At ISPU, we recognize that young people are one of our greatest assets, as a community, and as a nation. Not only are they the leaders of tomorrow, but they are the leaders of today. With nearly a quarter of Muslims between the ages of 18-24, they are our present and our future.
Made up of young leaders serving 18 month terms, our Council members directly shape ISPU’s organizational strategy, programs and nationwide community engagement, providing invaluable insight to board and staff, ensuring that young voices and concerns are built into our present work and future strategies. As an integral part of ISPU’s work, we are also preparing members for future leadership positions in non-profits serving our communities and beyond.
Mariam Elgafy
Mariam Elgafy comes from a diverse professional and educational background rooted in Education, Communication, and Political Science. An educator at heart, Mariam has taught Communication courses in higher education institutions after earning her Masters degree, worked in Government Relations, and now serves as the Associate Director of Philanthropic Stewardship at the UC Foundation. Her commitment to mentoring the next generation of leaders is seen through her work with youth groups, professional networks, and mission to uplift communities through her volunteer work with the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati. Mariam’s work is consistently propelled by a community-centric vision of innovation, empowerment, investment, and strong belief and desire of change.
Saad Iqbal
Saad Iqbal is from Torrance, California, where he currently works as a Research Assistant at Western Psychological Services. He serves as the National Team Lead for the Young Muslims Muslim Youth Issues Team, where he conducts survey research to learn about issues Muslim youth are facing. He graduated from the University of California, Irvine, with a dual degree in Psychological Science and Criminology, Law, and Society. His goal is to pursue and achieve a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and use the research and clinical techniques he learns to benefit the Muslim ummah. In his free time, you can find Saad either in the gym, gaming, or watching anime.
Ayesha Islam
Ayesha Islam is a researcher, writer, and former public servant from Queens, New York. She is currently a policy analyst at the Urban Institute, where her work has focused on structural racism, immigration, workforce development, and more. Ayesha was also a NYC Urban Fellow at the New York City Department of Small Business Services, and previously served on the executive board of MIST Philadelphia. Through her role on ISPU’s Next Gen Advisory Council, she looks forward to contributing new research ideas, strategizing toward organizational growth, and working in partnership with Muslim communities. Ayesha graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science from Bryn Mawr College and will graduate with a masters in public policy from Harvard Kennedy School in 2024.
Reem Killawi
Reem Killawi is a Syrian-American, born and raised in the city of Detroit. She is currently attending the University of Michigan where she is pursuing a degree in Public Health with a minor in Food and Urban Studies. Reem is passionate about creating intentional and impactful youth programming and working towards equity in educational spaces and resources. She has over 5 years of experience serving Muslim youth in Metro Detroit. In her free time, she enjoys reading, trying new recipes, and rewatching The Office.
Amara McKinney
Amara McKinney graduated from Morgan State University, where she studied Civil Engineering. Currently, she works for Turner Construction, a general contracting construction company, as an engineer. During her free time, she is the creative director for the Black Muslim Checkin, an initiative started under the organization MOMNetwork. Her hobbies include DIY/home improvement projects, playing basketball, and watching various TV series.
Ayoub Saidi
Ayoub Saidi is currently a Rutgers University – Camden sophomore. As a second generation American and a dual citizen of both the United States and Morocco, he has had intimate and personal experiences with a myriad of different cultures, religions, and languages. He is fluent in English, Arabic, and French, and has spent many years abroad learning about topics pertaining to religion, politics, and social life. For his college years, Ayoub is hoping to pursue a major that would put him on the right track to becoming an educator, lawyer, or judge, but is currently undecided and exploring his options.
Nada Shalash
Nada Shalash is a Congressional Policy Intern on Capitol Hill this summer through the Islamic Scholarship Fund. She was previously a full-time Research Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Wiener Center for Social Policy, where she worked on interdisciplinary data-driven projects focusing on racial discrimination in the criminal legal system. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Boston University in May 2021 with a B.A. in Economics (with honors) and minors in Public Policy Analysis and Computer Science, and was a recipient of the Departmental Prize in Economics. Her experience includes foreign affairs research focusing on the Middle East, international development policy and communications, civil rights advocacy, and data science for social impact. Her writing has appeared in MuslimMatters, Boston Political Review, and BU News Service, among others.
