrees and Certificates from institutions like Columbia, Harvard, Princeton, and Rutgers. His graduate research concentrated on intercultural communications with extensive focus on Muslim Americans.

Hesham El-Meligy is a Senior Financial Services Examiner at the New York State Department of Financial Services. In 2013, he achieved the historic milestone of becoming the first Arab American to reach the general election in New York’s political history when he ran for New York City Comptroller.

Hesham has played a crucial role as the coordinator of the Coalition for Muslim School Holidays, successfully advocating for the recognition of Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha as official holidays in the New York City public school system. He has been an active part of the Muslim leadership that organized against the surveillance of Muslims by the NYPD.

Beyond his professional and political endeavors, Hesham is an interfaith leader, a compelling public speaker, and the host of a thought-provoking podcast. His dedication to fostering understanding and cooperation among diverse communities is a testament to his commitment to a more inclusive and harmonious society.

Sadiyah Zahin Kazi is a dedicated public service professional with experience in municipal and federal government operations. She currently serves as a Hospital Care Investigator at NYC Health & Hospitals/Elmhurst Hospital, assisting uninsured and underinsured patients with insurance eligibility and enrollment.

Previously, she held roles at the NYC Human Resources Administration, VNS Health, Maimonides Medical Center, and the Social Security Administration, where she developed expertise in client services, program eligibility, and administrative support.

Sadiyah holds a Master of Public Administration from Baruch College and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Aviation Management from York College. Bilingual in English and Bengali, she is committed to advancing equitable access to public resources and strengthening community engagement.

Sarah Khan is a community engagement and events professional with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a minor in Sociology from Farmingdale State College. She has years of experience leading nonprofit outreach, volunteer engagement, and event planning, including her current role at Zakat Foundation of America – New York, where she designs and executes community-centered programs, builds strategic partnerships, and supports initiatives that empower families and expand organizational impact.

Her work spans community outreach, event operations, volunteer coordination, and cross-organizational collaboration, with experience managing programs from planning through execution. Sarah brings a people-first approach to leadership, creating spaces that foster connection, civic engagement, and meaningful participation. She is passionate about strengthening communities through collaboration, service, and thoughtful engagement.

Outside of work, Sarah enjoys journaling, spending quality time with friends and family, and is a proud new mother to a beautiful daughter.

Rumana Haque is a senior transportation and traffic engineering professional with more than 17 years of experience at the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey delivering complex infrastructure projects across the New York metropolitan region. Rumana has led major initiatives involving airports, bridges, tunnels, ports, and multimodal transportation systems, with a focus on traffic operations, infrastructure modernization, and data-driven innovation.

Rumana’s dedication to public service is deeply rooted in her New York City upbringing as a proud graduate of the Bronx High School of Science and The City College of New York.

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Syed Adnan Bukhari, MS is a distinguished Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) leader with over two decades of progressive leadership experience spanning the Oil & Gas, Construction, Manufacturing and Municipal sectors. He currently serves as Division Chief of EHS Sustainability and Continuous Improvement at the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, where he provides strategic oversight for enterprise-wide safety, sustainability and EHS continuous improvement initiatives.

Throughout his career, Adnan has demonstrated exceptional expertise in designing and implementing comprehensive EHS management systems, advancing ergonomic and worker safety programs and conducting complex workplace and operational risk assessments. His work has consistently strengthened regulatory compliance, enhanced operational efficiency and elevated organizational safety culture while prioritizing employee health and well-being.

He holds a Master of Science in Environmental Health and Safety Management from the Rochester Institute of Technology, where he developed a strong technical foundation in environmental sustainability, risk management and regulatory frameworks.

Beyond his professional career, Adnan is a highly respected community leader and civic advocate with more than 25 years of sustained engagement. He has served as President of the Muslim Center of New York, held board leadership roles with several organizations. In these roles, he has helped guide nonprofit organizations in governance, strategic planning and mission advancement, while championing social justice, civic participation and interfaith collaboration.

