COUNCIL ON AMERICAN-ISLAMIC RELATIONS - CHICAGO | DEFENDING CIVIL RIGHTS. FIGHTING BIGOTRY. PROMOTING TOLERANCE
COUNCIL ON AMERICAN-ISLAMIC RELATIONS - CHICAGO | DEFENDING CIVIL RIGHTS. FIGHTING BIGOTRY. PROMOTING TOLERANCE
Uzma is a Communications Intern at CAIR-Chicago. She graduated among the top of her class from East-West University in March 2011, double majoring in marketing and accounting. She joined CAIR-Chicago to further develop and apply her skills towards the communication and marketing of American-Muslims in the mainstream media. Uzma is interested in world affairs, politics, religious studies, humanitarian causes and strongly supports education and activism.
Kate Trusk is a Communications Intern at CAIR-Chicago. She earned her Master’s Degree in Communication with a specialization in Journalism and Social Media, and her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Journalism from Northern Illinois University. Kate came to CAIR-Chicago looking to help make a positive impact the world by spreading education through social networks. She previously worked as a writer and editor for NIU’s newspaper and continues to write on her personal blog, detailing the thrills of living a post-student life. Kate prides herself on keeping up with the latest social media fads and political gossip.
Susanne is a Communications intern at CAIR-Chicago. She is a recent graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor’s degree in magazine journalism. Her interest in working for CAIR developed as a result of a presentation made in her international reporting class on media bias, and various courses taken in Middle Eastern history. Susanne’s goal for the future is to pursue international reporting, and hopes her experience with CAIR will provide an education in reporting in a sensitive and conscious manner.
Rana Khatib is a Communications Intern at CAIR-Chicago. She attends the University of Illinois at Chicago and is expecting to graduate in the spring of 2013. Rana is majoring in English with a concentration in Media, Rhetorical, and Cultural Studies. She hopes to pursue a career in journalism while at the same time incorporating her own thoughts on the issues faced as a whole. Being well acquainted with CAIR-Chicago from a young age, Rana always loved their goals and aspirations. Being a communications intern gives her the chance to see first hand how civil rights or the lack thereof affect people of different races and ethnicities. Rana is a social and outspoken person and feels interning at CAIR-Chicago gives her the opportunity to use those skills for her future career.
Leen Jaber is a Communications Extern at CAIR-Chicago, assisting in editing and writing articles and assessments. Leen graduated in 2002 from Loyola University Chicago with a Bachelor’s Degree in International Studies. She currently is a Journalist and has published numerous articles in various publications throughout the country and in Cairo, Egypt. After working for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), she was inspired to advocate for immigrant rights, which brought her to CAIR-Chicago. In addition to her professional writing experience, she is also a singer and song writer and plays guitar in her spare time.
Andrew is a Research Fellow at CAIR-Chicago. He recently graduated with a Master’s degree in history from the University of Chicago, and previously earned his Bachelor’s degree in Modern Germanic Studies from the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. Andrew’s past research has focused on the 2009 Swiss Minaret ban and the effect of public and political discourse in Europe on the perception of Muslims, with particular emphasis on culturally biased interpretations of human rights, cultural practices, and gender roles. Andrew hopes to continue this type of research in the American context, focusing on how US media representations of Muslims influence the rhetoric surrounding Muslim-Americans.
Dima is a Communications Intern at CAIR-Chicago. She attends the University of Illinois at Chicago and will graduate with a Bachelors in English and a concentration in Media, Rhetorical, and Cultural Studies in December 2011. Dima completed and presented her Senior Thesis about the interrelationship of verbal, written, and body language between a tutor and a writer at UIC’s Writing Center. Writing is her passion, and she wants to continue her career in Communications. She strongly believes that writing is a complex and multi-dimensional art that requires the full involvement of the writer’s whole identity.
Aabeda is a Communications Intern at CAIR-Chicago and a senior at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is majoring in English with a concentration in Creative Writing, by mainly focusing on writing love stories. While working towards her long-term goal of publishing short stories, Aabeda decided to join CAIR-Chicago as a Public Relations intern and help fight Islamophobia. After being bullied in eighth grade, Aabeda realized suffering silently never helps anyone. She loves to talk, therefore, chose Communication as her minor as well as Sociology.
Evan Gelles is a Civil Rights Intern at CAIR-Chicago. He graduated with honors from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a degree in psychology and a minor in political science. Evan has experience in non-profit organizations as well as research; he recently engaged in an independent research project in which he examined whether second generational racial problems exist in his largely Caucasian hometown. He is currently applying to law schools and interning as a law clerk at the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. He enjoys listening to Illmatic in his free time.
Ben is a Communications intern at CAIR-Chicago. He has moved to Chicago for four months on a temporary work visa from his native England where he recently graduated with a 2:1 degree classification in History and Geography from the University of Leeds. His studies focused largely on social issues, political activism and modern European cities. He also wrote a historical thesis on racial segregation in Chicago during his final year, arguing that the city’s public institutions perpetuated a form of de jure segregation. His interest in social issues and their depiction in the media, as well as a passion for writing, led him to discover the intern opportunity in the communications department of CAIR-Chicago as he seeks to pursue a career in the non-profit or public sector. Whilst in the States, he is also writing for the weekly newspaper Newcity Chicago. In his spare time, Ben enjoys vegetarian food, live music and being an ardent follower of football (soccer).
Kinza is a Communications intern at CAIR-Chicago. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in December 2010 where she received a Bachelor’s degree in international studies. Her focus was on the Middle East and the Arabic language, and she studied abroad in Cairo, Egypt for one semester. She also had minors in political science and Islamic world studies. Her professional interests include international relations, human rights, social justice, and politics. Kinza looks forward to starting law school at DePaul University College of Law in August 2011, where she hopes to focus on international human rights law and immigration law.
Noor is a Communications intern at CAIR-Chicago. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago where she received a Bachelor’s degree in English literature. Noor is interested in post-colonialism, colonial theory and South Asian and European history. Her professional interests include teaching these subjects as a professor after attending graduate school. Noor will be working with media relations and writing responses to news articles at CAIR-Chicago’s Communications Department.
Becky Fogel is a Communications intern at CAIR-Chicago. As an undergraduate at Scripps College in California, Becky majored in History with a focus on the Middle East. Her senior thesis examined colonial representations of Palestinian women in Mandate-period media and the ways in which these images were used to support foreign occupation. Looking at the connections between media representations, political policies, and access to power, led Becky to want to get involved with CAIR-Chicago. As both a religious minority and grandchild of Holocaust survivors, Becky feels particularly strongly about challenging religious discrimination and misinformation about Islam. In addition to her internship at CAIR-Chicago, Becky works as a Resource Specialist for the Economic Empowerment Services program at the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago.
Aymen Abdel Halim is a summer 2011 communications extern at CAIR-Chicago. Aymen is currently a graduate student in the Broadcast and Electronic Communication Arts program at San Francisco State University. He is interested in media research, theory, and criticism, and more specifically, in the effects of media portrayals of Arabs and Muslims on Arab and Muslim communities in the U.S. He recently co-authored a book chapter on the impact of TV news on the self-conception of Arab and Muslim youth and is continuing independent research on the effects of Arab and Muslim media representation in the U.S. Aymen is also a radio and video producer and is currently working on a documentary film about Palestinian life in the West Bank and Gaza.
Jenn is a Journalism/Communications Intern at CAIR-Chicago. Approaching her senior year at DePaul University, she is on the Dean’s list and the Opinions Editor of the university newspaper, “The DePaulia.” Before interning at CAIR, Jenn spent time at the Chicago Tribune and NBC5, where she worked as an intern for Political Editor Carol Marin. Jenn’s interest in the Muslim-community began after noticing how Islamophobia penetrated the mainstream media after September 11th, 2001, which she saw as a detriment to the Muslim and non-Muslim community alike. Since then, she has spent time studying in North Africa and continues to learn Arabic. Envisioning a career that combines politics, new media, and traveling, Jenn hopes to combine her passions of human rights advocacy and diligent reporting by working abroad in the Middle East. Jenn is on track to graduate Summa Cum Laud from DePaul with a Bachelors degree in Journalism in June 2012. When Jenn is writing, she is probably doing yoga.
Anum Qadir is a Summer Youth Development intern at CAIR-Chicago. Originally from Anchorage, Alaska, she is currently studying Public Policy and Economics at the University of Chicago. She is also active on campus through the Muslim Students Association, the South Asian Students Association, and UChicago for Pakistan, a student organization spreading awareness and raising funds for the 2010 Pakistani floods. Anum chose CAIR to help cultivate youth leadership in the Muslim community and for her interest in promoting a positive image of Muslims in the U.S. Her interests include music, Pixar movies, hiking, and baking.
Clement Yu is a rising senior at Boston College, double majoring in Theology and Philosophy, and double minoring in Faith Peace & Justice and Arabic Studies. His interest in Middle Eastern culture began with a mission trip to Mokattam in Cairo, Egypt, and his continuing study of Arabic thereafter has brought him to countries such as Kuwait, Egypt, and the UAE. Through the invaluable cultural and religious experiences that he experienced during his time abroad, Clement ultimately chose to come on board with CAIR-Chicago because of the organization’s vision to promote justice and mutual understanding of Islam while preserving civil rights. In his spare time, he enjoys having meaningful conversations, playing basketball, and rooting for the New York Mets.
Ian is a policy research intern for the Government Affairs Department at CAIR-Chicago for the summer of 2011. Originally from Lake Orion, Michigan, Ian is studying political science with a pre-law emphasis at Michigan State University. Ian plans to continue his studies in law school upon completion of his degree this year, and will look to focus on international law, public policy, and civil rights protection. Ian became interested in Muslim affairs after taking several classes at Michigan State that focused on politically disadvantaged groups, human rights, and political empowerment. This learning experience combined with his interest in politics and promoting equality for all groups of people led Ian to seek a summer internship with CAIR-Chicago. During his internship, Ian hopes to learn as much as he can about Muslim-American life and help promote tolerance and activism throughout the political system. During his free time, Ian enjoys being a sports fanatic, keeping up with the political world, and spending time on the golf course.
Eman is a summer Government Affairs Intern at CAIR-Chicago. Eman is a junior at Northeastern Illinois University and majoring in Criminal Justice and strives to eventually go to law school. She moved to Chicago just recently to further pursue her education and career. Since then, she has volunteered in various Islamic affiliated works including being an active member in her local mosque, working for Islamic Conferences, as well as being a part of the Muslim Student Association in her university. Eman has interests in civil rights, social justice, religion, and politics. She chose to be involved in CAIR-Chicago to provide a voice for Muslims in Illinois and bridge the gap between Muslims and people of other faiths. She is looking forward to this journey!
Nabila Siddqi is a Civil Rights Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. She is a second year student at The John Marshall Law School in Chicago. Nabila graduated from Benedictine University in 2010 with a Bachelor’s in Health Sciences. Her professional interests include immigration law, civil rights issues, and international law. Nabila’s other interests include photography, painting, traveling, and eating.
Eyad Tabahi is a Civil Rights Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. He is a rising second year student at Chicago-Kent College of Law. Eyad graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a minor in Business Institutions. His professional interests include business law, litigation, immigration law, criminal law, and international law. Eyad’s interests beyond law school include politics, traveling, learning new languages, and marketing.
