Meet the Volunteer Department

Meet the stellar team that keeps our volunteer efforts going around the country. To connect with any of us, please email [email protected].

Being personally impacted by the Syrian crisis, I became more passionate about helping people in need. I have years of experience in working with humanitarian organizations and refugee resettlement agencies and was fortunate to work closely with volunteers along those years. I have a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a major in Marketing, and my interest in having a career path in the nonprofit world was the reason I decided to pursue a Master’s Degree in Global Development and Peace with a minor in Communication Studies. Working with IRUSA made me even more inspired by the generosity of time and talent our amazing volunteers offer to enable us to deliver vital programs and services to help more people around the world.

My favorite quote is when Prophet Mohammad (SAW) said: “Be merciful to those on the earth, so the One above the heavens will be merciful to you.” And I am glad to believe that the work we do with the volunteers is a manifestation of being merciful towards others.”

Growing up, I always saw my late father opening up his home for Kashmiri refugees and raising funds for Tibetan refugees. He is my inspiration and my role model. So when I graduated college with a B.A. in Psychology, I worked at a refugee resettlement agency where I learned about all the barriers refugees face when they arrive in the country. Alhamdulillah, after that humbling experience, I joined IRUSA.

Based in Dallas, I love working at IRUSA because I get to be a sadaqa jariya (continuous charity) for my dad every day. I can’t wait to sit with him in paradise, insha’Allah, and tell him all about our volunteer projects and how much of an impact those projects have had on so many people because of our amazing and dedicated volunteers! Thank you and I hope to meet you at our upcoming project!

A man asked the Prophet (SAW), “What Islamic traits are the best?” The Prophet (SAW) said, “Feed the people, and greet those whom you know and those whom you do not know.” [Bukhari 6236]. Alhamdulillah, I get to practice the best Islamic traits by working at IRUSA

My first vivid memory and lesson in seeing charity in action was when I was in middle school and visited my grandmother overseas. She used to pull money from her purse and hand it out to the group of poor women in the neighborhood who would line up at her front door. This was a weekly occurrence and she was so gracious in her generosity, never turning anyone away.

From that moment, I had made an intention to follow not just my grandmother’s footsteps, but the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). He was sent as a mercy to mankind and in working with Islamic Relief, I hope to implement that trait of being merciful and being a source of benefit. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and also crossed over to teaching English, World History and ESL for nearly seven years in various schools. I absolutely believe in the vision and mission of Islamic Relief as it aligns with my own personal values and beliefs. May the work we do here continue to impact those who are needy and deserving of our attention and care.

One of my favorite quotes is by Ralph Waldo Emerson: “The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.

My name is Wsmah Siddiqui and I serve as the Midwest Volunteer Engagement Specialist for the Volunteer Department. I graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a B.A. in Public Health with a concentration in non-profits. I am based in Chicago and have the responsibility of implementing engagement opportunities and service projects for volunteers within the 12 Midwest states. I have the pleasure of working with our incredible volunteers that choose to give up their valuable time to come together and work hard to help us with our mission to alleviate poverty and hunger here in the United States and around the world. This is exactly why I got into nonprofit work in the first place. This kind of work fights for the underserved and marginalized populations who most of the world forgets about. However, our dedicated volunteers and donors never forget, and I absolutely love working alongside them to help as many people as we possibly can.

One of my favorite quotes is, “And that is how change happens. One gesture. One person. One moment at a time.” RUSA volunteers and donors are already making an extraordinary impact on the world and every day that impact increases to something even more monumental.

My name is Yara Azzam, and I currently hold the position of Regional Volunteer Engagement Specialist in the North East. I hold a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice and Legal Studies, and my lifelong aspiration has always been to contribute to the well-being of others. For over 7 years, I have actively participated as a volunteer within my community, and I am thrilled to embrace this new role and connect with like-minded individuals who share the same passion. Growing up in New Jersey, I was immersed in an environment where supporting my community and assisting those in need was deeply valued. I hold a B.S. degree in Criminal Justice and Legal Studies, and my lifelong aspiration has always been to contribute to the well-being of others. For over 7 years, I have actively participated as a volunteer within my community, and I am thrilled to embrace this new role and connect with like-minded individuals who share the same passion.

In my capacity as Regional Volunteer Engagement Specialist, I am committed to promoting the values of compassion and service. It is my firm belief that by working together, we can create a positive and lasting impact on the lives of those we serve. I genuinely look forward to engaging with you and collaborating on future projects that will bring us closer to achieving our shared goals.

Allow me to conclude with a beautiful saying of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW): “Allah created a hundred mercies, and He placed one mercy among His creation. Through this mercy, they show compassion to one another, and the remaining ninety-nine mercies are with Allah.” I anticipate the opportunity to meet you soon during our upcoming projects!

My name is Easa and I serve as a Regional Volunteer Engagement Specialist in the Southeastern Region. My passion is helping those who are in need and making an impact in the U.S. and across the world by engaging with other individuals to relieve hunger, poverty, and restoring humanity. In order for that to be accomplished, we must promote awareness of the situations that are occurring so that our actions will be carried out in a facilitated and appropriate manner.

I’ve successfully graduated with a B.A. degree in Biology and a M.S. Exercise Science degree with a concentration in Biomechanics. My focus was to always help people achieve their goals whether it is physically, mentally, or emotionally. From my past experiences as a performance coach, I’ve had the honor of working with many individuals of all ages ranging from the general population to professional athletes from the NBA, NFL, and MLB. I also had the honor  and privilege of working with local leaders of the community to serve those who are in need whether it’s food drives, organized events, or religious holidays. The world is in need of our support and my goal is to make sure that we strive for excellence and greatness by coming together as one to make a change. I want to always make sure that my actions reflect and align with the teachings of our Prophet Muhammad (SAW).  Here is one of the many great reminders from the Holy Quran:

“[This] worldly life is only amusement and diversion. And if you believe and fear Allah, He will give you your rewards and not ask you for your properties.” – Surah Muhammad Ayat 36

My name is Mustafa Eshanzada and I’m the Volunteer Engagement Specialist in the South-West and I love what I do. I have well over 12 years of Marketing under my belt working in several different industries and marketing firms. In the past I’ve made 3 successful and award winning short films and I’m a former musician. Looking back though some of the best years of my life were when I was active in my community and volunteering. I’ve always felt it was my responsibility to give back and through crowdfunding, I’ve built 2 waterwells and 6 horses in Rwanda Alhamdulilah. Moments like these keep us grounded and remind us we are here to serve Allah (swt).

One verse from the Quran that ties everything in my life together is ” And do not walk on the earth arrogantly. Surely you can neither crack the earth nor stretch to the height of the mountains.”

My name is Yasmin Mahmoud and I serve as the National Volunteer Resource coordinator at IRUSA. I obtained a double B.A. in International Relations and Middle Eastern Studies. In addition to my bachelor’s, I have researched Global Development and Humanitarian Aid in both the United States and the Middle East. I am based in VA and get to spend a lot of time with volunteers at our new Volunteer & Distribution Center in Springfield, VA. My life’s mission is to alleviate world hunger, and poverty. In addition, I love my work at IRUSA because I get to work with amazing volunteers with similar values. I am passionate about volunteering and working alongside individuals who dedicate both time, and efforts to fulfill the IRUSA mission. Thank you and hope to see you at our upcoming projects!

My favorite quote is when Prophet Mohammad (SAW) said: “Be merciful to those on the earth, so the One above the heavens will be merciful to you.” And I am glad to believe that the work we do with the volunteers is a manifestation of being merciful towards others.