Mariam Elgafy
Mariam Elgafy comes from a diverse professional and educational background rooted in Education, Communication, and Political Science. An educator at heart, Mariam has taught Communication courses in higher education institutions after earning her Masters degree, worked in Government Relations, and now serves as the Associate Director of Philanthropic Stewardship at the UC Foundation. Her commitment to mentoring the next generation of leaders is seen through her work with youth groups, professional networks, and mission to uplift communities through her volunteer work with the Islamic Center of Greater Cincinnati. Mariam’s work is consistently propelled by a community-centric vision of innovation, empowerment, investment, and strong belief and desire of change.
Saad Iqbal
Saad Iqbal is from Torrance, California, where he currently works as a Research Assistant at Western Psychological Services. He serves as the National Team Lead for the Young Muslims Muslim Youth Issues Team, where he conducts survey research to learn about issues Muslim youth are facing. He graduated from the University of California, Irvine, with a dual degree in Psychological Science and Criminology, Law, and Society. His goal is to pursue and achieve a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and use the research and clinical techniques he learns to benefit the Muslim ummah. In his free time, you can find Saad either in the gym, gaming, or watching anime.
Ayesha Islam
Ayesha Islam is a researcher, writer, and former public servant from Queens, New York. She is currently a policy analyst at the Urban Institute, where her work has focused on structural racism, immigration, workforce development, and more. Ayesha was also a NYC Urban Fellow at the New York City Department of Small Business Services, and previously served on the executive board of MIST Philadelphia. Through her role on ISPU’s Next Gen Advisory Council, she looks forward to contributing new research ideas, strategizing toward organizational growth, and working in partnership with Muslim communities. Ayesha graduated with a bachelor’s degree in political science from Bryn Mawr College and will graduate with a masters in public policy from Harvard Kennedy School in 2024.
Reem Killawi
Reem Killawi is a Syrian-American, born and raised in the city of Detroit. She is currently attending the University of Michigan where she is pursuing a degree in Public Health with a minor in Food and Urban Studies. Reem is passionate about creating intentional and impactful youth programming and working towards equity in educational spaces and resources. She has over 5 years of experience serving Muslim youth in Metro Detroit. In her free time, she enjoys reading, trying new recipes, and rewatching The Office.
Amara McKinney
Amara McKinney graduated from Morgan State University, where she studied Civil Engineering. Currently, she works for Turner Construction, a general contracting construction company, as an engineer. During her free time, she is the creative director for the Black Muslim Checkin, an initiative started under the organization MOMNetwork. Her hobbies include DIY/home improvement projects, playing basketball, and watching various TV series.
Ayoub Saidi
Ayoub Saidi is currently a Rutgers University – Camden sophomore. As a 2nd generation American and a dual citizen of both the United States and Morocco, he has had intimate and personal experiences with a myriad of different cultures, religions, and languages. He is fluent in English, Arabic, and French, and has spent many years abroad learning about topics pertaining to religion, politics, and social life. For his college years, Ayoub is hoping to pursue a major that would put him on the right track to becoming an educator, lawyer, or judge, but is currently undecided and exploring his options.
Nada Shalash
Nada Shalash is a Congressional Policy Intern on Capitol Hill this summer through the Islamic Scholarship Fund. She was previously a full-time Research Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Wiener Center for Social Policy, where she worked on interdisciplinary data-driven projects focusing on racial discrimination in the criminal legal system. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Boston University in May 2021 with a B.A. in Economics (with honors) and minors in Public Policy Analysis and Computer Science, and was a recipient of the Departmental Prize in Economics. Her experience includes foreign affairs research focusing on the Middle East, international development policy and communications, civil rights advocacy, and data science for social impact. Her writing has appeared in MuslimMatters, Boston Political Review, and BU News Service, among others.