Mark McGinn is a civil rights law clerk at CAIR-Chicago. He is a rising second year law student at The John Marshall Law School. Mark graduated from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a degree in History. While at Illinois, he worked as a First Year Campus Acquaintance Rape Educator, as a teaching assistant for the Fraternity Peer Rape Education Program, and was a member of Men Against Sexual Violence. He is pursuing a career in public interest and civil rights law. Mark plans to use his law degree to work for equal rights for men and women of all races. Mark plans to use his experience at CAIR-Chicago to learn more about Islam and spread awareness of discrimination against the Muslim community.
Amro Shamaileh is a Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. Amro is currently pursuing a law degree at Indiana University – Bloomington. As a Law Clerk for CAIR-Chicago, Amro works with victims of discrimination in order to help them receive proper relief. His professional interests include business law and civil rights. He spends his free time playing sports or reading books about finance, psychology, history or religion. Amro graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Mathematics.
Praveen is a Civil Rights Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. He just finished his first year at DePaul University College of Law where he interns at the International Human Rights Law Institute. Praveen also serves as a child advocate for the University of Chicago’s Immigrant Child Advocacy Project. Praveen’s professional interests include international law, human rights, and immigration law. Prior to law school Praveen received a BA in Communications (specializing in Radio-Television-Film) from the University of Texas where he specialized in documentary and experimental film. Praveen is also a professional musician and his songs have been featured on NPR and many popular blogs. In his personal life, Praveen enjoys writing music, taking pictures, reading, and traveling.
Law Clerk Michael is a second year student at DePaul University College of Law. He is currently working at CAIR-Chicago as an Equal Justice Works Fellow, and received the 2011 Cudahy Fellowship. He is a member of the International Human Rights Law Institute. Prior to law school, Michael worked as an Immigrant Tutor at Heartland Alliance. He also worked at Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation’s “Law & Health Project.” Michael is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he studied Political Science and International Studies, focusing heavily on human rights, genocide, and ethnic conflict. His current interests in law include Immigration, Human Rights, and International Law. His interests beyond law include soccer, rugby, and cars. Michael is a proud, life-long supporter of Arsenal Football Club.
Michael Timothy Nixon is a Civil Rights Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. He is a rising second-year law student at the John Marshall Law School. He is a member of the Student Bar Association Community Service & Financial Aid Committees. He is a member of the American Bar Association, Illinois Bar Association, Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity, and the Black Law Students Association Community Service Committee. Michael also serves as a BARBRI Student Representative for his section. Michael graduated in 2009 with a bachelors degree in Political Science from Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. In August 2009 – August 2010, Michael served as Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA) on the campus of the University of Saint Francis in Fort Wayne, Indiana. His professional interests include civil rights, religious liberty, fair housing, and sports law. In his free time, Michael enjoys sports, religion, prayer, music, reading, and traveling. Michael is excited about the opportunity to work with CAIR and is committed to contributing in any and every way possible.
Patrick Cowlin is a Civil Rights Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. He is a rising 3L at DePaul University College of Law. Patrick graduated with Distinction from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, majoring in Finance. At DePaul Law, he has spent time working as an intern at the International Human Rights Law Institute and had the opportunity to spend a summer in China working with a human rights NGO in Beijing. Patrick enjoys travelling and learning about new cultures, distance running, playing and listening to music, and, most of all, eating good food.
Zeena Barazanji is a Civil Rights Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. She is about to start her second year of law school at DePaul University. Zeena graduated with honors from the University of Iowa with a degree in International Studies, with focuses in Human Rights and International Relations and Politics. Before moving to Chicago, she interned at the Polk County Attorney General’s Office, the University of Iowa Center for Human Rights, and Hispanic Outreach Legal Assistance. Her interests include immigration law, international human rights, and civil rights advocacy. She hopes to pursue a career in International Law concentrating on Human Rights.
Adam Ansari is a Civil Rights Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. He is a second-year law student at the John Marshall Law School. He is a member of the Middle Eastern Law Students Association and the Real Estate Law Student Chapter. Adam graduated from Boston University in 2008 with a BA in International Relations and Economics. During his undergraduate career, Adam interned at the Hudson Institute working at the Center for Democracy Promotion within the Middle East. He also worked as a contributory writer under Husain Haqqani, the current Pakistani Ambassador to the United States. Prior to Law School, Adam served as a Volunteer in Service to America (VISTA) at the American Red Cross in Indianapolis. Adam hopes to eventually aid in the advancement of Muslims around the world and help change the misperceptions about Islam within the United States.
Kelli Bollin is a Civil Rights Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. She is a student at Chicago-Kent College of Law and is working towards certificates in public interest and international law. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of North Texas with a Bachelor’s degree in French. Her professional interests include civil rights and human rights law. Kelli would like to use her legal career to bring positive change to people’s lives and hopes her internship with CAIR-Chicago will be the first step towards that goal.
Karim Azeb is a junior at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, majoring in Political Science and History. After graduation, he plans to apply to law school with a concentration in International Law. As an intern, he hopes to develop new skills that will positively impact his future in law, while simultaneously helping clients within the Chicago-Muslim community. In his spare time, he likes to read, watch the news, play soccer and devotedly follows the best soccer team in Egypt, Al Ahly.
Paul Coogan is a Civil Rights Law Clerk. He’s going into his second year at The John Marshall Law School. Paul graduated from Marquette University in 2009 with a degree in psychology. Prior to going to law school, he did a year of service with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps in San Francisco. Paul worked at the Eviction Defense Collaborative, a legal clinic that helped low-income clients defend their eviction lawsuits and maintain their housing whenever possible. He hope to pursue a career in public interest and civil rights law. Paul is thrilled to have the opportunity to work at CAIR and hopes to help eliminate some of the stereotypes and misconceptions that so many in this country hold. It’s his goal to be able to use his law degree to truly help others and to make a difference.
Monica Uribe is a Civil Rights Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. She is a graduate of Baylor University where she earned a Bachelor’s degree is Music Performance, with a concentration in saxophone. Monica is currently a second-year law student at Chicago-Kent College of Law. She is a member of the United Nations Association (UNA-USA), the International Law Society, the Hispanic Latino Law Student Association, the Immigration Law Society, National Lawyers Guild, and Chicago-Kent Lambdas. Her professional interests include international human rights, immigration, and human trafficking. A native Texan, Monica enjoys good barbecue, iced tea, and watching football.
Alexander Demas is a Government Affairs intern at CAIR-Chicago. He is currently a senior at Northwestern University pursuing a Bachelor’s degree majoring in both Asian and Middle Eastern Languages and Civilizations and International Studies. Alex has built his character off of three values that have been instilled in him from a young age; responsibility, loyalty, and consideration. Building off of this foundation, Alex has made it his responsibility to uphold equality amongst others. In promoting equality he has remained loyal and considerate to not only his friends and family but to those who are in great need of encouragement, strength, and understanding. These qualities Alex hopes to share with CAIR-Chicago and the people who CAIR-Chicago seeks to help. Alex previously interned at the Summit County Board of Elections where he worked on a number of political campaigns and gained an understanding of state legislature and electoral processes. Alex hopes to be a diplomat working in the global community in the future. In the meantime, he spends his time studying, staying active and in shape, and enjoying the company of others.
Michael Williamson is a Civil Rights Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. He is currently a second-year law student at the University of Chicago. Michael is a member of the Human Rights Law Society and the Black Law Students Association. Prior to attending law school, he worked as a project analyst for a financial services company, and as a legal assistant for a private-practice attorney. Michael graduated magna cum laude with honors from The Ohio State University with a BSBA degree in Marketing.
Naveen is a Civil Rights Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. She graduated with honors from the University of Chicago where she received her Bachelor’s degree in Law, Letters and Society along with a minor in South Asian Languages & Civilizations. Naveen is currently pursuing a law degree from DePaul University College of Law. Her professional interests include immigration, civil/human rights, and international adoption. Having lived in the South Pacific for most of her life, she enjoys almost everything related to warm weather and traveling. Naveen will be researching and working on civil rights discrimination cases represented by CAIR-Chicago’s Civil Rights Department.
Shamiq is a law clerk at CAIR-Chicago. He is a student at the University of Washington School of Law and his primary interest is in United States foreign policy toward South Asia as well as the interdisciplinary study of law in Pakistan. Shamiq believes that legal advice should be seen as a social service that achieves its greatest impact when combined with other types of social services (personal and financial counseling, community development efforts etc). He has been active in Muslim organizations since high school and is excited to have the opportunity to work with CAIR-Chicago to help individuals and organizations in need. Shamiq’s personal interests include an eclectic taste in music and literature. He also has an inordinate amount of dislike for the Boston Celtics as well as a corresponding level of enthusiasm for the Los Angeles Lakers and the Pakistan Cricket Team.
Momena is a Government Affairs Intern at CAIR-Chicago. Momena is a junior at DePaul, majoring in political science, and hopes to eventually attend law school. She has been an active member of her local mosque and volunteers there on a weekly basis. Throughout college, she has been on the Dean’s List and has participated in Muslim student organizations, and the debate team. She recently completed the Chicago LegalTrek program at Northwestern which has further cultivated her interest in law school. Momena strongly believes in defending marginalized groups within our society by protecting their human rights. CAIR’s activism in the areas of civil rights and engagement with Muslim and non-Muslim communities is what drew her to intern here. Her personal interests include Persian calligraphy, poetry, and music. Momena is fluent in Dari and Pashto, and works to maintain constant immersion in each language.
Maha is a Community Relations Intern at CAIR-Chicago. Maha is a political science graduate from the American University in Cairo, Egypt. She moved to Chicago shortly after graduating and pursued a certificate program from Northwestern University in Business Administration. Since then, she volunteered in a couple of organizations to get acquainted with the cultural and political dynamics in Chicago. Maha was part of an international non governmental organization CISV where she served as the national junior representative for two years, there she got a lot of exposure to many cultures and mindsets. She is a strong believer in human rights and acceptance of all cultures, religions and races. During Maha’s internship in community relations she plans to gain knowledge about Chicago’s dynamics as well as share her experience and spread awareness about the importance of acceptance and peaceful co-existence. Maha has a passion for travelling and loves music.
Tamer is a Civil Rights Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. He is a student at the John Marshall Law School; he serves on the Government Law Committee at the American Bar Association as Vice-Chair and on the Middle Eastern Law Society as a Liaison for the evening student section. He is a member of the Chicago Bar Association, and Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity. Tamer graduated from DePaul University in 2007 with a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Management. His professional interests include international affairs, civil rights, and prosecution. In his free time, he enjoys sports, religion, reading and traveling. He is devoted to shedding light on the legal issues that Muslims face in today’s society and is excited to be working with CAIR toward these goals this fall and in the future.
Asad is a Civil Rights Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in biology. He went on to study education at Benedictine University. Asad taught science in both public and private schools including Curie Metro High and Islamic Foundation School. He is currently pursuing a law degree from DePaul University. Asad hopes to practice immigration law after he graduates. He is a member of Al Maghrib, the Chicago Bar Association, and MENSA. He lives in Naperville with his mother and father.
Ariana Kasa attended Law School at DePaul University and is currently a Law Clerk for CAIR-Chicago. She is a member of the Justinian Society, the Phi Alpha Delta fraternity, the International Law Society, the Latinos Law Student Association, and the International Human Rights Law Institute. She has performed research in the areas of Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, and specializes in Islamic Law. She has worked for the UNHCR in Geneva, research institutes in Italy and in Senegal, in addition to her work in the United States. She is fluent in Italian and French and is in the process of learning Arabic. She received her B.A. in Italian and Political Science with a minor in French from Arizona State University. As an Arizona native, she loves the cold weather Chicago has to offer and enjoys the city life. Her passions are traveling, languages, meeting new people, discovering new cultures, and learning about global affairs.
