The Board

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The Board

	Bilal Choksi President Hometown: Toronto Major: Finance and Management Asalamu’alaikum Everyone! Born and raised in Toronto, north of the border, I’m a proud Canadian Desi. When I came to Penn, like everyone, I was not sure what the future had in store for me. Islam had always been a defining part of my life and one thing I knew for sure was that I wanted to be a part of the MSA. Even before arriving to Penn, during Penn Previews, the MSA welcomed me at Jummah Prayer and introduced me to the family that I deeply value being a part of. Having both Pakistani and Guyanese roots, both Diasporas extending from India, valuing diversity, as Islam teaches, has always played a strong role in my life. The MSA not only provided me with an extended family, and a great way to contribute to society, but it has fed my thirst for diversity, knowledge of Islam and growth as a Muslim. The plethora of interests, people and cultures, and Islamic values like kindness and generosity are cornerstones of the MSA. Regardless of what you’re in need of, whether it is support, knowledge, fun times, or just a place to fit in and be yourself, the MSA is THE place to be. A bit about myself: I love all sports, culture, good humour, techy gadgets, debates and chilling with friends.
	Amanda El-Dakhakhni Vice-President Hometown: Honolulu Major: Policial Science & Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations As-Salaam 'Alaikum everyone! I always knew that I wanted to be a part of the MSA before I even set foot on Penn's campus. Coming from Hawaii—a state with a very small Muslim population—I grew up without the Muslim brother- and sister-hood that I found here in the Penn MSA. The MSA was so welcoming to me when I first arrived my freshman year and one of the main reasons I'm involved with the MSA is to help provide that same friendly, comfortable environment for incoming students. Whatever your background or interests, there's definitely a place for you here with us in the Penn MSA! When I'm not planning events for the MSA, I like to travel, shop and smile, preferably all at the same time. :)
	Salmon Kadivar Social Development Chair Hometown: Atlanta Major: Political Science & Psychology Salam my people. I ws born in Iran and lived there for a bit. I've also grown up in Illinois and Kansas... yeah... Kansas with a hick accent added on. I have four sisters. I am a math major who is pre-med. For fun I like to play sports and just chill or do anytihing that makes me laugh. I'm the social chair and I like to have fun so if you have any ideas hit me up. The MSA is fun and a great place to meet new people so don't be shy. So keep it real and come out. Peace.. The one and only ;)
	Zohaib Mohammad Treasurer Hometown: Pakistan Major:
	Sohail Dar Islamic Education Chair Hometown: Akron, Ohio Assalamu Alaikum. I hail from a homely Midwestern city of Akron, OH (close to Cleveland and home of the best player in the NBA- Lebron James). Growing up, Islam was always a big part of my life and I was surrounded by friends and family who valued their faith, which continues to this day. Alhamdullilah, I am surrounded by the same type of people with these qualities at Penn, and Insha'Allah I will put my faith into action as long as I am on the board.
	Munhim J. Chaudhry Fundraising Chair Hometown: Los Angeles, California Major: Finance Assalamu 'Alaikum Everyone, I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Alhamdulillah, Islam deifines who I am and insh'Allah always will. The MSA has truly been a cornerstone of my Penn experience. The people have become my family and the experiences are those of a lifetime. And that says something because I really don't like people too much. I really enjoy playing sports, learning about science, international development and food.
	Sakina Zaidi Islamic Education Chair Hometown: Abu Dhabi, UAE Major: SAS-y Salaam all! I just finished my freshman year at Penn and honesty feel that the MSA has become my family away from home. I’ve lived my whole life in Abu Dhabi, right on the equator and had to get used to a lot of things other than just the weather in Philly. The MSA definitely provided me with a great cause, a friendly community and a crazy good time. From praying in the library during finals to skiing in the Pokonos in the Winter, the MSA is a great blend of faith and fun. In my opinion, we are all ambassadors of Islam and this is a great opportunity to leave our mark on anyone and everyone we meet.
	Arif Rashid Penn Muslims for Change (PMC) Chair Hometown: Basking Ridge, NJ Major:Bioengineering Assalaam Alaikum. I grew up in New Jersey. Coming to Penn, I wasn't expecting such an active Muslim presence, but Alhamdulillah, I am very honored to be a part of this community. Inshallah we can all continue to support and improve ourselves. As it is narrated that Rasulallah (saw) has said that Muslims "in their love, mutual kindnes, and close ties, are like one body; when any part complains, the whole body responds to it with wakefulness and fever" (Muslim).
