Community Matters
Howard County Muslims Mark 10th Year Howard County (Md.) Muslims marked the 10th year of the founding of the Howard County Muslim Council (HCMC), with a dinner celebration on Nov. 11, 2012, attended by some 300 people. Founded in 2002, HCMC (www. hcmcmaryland.com) serves the Muslim and the broader area communities. Howard County Executive Ken Ulman lauded HCMC for its social services, and particularly for opening “the door up at Dar Al-Taqwa [masjid] to break down barriers and educate the broader community is really a tribute to everyone here. He added: “You inspire me and you’ve helped me to live up to those values over the last six years as your county executive.” HCMC President Rizwan Siddiqi (left) presents an State Sen. James Robey, a former award of appreciation to Maryland state senator Howard County executive, recalled at Jim Robey (D). a time when he knew nothing about Islam, as the fiber of our community [in Howard HCMC met with him, and he was touched County], you are no longer just see as Musby their willingness to work for betterment lims.” Rizwan Siddiqi reminded: “As part of the county. County chairperson Mary Kay of our community, we [Muslims] should Sigaty said: “You [Muslims] are now seen be giving back.”
Noted attendees included Rep. John Sarbanes (D-Md.), Maryland state senators Allan Kittleman (R-Md.) and Edward Kasemeyer (D-Md.), Maryland State Delegates, Guy Guzzone, Shane Pendergrass, James Malone and Frank Turner. Sen. Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Rep. C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger (D-Md.) and sent citations. ane Pendergrass, James Malone and Frank Turner, and other civic leaders and government officials. Founder Anwar Hassan related HCMC, the first of its kind in Maryland, has since been followed by similar groups in Baltimore, Frederick and Montgomery counties, as well as the Maryland Muslim Council. HCMC acknowledged and praised its past leadership including founder members Anwer Hasan and Hasan Askari and past presidents Irfan Malik, Dr. Rashid Chotani and Raghid Shourbaji for their dedication and efforts in keeping HCMC moving forward. The HCMC board led by Rizwan Siddiqi includes vice-president Samina Chaudhury, secretary Hasan Askari, and treasurer Aref Baig.
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White House Invite for Scholarship Fund
Electronic Funds Transfer —
A good deed done regularly! The White House invited Dollar-ADay Scholarship Fund to participate at its Summit on Global Entrepreneurship was held on Nov. 15, 2012. As part of Global Entrepreneurship Week, this event was attended by senior administration officials including Deputy National Security Advisor Ben Rhodes, former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, Karen Mills, Administrator of the Small Business Administration, Deputy Secretary of State Thomas Nides, M. Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs (UAE) as well as numerous other leaders from the government, private 22
and non-profit sector. Founding Director, Salman Ravala, attended the event on behalf of D.A.D. In 2009, President Obama elevated entrepreneurship as a critical pillar of U.S. global engagement and to help channel the creativity, innovation, and potential of millions of individuals around the world to create economic opportunity. The event featured discussions with entrepreneurs, investors, and experts about how to foster needed skills, strengthen regulatory environments, and provide access to capital through programs, partnerships, and policymaking efforts.
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Islamic Horizons January/February 2013