The Board

MSA Board - Deen Team 2010

Wednesday, 14 October 2009 00:46

	Dara Elass President Class of 2011 Hometown: Too Complicated Major: Systems Science Engineering Asalamu Alaikum, My name is Dara, and I'm majoring in Systems Engineering, and minoring in Math and Music. I'm originally from Syria but grew up in Saudi, Virginia and Bahrain. When I'm not too worried about passing my classes, I like to play tennis, read, and hang out with my friends. My three favorite things (not related to Islam) in the world are camels, sand and mint. The thing I like most about the MSA is that it gives me so many opportunities to learn about Islam on my own and to challenge my faith constantly. When you're surrounded by Muslim brothers and sisters who really become like brothers and sisters, you always have discussions about topics you sometimes never thought about, or topics you used to think could only be thought of in one way. I guess what I'm saying is that, like we are meant to do in Islam, the MSA has made me ask questions and strengthen my faith. Without it, I don't know where I would be.
	Paymon Sanati Vice President Class of 2012 Hometown: Orem, UT Major: Biology Salaam everyone! I hail from the great state of Utah, but I was actually born in Louisiana. I am currently a sophomore here at Penn as a Pre-Med student majoring in Biology. I am originally of Persian descent and my parents are from Iran, and EVERYONE will attest that I love being Persian! Coming from a very small group of Muslims in Utah, being involved in sucha large and influential Muslim community here has been an awesome experience! I really like to just hang out with people and have a good time. The MSA here at Penn is filled with lots of cool and diverse people and offers a great way to get to know lots of people on campus. Come check out the MSA!
	Haadi Kaakur Advertising & Marketing Chair Class of 2012 Hometown: Upstate NY Major: Biochemistry Assalamu'Alaikum Everybody!! Hailing from Upstate NY, the MSA here at Penn has helped me transform Philly to be a kind of second home. The community here is amazing and if you come to even one event you will find yourself meeting people from just about every corner of the globe! That's how diverse the MSA is! Personally, I'm quite the technology nerd, and think computer stores are some of the coolest places ever! And to complement my nerdy side, I like to hang out with friends and introduce humour into almost every appropriate situation I can!
	Roxana Moussavian Communications Chair Class of 2011 Hometown: Palo Alto, California Major: Modern Middle East Studies Salaam! My name is Roxana and I am a Junior from Northern California. My parents are originally from Iran, making me a first generation American- watz up. In the three months that I have been at Penn, the MSA has truly been my home-away-from-home. The community of friends that I have made through the Ramadan Iftaars, Islamic Awareness Week, and the other awesome events that our MSA is responsible for, has been a vital part of my Penn experience. If you do one thing while at Penn, make one decision, it should be to give the MSA a chance. InshAllah you will love the people as much as we all do. What do I like to do for fun? Laugh.
	Sarah Ijaz Social Development Co-Chair Class of 2012 Hometown: Abu Dhabi, UAE Major: Economics Salaam everyone! I'm originally from Lahore, Pakistan but was born and brought up in Abu Dhabi. Diversity was a key factor for me coming here to Penn since I've grown up in an extremely multicultural environment. Coming from halfway around the world, anything similar to the atmosphere I had been raised in was exactly what I needed and I certainly found it in the MSA here. After interacting with just a few of the organization's members during orientation, I decided that this was an organization I would definitely want to become and inshAllah remain a part of. Apart from the MSA, I love spending time with friends, shopping and of course European soccer- GLORY GLORY MAN UNITED! :)