Erica is a Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. She is currently a third year student at DePaul College of Law in Chicago, IL. At DePaul, she is a clinic extern at the Center for Justice in Capital Cases, the citations editor for the Journal for Social Justice, a volunteer for the International Human Rights Institute, and a member of the International Law Society. She has worked as a Coles Fellow at the Illinois Human Rights Commission assisting administrative law judges with cases involving human rights violations This past summer she was the policy intern at the National Immigrant Justice Center, where she researched the U.S. immigrant detention system and provided recommendations for improvements. Erica graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Russian Studies. Erica enjoys traveling and experiencing other cultures and she hopes to pursue a career in Immigration Law or International Law.
Evan Fazio is a communications intern at CAIR-Chicago this fall. He has spent the last two years studying at Loyola University, Chicago where he majors in Advertising and Public Relations, Philosophy, and Music. Evan has come to take a holistic body, mind, and soul approach to his studies at Loyola. He hopes that Advertising and Public relations will put food on his table and a roof above his future family’s head. Evan hopes philosophy will be his path to intellectual discovery and a way to keep his critical thinking and reasons skills sharp. Music provides sustenance for his soul as something that he does purely for himself. Evan’s goal is to make his career matter by using his education, training, and experience to affect real, lasting, and positive change in society by the time he retires.
Cassandra is currently working towards a M.A. in Political Science with a focus on International Relations at Loyola University Chicago. She is primarily interested in doing research on Middle Eastern affairs, especially Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Cassandra graduated from Emerson College in 2006 and has worked as an assistant special education teacher, tutor for inner-city youth, broadcast associate for NBC Sports and CBS News Productions in New York City. Cassandra has also interned at the Center for American Progress in Washington DC. Cassandra sees a possible future for herself in the Peace Corps and is interested in international human rights and social justice. She loves to sing, write, and dance and is interested in fashion, film and clothing. As an intern at CAIR-Chicago Cassandra hopes to learn more about Islam and Chicago’s Muslim community.
John Stone is a Communications intern at CAIR-Chicago for the summer of 2010. He is a senior at Loyola University where he is studying Journalism, Political Science, and Philosophy. Through his studies, John has realized the importance of fair and equal representation of Muslims in the media. He feels that by working at CAIR-Chicago he will be able to support the organization’s goals as well as his own personal commitments to social justice and human rights. Upon graduating, John plans to pursue a J.D. in civil rights law. In his free time, John enjoys reading, writing, and riding his bike.
Lyndsey Stemm is a Summer 2010 Communications Intern at CAIR-Chicago. Majoring in Broadcast Journalism at Columbia College, Lyndsey has also studied Arabic, history and anthropology. After finding herself continuously drawn to the Middle East and Muslims, Lyndsey decided to tie all her interests together by focusing her studies on foreign correspondence. Her travel experiences, as well as studying at Al-Azhar University in Cairo have solidified her enthusiasm to work abroad. She chose CAIR-Chicago because as a journalist, advocating for civil rights is extremely important her. She also knows that culturally and religiously sensitive reporting will be the most invaluable skill she will need in order to properly share the world with others.
Ningning Wu, from Zhejiang, China is an Outreach Department intern at CAIR-Chicago though the Global Education Association (GEA). She is a sophomore at the University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), majoring in management and economics. Ning is interested in traveling, observing and thinking. In addition, she has much curiosity about people with different backgrounds and cultures, such as Muslims. That’s why Ning chose CAIR-Chicago for an internship. She looks forward to acquiring a lot of significant experiences and contributing meaningfully to CAIR-Chicago.
Husam Farraj is a Summer 2010 Administrative intern at CAIR-Chicago. He is entering his senior year at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), majoring in English with a concentration in poetry studies. Born and raised in the city of Chicago in a Spanish neighborhood, he spoke Arabic with his family, Spanish with his friends, and took a further initiative learning a fourth language at the university: Hebrew. He is actively part of the outreach committee for the Second Palestinian Popular Conference in the U.S. He has a great interest in studying Islamic philosophy and oneirocriticism. Husam also loves bowling, playing basketball, football and table tennis.
Magda Mohamed, 22, is a Spring 2010 policy research intern for the Government Affairs department at CAIR-Chicago. Originally from Rockford Illinois, Magda is studying Political Science, Religious Studies and Islamic World Studies at Loyola University Chicago. Throughout her college career she’s participated in Model United Nations, Muslim Students Association, and the Middle Eastern Students Association. She is an active member and volunteer at her mosque in Rockford, and tries to be as politically active as possible. Magda decided to intern with CAIR-Chicago because she comes from a very politically involved family and wanted the opportunity to learn how to best fuse the American political process with her faith as a Muslim.
Saba Aziz is a Summer 2010 Government Affairs Intern at CAIR-Chicago. As a rising senior at Northwestern University, she is working towards a Bachelors of Science degree in the areas of Political Science and International Studies with a minor in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies. Saba plans to continue her studies at law school and focus on international law, specifically with a concentration in human rights. With an interest in politics and international issues, along with an awareness of the political and civil rights of various peoples, Saba understands the importance of civic engagement and political involvement at every level. This interest has led her to work at CAIR-Chicago, striving to politically empower the Muslim community. Saba previously interned with The Hamdard Center for Health and Human Services in the domestic violence shelter. She worked to empower shelter clients and help them understand their rights in order to break free from their situations of abuse. Saba hopes to continue this line of work in non-for-profit organizations into the future. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching a ridiculous amount of movies, and reading the newspaper.
Pat Coveney is a Summer, 2010 intern in the Government Affairs department at CAIR-Chicago. He is a junior at the University of Notre Dame majoring in Arabic and Political Science. Pat is originally from Indianapolis, IN and now calls Geneva, IL home. He became interested in Muslim affairs after taking multiple classes at Notre Dame on Islam and its intersections with other religions. His future plans include working in diplomacy either abroad or in Washington, DC. He will be studying Arabic at the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies this coming spring. Pat chose to intern at CAIR-Chicago this summer because of the organization’s commitment to energizing Muslims politically and protecting civil rights. In his spare time, he enjoys photography and playing tennis.
Rayan Elkheir is an Administrative Intern at CAIR-Chicago. Rayan recently finished up her freshmen year at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is currently majoring in English and is pursuing minors in psychology and history. She is interested in the fields of law, professional writing, and teaching. She hopes that increased exposure to internships and student organizations will help reveal her true passion. Her interests include visiting new places, learning about important historical figures, and meeting new people.
Lauren Contorno is a junior at Illinois Wesleyan University, majoring in Political Science. At school she is involved in Amnesty International and volunteers in the community through Circle K International. She joined CAIR-Chicago because of her passionate commitment to promoting equality and cross-cultural understanding. After graduation, she plans to attend law school and pursue a career in civil rights/social justice. In her spare time Lauren enjoys music, biking, and spending time outdoors.
Safia Quadri is a law clerk at Cair Chicago. She is currently in her second year at the John Marshall Law School studying immigration and family law. Prior to law school, Safia was a fourth and fifth grade teacher at ICC Full-time School, where she taught all core subjects ranging from Math and Science, to Reading, Social Studies and Gym. She completed her undergraduate studies in 2009 from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a major in History and a minor in Philosophy. Her interests include traveling, watching documentaries, and spending time outdoors.
Zainab Alwan is entering her third year of law school at Case Western Reserve University School of Law where she focuses on immigration law and international humanitarian law. Zainab graduated from the University of Rochester with a Bachelor’s degree in Religious Studies and a minor in Biology. She is heavily involved with interfaith mediation and dispute resolution work. She co-founded a Muslim-Jewish Dialogue at the University of Rochester, was an Outreach Education and Training Intern for the Interfaith Youth Core and was a counselor at Seeds of Peace, an international peace camp. Last year, as president of the International Law Society, she helped raise over $600 for the Invisible Children Foundation and over $2,000 for victims in Haiti. In her spare time Zainab enjoys spending time with family and friends and running.
Jillian Johnson is a Spring 2010 Government Affairs Intern at CAIR-Chicago. Her first significant encounter with Muslims came right after 9/11 when a local Muslim school invited her Catholic high school to participate in a “building bridges” day. This experience opened her eyes to many of the issues surrounding the Muslim-American community, and it helped her to see that she had more in common with her Muslim neighbors than she ever thought. Jillian graduated summa cum laude from DePaul University, where she majored in Psychology and minored in Women’s and Gender Studies. She plans to further her education by getting a Master’s Degree in International Affairs in the near future. Jillian chose to work for CAIR-Chicago because of their strong commitment to civil rights and political empowerment. She has an ardent passion for human rights and international politics. In her spare time, Jillian enjoys keeping up with current events, watching documentaries, and enjoying the great outdoors.
Chester Joined CAIR in October 2009, he is an operations intern for the Chicago Chapter of the organization. He is currently attending DePaul University, working on his Bachelors of Science degree with a focus in accounting. In his short time with the organization he has developed strong relationships with his peers, and has helped the organization tremendously from a financial standpoint. He plans working diligently within the organization to make sure all of the financial information is presented in the most efficient and effective way. Chester understands fully that his work is beneficial not only to the organization, but also to him as an individual. He is driven by the fact that his position here with the company is ultimately leading to the benefit of the rights of people, regardless of their racial, cultural, or religious backgrounds. Chester is an individual that feels that all people should have certain inalienably rights, and he takes pride in his position as an Operations Intern here at CAIR-Chicago.
Camille Enriquez is a second year student at Loyola University where she is studying Communications, Marketing, Black World Studies, and Sport Management. Raised in Warren, MI; not too far from Dearborn, MI, she was exposed to issues of discrimination and bias against Muslims. In an effort to counter these stigmas, she came to CAIR Chicago. Her interests in promotions, events, and media relations have led her to contribute as a general Communications intern. She likes to watch and play all sports in her spare time. She also enjoys film and music.
Hector Gonzalez is a senior at the University of Illinois at Chicago, majoring in English with a concentration in cultural and media studies. After graduation, he plans to work in market research or in public relations. As an intern, he wants to contribute his writing and working skills into the current projects of CAIR-Chicago. In his spare time he likes to play music, lift and run at the gym and spend time outdoors.
Frances Boehnlein is the new Communications Intern at CAIR Chicago. She is a senior at DePaul University majoring in Communications and minoring in Peaceful Conflict Resolution with an International Relations focus. Frances is extremely passionate about social justice, human rights, and peaceful conflict studies. She has worked and volunteered with organizations, such as UNICEF, The PeaceJam Foundation, and Chicago Religious Leadership Network on Latin America. A hope of hers is to combine her passions with the skills she has learned at DePaul University and previous internships to better her community and the world.
Maniza Azam is currently a junior at the University of Illinois at Chicago where is she pursuing her bachelors in English. She joins CAIR-Chicago as a communications interns to help her gain the necessary skills to excel in her future profession. Maniza first became interested in CAIR-Chicago because her desire to help foster a more accurate image of Muslims in America to prevent unnecessary acts of racial discrimination. After this internship, she would like to continue to make an effort to help the Muslim community as well as other groups with victims of hate crimes. Maniza enjoys traveling and spending time with her sisters.
