Marwa Zohdy
Board Chair
Marwa Joy Zohdy is a consultant with Egon Zehnder, the leading global leadership advisory firm.
Marwa Joy Zohdy is a consultant with Egon Zehnder, the leading global leadership advisory firm. As a core member of the firm’s Health Practice, she draws on her executive leadership experience and deep strategic expertise to advise clients across the healthcare continuum, from scientific and technological discovery to the delivery of patient care. Marwa is passionate about helping the healthcare industry benefit from diversity in terms of ideas, experiences, expertise, and backgrounds.
Before joining Egon Zehnder, Marwa she served as the Vice President of Global Consulting Services at Joint Commission Resources and Joint Commission International. In that role, Marwa led a global team of 150 expert consultants to help healthcare providers around the world achieve excellence in quality and patient safety. Previously, Dr. Zohdy worked at McKinsey & Company, where she helped to address strategic challenges in healthcare, advising top leaders in hospitals, academic medical centers, and national and regional ministries of health across the U.S., U.K., Middle East, and North Africa. She also served as a Knowledge Expert with McKinsey’s Health Systems Institute and actively participated in recruiting, training, and professional development of consultants worldwide.
Dr. Zohdy holds a PhD and MS in Biomedical Engineering and a BS in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan.
Colleen Ezzeddine
Vice Chair
Colleen M. Ezzeddine, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at Wayne State University and provides speech writing and communication consulting through her private practice.
Colleen M. Ezzeddine, PhD, is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Communication at Wayne State University and provides speech writing and communication consulting through her private practice, specializing in helping non-native English speakers with public speaking. She was elected twice to the Board of Directors of Health Alliance Plan (HAP) and served two terms. She has served on HAP’s Wise Woman Advisory Council and has appeared on Detroit radio and television programs to promote HAP’s Cook eKitchen™ web-based recipe and cooking video program. Dr. Ezzeddine is a board member of Zaman International, a nonprofit organization that assists marginalized women and children. She is a graduate of Mercy High School in Farmington Hills, Michigan, and is a past president of its alumnae board. She earned a doctorate in organizational communication from Wayne State University, a master’s degree from the University of Detroit Mercy, and a bachelor’s degree from Marquette University.
Mohammad Khalil
Treasurer
Mohammad Khalil is a Controller at Gould Property Company, with over eight years of experience in public accounting with a primary focus on the renewable energy industry.
Mohammad Khalil grew up in Dayton, Ohio where he was committed to helping the community in any capacity that he could. He served as treasurer of a local mosque, taught at a Sunday school and regularly volunteered at local food banks. Professionally, Mohammad is a Controller at Gould Property Company, with over eight years of experience in public accounting with a primary focus on the renewable energy industry. He currently leads a small accounting group for a real estate developer in Washington D.C. Mohammad received his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance from Wright State University.
Afshan Paarlberg
Secretary
Afshan Paarlberg serves as the senior attorney for the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative at Indiana University leading the Muslim nonprofit governance, risk, and compliance project.
Afshan Paarlberg serves as the senior attorney for the Muslim Philanthropy Initiative at Indiana University leading the Muslim nonprofit governance, risk, and compliance project. She has a JD from the University of Houston Law Center as well as a BBA and BA from the University of Texas at Austin. She is a doctoral student at the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy and completing a fellowship at IU in Muslim philanthropic and humanitarian studies. Afshan’s research, publications, and public speaking engagements are focused on nonprofits, philanthropy, and forced migration. She also enjoys service as the president of the board of Exodus Refugee Immigration—an Indiana based refugee resettlement agency, advisory board member to the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art, member of the Muslim Women Giving 100 Giving Circle, and member of the American Muslim Women’s Giving Circle. Previously, Afshan has developed and executed nonprofit access to justice initiatives, represented clients in affirmative and defensive immigration proceedings, and supported nonprofits with governance, risk, and compliance.
Luna Banuri
Board Member
Luna Banuri is a consultant in the nonprofit and for-profit sectors with a background in legal education and experience in strategy, community, and organizational development.
