Shurah Elections
2025-2026
General elections timeline
April 1: Applications open for General Shurah.
April 8: General Shurah applications due at 11:59 pm.
April 9: General Shurah Town Hall in person and ballots will go out afterwards.
April 13: General Shurah Voting Period
Each registered member of UNC MSA, registered by April 9, 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 2025- 2026.
General Shurah Candidates 2025-2026
Amir Abdelbaky
Community Service Chair, Social Chair
As-Salaam Alaikum My name is Amir Abdelbaky and I’m currently a freshman studying Business and Arabic, with a Pre-Law track here at UNC. Ever since I started college, the MSA has been where I have made most of my friends, and I am extremely grateful for the amazing work of our Shurah, and I’d love to be able contribute to our MSA.
With a role of Community Service Chair, I plan to involve UNC’s MSA with many local volunteering organizations, as well as initiating our own. Since high school, I’ve been involved in planning the Light House Project’s annual food drive. This year, though I was not on Shurah, I worked with the Community Service Chair to make this food drive possible at UNC, and alhamdulillah, we collected almost 1,000 meals. I also volunteer with ICNA Relief’s monthly food drive they have at the Durham Mosque, and one of my goals as Community Service Chair will be to facilitate greater involvement of our MSA in such events.
Having served as high school MSA president, I understand the responsibility that comes with leadership, and being a Shurah member will be an absolute priority. By voting for me, I hope to contribute to our MSA in all ways possible. Thank you for reading this (even if you skipped to the bottom) and Assalamualaikum.
Yasin Abubakar
Brother's Faith Chair, Events Coordinator
I have a deep commitment to the Muslim Community of UNC Chapel Hill and sincerely hope to foster lasting relationships between the members of this community and other communities in the area. I have experience organizing and planning community events at MYCC (North Raleigh Masjid) that I believe gives me the experience necessary to fill this position. I understand that I do not know everything but and more than willing to learn what is necessary as we go along, and experience has taught me that looking for constant input is important for our goals to be reached.
Dana Abu-Jaradeh
Events Coordinator, Community Service Chair,
Assalamu Alaikum! My name is Dana Abu-Jaradeh, and I’m a freshman running for Events Coordinator and Community Service Chair. My experience and passion for our Muslim community make me a strong candidate. I currently serve as a youth lead at Apex Masjid, organizing spiritual, recreational, and interfaith events. At UNC, I served as an Events Coordinator on the Advocacy Committee and as a member of the Community Service Committee. This year, I contributed to Gaza, Sudan, and Charity Week planning, and volunteered at numerous bake sales. Most recognizably, I worked with Shurah as the lead for the MSA Café project.
I have skills in teamwork, and event planning, and have an understanding of Shurah’s inner workings. While I would only hold one position, my versatile experience allows me to contribute to all of Shurah’s needs.
I’m especially passionate about making MSA more welcoming. I’ve noticed that some students are hesitant to join, and I want every Muslim student to feel like they belong, no matter where they are on their journey. Through incorporating creative events catered to different crowds and providing more opportunities for feedback, if elected, I would be a friend to all, someone the ummah could talk to about both the good and the bad.
I also wish to incorporate more interfaith dialogue. Whether welcoming churches and synagogues to my masjid or leading an interfaith Ramadan open house for 100+ guests, these experiences have highlighted to me the power of interfaith outreach and dialogue.
Coming to UNC, I’ve been extremely grateful for how above and beyond Shurah goes to care for us all. I have come to realize Shurah is not just planning GBM's, but advocating for the well-being and livelihood of Muslims on campus, and I would be honored to contribute to that.
Khizra Ahmad
Outreach/Advocacy Chair
I believe deeply in Muslim strength and excellence—and I think it all begins with advocacy. To me, advocacy means amplifying Muslim visibility on UNC’s campus, holding key leadership roles, building stronger communication within and beyond our community, and spotlighting Muslim issues in broader campus conversations. It’s not always easy, but I know the dedication it takes to make it happen. As a math major, ULA, and student government member, I’ve worked in spaces that demand initiative, patience, and selfless leadership—qualities I’m excited to bring to shurah. I want to help create an environment where Muslims can pursue personal and professional growth while uplifting our community as a whole. I’m also excited to onboard a passionate team that will help carry this mission forward. Most importantly, I understand this work isn’t about one person—it’s a collective effort. And I’m ready to guide my committee and our community toward real, lasting impact.
Maya Albayyari
Publicity Chair, Outreach/Advocacy Chair
Hi, my name is Maya Albayyari, and I’m an upcoming senior double majoring in Media & Journalism and Communications. Over the past few years, I’ve discovered a passion for graphic design and content creation, building skills through platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Adobe, and Canva, as well as organizations such as Students for Voting Justice, UNC MSA Advocacy Committee and FGSA. I’m currently gaining valuable experience working with the marketing team at ABC11. I feel qualified that I could do this role justice. The UNC MSA has played a major role in helping me grow and reconnect with my faith, and I would be honored to give back by contributing to the same positive impact in our community that it had in my own life.