Suhair Ahmad is a student at Benedictine University studying Political Science. She joined CAIR-Chicago in Spring 2010 and is currently a Communications Intern. She wishes to pursue a career in Journalism and is also interested in civil rights. She is a member of many active clubs at Benedictine University, such as the Muslim Student Association, and Students for Justice in Palestine. She strongly supports activism and voicing out for her community. Suhair was inspired to work for CAIR because she was always a strong believer in equality and knows that CAIR is the right place to promote equality, not just for Muslim Americans, but all Americans. Her other hobbies are, reading, writing, and spending time with family and friends.
Sarah Khan is a Spring 2010 Human Resource & Grant Research Intern at CAIR-Chicago. She is a recent graduate from Purdue University where she majored in Finance. She was involved in her school newspaper The Exponent, where she helped with advertising and administrative work. Sarah was also a part of her university’s Muslim Students Association as a social coordinator. Recently, Sarah completed an internship at Edward Jones with a financial advisor this past fall. In the near future, she plans to continue her education by attending law school. Sarah became interested in CAIR because of its efforts in helping the community by promoting a mutual understanding of faith. In her free time, Sarah likes to play tennis, spend time with family, and promote her mother’s Islamic artwork.
Maryam Arfeen is a Community Service Intern for the winter/spring 2010. She is a junior at Loyola University of Chicago where she is pursuing degrees in International Studies and Political Science with minors in Business Administration and Islamic World Studies. She is currently the Da’wah coordinator for Loyola’s Muslims Student Association. Maryam previously interned with a public defender at the Daley Center and volunteered for the Indiana Prosecutor’s office in the victim’s assistance unit. She hopes to attend law school following the completion of her undergraduate studies. Her interest in CAIR was fueled by a desire to help promote justice and equality throughout the Muslim community and beyond. Her interests include writing, traveling, watching only good movies, and playing tennis.
Heather D. Lee is a Civil Rights Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. She is a student at the DePaul University College of Law where she serves as President of the OUTlaws chapter and as a staff writer for the Journal for Social Justice. She is a member of the Chicago Bar Association, the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago, and Phi Alpha Delta legal fraternity. She is also an intern for the International Human Rights Law Institute, and is currently working on the IHRLI Indigenous Rights Project. Heather graduated from the University of Central Florida in 2006 with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a minor in Philosophy. Her professional interests include international human rights, LGBT civil rights, and racial equality. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, making new friends, and experiencing different cultures. She is devoted to helping dissolve the generational, class, and racial gaps in society and is excited to be working with CAIR toward these goals this summer and in the future.
Hadi is Civil Rights Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. He is currently a third-year law student at the University of Chicago. Hadi graduated from Babson College with concentrations in Finance and Legal Studies. While a student at the law school he has been active in Moot Court and the Muslim Law Students Association. He has also worked in the Immigrant Child Advocacy Clinic as guardian ad litem for immigrant youth. During his summers he has worked for the New York office of Fried Frank Harris Shriver & Jacobsen, to which he will be returning next year, and as an extern for the Honorable James B. Moran at the Northern District of Illinois. During his time at law school he had a paper entitled “Islamic Finance in Malaysia – Structural Underpinnings and Reasons for Success” published in the proceedings of the 2010 International Islamic Finance Conference. His interests include Islamic studies, soccer, road trips, and above all being around family and friends.
Sufyan is a Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. He is currently a second year student at DePaul University College of Law in Chicago, IL. At DePaul, Sufyan is student coordinator with DePaul’s Pro-Bono and Community Service Initiatives, serves as the Editor-in-Chief for DePaul’s Rule of Law Journal, sits on both the Committee for Public Interest and the University Ministry Advisory Board, and has worked as a volunteer intern for DePaul’s International Human Rights Law Institute. Last summer, Sufyan interned at the Egyptian Center for Women’s Rights, in Cairo, Egypt, where he researched Gender Violence and worked towards improving the legal and political status of women in Egypt. Sufyan graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelor’s Degree in History and Religious Studies and is currently pursuing a Master’s of Science in Finance alongside his J.D. He spends his free time playing kickball and reading fiction and hopes to pursue a career in International Law concentrating on Human Rights.
Sara Salem is a senior at the University of Illinois at Chicago, majoring in Political Science, Pre-Law. After graduation, she plans to prepare and apply to law school with a concentration in International Law. As an intern, she wants to improve her writing skills while helping clients throughout the Chicago-land community. In her spare time, she likes to take on political endeavors for the Palestinian Cause, as well as spend time with friends and family.
Tarek Khalil is a Civil Rights Intern at CAIR-Chicago. He is currently in his first year at John Marshall School of Law and graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science and a minor in International Studies. Tarek has been working as an independent contractor for the Chicago Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, Inc. (CLCCRUL). Tarek’s professional interests include politics, law, and religion. Moreover, in his free time, he enjoys reading, watching religious programs and mainstream news. As a Muslim, he wishes to enhance understanding of Islam and the lives of Muslims, especially in the American community. Tarek is pursuing a legal education to help fulfill that noble objective. His experience with CAIR-Chicago helped to solidify his intellectual pursuits; he is honored to have served the mission of CAIR.
Matthew Thomas is the Policy Research Intern at CAIR-Chicago. Matthew’s main project will be assisting the Government Affairs Coordinator in increasing community education and participation in the 2010 U.S. Census. In addition, Matthew conducts research aimed towards effectively developing CAIR-Chicago’s position on relevant legislative issues. He contributes regularly to CAIR-Chicago’s blog, The Mobilizer, and its newsletter, The Chicago Activist. Matthew is a recent graduate from the James Madison College of Public Affairs at Michigan State University where he majored in International Relations and specialized in Muslim Studies and Arabic. He plans on attending Graduate school next fall.
Alyssa Brown is a senior at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she majors in English with a concentration in cultural and media studies. She intends to work in the public relations field, and has come to CAIR-Chicago to learn the role of a PR specialist as well as to better understand and engage the issues with which CAIR-Chicago is concerned. In her free moments, she enjoys fiction writing, knitting, and playing on her roommate’s Wii.
Kara Grant is a summer Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. She is a J.D. candidate at the Indiana University Maurer School of Law in Bloomington. Kara attended college in her home state of Texas, followed by work in Philadelphia, Maryland, and Chicago. Her longstanding interests are human rights and language and culture studies, and she is pleased that these pursuits have led her to CAIR-Chicago. Kara previously volunteered with a human rights organization in Haiti and she will continue her study of the Caribbean and Haitian Creole in 2009-2010 as a FLAS Fellow at Indiana University. Kara is on the board of Konbit Pou Edikasyon, an organization funding primary school tuition for Haitian children, and she recently trained as a community mediator.
Brian Myers is a Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. Currently, he is a student at Depaul College of Law. Brian graduated from Miami University of Ohio in 2008 with a Bachelor’s degree in both Political Science and Business Economics. Brian grew up in Northwest Ohio and has travelled to Panama, Costa Rica, England, France, Germany, and China. Brian’s interests include international economics, civil rights and music.
Lola Omoyosi is a Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. She is currently entering her last year at DePaul College of Law in Chicago, IL. As a DePaul student, Lola is a member of the Public Interest Law Society, and Black Law Student Association. Further, she has worked as a volunteer intern for DePaul’s International Human Rights Law Institute, and is the Vice-President for DePaul’s International Law Society. Outside of her DePaul activities, Lola is the co-treasurer for the Lost Boys Rebuilding Southern Sudan NGO. Lola attended Ohio State University where she majored in classical dance while on the pre-medicine track. Lola’s long term goals include a career in civil and international human rights.
Maria De Martini is a native of Argentina. She is an attorney in her home country and is now pursuing a law degree at Valparaiso University in Indiana. She is a participant of the School of Law Honors Program and an assistant in the school’s legal research department. Maria first moved to the United States in 2007 and lived in Denver, Colorado, where she volunteered for the County Pretrial Office, assisting in the interview of Spanish-speaking detainees. This experience triggered her interest in public service and civil rights advocacy. She would ultimately like to pursue a career in international human rights, particularly advocating for children’s rights.
Talha Khan is a law clerk in the Civil Rights department. He holds a Bachelors degree from Indiana University in Accounting and Corporate Finance. Upon graduating, Talha joined Ernst & Young where he served as a financial auditor for many companies, including Fortune 500s. While he enjoyed his time at Ernst he felt he needed a career change. Being a Muslim, and observing the growing divide between Muslims and the West, he turned to a career in law as a way to help bridge this “gap”. Talha enjoys traveling, hiking, watching wild-life in national parks, and running in marathons. He recently ran the Chicago Marathon for the fight against Cancer in Children.
Linda Qatanani is a double major in English and Psychology at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). She has a genuine interest in helping others in any way possible. Linda chose to do an internship at CAIR-Chicago because of their focus on civil rights activism. She takes a special interest in religious and international studies, as well as creative writing. As a passionate writer, she believes that the written word is the most powerful tool in activism. Linda has served on the Shura (board) of the UIC Muslim Student Association (MSA) for two years and takes initiative in helping out other Muslims around her community, whether at UIC or at the Mosque Foundation community in Bridgeview.
Mohammad Abdeljalil is a communications intern at CAIR Chicago. He is a student at the University of Chicago majoring in Political Science and Public Policy. Mohammad is from Chicago although he has also lived abroad. His interests include wrestling, international relations, political philosophy, and civilization studies.
Thibaud Smerko [pronounced tee-bo] was born in Paris, France, but has lived in Chicago most of his life. Recently, he returned from a year-long study abroad in which he spent one semester studying Arabic in Cairo and another studying at the UCA and DiTella Universities in Buenos Aires. As an International Studies major at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, with a concentration in Economics, Thibaud is interested in cross-cultural communication and International Relations. This coming December, he hopes to capitalize on his degree by finding a job in the Middle East or by continuing on to graduate school in International Relations. He also enjoys cycling, rock climbing, Brazilian Portuguese, cheese, wine, and reading. Thibaud is looking forward to contributing and learning at CAIR-Chicago this summer.
Julianna Parlock is a summer 2009 Communications Intern at CAIR-Chicago. She recently graduated from Purdue University where she majored in History. Julianna chose this internship because of CAIR-Chicago’s commitment to civil rights and dedication to encouraging accurate and positive portrayals of Muslims in the media. She excited to gain experience in civil rights work and journalism. Her professional interests include immigration policy, law, and international human rights. In her spare time, she enjoys jogging, baking, and writing. She plans on attending law school to become a human rights attorney.
Matthew Niemi is a Public Education Intern at CAIR-Chicago. He is a senior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he is majoring in International Studies with a concentration on the Middle East and Linguistics. He spent the Spring of ’09 in Egypt, where he studied Arabic and the Middle East at the American University in Cairo. By working with CAIR, Matt hopes to work for a higher level of cooperation and understanding between the multitude of faiths and cultures that converge here in our great nation. Religion, linguistics, cryptozoology, and music are among Matt’s chief interests. In his spare time, he leads a ska band called “The Skalalitabs.” The name is a pun formed by combining the word “ska” with the anglicization of the Qur’anic Arabic phrase “Ahl al-Kitab” (“People of the Book”), referring to followers of God’s revealed scriptures.
Zehra Hasnie is a summer Outreach Intern at CAIR-Chicago. She is a 3rd year student at the University of Illinois at Chicago majoring in Communications. She chose to work for CAIR-Chicago because she is committed to helping others- and felt the best way to do is by helping to coordinate community service events. Zehra feels that the experience she has gained at CAIR-Chicago will take her a long way as she continues her journey through college and the years to come. She enjoys reading and writing in her spare time and her goals in life include rebuilding her childhood mosque, and one day if she’s lucky, becoming a world leader, but as of now she’ll stick to the mosque.