Luna Banuri is a seasoned consultant in the nonprofit and for-profit sectors with a background in legal education and 25 years of experience in strategy, community, and organizational development. Some of her former clients include UNDP, UNICEF, ADB, and the World Bank. She is the founder and director of TeleTaleem, a nonprofit that leverages the power of technology, innovative approaches, and partnerships to solve the toughest global development challenges in education in her native country of Pakistan. Since relocating to Salt Lake City from Chicago in 2014, Luna has been deeply involved with her local community. She is currently a founding board member and executive director for the Utah Muslim Civic League, where she has established a network to amplify Muslim voices across the state. She was appointed to the Mayor of Salt Lake City’s Human Rights Commission in 2018 and to the Governor of Utah’s MLK Commission in 2019. Luna is also a board member at the Utah Council for Citizen Diplomacy and Spy Hop, among others.
Rachel Branaman
Board Member
Rachel is the founder and principal consultant of Talem Consulting, which provides nonprofits the tools they need to build capacity, fundraise, and dismantle systems of inequity.
Rachel is the founder and principal consultant of Talem Consulting, a national, full-service diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice (DEIJ), woman-owned firm which provides nonprofits the tools they need to build capacity, fundraise, and dismantle systems of inequity. Rachel is currently expanding Talem’s 12-month leadership program for BIPOC women to ensure they have a supportive space to build their nonprofit management toolkit and leadership skills for long-term transformation.
Rachel has 20 years of nonprofit expertise as an executive director of Alley’s House and in fundraising/development roles at Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Jewish Community Center of Dallas, Dallas Heritage Village, and Dallas Children’s Museum. She graduated from Austin College with a BA in French and from Regis University with a Master’s in Nonprofit Management with a capstone project in Cape Town, South Africa. She is an alumnus of Leadership Texas, a returned U.S. Peace Corps volunteer to Namibia (2009-2011), and serves as an executive board member of Association of Philanthropic Counsel (APC). Rachel lives in Richmond, Virginia. This land was originally home to the Algonquian-speaking tribes, Youghtanund, Powhatan, and Chickahominy which were part of the Powhatan Confederacy. They are also known as Algonquian because of their language and common culture.
Hakim Dyer
Board Member
Hakim Dyer is the CEO of Dyer & Company, a management consulting firm based in the Baltimore/Washington DC area.
Hakim Dyer is the CEO of Dyer & Company, a management consulting firm based in the Baltimore/Washington DC area. The firm serves clients throughout the US and specializes in venture partnering, strategic planning, tactical cash flow, and capital structuring for growth-oriented businesses. Dyer & Company also conducts entrepreneurial training for universities, incubator and accelerator programs, angel investment groups, and family offices.
Hakim’s career spans 37 years in international commercial banking and corporate finance and reflects his significant experience with technology ventures, real estate development, and media production companies. In addition, he is known for launching one of the first community development venture capital funds in the US as well as for leading the first Treasury Department-approved Islamic home financing program in US history.
Hakim is a native of New York City. Raised in Massachusetts, he is a graduate of Dartmouth College (BA), Middlebury College, (MA), and the Paris Change of Commerce and Industry (Advanced Diploma, High Honors). He accepted Islam in 1992. Avocations include outdoorsmanship and jazz guitar. Hakim is fluent in French and has also applied his creative linguistic skills to voice-acting and on-screen performances.
Megan Fair
Board Member
Megan Fair currently serves as the Associate Secretary of Advancement for Right Sharing of World Resources (RSWR).
Megan Fair currently serves as the Associate Secretary of Advancement for Right Sharing of World Resources (RSWR). In this role she supervises communications and advancement for a Quaker nonprofit focused on wealth redistribution. Prior to joining RSWR, Megan worked at the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR), first in their Washington state office before moving to the national office in Washington, DC. In addition to her professional work, Megan has served on numerous nonprofit boards, including the Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL). With a BA in Nonprofit Management and Peace and Conflict studies, Megan brings a wide variety of professional, volunteer and educational experiences to the nonprofit sector.
Yvonne Maffei
Board Member
Yvonne Maffei is a self-taught chef, food researcher & travel writer, cookbook author, e-commerce entrepreneur, public speaker, food industry consultant, niche consumer marketer, expert in halal cooking, and the founder of the first blog on halal food & cooking, MyHalalKitchen.com
Yvonne Maffei is a self-taught chef, food researcher & travel writer, cookbook author, e-commerce entrepreneur, public speaker, food industry consultant, niche consumer marketer, expert in halal cooking, and the founder of the first blog on halal food & cooking, MyHalalKitchen.com. She gives cooking classes, presentations on the meaning of Halal and educates about conscious cooking and healthy eating. She consults food brands, schools, and hospitals on how to understand and source for halal ingredients and methods in cooking for food and cosmetic products. Her book titles include Clean Your Kitchen Green (2010), Summer Ramadan Cooking (2013) and My Halal Kitchen: Global Recipes, Cooking Tips, Lifestyle Inspiration (2016).
