Shurah Elections
2026-2027
General elections timeline
March 31: Applications open for General Shurah.
April 7: General Shurah applications due at 11:59 pm.
April 8: General Shurah Town Hall in person and ballots will go out afterwards.
April 12: General Shurah Voting Period
Each registered member of UNC MSA, registered by April 8, 2026, has been sent a ballot for the general Shurah elections.
Please check your inboxes for the link of the ballot to vote for the MSA Shurah for 2026- 2027.
General Shurah Candidates 2026-2027
Amir Abdelbaky
Community Service Chair, Development Chair
Salam ya’ll, my name is Amir and I’m currently a sophomore studying Business and/or Economics on a pre-law track. I’ve been on shurah as Community Service Chair for the past year and have really enjoyed being able to serve the community in this way. I’ve coordinated MSA activities like Gaza Week, Charity Week, clothing drives, bake sales, prison advocacy, the adopt-a-highway initiative, in addition to helping with any general MSA duties.
I am also interested in helping serve as Development Chair where I will be able to apply some of the knowledge from my business degree and ensure and expand the financial sustainability of the MSA. Inshallah I hope to make us very rich and stable as a student organization to support you all. But yeah, I am looking forward to helping out this MSA community in any way that I can.
Yasin Abubakar
Brother's Faith Chair
Salaam w ra7matallah. My name is Yasin and I’m a second year student here at Chapel Hill. I served as Brothers’ Faith Chair for the 2025-2026 School Year, and though I think we accomplished a lot (alhamdulillah), I also believe that there’s more that needs to be done. I’ve definitely grown my experience on Shurah, and I believe that I can, alongside our other Shurah members, continue to work to improve our MSA this year inshallah by being Faith Chair again.
Dana Abu-Jaradeh
Sisters Faith Chair
Assalamu alaikum! My name is Dana Abu-Jaradeh, and I am a sophomore studying Biology with a double minor in Arabic and Creative Writing (Poetry track). This past year, I had the privilege of serving as MSA’s Events Coordinator, where I managed room bookings and led the planning of MSA Live and the Eid Gala. Through this role, I’ve seen firsthand the impact Shurah can have in creating a meaningful and welcoming space. I’ve learned that even the smallest initiatives can make a lasting difference in someone’s life. I am running for Sisters Faith Chair because I’ve realized the importance of directly connecting with our community which means engaging with members, understanding their needs, and being someone people feel comfortable reaching out to. One of the biggest challenges I’ve noticed is that many people feel they are “not religious enough” to come to MSA. I want to change that. MSA should not be a space of fear or judgment, but one that helps guide everyone in their spiritual journey. My goal is to foster an environment where we can openly learn from and support one another. I plan to continue regular halaqas while introducing more women-focused topics that address our unique challenges. There is a lot to learn in our beautiful religion, which can be intimidating. For this reason, beyond providing knowledge, I also want to equip people with the tools and resources to seek knowledge independently and take those skills with them beyond their time at UNC. I also hope to strengthen our relationship with the Qur’an through a bi-weekly tafseer series and am also excited about the possibility of organizing a large-scale tafseer competition, an initiative we have been discussing within Shurah. I would be honored to serve as your faith chair to help build a more inclusive and spiritually enriching MSA.
Amira Abulatifa
Social Chair, Advocacy Chair
I believe I would be a strong candidate for Advocacy Committee Chair because I have always been very passionate about using my voice to advocate and support others. In my hometown, I did not grow up in a huge Muslim community, however being a part of UNC MSA has shown me not only how powerful a Muslim community can be but also how powerful and meaningful advocacy with UNC MSA can be. I would love to take a more active role in leading efforts towards advocacy with UNC MSA. With my experience on the committee, I have developed a much better understanding on issues around the world that are worth advocating for and I have seen the impact of our events on members of UNC MSA as well. I have very strong organizational and communication skills which would be great for outreach and collaboration with other organizations. Additionally, my experience of being Secretary of WeMind, a nonprofit organization, has strengthened my ability to manage responsibilities, follow through on projects and events, and plan events with good organization and communication skills. If selected, I would be committed to nothing but expanding the Advocacy Committee and strengthening it as a whole. I would love to create more opportunities, member involvement, and making sure that the work being done reflects the values of our MSA community. I couldn't be more excited about a possible opportunity to help MSA grow as a space that supports members and advocates for justice and positive change.