Tom Skelton is a native of Oak Park, Illinois. He is a senior majoring in History and Philosophy at Saint Louis University and has taken an interest in legal scholarship, particularly in the fields of civil and human rights. For the past two years, his involvement in Saint Louis University’s Amnesty International chapter has taken him to conferences in Boston and Washington DC. Tom has spent the last semester acting as Intake Counselor for the American Civil Liberties Union of Eastern Missouri, a St. Louis based non-profit focusing on the protection and enforcement of civil liberties for the general public. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with friends, reading, and watching films. Tom is excited to work with CAIR this summer as a Governmental Affairs Intern.
Chelsea Kress is a summer 2009 Government Affairs intern at CAIR-Chicago. She is a third year student at Boston College, double majoring in Islamic Civilizations and Societies and Political Science. She was recently invited to join the Political Science Honors Program. Chelsea joined CAIR-Chicago for the summer because it is an opportunity to combine these two interests. Last summer, Chelsea was selected to work as a Community Organizer for the “Obama for America” campaign in Allentown, PA. Next spring she will be studying abroad at the School of Oriental and African studies in London, England where she plans to continue her studies of Middle Eastern politics and Arabic. Outside of school, Chelsea is an avid dancer and is a member of the Dance Organization of Boston College.
Danyah Wafa is a summer 2009 Government Affairs- Policy Research Intern at CAIR-Chicago. Born and raised in the Midwest, Danyah currently attends Michigan State University and is majoring in International Studies with a focus in Political Science. As she embarks on her second year, she hopes to bring what she learns from CAIR-Chicago to become more involved in civil and human rights issues on an international level through policy analysis relative to the Muslim world, as well as nationally and locally. Danyah chose to intern at CAIR-Chicago because of her admiration for their work to challenge the injustices Muslims in America face. She feels it is important to work towards awareness and justice for all of humanity.
Anna W. Wypych is a civil rights intern at CAIR-Chicago. She is a senior at Northeastern Illinois University majoring in justice studies. Anna will be graduating this summer and is planning on furthering her education by going to law school, in hopes of serving her community by bringing justice back to the people. Anna has an expansive background in the justice arena from a military standpoint by serving in the U.S. Army. She hopes to use her experience and knowledge, combined with a future law degree, to better her community by having an understanding of both sections of service. Anna is a devoted wife and mother, and in her spare time loves staying active with current events, reading, traveling, and has a passion for faith and nature; most of all she loves spending time with her family.
Charles A. Hollins is a Civil rights intern at CAIR-Chicago. He is a senior biology student at Chicago State University, where he serves the President of the Minority Association of Pre-health Students. Upon graduation in the spring of 2009 Charles will be commissioned in the United States Army Reserves as a 2nd Lieutenant. Mr. Hollins plans to continue his education next fall as a graduate student in Public Health Policy. Charles chose CAIR-Chicago organization because of continued effort and commitment to providing help to those in need of help. In his spare time, Charles enjoys watching movies, reading, running and traveling.
Sable H Tran is a Civil Rights Intern at CAIR –Chicago. She is a student at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where she is an active member devoted to the Pre-Law Society. Sable is currently working on her Bachelor’s degree in Spanish and English with a concentration in Race, Gender, and Sexuality. Sable enjoys volunteering at CAIR-Chicago because she is contributing to the mission of helping others. Sable’s interests include African American history in literature and art and cultural diversity. Her professional interests include civil disobedience, traditional cultural studies, and communication. Sable has a strong devotion to gender and racial equality and is working to enforce those values throughout her campus.
Mika Reilly is a Law Clerk in CAIR-Chicago’s Civil Rights Department for the winter of 2008 -2009. She is now in her final year of a joint Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts degree at Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand. She was also involved in an exchange program with the National University of Singapore where she focused on international law. Mika is interested in human rights and the law, especially with an international perspective. Mika has lived in Chicago, Japan, New Zealand, Belize and Singapore.
Jo Ann G. Lim is a Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. She is a student at DePaul College of Law, where she is a member of the Asian Pacific American Law Students Association and was a Louise Project tutor at Jones College Prep. Jo Ann graduated magna cum laude from the University of Illinois-Chicago in 2005 with a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature. Jo Ann is excited to be working with CAIR because of its extensive work in civil rights and its commitment to advocacy and community outreach. In her free time, Jo Ann enjoys reading, cooking, spending time outdoors, and kayaking with friends.
Mehran Mohammed is a Spring 09 intern in the Civil Rights department. He currently attends John Marshall Law School. He went to Northwestern University obtaining an Industrial Engineering and Management Science degree. Between undergrad and law school, Mehran worked as a Bonds Trader at Allston Trading. In keeping with the tradition of not working in the field studied, Mehran ultimately wants to run a charitable hedge fund. Mehran wanted to work at CAIR to give back to the community that had helped him so much. He will stay in Chicago as this is the greatest city in the world. Mehran likes to read The Economist, complain about Obama, travel abroad, and play basketball, football, and soccer.
Haneen Arman is a spring 2009 communications intern. She is currently a junior at the University of Illinois at Chicago and is majoring in English. Haneen was inspired to work for CAIR due to it pure mission in preventing injustice towards Islam and Muslims in the media. Haneen thinks that this internship with CAIR will provide her with the strong professional skills in defense and reason that can only put her at an advantage for her desired future profession. After graduation in May 2010, Haneen plans to attend law school to become a federal/criminal lawyer.
Krista Shapiro is a spring 2009 Public Relations intern at CAIR-Chicago. She is currently a senior at Loyola University Chicago, majoring in Advertising and Public Relations. Krista is an active member of the Co-ed professional business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi, where she serves as the Vice President of Alumni Relations. She has a passion for helping others and volunteering around her community. She loves living in Chicago and enjoying the lakefront whenever possible. Krista looks forward to working at CAIR-Chicago because she wants to help continue the success of this organization and help the Muslim community achieve the rights that they deserve.
Charlena Cleveland is a spring 2009 Government Affairs Intern at CAIR-Chicago. She is currently a senior at Loyola University Chicago and is majoring in Communication studies with a minor in International Studies and Visual Communication. In the past, she has participated in Loyola’s Global Water Brigade in Honduras. Where she, and fellow students, led safety meetings about water contamination. She also gained valuable experience working abroad in Rome, Italy for four months. Charlena chose CAIR-Chicago because of the organizations commitment to justice and policy concerns. After graduation, she plans on pursuing a Masters degree in International Relations, focusing specifically on intercultural communication tactics.
Bethanie Legare is a Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. She is a third-year student at Loyola University Chicago School of Law, where she serves on the Editorial Board of the International Law Review. She graduated from the University of Illinois in 2006 with a Bachelor’s degree in French and a minor in Business Administration. Beth is from Morton, Illinois, but has also lived in Paris, France. She enjoys reading, running, cooking, and music, while her professional interests include international human rights, immigration and asylum, and employment discrimination.
Gregory Conner is a recent graduate of the University of Louisville with a Bachelor of Science in Sport Administration and minor in Communications and coordinates community relations for Urchin Studios, a record company. He was a member of the Muslim Students Association where he helped lead educational events, including events for Black History Month. Greg joined the CAIR-Chicago communications internship to gain experience that would benefit his interest in a career in communications and international relations.
Nicholas Short is a Fall Communications intern at CAIR-Chicago. Though he has gained much experience in other fields including sales, his main focus is on journalism. After receiving his bachelor’s degree in communication at Saint Xavier University, he decided to continue his training by going for a master’s degree in journalism at Roosevelt University. After earning his master’s, he became a freelance writer and has written for several publications, including the Chicago Crusader and Clubline Chicago Magazine. He still occasionally writes for such publications as Urban Influence Magazine. Born and raised in Chicago, IL, he currently lives in the city’s south side (in the Englewood area). He chose the CAIR internship because he felt that the experience would not only make him a better journalist but a better person. His interests range from politics to the entertainment industry.
Rubina Ali is a junior at Loyola University Chicago majoring in Journalism and Political Science. She thought a Communications Internship at CAIR would be a great way to gain experience in the Journalism field, and get a chance to observe some of the civil rights work that CAIR does. Rubina is interested in helping the Muslim community by making a conscious effort to present Muslims in a positive light through the news media. Rubina is on the staff of Loyola University’s student newspaper- the Loyola Phoenix and enjoys reading, writing, and running.
Haadee Siddiqui is an intern for the Muslim Youth Leadership Symposium (MYLS) program. He is a recent graduate from Von Steuben Metropolitan Science Center in Chicago. Currently, he attends Harold Washington College and plans to enroll at DePaul University as a pre-law major. At Von Steuben, Haadee was inducted into the National Honors Society (NHS), and served as a Team Leader and Ambassador of Link Crew, a group that helps freshman adapt to the social and academic rigors of high school. Haadee was attracted to the MYLS program because he believes in helping Muslim youth understand why it is important for them and their community to stand up for their rights. He looks forward to sharing his experience in volunteerism and mentoring with the Muslim community. In his spare time, Haadee enjoys working with technology and playing various sports.
Dr. Tim Jon Semmerling holds a Ph.D. in Near Eastern Languages and Cultures from Indiana University. His literary accomplishments include the books, Israeli and Palestinian Postcards: Presentations of National Self (University of Texas Press, 2004) and “Evil” Arabs in American Popular Film: Orientalist Fear (University of Texas Press, 2006), which the Arab-American National Museum has awarded “Honorable Mention, 2006 Book Award in Adult Non-Fiction” and which Choice Magazine has awarded “Outstanding Academic Title, 2007.” He has also recently co-authored a manuscript titled An Overview of Post-Conflict Justice for publication by the International Human Rights Law Institute at DePaul University and for use by the Iraq History Project. His articles, “Those ‘Evil’ Muslims! Orientalist Fears in the Narratives of the War on Terror,” will be published in The Journal of Muslim Minority Affairs (Forthcoming Vol. 28, No. 2) and, “The John Marshall Clemens Law Ledger: A Legal Vestige of the American Frontier,” will be published in Western Legal History: The Journal of the Ninth Judicial Circuit Historical Society (Forthcoming, 2008).Presently, Semmerling studies law at DePaul University’s College of Law where he is a Jeanne M. and Joseph P. Sullivan Human Rights Law Fellow. He will receive his J.D. in 2009 and is now concentrating his law studies and activities toward human rights and criminal law.
Kenya N. McCarter is a Law Clerk at CAIR -Chicago and also serves as a Law Clerk for the 16th Judicial Circuit. He is a student at Northern Illinois University where he is the school representative for the Illinois State Bar Association. Kenya is also a member of the National Black Law Student Association and the American Bar Association. Prior to attending law school, he served as a law enforcement official and he was enlisted in the United States Navy. He has a bachelors degree in Criminal Justice Administration and his professional interests include intellectual property law, civil liberties, and corporate law.
Kevin P. Walsh is a summer Legal Intern with CAIR-Chicago. He currently attends DePaul Law School in Chicago where he is the Student-Faculty Representative for the Student Bar Association and a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council. Kevin graduated magna cum laude from the University of Colorado in 2006 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Kevin is from Colorado, but has also lived in both Ireland and Egypt. His experiences abroad have afforded him an understanding of Islamic culture, which he hopes to apply to the practice of international law. For now, he has chosen to apply his background to serving the Islamic community of Chicago by interning with CAIR-Chicago.
