COMMUNITY MATTERS

Americans more vibrant and visible and for his support of the Bosnian Muslims.

Earlier, he served as head of the ISNA Office for Interfaith, Community Alliances and Government Relations.

Al Jazeera Host Wins Prestigious Award

Malika Bilal, the host of “The Take,” Al Jazeera Digital’s flagship news and current affairs podcast won the Gracie Award for excellence in work produced by, for, and about women.

The Gracie Awards Gala was held on May 23 in Los Angeles, where the AWMF honored the outstanding work of women in TV, radio, and digital media.

In three weekly installments, “The Take” builds on the global reportage of Al Jazeera English journalists, local experts, and people living at the center of some of the world’s biggest news stories. “The Take” has extensively covered world politics, racial inequality and much more.

Presented by the Alliance for Women in Media Foundation (AWMF), it was also the second time Bilal fetched the top prize in the Podcast Host — News category. Held across dozens of categories, the competition drew entries and winners from a variety of news and entertainment outlets, including National Public Radio, Washington Post, CBS News, 60 Minutes, 48 Hours, Vice, Wondery and Spotify.

“We’re very proud of Malika and The Take podcast team,” said Carlos van Meek, Al Jazeera’s director of digital innovation and programming.

Muslims Elected to County Positions

Ather Mohiuddin, Asif Quereshi, and Mohammed Rizwan were elected to serve as part of the Fort Bend County Municipal Utility Districts (MUDs).

“Their victories are significant for the American Muslim community and the wider community in Fort Bend County,” said William White, CAIR-Houston Director. This demonstrates that diversity in leadership can make a positive impact and serve the best interests of the community as a whole.

“This is a proud moment for the American Muslim community, and we congratulate them on their success. Their leadership will empower fellow American Muslims to take an active part in the political process, serve their communities and contribute to the betterment of society.”

Biden Appoints Muslim to Art Committee

President Biden appointed Shahid Ahmed Khan to the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts (PACA). Khan, founder of Triconboston Consulting Corporation, a prominent member of the Greater Boston Muslim community area, brings to PACA a rich tapestry of experience spanning over two decades in international affairs. His focus on the Asian and Muslim world is reflected in his work as a community leader, political advisor, and entrepreneur, advocating for American values and principles through sustained dialogue and engagement.

Established in 1958 by President Eisenhower, PACA has played a valuable role in sustaining the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and the National Cultural Center. Khan served as a member of the board of trustees of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee and has previously served on the advisory board of the Democratic National Committee. He served as the National Finance co-chair for the 2004 Kerry Presidential campaign, and as an advisor on presidential, gubernatorial, senatorial, congressional, mayoral, and judicial campaigns for the past 20 years. He played an integral role in mobilizing and involving the South Asian-American community in the Biden for President campaign. He also serves as advisor on Dunya Media Network International.

On March 30, three Muslim women were recognized among the country’s top 15 women faith leaders for their incredible work coupled with extraordinary leadership on behalf of humanity. Arshia Wajid, founder and board director, American Muslim Health Professionals, Dr. Rania Awaad of the Muslim Mental Health & Islamic Psychology Lab at Stanford Medicine and Dr. Farha Abbasi, founder of the Muslim Mental Health Conference were at a ceremony hosted by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary in Washington D.C.

Wajid shared with Secretary Becerra the role AMHP has played in increasing mental health literacy through Mental Health First

Aid training and how it’s important to equip our community with tools to better understand what mental health entails and how to support community members and loved ones that are struggling.

Nazneen Hashmi was elected as a Trustee for the Village of Streamwood, Ill. a suburb of Chicago. She works in the information technology department for a major global company. Her passion has always been to serve and give back to her community. She has extensive volunteer experience and has served on boards of various community service organizations such as: Village of Streamwood — Community Relations Commission; YMCA; Domestic Violence shelter; General Assembly Scholarship; WorknetNCC; MAAP (OCA); and Local Woman’s Club.

David Abdullah Muhammad from Overland Park, Kan., was a top winner in the U.S. Kickboxing National Championships, which qualifies him to participate in the Senior World Championships on Nov. 17-26, 2023, in Portugal. Muhammad, 38, is the dean of student services at the Barstow School. He also serves as head instructor and executive director at the Integrity Martial Arts.

His wife, Aisha Sharif is a poet, author and a college instructor. They have two daughters.

Islamic Center of Johnson County, Kansas Girl Scouts leader Saima Imtiaz was honored with the 2022-23 Volunteer of Excellence Award by the Girl Scouts of NE Kansas and NW Missouri. She said she was accepting the award on behalf of her team of volunteers, Girl Scouts, their parents, and the community. ih