Khadheeja Adam Malik
Co- Publicity Chair
Salaam! My name is Khadheeja Adam Malik, and I’m a rising sophomore majoring in Global Studies and Journalism. This past year, I had the honor of serving as the Sisters’ Freshmen Rep, and through that role, I came to truly appreciate the welcoming community that makes UNC MSA so special! Through my time on Shurah, I gained experience co-managing the café and collaborating with the publicity team on designing posts and filming reels, which strengthened my passion for content creation and community engagement.
Outside of UNC, I’ve been heavily involved with the Apex Mosque Youth Center, where I spearheaded a youth leadership program and worked in marketing for three years. I also served as Head of Digital Marketing for the first-ever ICNA West Convention, helping build its social media presence from the ground up and reaching over 110,000 organic views. Additionally, I’ve co-hosted and was the main editor of a podcast, and I genuinely enjoy using creative media to connect people. As Co-Publicity Chair, my goal is to be as community-centered as possible by being intentional about inclusivity and continuing to develop the UNC MSA brand both online and in person.
I hope to use social media as a tool to break down barriers and strengthen connections through initiatives like a mini MSA podcast, posting Jummah/halaqa reflections, volunteer spotlights, and creating more opportunities for community voices to be heard. Ultimately, I hope our publicity captures the heart of our community and helps every student feel welcomed and connected!
Abdulrahman Elkhouly
Co-Faith Chair, Outreach Chair
Salaam! My name is Abdulrahman Elkhouly, and I am honored to be running for the 2026-27 UNC MSA Shurah. This past year, I had the privilege to serve as the Freshmen Class Representative, and during my term I gained a deeper understanding about what it truly means to be a part of Shurah. Not only did I learn the logistics behind supporting our Muslim community on campus, but also the effort, dedication, and responsibility that it takes. After all, these positions are an amanah (trust) from Allah, and it is our duty to serve the Muslim Ummah on campus with sincerity and excellence. As Freshman Representative, I took initiative by starting a brothers' halaqa on campus. This was especially meaningful to me, as it created a space for connection, reflection, growth, and strengthening of identity.
If elected, I hope to continue this effort while also expanding opportunities for spiritual development across our community. I firmly believe that as students on a college campus, it is imperative that we think critically about our faith and develop certainty in our beliefs. Alongside my experience as a member of Shurah, I have been actively involved in my local Muslim community in Charlotte. I have led salah, delivered sermons, and served as a youth organizer for many years. Through planning programs, volunteering, and giving youth talks, I’ve learned what it means to lead with intention and to serve for the sake of Allah. I see it as an obligation upon myself to invest my time and the skills that I have developed in the path of Allah by serving you. I would be grateful for another chance to contribute to strengthening the faith, unity, and presence of our MSA on campus. Jazakum Allahu khayran!
Imaan Fatima
Co- Publicity Chair
Assalamualaikum everyone! My name is Imaan Fatima, and I am excited to be running for the 2026-2027 Shurah! To introduce myself, I am currently a first-year student majoring in biology on the pre-med track, and also a dedicated and outgoing member of MSA. Throughout this year, I have attended most of the weekly GBMs and events held by MSA Shurah, which has deepened my appreciation for the MSA and sparked my interest in serving on Shurah. I recently had the opportunity to help organize an MSA iftar this Ramadan and volunteer as a barista for the MSA Cafe, allowing me to directly contribute to a meaningful and spiritually wholesome experience. During high school, I served as the public relations officer for HOSA and as the social media manager for the mental health awareness club I co-founded. Through these roles, I gained experience in creating engaging social media content and promoting organizations to spread awareness while maintaining a positive public image.