Samee Ghaffar
Development Chair, Social Chair
Salam everyone, my name is Samee Ghaffar and I'm a rising junior studying business administration at Kenan-Flagler with minors in Arabic and Public Policy. I've served as development chair this past year and hope to do so again, inshAllah. During my time in the role, I've worked grown our MSA business account by over 30%, facilitated over $10,000 in charitable campaigns with your support, and vastly expanded our influence across campus. This past year, the Muslim community faced immense challenges on local and global scales, from facing blatant discrimination right here in Chapel Hill to the ensuing violence in Palestine, Sudan, and the rest of the Muslim world. If re-elected, I plan to strengthen our fundraising efforts as well as increase our educational programs on social issues to inform the broader campus community. In a climate of growing Islamaphobia and administrative neglect, our unity and growth as an ummah is more important now than ever. Additionally, our MSA has an obligation to support our students as young professionals; I worked closely with our alumni to set up our first digital career network, which provides an expansive database connecting students to MSA alumni globally. I hope to build on this by establishing and deepening our relationships with professional schools such as Kenan-Flagler and Gillings, where MSA remains underrepresented. Collaborations on this front would offer both financial and professional opportunities for our members.My vision is to uplift the MSA through charitable fundraising, professional development, and inclusive programming. With my experience and strong relationships in the Triangle, I’m committed to helping lead our community forward.
Razan Hassan Aboud
Publicity Chair
Assalamualaikum everyone! I’m Razan, a rising senior studying Human Development and Family Science. It’s been an honor and privilege to serve as your co-publicity chair this past year. As our MSA community continues to grow, the importance of Muslim representation at UNC has only increased.
Serving as co-Publicity Chair has been a rewarding experience. During my time in this role, we’ve worked to amplify the voices of our community, ensuring our events, initiatives, and messages reach as many people as possible. From managing social media to creating engaging graphics and videos, our goal has always been to make the MSA’s presence felt both on campus and online. Re-election would allow me to continue this work and build on the progress we’ve made.
Through this role, I’ve learned what resonates with our community and how to effectively communicate that message to a wider audience. If re-elected, I would continue fostering unity within our MSA through interactive online content and increasing engagement by creating more responsive content that encourages participation, in addition to the event recaps and videos we already produce.
Additionally, I’d like to introduce a community voices series where MSA members can share advice, spotlight organizations and events, do social media takeovers, and more. This series would provide a platform for members to share their unique perspectives and personal stories, strengthening our connections and helping our community grow. Not only will this help strengthen the MSA, but it will also enhance the visibility and impact of Muslims on campus, creating a more connected Muslim student community. Our MSA is a space where we grow, learn, and support one another, and I’d love the opportunity to continue serving this incredible community. Preciate y’all for an amazing year, Alhamduillah 😝🫡.
Mahnoor Khan
Publicity Chair
As-salamu alaykum everyone! My name is Mahnoor Khan, and I’m a rising senior double majoring in Psychology and Neuroscience (BS) with a minor in Chemistry. I’m from High Point, NC (furniture capital!!), and over the past few years at UNC, Alhamdulillah, I’ve found a true sense of belonging through MSA—where I’ve made lifelong friendships and gained experiences that have shaped both my deen and dunya. I’ve seen past shurahs, including the most recent one, bring our Muslim community together with sincerity, love, and inclusivity. Who I am today is in large part thanks to their efforts—may Allah be pleased with them all. I hope to carry that legacy forward insha’Allah by helping others feel as welcomed and supported as I have, while continuing to grow within this community.
Through my roles as Social Media Chair and Events Chair for Shelter and Support at Carolina (formerly MHSI), and Outreach Coordinator for MIST Carolina, I’ve learned the power of meaningful outreach, visual storytelling, and building community around shared values. I've created content that not only informed but genuinely connected people to causes that matter. Alhamdulillah, I’ve also worked closely with past MSA shurah members—collaborating with them on several of these initiatives—which has given me valuable insight into leading with both compassion and creativity. Currently, I also serve on the Mission Team for Charity Week under Islamic Relief, where I’ve further developed skills in teamwork, planning, and values-driven leadership. I’m excited to serve the MSA community, bi’idhnillah. Jazakum Allahu Khairan!
Sohaila Morsi
Events Coordinator, Community Service Chair
Salam! My name is Sohaila and I am running for Events Coordinator for MSA. Over the past year, MSA has deepened my love for Islam and given me the confidence to embrace my identity with pride. Being part of such a welcoming community has reminded me how important it is to have spaces that celebrate our deen and bring us together. In high school, I served as MSA president. I connected the MSA with local masjids to raise money for Palestine. Our MSA had limited resources, which is why I’m excited for the strong, connected MSA at UNC which has shown me what’s truly possible, and I’m ready to help grow that even more. This Ramadan, I worked at the MSA Cafe most nights and saw firsthand the power of collaboration. It was incredible to witness so many people come together with a shared purpose. That experience showed me the impact intentional teamwork can have and how even small efforts can build a stronger community. Helping with the cafe felt like the first step toward defining what MSA can really be. As Events Coordinator, I want to continue that momentum by creating events that are meaningful, inclusive, and reflective of our diverse community. Whether spiritual, social, or service-based, I’ll make sure every event is a space where people feel welcomed and valued. I hope to bring creativity, experience, and care into this role and I’d be honored to give back to a community that has already given me so much!
