Our Story
NWMI was founded in 2009 by a group of families who shared a simple but ambitious vision: to build a community where the next generation could grow, belong, and thrive.
As American Muslims, we are shaped by many cultures, traditions, and experiences. While many Muslim communities have historically formed around a shared national or ethnic identity, we believe something new is taking shape—a distinctly American Muslim culture rooted in faith, enriched by diversity, and responsive to life in this country. NWMI seeks not only to embrace that emerging culture, but to help shape it.
We do this by placing children at the heart of our mission. Too often, community programming is designed primarily for adults, leaving young people without the relationships, experiences, and sense of belonging they need. Our programs support American Muslim families in raising 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.
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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).
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To build a diverse American Muslim community that nurtures the next generation.
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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
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STAY IN THE KNOW *
THE BOARD
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Gul Gharbieh
Gul holds a J.D. from UC Berkeley. She has been a team member since 2018, and values the home NWMI has provided for her mixed-race, SuShi family.
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Narges Golgol
Narges has been a proud member of NWMI since 2019, and her three children have greatly enjoyed its diverse programs over the years. She is grateful to be part of a community that offers meaningful opportunities for families.
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Ambereen Husain
With her experience in nonprofit leadership, operations, and community engagement, Ambereen seeks to help the next generation develop a strong Muslim identity, meaningful friendships, and lasting connections through NWMI.
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Mohsen Roomipoor
Mohsen is an educator with an MA in Cultural Studies. He has homeschooled his kids and taught in Islamic schools in Montgomery County. He enjoys working with NWMI to serve current and future Muslim generations.
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Hayya Shah
Hayya Shah is NWMI's Director of Community Engagement. She studied Islamic theology in Qom, Iran, with a concentration in Islamic law, philosophy, mysticism, and Qur’anic recitation.
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Ayanna Sharif
[awaiting bio]
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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.
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Anam Tariq
Anam is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine. She enjoys teaching and playing a role in building community.
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Solat Zaidi
Solat is interested in increasing community wellbeing by leading and supporting the creation of culturally appropriate positive interventions and activities.
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