Ultimately, I hope to use these skills I've learned to build a cohesive and creative spotlight for MSA. UNC MSA to me holds a special place in my life because coming from a high school with a few Muslim students, I was given the privilege to experience such belonging and community that I had not been a part of before. If elected as Co-Publicity Chair, I want to make sure that this Muslim community continues to grow as a welcoming, supportive, and positively represented space for everyone.
Salma Hassanein
Events Coordinator, Social Chair
My name is Salma Hassanein, and I am a rising sophomore studying Biology with a minor in Health and Society. MSA has been one of the most meaningful parts of my time at UNC, from seeing familiar faces at the musallah to volunteering at MSA Café almost every night. Those experiences are what inspired me to take on a more active role in a community. I bring real leadership and event planning experience to this role. In high school, I organized school-wide events, ran community initiatives, and helped coordinate food bank distributions at my masjid where I developed strong communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.
Here at UNC, I serve as an Orientation Leader, helping first-year and transfer students feel welcomed, and I am also an Executive Board member of Physicians for Human Rights at UNC. I value connection, inclusivity, and service, and I genuinely love creating spaces where people feel at home. As Events Coordinator, I aim to plan events that celebrate our identity, amplify the diverse voices within MSA, and provide every member with something to look forward to. I am organized, reliable, and excited to bring both my energy and experience to this role.!
Mariam Manadath
Events Coordinator, Social Chair
Salaam! My name is Mariam Manadath, and I’m excited to be your MSA Social Chair. I’m a Psychology and Communications major with a minor in Middle Eastern Language Studies. I have an affinity for side quests, languages, and introspective conversations. I previously served as a youth leader, where I organized events and managed publicity for my masjid. As the marketing chair in my high school MSA, we not only built a strong community for our members, but also created connections with the broader school by hosting the first-ever schoolwide Iftaar. We also raised over $800 for Pakistan flood relief by organizing an inter-high school fundraising event.
As Social Chair, I want to create quality GBMs that foster life skills, provide networking opportunities, and help build a stronger ummah. I also hope to make Sportsfest more inclusive for sisters so that everyone can experience the excitement
Retaaj Mohammed
Social Chair, Community Service Chair
Niyyah (نِيَّةٌ) — intention, purpose, the determination to perform an action for the sake of Allah. It carries more than what meets the eye. Beginning as a feeling in the heart, it has the power to unify, transform, and uplift the ummah. Throughout my life, I have learned to imbue ordinary actions with intention and love for Islam, striving for success not only in this dunya but also in the akhirah. There was a time when 12-hour ambulatory shifts felt like nothing more than hours to get through, and difficult exams felt like setbacks defined only by grades. But as I began to change my niyyah, my perspective shifted. What once felt routine became an opportunity to serve and rely on Allah. In those moments, I was reminded of the hadith: “The most beloved people to Allah are those who are most beneficial to others.” Whether through serving at the masjid, supporting children in need of cleft surgeries, or even in small interactions, I came to realize that it is the intention behind our actions that gives them purpose.
Through these experiences, I believe my qualification for UNC MSA’s Shurah is rooted in my niyyah. I strive to balance my pursuits in this dunya with my focus on the akhirah: “But seek, through that which Allah has given you, the home of the Hereafter; and do not forget your share of the world” (28:77). MSA is an amanah, one that, through sincere intention, can strengthen the Muslim community at UNC.
Haroon Navaid
Social Chair, Development Chair
My name is Haroon Navaid and I am a sophomore majoring in Biostatistics. Over the past 2 years, I have been deeply involved with the MSA as Freshmen Rep the previous year and Social Chair this year. During this time, I have been able to forge great relationships within the MSA and observe first hand the immense impact being apart of such an organization can have on a community.