She has been an invited guest at the White House under the Obama Administration, a special counselor to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, a guest speaker at such prestigious events as the recent World Halal Summit in Istanbul, Turkey (2018), and a consultant to Aramark Corporation for the first ever all-halal university dining facility at New York University in Manhattan. She is currently working on a holistic cooking and lifestyle book, as well as conducting research on the superfoods of the Turkish Aegean & Mediterranean region. She lives in San Diego, California.
Oussama Mezoui
Board Member
Oussama Mezoui is a passionate nonprofit executive working in the field of international relief and development. His focus this past decade has been on organizational development, operational competence, and program management.
Oussama Mezoui is a passionate nonprofit executive working in the field of international relief and development. His focus this past decade has been on organizational development, operational competence, and program management. Oussama is the founder of Penny Appeal USA, a 501(c)(3) humanitarian relief and development organization working to alleviate poverty both domestically and overseas. Since launching in July 2016, the organization has successfully raised over five million dollars in support of their programs. He also serves as the board secretary of Our Three Winners Foundation, an organization focused on tackling implicit biases as a means to prevent prejudice against minorities. The foundation was established after the tragic murder of three young American Muslims in North Carolina in 2015.
Oussama has a BA in history from Queen Mary University of London and an LLB from the University of Oxford, where he attended Somerville College. He also holds a graduate certificate in Non-Profit Executive Management from the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University.e Description
Nahela Morales
Board Member
Nahela Morales is a dedicated, passionate Mexican Muslim convert, humanitarian, award-winning activist, international public speaker, community organizer, and a single mother of one.
Nahela Morales is a dedicated, passionate Mexican Muslim convert, humanitarian, award-winning activist, international public speaker, community organizer, and a single mother of one. She is the co-founder of Embrace, an initiative created for Reverts by Reverts. Their mission is to empower, integrate, and serve our Muslim convert community by providing social and educational space in which to encourage growth, shape Islamic identity, and equip with the knowledge needed for their lifetime journey. She currently serves as the Marketing Director and Brand Ambassador.
She has had the opportunity to speak in countries like Sweden, Columbia, Brazil, and her native Mexico. She has represented a variety of oppressed demographics through her years as an activist and humanitarian. Since 2019 she has served on the board of CAIR-Central North, whose mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims. Her dedication and discipline enable her to also mentor and serve on other boards throughout the country.
Faye Nemer
Board Member
Faye Nemer is a proven finance leader with global expertise developed through multiple roles in Fortune 20 companies at Ford Motor Company and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
Faye Nemer is a proven finance leader with global expertise developed through multiple roles in Fortune 20 companies at Ford Motor Company and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Most recently, she served as the CFO of a supply chain software startup. She is adept in strategic planning and long-term decision making with specific focus in treasury, FP&A, M&A, foreign currency exchange, managerial accounting, and end-to-end ERP system implementation. She is known to build and develop world-class teams and establish strong cross-functional relationships that deliver results while earning trust and credibility.
Kashif Poshni
Board Member
Dr. Kashif Poshni completed his surgical residency program as Chief Resident of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Washington Hospital Center and is currently in private practice and an active educator in Maxillofacial trauma at the surgical resident level.
Dr. Kashif Poshni received his Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Columbia University School of Dental and Oral Surgery. He completed his surgical residency program as Chief Resident of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Washington Hospital Center. Dr. Poshni is currently in private practice and an active educator in Maxillofacial trauma at the surgical resident level. He has received numerous awards for his dedication and work, such as the Washington Hospital Center’s Chairman’s Award (2000). Dr. Poshni has performed several medical research studies and has been published in various journals, including the Journal of Eastern Psychological Association. Also, he was a former president of the Maryland Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons and the American Dental Society of Anesthesiology.
Monem Salam
Board Member
Monem served as the Director of Islamic investing and a Deputy Portfolio Manager to the Amana Mutual Funds Trust 2012 to oversee Saturna Sdn. Bhd. In 2018, he returned to the United States and resumed his role as Deputy Portfolio Manager of the Amana Income, Amana Growth, and Amana Developing World Funds.