	Saara Hafeez Communications Chair Hometown: Valparaiso, IN Major: Wharton-y Salaam everyone! Coming from a unique background, I've always felt that the only thing I can truly identify myself as is being a Muslim. During my junior year of high school, I started a MSA and was President for two years so getting involved in the Penn MSA my freshman year was a nice way to continue my passion. Through the MSA and other organizations that I'm involved in, I've gotten the chance to meet loads of amazing people on campus. Other than meeting new people, I'd say that I love to sleep, eat, and run.
	Aminah Ali Social Development Chair Hometown: Staten Island, NY Major: Undecided Salaams. I was born and raised in NYC, but my parents are from Trinidad and I love going back to visit. The one thing I love most about there is the understanding and respect among religions there. Having been involved in MSA in high school, I knew that the MSA was something that I wanted to be a part of, but never expected it to be what it is now. MSA @ Penn is like my family away from home. From social to spiritual, I believe that there is something for everyone in this organization. The people in the MSA are what make it amazing and that’s why I enjoy being part of the MSA.
	Aatir Abdul Rauf Secretary Hometown: Lahore, Pakistan Majors: Computer Science Engineering Passions: Cricket. Lyricising. Composing. Trying to be funny. Designing. Videographing (is that a word?) Assalamualikum all! I come from the food-crazy city of Lahore (Pakistan) and this isn't just my first year as Master's student at Penn but also my first time in America. And boy, it looks pretty different from what I imagined. Naiive as I was I thought being a Muslim in America would make me an outcast who gets those menacing looks from random bypassers. In fact, people back home used to mentally prepare me for the alienation I was going to be greeted with. But the fact of the matter is that, with the help of the MSA, I've never been more at ease or more proud with my Muslim identity. Moreover, the MSA events showed me what inter-cultural unity and respect truly meant when I saw people of different origins and color break their fast under one roof and bow down before One God. The strong sense of brotherhood and the active leadership motivated me to join the society and contribute in whatever way I could. These are the reasons I quote, "These people may not look like me. They may not act like me. But they love my Islam. And thats reason enough to call them family"

	Samir Malik President Hometown: St. Louis Major: Management & Neuroscience Salaam all! So my story goes like this: Born in St. Louis and lived there my entire life. Islam was always a part of my life, but it was not front and center until 9/11. Whether I wanted the responsibilty or not, I was a representative for Islam to all my non-Muslim friends. Being such, I took it upon myself to really learn the religion and became very much involved with everything Islam. Above everything else, I am here because I love the people.
	Artina Sheikh Vice-President Hometown: Lawrenceville, NJ Major: Communications Assalamu'Alaikum everyone! Even before coming to college I knew I wanted to be a part of the MSA. But here at Penn, I've found so much more than just a student organization. Coming from a diverse suburb in central Jersey, I've grown up in a fairly strong Muslim community so I didn't know what to expect from college. But to my pleasant surprise, the MSA quickly became my family and I don't know what I would do without it today. When I'm not at a subcommittee meeting or writing an email to another board member, I also enjoy spending time with friends, shopping, football, basketball, graphic design, and food. :)
	Naveed Rashid Social Development Chair Hometown: Atlanta Major: Political Science & Psychology Salaams everyone - I am a Political Science major from Atlanta, Georgia. I love playing ultimate frisbee and basketball and enjoy good humor. My favorite part about Penn is definitely the diversity of the students. The MSA at Penn has been great because it has offered a whole host of spiritual, educational and social resources that have made my experience at Penn all the more exciting.
	Amanda El-Dakhakhni Social Development Chair Hometown: Honolulu Major: Policial Science & Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations As-Salaam 'Alaikum everyone! I always knew that I wanted to be a part of the MSA before I even set foot on Penn's campus. Coming from Hawaii—a state with a very small Muslim population—I grew up without the Muslim brother- and sister-hood that I found here in the Penn MSA. The MSA was so welcoming to me when I first arrived my freshman year and one of the main reasons I'm involved with the MSA is to help provide that same friendly, comfortable environment for incoming students. Whatever your background or interests, there's definitely a place for you here with us in the Penn MSA! When I'm not planning events for the MSA, I like to travel, shop and smile, preferably all at the same time. :)
	Bilal Choksi Islamic Education Chair Hometown: Toronto Major: Finance and Management Asalamu’alaikum Everyone! Born and raised in Toronto, north of the border, I’m a proud Canadian Desi. When I came to Penn, like everyone, I was not sure what the future had in store for me. Islam had always been a defining part of my life and one thing I knew for sure was that I wanted to be a part of the MSA. Even before arriving to Penn, during Penn Previews, the MSA welcomed me at Jummah Prayer and introduced me to the family that I deeply value being a part of. Having both Pakistani and Guyanese roots, both Diasporas extending from India, valuing diversity, as Islam teaches, has always played a strong role in my life. The MSA not only provided me with an extended family, and a great way to contribute to society, but it has fed my thirst for diversity, knowledge of Islam and growth as a Muslim. The plethora of interests, people and cultures, and Islamic values like kindness and generosity are cornerstones of the MSA. Regardless of what you’re in need of, whether it is support, knowledge, fun times, or just a place to fit in and be yourself, the MSA is THE place to be. A bit about myself: I love all sports, culture, good humour, techy gadgets, debates and chilling with friends.