	Faizan Khan Social Development Co-Chair Class of 2012 Hometown: Ronkonkoma, NY / Nowshera, Pakistan Major: Wharton Salaam! I've had a taste of three worlds in my life so far---Pakistan where I was born, Long Island (NY) where I spent the majority of my life growing up, and now Penn where I've had some of the most life-changing experiences. One of the major reasons for that has been the MSA. Having only recently started to get involved in the organization, I've been welcomed to a wonderful group of people who have helped define a part of who I am. Negotiating your own life in college can be challenging, but it's the people around you who help make it fun and exciting! Outside of MSA, I enjoy giving campus tours and creating change through student government. I'm also a TV and movie addict, and I root for the #1 sports team in the nation---the Yankees!
	Sami Ahmed Islamic Education Co-Chair Hometown: Macon, Georgia Major: Finance My name is Sami Ahmed. I hail from a rural Southern village called Macon located in the blessed state of Georgia (believe it or not, there are actually more Muslims than leprechauns in the deep South). Islam is the basis for a lot of my guiding principles and has tempered my cosmological view of the world further in light of my education here at PENN—the two have gone hand in hand. And, despite as clichéd it sounds, the one characteristic that really differentiates the MSA from any other organization is that the people here are amazing—the brotherhood and sisterhood is electrifying. And the MSA is one group on campus that covers it all: innovative and impactful community service projects, bouncing social events, and deen-intensifying halaqas. Whatever you need, we got it (insha'Allah).
	Mohamed Shahin Islamic Education Co-Chair Class of 2011 Hometown: Brooklyn, NY Major: Cognitive Neuroscience, Philosophy Salaam, my name is Mohamed Shahin and I am incredibly excited to serve on the MSA board for the 2010 year! My family is originally from Egypt, but I've spent most of my life in Brooklyn, NY. I've thoroughly enjoyed meeting as many MSA members as possible throughout my college career and will work as hard as I can to have the MSA put on as many educational events as I possibly can! I believe that our organization has a very diverse and unique set of members and that each person contributes immensely in their own way. In addition to all of the great people and the amazing events, I think the MSA is a wonderful way to learn about ourselves and provides an environment conducive to our transition to adulthood. If we don't already know each other, feel free to stop me around campus and say hi! I'd love the opportunity to get to know even more members of Penn's Muslim community.
	Quratul-Ann Malik Treasurer & Fundraising Chair Class of 2013 Hometown: Montgomery Village, MD Major: Political Science Salaam everyone! My name is Quratul-Ann Malik, but I go by "Q." I was born and raised in the suburbs of DC, but my family is originally from Pakistan. Currently, I'm loving life in the city of Philadelphia as a student in the College. Newly elected to the board, I'm excited to have the opportunity to help make the MSA even better than it has been in previous years, InshAllah. With the help of a great Muslim community here at Penn, I look forward to what this year will bring.
	Muhammad Hussein Penn Muslims for Change (PMC) Chair Class of 2013 Hometown: Sudbury, MA Major: Biochemistry and International Relations (???) Salaam everyone. My name is Mohammed Hussain, aka Mak to some, take your pick. I'm from the mean streets of suburban MA. I'm excited to work on board this year and work with all of you to help make the MSA as good as it can be at positively impact you, myself, and our community. As for personal stuff, I've done martial arts for the vast majority of myself and I play the saxophone as well. Recently I've been getting into poetry, but still working on that haha. The MSA has been a great resource for me to meet cool new people here at Penn, and so I encourage everyone out there to give it a shot.
	Arwa El-Sayed Secretary Class of 2013 Hometown: Upper Darby, PA Major: Undecided Asalamu Alaikum, my name is Arwa and I am a freshman at the College. I am originally from Egypt but was born in Saudi Arabia. I like to read, hang out with friends, and of course, relax. I am excited to be a part of the MSA board this year because I love how diverse the group is. I enjoy how we all have different experiences and how people bring different ideas and thoughts to one organization. What is amazing is that despite our different backgrounds we are all united and linked by our faith. Insha'Allah this year, I hope to see more people join the MSA and play a more active role in the organization. I am excited to meet more of the general body and build long lasting relationships.

