Afshan Khwaja is a NYS Licensed Master Social Worker as well as a Certified NYS Chaplain. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Social Work. Sr Afshan has studied the Islamic doctrine and theology.

In addition to her work in the field of social work, Afshan has worked as an educator and school leader in private schools for over 25 years. Afshan serves on the Board of CAIR-NY and is a champion for advocacy in areas of social justice, disability and positive social change.

Sarah Husain has attained her Associates degree in Disability Studies. She has worked extensively with her local community as a youth leader and in the classroom as a teacher's assistant. Sarah is a mother of three children, one being a child with special needs.

She hopes to establish programs that will better serve the unique needs of not only special needs children in the Muslim community but the needs of the community at large.

Samina Subzwari graduated from a university in Pakistan where she had studied Social Work and Art. As an active member of her local community center, Samina set the foundation for a local Sunday School and has been responsible for its operation for many years.

Samina has completed a comprehensive course on Islamic theology, doctrine, and law. She currently teaches Islamic theology to students. She also currently functions as an ombudsman for New York State and works primarily at assisted living facilities. Samina has received the Women of Distinction Award from the Town of Oyster Bay.

Farah Onaid has a Masters degree in Education and International Development from the University Of London. She is currently enrolled in a Leadership Education in Neurodivergent and Related Disorder (LEND) program at Stonybrook University.

Farah's experience in the field of education includes leading a team of 25-30 teachers in strategic planning, peer coaching, evaluating, mentoring and self efficacy management for over 25 years. Farah has a son with special needs and is a strong advocate for all persons with disabilities.

Dr. Fatima Ahmed graduated from the Ross University School of Medicine in 2007. She works in OZONE PARK, NY and specializes in Family Medicine. She has over 15 years of experience in the medical field.

Dr Ahmed has a child with special needs and is well versed in navigating the systems related to people with disabilities.

Dawud Wilcox lives in Suffolk County with his family which includes their youngest son Hamza who has Down Syndrome.

Dawud has worked in the community as a founding member of NYC Muslim Center as well as working in Dawah efforts with ICNA and as a Boy Scout Leader at Hillside Islamic Center. Dawud has a strong passion for seeing people with special needs included in all aspects of our community.

Professionally he has spent many years in corporate sales and entrepreneurship. Currently he is a Health Coach where he encourages others to live their best lives through proper nutrition, exercise and sleep.

Shireen Quaisar is a Certified Bilingual School Psychologist for NYC Public Schools and a Parent Coach. She conducts multidisciplinary evaluation for children and creates Individualized Education Plans to recommend the special education services needed. Shireen collaborates with families and teachers on navigating special education programs and ways to handle behavioral, emotional, mental health needs of children.

Shireen has conducted several in-person and online workshops for parents, educators, and children focusing on mental health, social emotional learning, home-school collaboration and parenting challenges.

Sofia Khan graduated from Columbia University with a dual Masters in Applied Behavior Analysis and Elementary Special Education. She has worked in both Special Education and General Education classrooms and is formally trained in CABAS (The Comprehensive Application of Behavior Analysis to Schooling), a research-driven system-wide approach providing individualized programs for children and young people with and without disabilities. Sofia is also a mom to three beautiful boys.