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Think Tank Director Shireen Zaman has assumed office as executive director of the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU), an independent public policy research organization with a focus on the Muslim American community. Zaman will lead the Michigan-based nonprofit from its new Washington D.C. office. Dr. Iltefat Hamzavi (chairperson, ISPU board of directors) said, “The demand for ISPU’s work is growing, and we need an executive director who will strengthen our presence nationally and increase the visibility of our research and analysis. Shireen is a well-respected voice in the nonprofit world who is skilled at growing organizations and building collaborations. She is the ideal person to lead ISPU forward.” Zaman comes to ISPU from Vital Voices Global Partnership (VVGP), a women’s leadership organization based in Washington, DC. Zaman’s prior experience includes work with several nonprofit organizations and with the US Department of State. She has an MA from the School of International Service at American University in Washington, DC (2006).
PRINCIPAL WANTED for an Elementary/Middle School in Little Rock, Arkansas The Huda Academy in Little Rock, Arkansas seeks a principal to serve a diverse Muslim community. The school has grades from pre-K through 6th grade. More info can be obtained by visiting: hudaacademy.org Minimum Qualifications: ¥ Master’s degree in education, business or a related field ¥ Experience in administration in Islamic schools ¥ Strong computer and analytical skills ¥ Knowledgeable in Islamic studies Benefits: ¥ Salary competitive ¥ Children tuition discount ¥ Health insurance Mail a cover letter and resume to: Huda Academy Board of Directors 3221 Anna St. Little Rock, AR 72204 Or email to aali@uams.edu
United Muslim Heartland On 17 Apr. an alliance of Muslim nonprofit organizations and mosques inaugurated the Midland Islamic Council (www.midlandcouncil.org) to serve the growing Muslim communities of western Missouri, eastern Kansas, parts of Nebraska, California, and Iowa. In his keynote address, Dr. Muzammil Siddiqui (chairperson, Islamic Shura Council of Southern California [ISCSC]), remarked that the stronger the people’s iman (faith), the stronger the community. Shakeel Syed (director, ISCSC) stated that MIC will be able to accomplish quite a lot when this cohesive effort begins to bear fruit. Speakers included Sheikh Zaid Shaheed (imam, Islamic Center of Johnson County), Imam Khalil Hanif (Kansas City), Imam Omar Hazim (Islamic Center of Topeka; Islamic advisor for the State of Kansas), Dr. Mohamed Kohia, Dr. Eqbal Hasan, Bassam Helwani, and Akhtar Chaudry. Farah Abdi (executive director, The Somali Foundation) hosted the event. MIC brings Muslim organizations to-
gether to address common issues and coordinate social, interfaith, government, and financial programs and services. For the first time, the Midland Muslims will have a chance to officially pool their regional resources. Membership and board positions are open to all Muslims, regardless of school of thought, ethnicity, or age. More than half of the existing mosques and nonprofit organizations have joined. Without interfering in any member organization’s internal affairs, the council represents the majority view of its members on matters of interest to the Muslim community as a whole. MIC will seek to strengthen communities through education, empowerment, and mobilization, and also by building a membership base of organizations and mosques that will work together in the spirit of collaboration, unity, and cooperation. The meeting elected an interim board comprising Shakil Haider (chairman), Jabir Hazziez Jr., (vice chair), Farah Abdi (treasurer), Nadeem Bade (secretary), Abid Malik (parliamentarian), AK Tayiem (member), Kasim Suljik (member), and Irshad Cheema (executive director). JULY/AUGUST 2010 ISLAMIC HORIZONS 21
Looking for an
IMAM The Central Mosque of Charleston, South Carolina seeks an Imam with knowledge, skills, and vision to lead its diverse community, and to develop and enrich its religious programs. The CMC offers competitive compensation package commensurate with qualifications. Please send resume, references and salary requirements to Chairman Imam’s Search Committee at has_sh2001@yahoo.com OR call at 843-259-9900