	Danish Munir Fundraising Chair Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan Major: Computer Science Engineering & Management Salamz everyone! Born and raised in Pakistan, I'm a true desi at heart. I'm a dual degree student in Business and Comp Sci, so I hate to admit it but yes, I am pretty geeky. I love computers, gadgets, and anything and everything to do with technology. If your looking for me on campus you will find me either doing some work for the MSA, PPS or the MnT Club, or just hanging out with my freinds. I joined the MSA in my second year at Penn because I found myself constantly drawn towards the strong sense of community that I felt it provided. I was lucky enough to make it on the board, and the my only regret since that day has been why I didn't do it earlier! I know a lot of people come to the MSA, looking for it to play a different role in their lives. I've come to learn that no matter what your level of involvement, your going to love the people here, so definitely give us a shot!
	Sakina Zaidi Treasurer Hometown: Abu Dhabi, UAE Major: SAS-y Salaam all! I just finished my freshman year at Penn and honesty feel that the MSA has become my family away from home. I’ve lived my whole life in Abu Dhabi, right on the equator and had to get used to a lot of things other than just the weather in Philly. The MSA definitely provided me with a great cause, a friendly community and a crazy good time. From praying in the library during finals to skiing in the Pokonos in the Winter, the MSA is a great blend of faith and fun. In my opinion, we are all ambassadors of Islam and this is a great opportunity to leave our mark on anyone and everyone we meet.
	Salah Chafik Islamic Education Chair Hometown: Effort, PA Major: Sailin' Peace be upon you. I was born in the Bronx, New York and grew up in Effort, Pennsylvania. I consider myself Moroccan however since the majority of my family was born, raised and currently resides in Morocco and I visited back nearly every summer growing up. Having done so, I retained the culture, language, and most importantly the religion of my peeps. Thank God, Islam defines who I am and insh’Allah it always will. Naturally, I took part in many activities during the while of my freshman year, but none were nearly as worthwhile as MSA. It provided me with most of my friends and memorable learning experiences. I could turn to the MSA as a route to pretty much anything Islam in a mostly non-Muslim campus, which was real nice. I believe that our religion should be practiced with joy, happiness, and kindness as we together submit to Allah (s.w.t.), so I try my best to do so. PS: I'm the kind of muslim who, upon completion of wuduh, begins singing outkast's "so fresh and so clean."
	Saara Hafeez Communications Chair Hometown: Valparaiso, IN Major: Wharton-y Salaam everyone! Coming from a unique background, I've always felt that the only thing I can truly identify myself as is being a Muslim. During my junior year of high school, I started a MSA and was President for two years so getting involved in the Penn MSA my freshman year was a nice way to continue my passion. Through the MSA and other organizations that I'm involved in, I've gotten the chance to meet loads of amazing people on campus. Other than meeting new people, I'd say that I love to sleep, eat, and run.
	Aminah Ali Secretary Hometown: Staten Island, NY Major: Undecided Salaams. I was born and raised in NYC, but my parents are from Trinidad and I love going back to visit. The one thing I love most about there is the understanding and respect among religions there. Having been involved in MSA in high school, I knew that the MSA was something that I wanted to be a part of, but never expected it to be what it is now. MSA @ Penn is like my family away from home. From social to spiritual, I believe that there is something for everyone in this organization. The people in the MSA are what make it amazing and that’s why I enjoy being part of the MSA.
	Azam Qureshi Penn Muslims for Change Chair Hometown: Athens, Alabama Majors: History, Biology Assalamu 'Alaikum, I was born and raised in Athens, AL. (Yes, I know it's a shocker that Muslims live there, but it is true and the community is amazing.) I have always loved being involved with Islamic organizations, especially at universities when people are often far from home. By having Iftaars, lectures, fairs, and other events, MSAs can create close-knit communities for students, with a beautiful religion as the backbone. Aside from MSA, I love the Chicago Bears, tennis, basketball, and movies.