Haroon Navaid
Social Chair, Outreach/Advocacy Chair
My name is Haroon Navaid, and I am a freshman at UNC Chapel Hill, currently pursuing a pre-business major. This year, I’ve had the privilege of serving as the Freshman Representative for the UNC Muslim Student Association. Stepping into this role, I’ve been passionate about helping new students feel welcomed and supported as they find their place in our community. I’ve worked closely with the board to plan and execute a variety of events aimed at strengthening our bonds, encouraging active participation, and creating a vibrant space for all members. From brainstorming creative event ideas and ensuring smooth execution of these events, I’ve gained valuable experience in fostering connection and engagement. As Social Chair, I am eager to continue this work on an even larger scale — organizing events that are not only fun and memorable but also meaningful and inclusive. I look forward to building on what we’ve accomplished and making the MSA experience even more special for everyone involved.
Shuaa Omer
Sister's Faith Chair, Social Chair
Assalamu Alaykum everyone! My name is Shuaa, and I’m a rising sophomore at UNC, inshaAllah double majoring in math and a public health major with a minor in Arabic. This past year, I had the honor of serving as the MSA Girls’ Freshman Representative. I’m running for Faith Chair because I believe our Deen should feel accessible, welcoming, and deeply meaningful to everyone, no matter where they are on their journey. From starting Fajr Circles as Freshman Rep (which I’d love to turn into a monthly spiritual recharge), making 300 Dubai chocolate bars for MSA MET (just for it to get canceled—but it was a good lesson!), mentoring in the Quran Mentorship program, helping with Charity Week USA, and managing social media for the NC Sudanese Network, I’ve found joy in serving my community.
If elected, I want to revive Monday/Thursday community iftars and qiyaam nights, support da’wah through open houses, and create opportunities to learn about foundational topics like fiqh and janazah prep. I’m not running because I have all the answers (I’ll probably be googling half your questions with you). I’m running because I care deeply and want to grow and learn with all of you.
I’m also running for social chair because I believe the friends we make are a big part of Islam. Whether it’s game nights, cookouts, or Week of Welcome, I want to create events that bring us together. I’m also hyped for Sportsfest-I love friendly competition, especially when it unites our community!
Rose Rosaleen
Publicity Chair, Events Coordinator
Salaam! My name is Rose and I’m a freshman running for MSA’s Publicity Chair or Events Coordinator. Although my time at UNC has been short, MSA has played a huge role in shaping all aspects of my life—introducing me to some of my closest friends, strengthening my faith in Allah (SWT), and so much more. As a member of shurah, my top priority would be to extend this same sense of community and welcomeness to all Muslim students. Especially in the current political climate, I believe a strong, visible, and supportive Muslim presence on campus is more important than ever. Whether as Events Coordinator or Publicity Chair, my goal is to advocate for our members and provide meaningful representation for our Muslim brothers and sisters—within MSA and beyond.
That being said, shurah isn’t an easy job—it requires time and effort which I’m fully prepared to provide. Over the past four years, I’ve run a nonprofit that has raised over $10,000, planned statewide events, and completed publicity work with major outlets including ABC, CBS, and WRAL. I’m familiar with the responsibility that comes with creating, organizing, and representing a community. Additionally, I helped with the MSA Cafe almost every night it was open and it’s been one of my favorite parts of college so far.
My vision is to unite our community through the highs and lows. If elected (insha’Allah), I’ll strive to offer consistent programming and impactful outreach that reflects the beauty and strength of our ummah. Jazakallah Khair!
Ahmad Zayyad
Outreach/Advocacy Chair, Community Service Chair
My name is Ahmad Zayyad, and I’m running for Shurah to serve as the Outreach and Advocacy Chair for MSA. This past year (2024–2025), I led the Advocacy Committee, where I worked alongside a passionate team to create meaningful programming that raised awareness and supported important causes. We organized successful bake sales that raised over $1,000 for charity and hosted impactful events, including a fall discussion on the implications of Trump’s re-election on the Middle East. In the spring, we held a powerful event focused on Palestine, featuring a panel of three speakers who shared insights on Palestinian culture and daily life to humanize and uplift Palestinian voices. These experiences have strengthened my passion for advocacy and my ability to collaborate, organize, and amplify the concerns of our community. As Outreach and Advocacy Chair, I hope to continue fostering dialogue, awareness, and unity both within MSA and with the broader campus community.