Monem Salam is executive vice president and a director of Saturna Capital. He received his degrees from the University of Texas: BA (Austin) and MBA (Dallas).
He worked as the Chief Investment Officer for ITG & Associates (Dallas) until 1999, then as a representative with Morgan Stanley (suburban Dallas) until joining Saturna Capital in June 2003. He served as the Director of Islamic investing and a Deputy Portfolio Manager to the Amana Mutual Funds Trust until moving to Kuala Lumpur in 2012 to oversee Saturna Sdn. Bhd. In 2018, he returned to the United States and resumed his role as Deputy Portfolio Manager of the Amana Income, Amana Growth, and Amana Developing World Funds.
Monem is adjunct professor at IE Business School and speaks at Islamic finance/investment conferences worldwide. He is co-author of A Muslim’s Guide to Investing and Personal Finance. Monem has authored chapters on Islamic Investing in both Contemporary Islamic Finance and Islamic Capital Markets, and he contributes articles to leading Islamic financial magazines. As a mark of recognition of his achievements in Islamic economy, Monem was ranked among 500 of the Islamic world’s most prominent and influential leaders by ISLAMICA 500 in 2015.
Ahsan Shaikh
Board Member
Ahsan Shaikh is a partner in the international law firm of McDermott Will & Emery, one of the world’s largest law firms, where he is worldwide Head of Patent Prosecution.
Ahsan Shaikh is a partner in the international law firm of McDermott Will & Emery, one of the world’s largest law firms, where he is worldwide Head of Patent Prosecution. His legal practice focuses on counseling Fortune 50 companies through startup companies on patent strategies for computer-related patents. Within the broader legal industry, he speaks on issues relating to improving the diversity of inventors and patent professionals in the United States, arguing that more inclusive technology-based innovation will be a key driver for both economic competitiveness and national security. His pro bono work at McDermott has included representing organizations dealing with Islamophobia, Muslim civil rights in the United States, and the Uyghur crisis in China.
Before his career as a lawyer, Ahsan was a software developer at Cisco Systems. Mr. Shaikh holds a JD from the University of Chicago and a BA in Computer Science from the University of California at Berkeley.
Mohamed Smaidi
Board Member
Mohamed Smaidi is a seasoned finance executive with a track record of success at driving strategy, growth, and profitability with Fortune 500 companies, technology startups, and private equity across a broad range of industries.
Mohamed Smaidi is a seasoned finance executive with a track record of success at driving strategy, growth, and profitability with Fortune 500 companies, technology startups, and private equity across a broad range of industries. Serving as VP of Finance at Thomson Reuters, Mohamed started his career in management consulting working for PricewaterhouseCoopers before moving on to work for Fortune 500 company Owens Corning, leading solar technology firm First Solar, and a tier one automotive supplier in the EV/mobility space, Dana. He has significant experience doing business internationally across the globe, including in Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Bahrain, and India, to name a few places. He also co-founded an early stage SaaS technology startup company in the employee shift scheduling industry.
Mohamed holds an MBA in Finance and Bachelor’s degree in Information Systems from Bowling Green State University. He currently resides in Toledo, OH with his wife and two children.
Iltefat Hamzavi
Founding Chair Emeritus
Iltefat Hamzavi is one of the founders of ISPU. Dr. Hamzavi is the vice president of Hamzavi Dermatology and its affiliate Dermatology Specialists.
Iltefat Hamzavi is one of the founders of ISPU. Dr. Hamzavi is the vice president of Hamzavi Dermatology and its affiliate Dermatology Specialists. He also is on the faculty at Henry Ford Hospital’s department of dermatology and an assistant professor at Wayne State University, both in Detroit, Michigan. Dr. Hamzavi has been selected as one of America’s Best Doctors and is considered an international expert in several skin diseases. He serves on the boards of Crescent Academy International and the School of Arts and Sciences at Wayne State University. Dr. Hamzavi received his BA and MD from the University of Michigan. In May 2017, Dr. Hamzavi was awarded the title of Founding Chair Emeritus in recognition of his 15 years of service as board chair.