A committed public servant, Adnan has worked closely with elected officials and grassroots movements to strengthen democratic participation. Most recently, he played a key role in organizing Muslim communities at the grassroots level during recent mayoral election, helping to build durable bridges across diverse communities through dialogue, trust-building, and collective action.

An environmentalist, educator, and New York State certified volunteer firefighter in Nassau County, Adnan exemplifies service in both professional and personal life. Balancing his roles as a public sector executive, community advocate, husband and father, he remains grounded in humility and driven by a deep belief in uplifting others, reflecting a lifelong commitment to progress, unity and compassion.

Ayyad Algabyali is a dedicated public servant and community advocate currently serving at the New York City Commission on Human Rights. He brings extensive experience across city government, nonprofit leadership, and community organizing, with previous roles at the NYC Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs and the NYC Department of Consumer and Worker Protection. Ayyad has also supported community-based organizations and advocacy efforts, including leadership roles with the Yemeni American Merchants Association.

Ayyad’s work is grounded in a commitment to advancing equity, strengthening community resilience, and expanding opportunity for underserved New Yorkers.

Zunera Ahmed is a lifelong Gravesend resident with nearly ten years of experience in government, campaign, and organizing work. Her upbringing and lived experiences in southern Brooklyn have cultivated a purpose for her career in public service.

Zunera has worked at every level of government with experience in the U.S House of Representatives, New York State Senate, and New York City Council. In addition to extensive government work, Zunera has a winning track record of electing democrats in tough purple districts in Brooklyn. She works to empower communities that often feel forgotten by our systems - outerborough, immigrant, and working class. Zunera currently serves as Senior Advisor to New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin. 

Saira Amar serves as the Deputy Director of Communications for MAPS–NY and is currently the Constituent and Communications Manager for New York State Assembly District 57, Office of Assemblymember Phara Souffrant Forrest. She has led civil rights communications at CAIR–NY and worked on international policy and youth engagement initiatives with the United Nations and the World Wildlife Fund.
Saira holds a Master of Public Affairs from Brown University’s Watson School for International and Public Affairs and a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations from Adelphi University.

Ayyan S. Zubair previously served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Keli M. Neary on the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Prior to that role, Ayyan was a litigation associate in A&O Shearman’s New York office and a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Lidia S. Stiglich of the Supreme Court of Nevada.

In his personal capacity, Ayyan previously served on The Appellate Project’s Alumni Committee and on the Muslim Bar Association of New York’s Board of Directors.

Ayyan is a 2021 graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law, where he served as Co-President of his graduating class, and a 2018 graduate of Stony Brook University, where he served as president of the Undergraduate Student Government. As President, Ayyan represented over 17,000 students, managed a $3.6 million budget, and spearheaded major campus initiatives such as free menstrual hygiene products.

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Duriba Khan is an attorney at Legal Services NYC, where she defends low-income New Yorkers against eviction and displacement. Her work sits at the intersection of litigation, policy, and movement-building, with prior experience at the National ACLU, Reprieve, National Public Radio (NPR), Warren for President, and the United States House of Representatives.

Duriba is graduate of The University of Texas School of Law.

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Fatima Shaikh is an Inspector and Enforcement Officer at the Environmental Protection Agency in the Water Enforcement Branch and works to enforce the Safe Drinking Water Act in Dallas, Texas in Region 6 which oversees the states of Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Tribal Nations.

Previously, she worked in State government at the Maryland Department of the Environment as a Regulatory and Compliance Engineer in the Engineering and Technical Assistance Division conducting sanitary survey and providing technical assistance to public water systems. She is passionate about providing safe drinking water access to all communities. Throughout her career, she has collaborated with local, state, federal government and private industries to comply with regulations.

Fatima earned her Bachelor's Degree in Chemical Engineering with a concentration in Environmental Engineering from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. After graduation, she briefly worked in private industry in biotechnology  as an Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Professional to establish EHS practices, conduct lab safety inspections, coordinate emergency procedures, and provide continuous training to employees.