Kulsoom Naqvi is a Civil Rights Legal Intern at CAIR-Chicago. She graduated Cum Laude in 2007 from Northwestern University, receiving a BA and double majoring in Political Science and English with a sub-specialty in Writing (Fiction). Kulsoom is currently studying at New York University School of Law, where she actively pursues projects with Law Students for Human Rights. Kulsoom’s professional interests include civil liberties, immigration and human rights; in her free time she enjoys writing and painting. Kulsoom chose to work at CAIR because of her interest in civil rights and in serving the Muslim community; so far, she’s really enjoying it.
Mani Mostofi is a Law Clerk at CAIR-Illinois. He just finished his second year at Fordham Law School, in New York City, where he is a board member of the Immigrant Advocacy Project and a Crowley Scholar with the Leitner Center for International Law and Justice. Additionally, Mani has taken part in Fordham’s International Justice Clinic representing Guantanamo detainees. Prior to law school, Mani received a MA in Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Texas at Austin where he researched media and democratization. Mani has also been a dedicated advocate of Palestinian human rights. In his personal life Mani enjoys to writing music, traveling, and watching the television program, Battlestar Galactica.
Nadia Abusumayah is a 2008 Summer Civil Rights Intern at CAIR-Chicago. She recently graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice from Governors State University. She also recently completed an internship with the States Attorney’s Office as a victim witness assistant coordinator. Nadia joined CAIR-Chicago to gain knowledge and experience in the law field. She plans on taking the LSAT and applying to law school in the near future. In her free time she enjoys hanging out with family and friends, shopping and volunteering with community events. Nadia is excited to be working with CAIR as a Civil Rights Intern.
Umair Malik is a Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. In Fall ’08, he will start his second year at Michigan State University College of Law. He is the co-founder of the Muslim Law Students Association at his law school. Umair earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in Accounting, at Eastern Michigan University. His main interests of law are Civil Rights and Business. He pursued this position with CAIR- Chicago to help provide the proper remedies for the innocent people, who have faced religious and ethnic discrimination. His strongest personal interest is the National Basketball Association; especially the Detroit Pistons.
Mahvesh Jamil is a summer intern in the Outreach department at CAIR-Chicago. She is a recent graduate from DePaul University with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She graduated Summa Cum Laude and as an honorary member of Psi Chi, the National Honors Society in Psychology. She plans to pursue a Master’s in Industrial Organizational Psychology and hopes to acquire the essential skills necessary to apply in the human resources sector. She is very passionate and interested in helping the Muslim community in any way possible, which is what attracted her to CAIR. She is eager to share her professional and social savvy with CAIR-Chicago’s personnel, partners and supporters. She enjoys traveling and spending time with her friends and family.
Min Rui, from Nanchang, China, joins Outreach department at CAIR-Chicago as an intern through the International Visitors Center of Chicago (IVCC) and the Global Education Association (GEA). He is a senior at University of Electronic Science and Technology of China (UESTC), majoring in Communication Engineering. Min is fascinated in traveling, politics and communicating with people of diverse backgrounds. He is also very passionate and interested in helping people and communities. He served as a volunteer for the 50th Anniversary of UESTC and the Sichuan Earthquake Rescue Team. He looks forward to sharing his experience and professional skills with CAIR-Chicago in human resources, while understanding and helping Muslim Americans.
Helena P. Haas is a 20-year-old rising senior at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York.
Having chosen a Communications Internship here at CAIR-Chicago she is excited to contribute her skills and interests in communications and photojournalism. For the past three years Helena participated in Division I field hockey at Cornell University but her interests have switched to pursuing her degree in communications. She finds interest in new media and photography while also having an outside concentration in history. Outside of school Helena enjoys the outdoors, traveling, participating in athletics, and swimming at her home in Wisconsin.
Joe Lindahl is a senior at DePaul University pursuing a degree in Journalism. Hailing from Des Moines, Joe has joined CAIR-Chicago as a Communications Intern. With an open mind to a variety of career paths, Joe is excited about working with CAIR-Chicago this summer. Joe is a current staff writer for the DePaulia, and enjoys writing both feature and news stories. The idea of working with both online and print content has become a central interest for Joe. Also working at Lincoln Park Athletic Center as a child care provider, Joe has worked with children for over six years, from Los Angeles to Chicago. In his free time Joe can be found training for his first half marathon, or traveling. Joe is glad to be onboard with CAIR-Chicago.
Lana Noweder is a summer Communications Intern at CAIR-Chicago. She has completed her junior year at Loyola University Chicago, where she is pursuing a major in Economics and a minor in political science. Lana has interest in politics, communications, religion, and civil liberties. She chose CAIR because of their commitment in protecting the civil rights of American Muslims. She is also passionate about the media’s portrayal of Muslims and Islam, and likes to help monitor the media for any inaccuracies or misconceptions. After she graduates, Lana plans on going to law school. Her professional interests include civil and immigration laws. In her spare time, Lana likes to read, travel, and spend time with family and friends.
Leena Saleh is a Communications Intern at CAIR-Chicago. Leena is Arising sophomore at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is an English major eventually aiming to become a journalist. Her professional interests include race relations, portrayal of Muslims in the media, a preservation of civil rights, the Palestinian conflict, literature, cultural studies, and writing. Leena chose CAIR-Chicago because she believes in what they’re accomplishing and wants to be a part of the process. Leena has lived in Chicago for most of her life, although she did spend two years in Jordan. In her free time, Leena enjoys painting, drawing, listening to music, and watching movies. Leena is thrilled to be working with CAIR-Chicago this summer.
Mohammad Sagha is a Freshman at DePaul University where he plans to concentrate on Political Science, Finance/Economics, and Linguistics. He is involved in journalism and hopes to one day become a political commentator and/or scholar. Mohammad chose CAIR-Chicago because of his deeply personal beliefs in freedom, civil rights, liberty and the role of Muslims in the future of America. Mohammad loves to read, though it is Wikipedia much too often, and plays soccer whenever he gets the chance. He is fluent in Farsi and plans on learning Arabic soon.
Chamandeep Bains is a senior at DePaul University. Her major is Communications and she is perusing a minor in Creative Writing. With her Communications Internship at CAIR-Chicago, she looks forward to a bolstering her career in writing. Chamandeep believes social activism has a place in writing which can be brought forward by the writer’s responsibility. In the future she hopes to pursue an MFA in creative fiction.
Luke Willson is a Winter/Spring Communications Intern at CAIR-Chicago. He is a graduate of DePaul University, with a degree in Communications and a minor in Religious Studies. Luke was born in Tokyo, Japan, and lived in New Delhi, India, for eleven years before coming to Chicago. At DePaul, he was a staff writer for the university newspaper. He is currently pursuing a career in Journalism. Luke was initially drawn to CAIR-Chicago because of his interest in religion and cultural exchange. The internship experience brought out a commitment to service and civil rights that will continue to impact his life.
Sandy Abdallah is a fall Communications Intern at CAIR-Chicago. Sandy holds a Bachelor’s of Arts Degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She majored in English with a focus on cultural and media studies and minored in Communication. She chose to intern at CAIR-Chicago for their dedication to the American-Muslim community, professionalism, and media savvy. Sandy has been with CAIR-Chicago for about a year and is currently planning on using her experience with the organization towards building a career in writing and public relations. She hopes to expand her experiences and education through traveling.
Erum Ibrahim is a senior at DePaul University in Chicago, double-majoring in International Studies, with a concentration in Islamic World Studies, and Political Science. Erum has been involved in several organizations on campus, including serving on the Executive of Board of DePaul’s MSA, UMMA, working on the Student Interfaith Council, serving as a Mentor to students in the Honors Program, and is the current President of DePaul Society for International Affairs – Model United Nations. Her community involvement includes a Fellowship with the Interfaith Youth Core, volunteering for the Inner-city Muslim Action Network through DePaul’s UMMA, and aiding her local mosque in a variety of capacities. As a Government Relations intern with CAIR-Chicago this summer, Erum is excited about the opportunity to engage with the Muslim community in civic participation.
Gwendolyn Bowman is a political science and sociology major at North Central College in Naperville. She will be a senior next fall and hopes that her Government Relations Internship at CAIR-Chicago will help her discover what she wants to do with her life after graduation. Her interest with CAIR-Chicago was prompted by a course she took about women in Morocco and Iran where she learned about the way Islam is misunderstood by Americans. When she is not studying about politics and social inequalities, she enjoys playing in the North Central College band and flute choir.
Rachel Wilson will be entering her senior year at Northwestern University, majoring in Political Science and Religion with a minor in Environmental Policy and Culture. She also serves as an active and enthusiastic member in the student group Bridging the Gap, aimed at breaking down barriers and stereotypes in and outside of the Northwestern community. Rachel comes to CAIR-Chicago this summer as a Governmental Relations intern with the interest of understanding the intersection between religion and politics and what this relationship means for both people of faith and for those who do not count themselves apart of any religion.
Yusra Gomaa is a Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. She graduated from the University of Chicago and is a law student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She will be working on employment discrimination cases as well as other civil rights cases represented by CAIR-Chicago’s Civil Rights Department.
Billy Georgakis is a Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. He just finished his second year of law school at Chicago-Kent College of Law where he is a columnist for his law school’s newspaper The Commentator. He will be working on employment discrimination cases as well as the other legal projects CAIR specializes in. Billy has previous experience in employment discrimination when he worked at Chicago-Kent’s Labor and Employment Clinic during the Summer of 2006. He graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2005 with degrees in History and Economics.
Christopher E. Lentz is a Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. He is a student at the University of Chicago Law School, where he serves as President of the American Civil Liberties Union Law chapter and Vice President of the Public Interest Law Society. Chris graduated magna cum laude from Tufts University in 2003 with a Bachelor’s degree in both Political Science and Philosophy. Chris is from Bethlehem, PA, though he has also lived in Santiago, Chile and Lampang, Thailand. His professional interests include international human rights, civil liberties, religion, and cultural studies.
Farha Ahmed is a Law Clerk at CAIR-Chicago. She graduated from DePaul University with a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. She is currently a law student at the University of Illinois College of Law. She is the treasurer of the Muslim Law Students Association and the Alumni Coordinator for the Asian American Law Students Association at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Amina Butt is a senior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she is majoring in Political Science and minoring in Sociology. In 2004 she was one of the founding members of CAIR-UIUC, the first university chapter of CAIR. Since then she has served as that chapter’s executive director and communications director. In these positions she has worked to mobilize Muslims on civil rights issues. In 2005 she interned at a legal aid foundation in Southern Illinois providing free legal representation to the underprivileged. In 2006 Amina and her husband traveled to Aceh, Indonesia to teach at an orphanage for victims of the 2004 tsunami. She will be working at CAIR as a Communications Intern for the summer of 2007.
Lori Slimp joins CAIR-Chicago as a summer Communications Intern. Lori completed her sophomore year at American University in Washington, DC where she is an international studies major with concentrations in the Middle East and Islamic studies. Lori speaks French, has studied Arabic for two years, and hopes to eventually speak Persian and Turkish. She loves to read, and first became interested in Islam and Muslims because her favorite book series is set in Egypt. Her other interests include theater, cooking, and playing games with her friends and family. She plans to study in Egypt at the American University in Cairo.
Mirza Baig recently graduated from Benedictine University with a degree in Political Science and joins CAIR-Chicago as a summer Communications Intern. His interest in CAIR and communications evolved from studying and learning about the media. Mirza is planning to pursue an MBA this fall, and would like to work in a position that includes a global perspective. Mirza’s interest in writing was sparked when the first news article he submitted to his university’s newspaper for publication went straight to the front page. Mirza enjoys traveling and would like to see as much of the world as he can.