Meira Neggaz
Executive Director
Meira Neggaz is the Executive Director at ISPU, where she is responsible for the institution’s overall leadership, strategy, and growth. Meira works to build and strengthen ISPU, to cultivate relationships with community leaders, policy makers, scholars, partner institutions and stakeholders, and to broaden the reach and impact of ISPU’s research. Before joining ISPU, Meira served as Senior Program Officer for Marie Stopes International (MSI), a leading, UK-based organization working in 42 countries. There, she led and managed programs in multiple countries, developed partnerships with key stakeholders and partner institutions, provided technical advice, and managed key grants and donor relationships. Formerly, Meira was the first Executive Director of WINGS in Guatemala, where she grew the organization from its infancy to become a national leader in the health sector, and the Guatemala Country Representative for Curamericas, establishing country presence and leading a USAID funded child survival project. She holds a BA from Huron University in London and a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. Learn more about Meira’s work→
Meira Neggaz
Executive Director
Meira Neggaz is the Executive Director at ISPU, where she is responsible for the institution’s overall leadership, strategy, and growth. Meira works to build and strengthen ISPU, to cultivate relationships with community leaders, policy makers, scholars, partner institutions and stakeholders, and to broaden the reach and impact of ISPU’s research. Before joining ISPU, Meira served as Senior Program Officer for Marie Stopes International (MSI), a leading, UK-based organization working in 42 countries. There, she led and managed programs in multiple countries, developed partnerships with key stakeholders and partner institutions, provided technical advice, and managed key grants and donor relationships. Formerly, Meira was the first Executive Director of WINGS in Guatemala, where she grew the organization from its infancy to become a national leader in the health sector, and the Guatemala Country Representative for Curamericas, establishing country presence and leading a USAID funded child survival project. She holds a BA from Huron University in London and a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. Learn more about Meira’s work→
Dalia Mogahed
Director of Research
Dalia Mogahed is the Director of Research at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, where she leads the organization’s pioneering research and thought leadership programs on American Muslims. Mogahed is former Executive Director of the Gallup Center for Muslim Studies, where she led the analysis of surveys of Muslim communities worldwide. With John L. Esposito, she co-authored the book Who Speaks for Islam? What a Billion Muslims Really Think. President Barack Obama appointed Mogahed to the President’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in 2009. She was invited to testify before the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations about U.S. engagement with Muslim communities. Her 2016 TED talk was named one of the top TED talks that year. She is a frequent expert commentator in global media outlets and international forums. She is also the CEO of Mogahed Consulting. Learn more about Dalia’s work→
Nadia Ahmed
Director of Finance
Nadia Ahmed is the Director of Finance at ISPU. She had previously served as the Business Manager, Board Treasurer, and Finance Committee Chair for Friends School in Detroit, a nonprofit private elementary school. Before that, she had worked for over 11 years in the public accounting field as an international tax consultant for Ernst & Young in Detroit and Arthur Anderson in Chicago and New York. She has a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from DePaul University and a master’s degree in Non-Profit Management.
Katherine Coplen
Director of Communications
Katherine Coplen is the Director of Communications at ISPU, where she coordinates media engagement and outreach, assists with the research publication process, and measures ISPU’s impact. She is formerly the editor of Indianapolis-based alt-weekly NUVO Newsweekly, where she oversaw reporting on statehouse politics, music, arts and culture, and environmental affairs. She is a graduate of Indiana University with a BA in English Literature and History.
Farah Ali
Director of Development
Farah Ali is the Director of Development at ISPU, where she is responsible for leading ISPU’s growth strategy through planned giving, corporate sponsorships, and endowment building, as well as annual fund campaigns, individual donor cultivation and stewardship, & special events.
Before joining ISPU, Farah worked as an Investment Specialist at J.P. Morgan Private Bank where she advised Ultra High Net Worth private business owners, foundations, and corporate executives. At JPM, she spearheaded sustainability & Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing education initiatives for financial advisors and clients in her market. Previously, she was chosen to grow as a social entrepreneur by the Compass Fellowship with the Kenneth Cole Foundation and was presented the “Patricia David Trailblazer Award” for her dedication to advance women and underrepresented populations in business. Farah holds a B.S. in Business Administration with a Concentration in Finance & Specialization in Value Investing from Fordham University.
