Our Story

NWMI was founded in 2009 by a small group of families who shared a simple but ambitious vision: to build a community where the next generation could grow, belong, and thrive.

While many Muslim communities are anchored around a national or ethnic identity, we believe something new is taking shape—a distinctly American Muslim culture rooted in faith, welcoming of diversity, and engaged in the broader society. NWMI seeks not only to embrace that emerging culture, but to help define it.

Too often, community programming is designed for adults, leaving young people without a sense of belonging. Our programs are intentionally designed to help families raise children who are grounded in their faith, confident in their identity, and connected to their community.

We are a community built by its members. NWMI serves as an open platform where people can bring forward ideas, propose programs, and take the lead in organizing activities that respond to the community’s interests and needs. This shared ownership keeps NWMI dynamic, inclusive, and shaped by the people who call it home.

Meet the board
Meet the team

  • A diverse community of American Muslims seeking spiritual, intellectual, and social growth towards Allah (swt) that is guided by the Quran and the example of the Prophet Muhammad (saws) as transmitted through his family, the Ahlul Bayt (as).

  • To build a diverse American Muslim community that nurtures the next generation.

    • Embody NWMI’s vision in our words and actions.

    • Provide an open, transparent, and democratically-governed platform.

    • Empower talented, energetic individuals to develop programs consistent with our mission.

    • Relate to one another with inclusiveness and respect.

    • Encourage personal growth and social responsibility through service.

    • Make a meaningful impact at local and national levels.

    • Maintain financial neutrality and independence.

STAY IN THE KNOW

*

STAY IN THE KNOW *

THE BOARD

  • Zeki Mokhtarzada

    PRESIDENT | FOUNDER

    Zeki graduated from the University of Maryland with degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics. He currently leads technical development of Alpha Labs, an AI-native platform for investment offices.

  • Farrah Haider

    VICE PRESIDENT

    Farrah holds degrees in Accounting and Law. She has experience with programming, fundraising, andcommunity outreach for several organizations in the U.S. and abroad.  

  • Khalil Gharbieh

    TREASURER

    Khalil Gharbieh works on international trade matters in the private sector, following several years as a government attorney. He holds a J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, and an undergraduate degree from Indiana University.

  • Tabassum Majid

    SECRETARY

    Dr. Majid is Adjunct Faculty at UMBC and a Senior Program Officer at a national clinical trial funding organization. She has over a decade of experience in strategic planning, youth programming, health services research, and leadership development.

  • Tannaz Haddadi

    DIRECTOR | FOUNDER

    Tannaz graduated from George Mason University with degrees in Philosophy and Conflict Analysis & Resolution. She is a founder of NWMI and her life’s passion is to create pathways to bridge the sectarian divide.

  • Zainab Khabir

    DIRECTOR

    Zainab holds a masters degree in business and healthcare administration and currently works for the government. She has experience in nonprofit and community development through social welfare endeavors.

  • Adnan Zulfiqar

    DIRECTOR

    Adnan Zulfiqar is a law professor who holds a JD in Law, PhD in Arabic and Islamic Studies, an MLA in International Affairs, and a BA in Religion and Anthropology. He has been involved in nonprofit, civil/human rights and humanitarian work for over two decades.

THE TEAM

  • Mais Alraee

    Mais holds an MA in Teaching Leadership from UMD and currently teaches mathematics at Montgomery College. She is a proud mother of two.

  • Mary Dowlati

    Mary has been a member of NWMI since moving to DC in 2016. She frequently leads children's activities for NWMI events and is passionate about supporting the Muslim revert community.

  • Mona Eldadah

    Mona is one of NWMI’s founders. She seeks to build a loving community focused on Allah (swt) in which to raise her four kids.

  • Gul Gharbieh

    Gul is an attorney, mother of three, and NWMI’s web designer. A team member since 2018, she values the home NWMI provides for her mixed-race, SuShi family.

  • Narges Golgol

    Narges joined team NWMI in 2019, and her three children have greatly enjoyed its diverse programs over the years. She is grateful to NWMI for offering meaningful opportunities for families.

  • Ambereen Husain

    Ambereen has led multiple NWMI programs. She uses her experience in nonprofit leadership, operations, and community engagement to further NWMI’s mission.

  • Alvena Jeffery

    Alvena has a BA from the University of Maryland. She is a mom and active member of the team.

  • Mohsen Roomipoor

    Mohsen is an educator with an MA in Cultural Studies. He has homeschooled his kids, taught in Islamic schools in Montgomery County, and served as an instructor at CampNWMI.

  • Hayya Shah

    Hayya is NWMI's Director of Community Engagement and founded its Teen Council. She studied Islamic theology in Qom, Iran, with a concentration in Islamic law, philosophy, mysticism, and Qur’anic recitation.

  • Ayanna Sharif

    Ayanna is a creative entrepreneur hailing from Baltimore City, Maryland. She specializes in the arts, culture, and community engagement.

  • Siddeeqah Sharif

    Siddeeqah is an automation engineer, a writer, an urban farmer, and a believer in radical empathy. She sits on the board of Nlife, a community building organization in Baltimore.

  • Anam Tariq

    Anam is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine. She enjoys teaching and playing a role in building community.

  • Solat Zaidi

    Solat is interested in increasing community wellbeing by leading and supporting the creation of culturally appropriate positive interventions and activities.

CONTACT US

NWMI is a platform for talented Muslims to launch a variety of programs and projects to serve the needs of the American Muslim community in the path of Allah.  

We are constantly looking for new partners to develop innovative programs and services.  If you have questions about how NWMI operates, or if you have an idea for programming, please get in touch with us using the contact form below or email us at info@nwmi.org.