Muhammad Akbar is a summer Communications Intern at CAIR-Chicago. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in English with a concentration in creative writing from North Park University. He is pursuing his Juris Doctorate degree at John Marshall Law School. Muhammad is an active member of Young Muslims, a organization that teaches youth to understand their faith and mentors them so that they can become active contributors to the larger society. Muhammad’s passion is to strive for justice and true understanding between people of different faiths and backgrounds to live up to the Quranic maxim “[t]hat God created us in different nations and tribes so that we may know one another.”
Musab Siddiqui rejoins CAIR-Chicago as a Communications Intern. He is a sophomore in undergraduate studies at Claremont McKenna College. Musab is currently trying to sustain his successes from the first year of college which included creating and editing a new student newspaper, acting in two plays, and being elected vice president of his school’s initially defunct, but now active MSA chapter. Musab uses his free time for creative expression, to stay in shape, and to follow his ambitions to become a movie director. He finds that the time he spent at CAIR last summer served to ground and motivate him for the year to come, and he hopes for the same.
Whitney Nickels opted for a communications internship with CAIR Chicago because it addresses what she feels most passionately about: the public’s perception of Islam and Muslims. She hopes to demonstrate her capability in helping CAIR to fulfill its goals associated with media monitoring. Whitney recently graduated magna cum laude from Loyola University Chicago with a Bachelors degree in Religious Studies and a minor in Islamic World Studies. She intends to continue in her academic study of Islam with a goal of becoming a professor of Islamic Studies.
Chris, 21, is a native of Des Moines, Iowa. He is a senior History major at DePaul University, and although his career path has yet to be fully formed, Chris has taken an interest in scholarship, education, politics and communication. Civil and human rights have become of particular importance to Chris. By the end of 2007, his involvement in service through DePaul University Ministry will have taken him to Denver, Los Angeles, and Nogales, Mexico. Chris has spent the past year acting as College Student Liaison to Community Building Tutors, a Chicago non-profit focused on the development of educated, civic-minded young people. In his free time, he enjoys listening to music, playing bass guitar, running and hanging out with friends. Chris is excited to be working with CAIR this summer as a Governmental Relations intern.
Safia Quadri is an undergraduate joining CAIR-Chicago as a Government Relations Policy Research intern. She is obtaining a Bachelors degree in history at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She holds a great interest in the Muslim diasporas and hopes to transform this interest into a career in law and civil liberties.
Abeer Azam is a sophomore at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is majoring in English and minoring in Political Science. Abeer joined CAIR-Chicago as an outreach intern because of the opportunity it provides for reaching out to the Muslim community. She plans on pursuing family and immigration law to continue aiding the community. She loves playing tennis and enjoys reading and spending time with her sisters.
Kweon Kook Tak joins CAIR-Chicago’s Outreach Department as a Community Service Intern where he assists in finding diverse volunteer opportunities in the local community. He is a graduate student at Depaul Business School, majoring in Computational Finance to understand financial models and implement these models in the form of computer programs. He is interested in investment banking and hopes to be a quantitative analyst or a CFA(Chartered Financial Analyst) after graduation. Kweon is from South Korea and hopes to acquire valuable volunteer experience.
Uzma Bawany is a senior at DePaul University who has joined CAIR-Chicago as a Communications Intern. She is on track to earning her Bachelors Degree in Commerce with a concentration in Marketing and minor in Sociology this spring. Fortunately through both current and previous work experience she has been able to familiarize herself in various aspects of marketing by taking active responsibility in consumer research, promotions, strategic analysis and sales. Her most previous work opportunity includes working with the Harris Bank corporate marketing team doing strategic analysis and assisting in development of a future promotional program. Her true passion is working with people and she believes true balance in life is achieved by matching your financial and career successes with efforts toward betterment of the global community.
Mai Mahmoud Staiti is an apprentice with the AFSC (American Friends Service Committee) and a visiting Volunteer with CAIR-Chicago. She is in her third year studying marketing at the Arab American University in Jenin. She is a coach of the Popular Achievement program in Palestine, an AFSC initiative in Jenin. She instructs youth on many concepts including democracy, effective communication, team work, and non-violence. Mai encourages the youth that she instructs to implement what they have learned in their communities in order that they may themselves guide others in the future. Members of her group have gone on to contribute to their communities by opening a library, planting trees, and imparting the values they have learned to their peers. Her group known as Watanna – meaning our home – also produced and performed a play in order to work toward the revival of the arts and culture community of Jenin, due to the city’s decline during the Intifada, in which all entrances to the town were closed by the Israeli army. Mai is here visiting organizations in several cities of the U.S. to share her experiences and learn more in the way of activism to better serve her work in Palestine.
Marwah Serag is in her third year of law school at DePaul University, College of Law and joins CAIR-Chicago as a Civil Rights Intern. She is concentrating her study of the law on Immigration Law and International Human Rights Law. She is pursuing an internship at CAIR-Chicago because she wants to protect and promote the rights of Muslims. In the future she hopes to work in the international community upholding human rights.
Amy Chiang is in her second year of law school at Chicago-Kent College of Law and joins CAIR-Chicago as a Civil Rights Intern. She has an interest in Immigration Law, Civil Rights Law, and Family Law. She has worked for a family law firm for the past three years. She is a graduate of DePaul University where she majored in Business Administration and Economics. Amy is an avid Steelers fan and hopes to cheer them on to another Super Bowl victory this year.
Rachel Rondy is in her second year of DePaul University College of Law J.D. program. She recently joined CAIR-Chicago as a Law Clerk in the civil rights department. Rachel’s main interests are international human rights law and civil rights. She spent the summer working on a land law development project in Cambodia.
Ross Zambon is in his third and final year at the John Marshall Law School, as a joint J.D./LL.M. student in taxation. He has recently joined the CAIR-Chicago team as a Civil Rights Intern, with an undecided future in the legal community. By means of his degree in finance from the University of Illinois, Mr. Zambon is interested in international business, foreign policy, and worldwide civil rights. As an avid football fan, Mr. Zambon has not missed a Bears game in 19 and one half years!
Maria Banjo is in her first year of law school at John Marshall Law School and joins CAIR-Chicago as a Civil Rights Intern. She has a strong interest in International Law, Human Rights Law, and Civil Rights Law. As an undergrad at Agnes Scott College, she majored in Political Science and minored in Africana Studies. Maria hobbies and interests include dance choreography and track and field.
Rashad Tahir joins CAIR-Chicago as an Operations Intern. He is currently pursuing a degree in Finance from DePaul University. Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Rashad has a strong interest in the fields of finance and accounting, and hopes to gain valuable knowledge and experience in assisting the community. Outside of school, he enjoys reading, and spending time with family and friends.
Ndidi Amatullah Okakpu has joined CAIR-Chicago as a Communications Intern. She is completing a Bachelors of Science in Finance and Communications at DePaul University, while serving as VP of Marketing for the National Association of Black Accountants and Social Action Chair for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. – Lambda Chapter. She has also completed one academic year of Arabic and Islamic studies at the Abu Nour Institute in Damascus, Syria. Ndidi has served as organizing secretary for The Mosque Cares National Youth Dawah Organization, is the founder of For Brothers & Sisters Mentoring and has promoted interfaith relations with the Chicago Focolare Movement and the Washington, DC Metropolitan Interfaith Conference. While her interests are in finance, she excels in marketing and communications. She admires CAIR-Chicago’s dedication to Muslim civil rights and hopes to aide to the best of her capacities.
Manar Jamal has joined CAIR-Chicago as a Graphical Design Intern. Manar graduated from Saint Xavier University with a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management Information Systems (MIS), and was accepted as a member of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS). After taking courses in graphic art and working in the University’s Art and Design lab and Art Gallery, she decided to try out a career in Graphic Design. She is also interested in marketing, management, web design and multimedia. Manar enjoys reading,learning new software and helping other Muslims. Manar hopes to attend DePaul’s Graduate School of Business in the near future.
Sadaf Hameed has joined CAIR-Chicago as an Operations Intern. Sadaf graduated from Islamic Foundation School in Villa Park this past spring, and currently volunteers at Loyola University Medical Center as an Emergency Room Unit Aide. Sadaf is going to attend the College of Dupage this fall and plans on tranferring to Depaul University in 2 years. Sadaf holds a high brown belt in Tae Kwon Do and is planning on pursuing a degree in journalism and law.
Tannia Dubon received her bachelor’s in English Literature and French from DePaul University, and has joined CAIR-Chicago as a Communications Intern Her academic interests in language, culture, and history have led her to pursue a career in civil rights and immigration law. She was previously an intern at the Economic Department of the French Consulate and more recently at the Silk Road Theatre in Chicago. Her internship at CAIR has been a great experience thus far; she has found CAIR to be a safe, intellectually stimulating, and positive environment in which to learn and work. In the Communication department she is able to do what she enjoys most— research, critical analysis, and writing.
Jack Ritchey joins the CAIR Chicago team as a Governmental Relations Intern, and is excited about the opportunity. He is a junior at DePaul University currently pursuing a major in Political Science and a minor in philosophy. Among his interests are civil rights, foreign policy, and the philosophical investigation of democracy. Jack enjoys writing, spending time with his Fraternity brothers, and is an avid St. Louis Blues fan. “Lets go Blues!”
Sarah Sipe joins the CAIR-Chicago family as a summer intern in the Civil Rights Department. Sarah currently attends law school at the University of Dayton, and received her undergraduate degree in Cultural Studies at DePaul University. Sarah is getting married in August, and enjoys watching sports in her spare time. While Sarah is still deciding on which direction to take her future law career, she is happy to be involved with a passionate organization like CAIR-Chicago.
Samina Sulemanjee is a senior at Northwestern University where she is pursuing a bachelors degree in Political Science and International Studies, focusing on the Middle Eastern region. Samina has joined CAIR-Chicago as a civial rights intern in order to contribute towards the empowerment of the Muslim community and to combat negative stereotypes concerning Muslims. She is also interested in gaining experience in legal affairs. Samina spent the past spring semester studying in Cairo, Egypt, where she took classes on the Arabic Language and Middle Eastern Politics. While in Cairo, she also had the opportunity to work with Sudanese Refugee Children through a tutoring program. Samina’s interests include reading, music, traveling, and volunteering in the community. During the school year, she is actively involved with the Campus Kitchens at Northwestern University.
Erin Hartnett joins CAIR-Chicago this summer as a Governmental Relations Intern. She is a senior at DePaul University studying history with a pre-law concentration and is interested in politics, international law, foreign policy and the promotion of cultural and religious understanding both domestically and abroad. This summer she will also be attending the United States Foreign Policy Institute at the George Washington University and doing policy research for local congressional candidates while completing the law school application process.
Amir Drljevic joins CAIR-Chicago as an Operations Intern. Amir is a student at the University of Dzemal Bijedic in Bosnia and spent the past year studying psychology at the University of Alabama, Huntsville on a U.S State Department–sponsored scholarship. Amir, who is in the process of earning an Bachelor’s Degree in information technology and certification in Cisco systems, is a valuable addition to the technology team at CAIR-Chicago. Amir speaks several languages and is also interested in world travel, graphic design, and meeting new people.