Petra Alsoofy
Outreach & Partnerships Manager
Petra Alsoofy is the Outreach & Partnerships Manager at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU), where she strengthens valued partnerships and forges new ones with organizations who share ISPU’s goal of strengthening Muslim communities and building understanding. Petra’s work includes working with ISPU’s large network of scholars and sharing research with policymakers, community leaders, faith leaders, educators, and the general public to equip them to make informed decisions about American Muslims. Petra is a Detroit Equity Action Lab (DEAL) Racial Equity Fellow and an alum of New Detroit’s Multicultural Leadership Series. She also serves as the vice president of the Michigan Center for Civic Engagement’s Board of Directors and as a member of the American Association for State and Local History’s Religious History Committee. Petra has been a leader in interfaith work and public education for more than 15 years and is a graduate of Grand Valley State University where she earned a BA in political science. Learn more about Petra’s work→
Tahirah Blanding
Communications Campaigns Specialist
Tahirah Blanding is the Communications Campaigns Specialist at ISPU. In this role, she strategically creates and communicates the organization’s content to the public—including ISPU’s research, impact, education, and events.
Tahirah holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and currently has over a decade of writing experience. Before joining ISPU, she worked for a healthcare marketing agency that developed content for leading healthcare systems and cancer treatment centers.
Rebecka Green
Communications and Creative Media Manager
Rebecka Green is the Communications and Creative Media Manager at ISPU. In this role, she oversees the visual communications for the organization in regards to graphics, videos, newsletters, ISPU’s podcast, and the website. She works closely with all departments in leading print and virtual communications materials. Prior to joining ISPU, Rebecka worked in communications at Hamline University and Islamic Resource Group—both in St. Paul, Minnesota—and she holds a BA in English and religion from Luther College.
Erum Ikramullah
Research Project Manager
Erum Ikramullah is a Research Project Manager at ISPU, where she manages the activities of multiple research projects from initiation through dissemination. Erum has also served as co-author on ISPU’s American Muslim Poll report and has authored several other analysis pieces. Previously, she worked at Child Trends as a Research Analyst on both quantitative and qualitative research studies on topics related to child and family well being. Erum has experience with statistical analysis in SPSS, SAS, and STATA, has co-authored several academic journal articles, and has presented research at the Society for Research on Adolescents and the Population Association of America. She has a BA in Sociology from the University of Maryland. Learn more about Erum’s work→
Nancy Titus
Administrative Assistant
Nancy Titus is the Administrative Assistant at ISPU, where she specializes in data and information management, administration, and logistics coordination. Nancy brings to ISPU over four decades of administrative and organizational experience, ranging from FEMA grant management to the coordination of humanitarian social service programs. After working for 14 years for the West Virginia Department of Transportation coordinating the documentation of multi-million dollar disaster projects, she moved to Michigan to raise her family. Since that time, Nancy’s skills for creating effective operating procedures and establishing professional and efficient office work environments have served her well at two Detroit-area Islamic schools, Zaman International, and now ISPU.
Meira Neggaz
Executive Director
Meira Neggaz is the Executive Director at ISPU, where she is responsible for the institution’s overall leadership, strategy, and growth. Meira works to build and strengthen ISPU, to cultivate relationships with community leaders, policy makers, scholars, partner institutions and stakeholders, and to broaden the reach and impact of ISPU’s research. Before joining ISPU, Meira served as Senior Program Officer for Marie Stopes International (MSI), a leading, UK-based organization working in 42 countries. There, she led and managed programs in multiple countries, developed partnerships with key stakeholders and partner institutions, provided technical advice, and managed key grants and donor relationships. Formerly, Meira was the first Executive Director of WINGS in Guatemala, where she grew the organization from its infancy to become a national leader in the health sector, and the Guatemala Country Representative for Curamericas, establishing country presence and leading a USAID funded child survival project. She holds a BA from Huron University in London and a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University. Learn more about Meira’s work→
Dalia Mogahed
Director of Research
Dalia Mogahed is the Director of Research at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, where she leads the organization’s pioneering research and thought leadership programs on American Muslims. Mogahed is former Executive Director of the Gallup Center for Muslim Studies, where she led the analysis of surveys of Muslim communities worldwide. With John L. Esposito, she co-authored the book Who Speaks for Islam? What a Billion Muslims Really Think. President Barack Obama appointed Mogahed to the President’s Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships in 2009. She was invited to testify before the U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations about U.S. engagement with Muslim communities. Her 2016 TED talk was named one of the top TED talks that year. She is a frequent expert commentator in global media outlets and international forums. She is also the CEO of Mogahed Consulting. Learn more about Dalia’s work→
Nadia Ahmed
Director of Finance
Nadia Ahmed is the Director of Finance at ISPU. She had previously served as the Business Manager, Board Treasurer, and Finance Committee Chair for Friends School in Detroit, a nonprofit private elementary school. Before that, she had worked for over 11 years in the public accounting field as an international tax consultant for Ernst & Young in Detroit and Arthur Anderson in Chicago and New York. She has a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from DePaul University and a master’s degree in Non-Profit Management.