Through my role as Social Chair, I had the opportunity to organize Sportsfest, which was a successful event that brought in current and former students to participate in a Basketball and Flag Football tournament. This experience helped me develop leadership, organization, and collaboration skills, and it showed me the impact thoughtful events can have on our community. Looking ahead, I hope to build on this foundation by implementing new ideas to make events like Sportsfest even more engaging and impactful, Inshallah. I am also particularly interested in increasing collaboration with other organizations across campus, both socially and professionally, to expand opportunities for students and strengthen the sense of community within the MSA.
I believe I am a strong candidate because of my consistent involvement, leadership experience, and persistent commitment to the MSA community over the past two years. Inshallah, I hope to continue serving the MSA in the coming year
Nyla Otey
Advocacy Chair, Outreach Chair
As-salamu alaykum! My name is Nyla and I’m excited to apply for Shurah. The MSA has shaped my first year at UNC by helping me connect with the community and by making prayer and fasting much more accessible than they would have otherwise been. I’d love the opportunity to pass that same ease onto others. Creating a sense of belonging is very important to me, and I want to help reduce the barriers that can make practicing Islam feel lonely in a college. I’m especially interested in outreach, both to Muslim students who may not yet feel connected to a community, and to the campus as a whole, in order to foster understanding and create a more welcoming space for everyone. Inclusivity has always been a priority to me. I’ve seen how small gestures, like inviting someone to join a conversation or checking in can make a meaningful difference in helping people feel valued and connected.
I hope to add to MSA by creating spaces where students feel supported, comfortable, and included. I want to help foster a community where everyone can participate fully and feel a sense of belonging.
Arwa Sattar
Events Coordinator
My name is Arwa Sattar, and I am a rising senior double majoring in Quantitative Biology and Medical Anthropology. I am a very community-driven person with a strong passion and for planning and organizing events as well as being involved in making sure all people feel welcome on campus. Through my volunteer experience at the local masjid of IAR and serving as a Sunday school teacher there, I have continued to increase my passion for serving my community and working with others to be a leader. Some of the skills I have attained from various other experiences, such as working as a project specialist in a clinical lab or being part of the organizational committees of several other clubs, include efficient scheduling, task coordination, strategic planning of events, and being goal-oriented.
As events coordinator for MSA, I would ensure that all events are planned out carefully to accommodate the interests of all members and students by focusing on the diversity of the student body. Serving on shurah is especially important to me because my faith has always been and remains to be an embodiment of who I am as a person and the decisions I make. I hope that by being the events coordinator, I am able to strengthen my faith through collaboration and making MSA a safe space for all.
Ammar Sinada
Social Chair, Community Service Chair
Salam everyone, I am a freshman at UNC-Chapel Hill with a strong commitment to community and building strong connections between students. I am passionate about making environments where everyone feels welcomed, which is why I am running for both Social Chair and Community Service Chair. Through my time here at Chapel Hill, I have developed strong organizational and communication skills.
As Community Service Chair, I would work to expand volunteer opportunities, strengthen our connection with the local Chapel Hill masjid, and organize impactful events like service days/fundraising events. As Social Chair, I would focus on creating engaging and inclusive events that bring together students across all years, especially helping first-years feel integrated within the MSA community. I believe my ability to collaborate with others and consistently follow through on commitments makes me a strong candidate for these roles. Above all, I am motivated by the desire to do my best to help build a supportive MSA community at UNC.
Huseyin A. Tuna
Outreach Chair, Co-Faith Chair
Assalamu alaykum y’all, My name is Huseyin A. Tuna, I’m a rising Sophomore, and I’m running to be on your Shurah next year. Alhamdulillah this past year I’ve had the privilege to help run the MSA da’wah table (pioneering the Chat & Chai format) and to teach a weekly halaqa in fard ‘ayn. Insha’Allah I hope to continue to serve in a more official role as the Outreach/Da’wah chair going forwards, continuing work on developing the MSA’s public visibility on campus, and collaborating with our convert community to better understand peoples’ needs and develop more robust systems of support.
I hope to work together with our community to ensure that everyone feels like they have a place with us and will be embraced with open arms, whether they are new to the faith or newly exploring their practice of it. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out..