Last Updated on Sunday, 30 May 2010 20:04

MSA Board - Deen Team 2009

Wednesday, 14 October 2009 00:46

	Zohaib Mohammad President Hometown: Islamabad, Pakistan Major: Chemical Engineering, Economics Salaam. They told me that coming to the US would be a life changing experience. But that's as much as they can tell you because how that plays out is different for everyone. It is the MSA for me that has defined my Penn experience. If you ask me why I got involved, I'll give you the same answer as everybody else would give you: the people!. The MSA is my family away from home. I encourage you to explore this family as there is room for plenty more.
	Aminah Ali Vice-President Hometown: Staten Island, NY Major: Finance and Operations and Information Management 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.
	Salmon Kadivar Fundraising Chair Hometown: Kansas Major: Math 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 ;)
	Dara Elass Social Development Chair Hometown: Too complicated Major: Systems Science Engineering Asalamu Alaikum, My name is Dara, and I'm a sophomore in Systems Engineering, minoring in Math and Modern Middle East Studies. I'm originally from Syria but grew up in Saudi (Aramco), Virginia (Vienna and Brambleton) and Bahrain (Bahrain's too small, I shouldn't name a city/town). When I'm not too worried about passing my classes, I like to play tennis, read, and hang out with my amazing friends. My three favorite things (not related to Islam) in the world are camels, sand and mint chocolate (or anything minty for that matter). OK, so you can tell that I'm an Arab. The thing I like most about the MSA is that it gives me so many opportunities to learn about Islam on my own, as opposed to always hearing about it from my parents like when I was younger, and to challenge my faith constantly. When you're surrounded by Muslim brothers and sisters who really become like brothers and sisters, you always have discussions about topics you sometimes never thought about, or topics you used to think could only be thought of in one way. I guess what I'm saying is that, like we are meant to do in Islam, the MSA has made me ask questions and strengthen my faith. Without it, I don't know where I would be. I would probably be the most depressed person ever. Well, not really, but I definitely wouldn't be as amazingly happy as I am now, alhamdulilah.
	Roxana Moussavian Communications Chair Hometown: Palo Alto, California Major: Math Salaam! My name is Roxana and I am a Sophomore from Northern California. My parents are originally from Iran, making me a first generation American- watz up. In the three months that I have been at Penn, the MSA has truly been my home-away-from-home. The community of friends that I have made through the Ramadan Iftaars, Islamic Awareness Week, and the other awesome events that our MSA is responsible for, has been a vital part of my Penn experience. If you do one thing while at Penn, make one decision, it should be to give the MSA a chance. InshAllah you will love the people as much as we all do. What do I like to do for fun? Laugh.
	Sami Ahmed Islamic Education Chair Hometown: Macon, Georgia Major: Finance My name is Sami Ahmed. I hail from a rural Southern village called Macon located in the blessed state of Georgia (believe it or not, there are actually more Muslims than leprechauns in the deep South). Islam is the basis for a lot of my guiding principles and has tempered my cosmological view of the world further in light of my education here at PENN—the two have gone hand in hand. And, despite as clichéd it sounds, the one characteristic that really differentiates the MSA from any other organization is that the people here are amazing—the brotherhood and sisterhood is electrifying. And the MSA is one group on campus that covers it all: innovative and impactful community service projects, bouncing social events, and deen-intensifying halaqas. Whatever you need, we got it (insha'Allah).
	Sarah Ijaz Penn Muslims for Change (PMC) Chair Hometown: Abu Dhabi, UAE Major: SAS-y Salaam everyone! I'm originally from Lahore, Pakistan but born and brought up in Abu Dhabi. Diversity was a key factor for me coming here to Penn since I've grown up in an extremely multicultural environment. Coming from halfway around the world, anything similar to the atmosphere I had been raised in was exactly what I needed and I certainly found it in the MSA here. After interacting with just a few board members during orientation, I decided that this was an organization I would definitely want to become and inshAllah remain a part of (and for someone who, by nature, is highly indecisive… enough said). Apart from all that, I love spending time with friends, shopping and of course European soccer- GLORY GLORY MAN UNITED! :)
	Marwa Ibrahim Secretary Hometown: Cairo, Egypt Major: International Relations Minor: Creative Writing Salam Alaikom! I'm a freshman in the College and this is my first time in the US. It is a struggle being miles and miles away from home, but the MSA has never failed to warm my heart with its hospitable and outreaching members. Since the start of the year, it's been a delight attending the MSA's events, which offer us all Muslims a great opportunity to build close friendships, work on our spirituality, increase our knowledge about Islam, and have fun! You might find us holding a (halal) party on a random night just for the sake of enjoyment :) I am very passionate about the MSA, not simply because I'm, alhamdoulilAh, Muslim, but also because it is a successful organization that has brought me together with people that I admire, respect, and love. Salam :)
	Paymon Sanati Treasurer Hometown: Orem, UT Major: Biology Salaam everyone! I was originally born in Louisiana, but I currently live in Orem, Utah. I am currently a freshmen Pre-Med student majoring in Biology. My parents are originally from Iran, and I really enjoy celebrating Persian culture. Coming from a very small group of Muslims in Utah, I really looked forward to interacting with the large Penn and Philadelphia Muslim communities. I like to play sports and hang out with friends. The MSA here at Penn is filled with lots of cool and diverse people and offers a great way to get to know lots of people on campus. Come try us out at one of our great annual activities!
	Haadi Kaakur Social Development Chair Hometown: Upstate NY Major: Biochemistry Assalamu'Alaikum Everybody!! Hailing from Upstate NY, the MSA here at Penn has helped me transform Philly to be a kind of second home. The community here is amazing and if you come to even one event you will find yourself meeting people from just about every corner of the globe! That's how diverse the MSA is! Personally, I'm quite the technology nerd, and think computer stores are some of the coolest places ever! And to complement my nerdy side, I like to hang out with friends introduce humour into almost every appropriate situation I can!

Last Updated on Monday, 19 April 2010 22:21

2008 MSA Board

Wednesday, 14 October 2009 00:52

	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 workin hard these days.
	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"

Last Updated on Monday, 08 February 2010 19:21

2007 MSA Board

Wednesday, 14 October 2009 01:06

	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.