Katherine Coplen
Director of Communications
Katherine Coplen is the Director of Communications at ISPU, where she coordinates media engagement and outreach, assists with the research publication process, and measures ISPU’s impact. She is formerly the editor of Indianapolis-based alt-weekly NUVO Newsweekly, where she oversaw reporting on statehouse politics, music, arts and culture, and environmental affairs. She is a graduate of Indiana University with a BA in English Literature and History.
Farah Ali
Director of Development
Farah Ali is the Director of Development at ISPU, where she is responsible for leading ISPU’s growth strategy through planned giving, corporate sponsorships, and endowment building, as well as annual fund campaigns, individual donor cultivation and stewardship, & special events.
Before joining ISPU, Farah worked as an Investment Specialist at J.P. Morgan Private Bank where she advised Ultra High Net Worth private business owners, foundations, and corporate executives. At JPM, she spearheaded sustainability & Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing education initiatives for financial advisors and clients in her market. Previously, she was chosen to grow as a social entrepreneur by the Compass Fellowship with the Kenneth Cole Foundation and was presented the “Patricia David Trailblazer Award” for her dedication to advance women and underrepresented populations in business. Farah holds a B.S. in Business Administration with a Concentration in Finance & Specialization in Value Investing from Fordham University.
Petra Alsoofy
Outreach & Partnerships Manager
Petra Alsoofy is the Outreach & Partnerships Manager at the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU), where she strengthens valued partnerships and forges new ones with organizations who share ISPU’s goal of strengthening Muslim communities and building understanding. Petra’s work includes working with ISPU’s large network of scholars and sharing research with policymakers, community leaders, faith leaders, educators, and the general public to equip them to make informed decisions about American Muslims. Petra is a Detroit Equity Action Lab (DEAL) Racial Equity Fellow and an alum of New Detroit’s Multicultural Leadership Series. She also serves as the vice president of the Michigan Center for Civic Engagement’s Board of Directors and as a member of the American Association for State and Local History’s Religious History Committee. Petra has been a leader in interfaith work and public education for more than 15 years and is a graduate of Grand Valley State University where she earned a BA in political science. Learn more about Petra’s work→
Tahirah Blanding
Communications Campaigns Specialist
Tahirah Blanding is the Communications Campaigns Specialist at ISPU. In this role, she strategically creates and communicates the organization’s content to the public—including ISPU’s research, impact, education, and events.
Tahirah holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and currently has over a decade of writing experience. Before joining ISPU, she worked for a healthcare marketing agency that developed content for leading healthcare systems and cancer treatment centers.
Rebecka Green
Communications and Creative Media Manager
Rebecka Green is the Communications and Creative Media Manager at ISPU. In this role, she oversees the visual communications for the organization in regards to graphics, videos, newsletters, ISPU’s podcast, and the website. She works closely with all departments in leading print and virtual communications materials. Prior to joining ISPU, Rebecka worked in communications at Hamline University and Islamic Resource Group—both in St. Paul, Minnesota—and she holds a BA in English and religion from Luther College.
Erum Ikramullah
Research Project Manager
Erum Ikramullah is the Research Project Manager at ISPU, where she manages the day-to-day activities of the organization’s research studies. Previously, she worked at Child Trends as a Research Analyst on both quantitative and qualitative research studies on topics related to reproductive health, risky adolescent behavior, and fatherhood. Erum has co-authored several academic journal articles and has presented research at the Society for Research on Adolescents and the Population Association of America. She has a BA in Sociology from the University of Maryland. Learn more about Erum’s work→
Nancy Titus
Administrative Assistant
Nancy Titus is the Administrative Assistant at ISPU, where she specializes in data and information management, administration, and logistics coordination. Nancy brings to ISPU over four decades of administrative and organizational experience, ranging from FEMA grant management to the coordination of humanitarian social service programs. After working for 14 years for the West Virginia Department of Transportation coordinating the documentation of multi-million dollar disaster projects, she moved to Michigan to raise her family. Since that time, Nancy’s skills for creating effective operating procedures and establishing professional and efficient office work environments have served her well at two Detroit-area Islamic schools, Zaman International, and now ISPU.