Susan DeCostanza recently finished her first year of law school at DePaul University. This summer she is coordinating CAIR-Chicago’s Travel Free Project in the Civil Rights Department. Susan completed her undergraduate work at Boston College in 2001 with a double major in English Literature and Elementary Education. Susan is also the Public Interest Coordinator at DePaul’s Law Career Services Office. Susan loves her dog, Stanley.
Ausaf Farooqi joins the CAIR-Chicago Civil Rights Department as the Prison Project Coordinator. Ausaf is beginning his second year of law school at the Chicago-Kent College of Law this fall. Ausaf encourages all Muslims to join in the fight for Muslim Civil Rights and would like to remind his fellow brothers and sisters of the activities of early Muslims when they lived as a minority in Mecca. Much of their early activity with the surrounding community consisted of advocating and defending their ability to practice their religion freely. Once again, Muslims have sometimes found themselves in hostile circumstances as a result of their faith. Insha’Allah, all Muslims should stand to fight abuses to the civil rights of Muslims.
Sarah Terman is a second year student at Northwestern University School of Law and has joined CAIR-Chicago as a Civil Rights Intern. She previously interned with the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Justice Department in Washington D.C. and also volunteers with the American Civil Liberties Union here in Chicago. She speaks some Farsi and has traveled extensively in Iran, where much of her family resides. Sarah hopes to pursue a career in impact litigation after graduating from law school.
Ahsan Latif joins CAIR-Chicago as a summer intern in the Communications Department. Ahsan is currently enrolled in Northwestern University’s School of Law and hopes to one day conduct complex litigation even he cannot begin to understand. Known to often carry the diploma for his B.A. in English Literature from the University of Missouri at Kansas City in his back pocket, Ahsan is currently engaged and will be wed in August. Throughout his undergraduate career he wrote and edited the campus newspaper, occasionally landing himself on the nightly news or the Missouri State House of Representatives. In addition to discovering every Arab themed restaurant in Chicago’s metropolitan area, he plans to make the most of the coming weeks by indulging his interest in sports, obscure music and writing. He fully expects that after August he will no longer be afforded such luxuries. When asked why he joined CAIR: “I desperately wanted to be a part of a homonym”.
Susan Safiya Stoffel has recently joined CAIR-Chicago to work on the Cafe Finjan program. Cafe Finjan is a series of interfaith arts exchanges between the Jewish and Muslim communities in the Chicagoland area. Safiya converted to Islam in high school and attended Depaul University from 1993 – 2003 on a track and field scholarship. Safiya will be pursuing a Masters in Social Work next spring at the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is also an active volunteer for both the Special Olympics and the Chicago Boys and Girls club.
Shazia Bux is a first year law student at the Northern Illinois University College of Law in DeKalb. She recently joined CAIR Chicago as an intern in the Communications Department. Shazia was born in India but has been raised here in the US. She has lived all over the country but primarily grew up in upstate New York where she received her bachelor’s degree in biology from the University of Pittsburgh. Shazia would like to practice civil rights and public interest law after graduating from law school. She currently lives in DeKalb with her husband and three children.
George Tobin is a sophomore at Loyola University Chicago, where he is pursuing a degree in Poltical Science and a degree in Communications. George joined CAIR-Chicago as a Governmental Relations Intern due to his interests in diversity and government, and hopes to use this opportunity to gain immersion experience in a possible career path for the future. He plays Ultimate Frisbee, reads, and enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
Musab Siddiqui joins CAIR-Chicago as a summer intern in the Communications Department. Musab is currently finishing off his senior year at North Shore Country Day High School. He will start film school at Claremont-mcKenna College in California this fall. His interests include football, surfing and drama; he is currently acting in Romeo and Juliette. He was drawn to CAIR-Chicago because “it promises to stretch my mind.”
Laura Etheredge has joined CAIR-Chicago as a Communications Department Intern. Laura is a MA candidate in Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Chicago. She graduated in 2005 from McGill University in Montreal with an Honors degree in Middle Eastern Studies where she also served as an editor for the annual MESSA (Middle Eastern Studies Students’ Association) journal. Laura is a self-taught artist with an interest in utilizing the universal nature of artistic vocabulary to communicate and exchange cultural material, and has presented in several shows over the years. Her MA thesis will be a translation and illustration of a piece of Arabic literature for children to promote positive cultural expression and encourage culture-based questions and interest.
Shira Tevah is a first-year student at the University of Chicago who has joined CAIR as a Governmental Relations Intern. She is considering a major in Political Science, Public Policy, or International Studies. She has lived in many places, including Jerusalem for a short while. She is currently taking mostly required classes, and studying the Arabic language. She hopes to become a journalist, diplomat, or peace worker.
Usra Ghazi joins CAIR-Chicago as a Public Service Intern, while pursuing a Bachelors Degree in Religion, Ethics, and Social Justice at DePaul University. She serves as a board member of Chicago-based Interfaith Youth Core (IFYC) and is actively in involved in local community organizations serving the Muslims of Chicago, and particularly the youth. Born in Karachi, Pakistan and raised in Skokie, IL, Usra is fluent in Urdu, Hindi, Pig-Latin and is currently studying the languages of Arabic and Guitar.
CAIR-Chicago board and staff would like to thank Caitlin Yoshiko Buysse for her exemplary services as she prepares to graduate CAIR-Chicago. “Caitlin is leaving us for an almost equally prestigious institution: Harvard University,” said CAIR-Chicago Executive Director, Ahmed Rehab. This spring she graduates Northwestern University with a degree in religion, at Harvard she will pursue a graduate program in Islamic studies. “Caitlin Buysse is not an ordinary intern; she is a piece of CAIR-Chicago history. Exactly a year ago, Caitlin became CAIR-Chicago’s very first intern,” Rehab said, “she has seniority over 70% of our staff.” Since then dozens of Chicago-area top students have followed in her footsteps. Caitlin Buysse began interning with CAIR-Chicago in April 2005. During this time, she has worked with the Outreach and Communications departments on interfaith programming, service projects, sensitivity training, and volunteer/intern recruitment. Her academic interests include African-American Islam, Malcolm X, and the dynamics of individual faith and conversion. We look forward to witnessing Caitlin’s promising career (and claiming a stake in it). We will certainly miss the professionalism, commitment, and dedication she brought to CAIR-Chicago.
Azam Khan is a second year law student at DePaul University, College of Law. Azam currently has an article in review for publication in DePaul’s Journal of Art and Entertainment Law; he will serve the journal as its Editor-in-Chief in the upcoming academic year. Azam has also studied law at the University of London and obtained his BA in International Relations from Boston University in 2003. Azam is currently working with CAIR-Chicago as a Civil Rights Extern. Azam plans to pursue a career in International Law.
Haady Taslim has joined CAIR-Chicago as a Government Relations Intern. Haady is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in public policy at the University of Chicago, with a focus on international policy. Before coming to Chicago, he taught early elementary school for two years in inner-city New Orleans with Teach for America. He holds a B.A. from the George Washington University in Political Science and French Language and Literature. In his spare time, Haady sings and plays guitar, reads and listens to music.
Rima Kapitan has joined the Civil Rights Department as a Volunteer Attorney. Rima is a volunteer attorney, assisting the legal defense team on the Muhammad Salah case. She graduated from DePaul University’s College of Law in May of 2005. In addition to her education in the U.S., Rima studied abroad at the American University in Beirut, Birzeit University in the West Bank, and the American University in Cairo.
Yara Yousef is a recent graduate of Loyola University Chicago, where she majored in psychology and minored in history. She has recently joined CAIR as a Community Service Intern, and is active in the Bridgeview community, Mosque Foundation, and Muslim Youth Center. Yara will be returning this fall to Loyola’s graduate school to pursue a master’s degree in applied social psychology. She enjoys reading, writing, shopping, and spending time with friends and family.
Serim Cetin is a 4th year undergraduate student at the University of Chicago studying Political Science. He joined CAIR-Chicago as an intern with the Governmental Relations Department. He has an interest in local as well as International Politics and History. His favorite pastime is watching and playing soccer. He is originally from Istanbul, Turkey and hopes to return and be active in politics of his home country. He enjoys helping the Muslim community in anyway he can and plans on continuing his involvement after he graduates.
Emaan Nafees is a 4th year undergraduate student at the University of Illinois at Chicago studying English Literature. She is a CAIR-Chicago intern with the Governmental Relations Department. She has an interest in Politics, History, Poetry, and pretty much anything else she finds remotely intriguing. She plans on teaching English abroad after graduation and thinks about grad school at times as well.
AbdelRahman Murphy is a freshman Secondary Education for the Social Sciences major at the College of Dupage. AbdelRahman is interning in the Communications Department at CAIR-Chicago. His desire to help the Muslim community keeps him honest in working hard for CAIR. Other than keeping active in the community, AbdelRahman likes to keep active in the pool. He swims for COD and plays Water Polo for the Northern Illinois Polo Club.
Sumiah Aduib is a senior at Columbia College Chicago where she is pursuing a bachelors degree in print journalism and a minor in Literature. As an aspiring journalist, she has joined the CAIR team as a Communications Intern to get exposure and experience in her field of study. Sumiah is an avid reader who enjoys working out, writing, traveling, cooking, and spending time with her husband of two years, family, and friends. She is also an active volunteer at the Mosque Foundation as well as the Muslim Youth Center in Bridgeview.
Nathan Wells is a senior at the University of Illinois at Chicago as an undergraduate student majoring in political science with a minor in international studies, and is considering a legal career in International Law. He is also completing his seventh year as a Sergeant in the Army National Guard after a 15 month deployment to Iraq. Nathan has joined CAIR-Chicago as a Civil Rights Intern because of his interest in the Islamic faith and to take an effective role in countering the mistreatment of the Muslim community caused by misinformation and stereotypes. Nathan plays the violin, breakdances, DJ’s, plays percussion, competes in mixed martial arts, tries to learn Urdu and is often referred to as a funny guy.
Farah Khan is a junior at Loyola University Chicago where she is pursuing a major in biology and a minor in journalism. She has joined CAIR-Chicago as a Government Relations Intern and has had experience being active in several local activist organizations and the community at large. She hopes to work with CAIR-Chicago to help give resonance to the voice of Chicago-area Muslims.
John Rush is a governmental relations volunteer at CAIR. He is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute with a Master’s in Urban Studies (M.A.) and Wheaton Graduate School with a Master’s degree (M.A.) in Biblical and Theological studies and a Master’s degree (M.A.) in Religion in American Life. John served as a Pastor in a non-denominational Christian church for five years and a homeless shelter for three prior to his concentrated interests in pursuing the possibility of PhD work and/or research at the University of Chicago. Currently, John’s interests are encompassed in a triad focus on religion, the academy and politics. This past summer John had the opportunity to present a paper in Cambridge on Islamic conceptions of political peace. His preparation for the presentation fostered an interest in comparative studies between Christianity and Islam. Most recently he has been working on Freud and Augustine on concupiscence and Bonhoeffer’s response to totalitarianism. While John has strong inclinations towards academic work he desires to remain connected and involved in a local Christian church while also remaining active in various social and politically involved organizations (such as CAIR-Chicago) where he can engage in interfaith dialogue and assist in serving for the common good. John’s interests exist within a context where they are held in relative balance with a large and growing family, his wife Debbie and seven children– John, Timothy, Daniel, Andrew, Samuel, Sarah, and Rebekah.
David Sweis, a second year law student at The John Marshall Law School, is CAIR-Chicago’s first Extern working in the Civil Rights department. His expected graduation date is May, 2007. Mr. Sweis is looking forward to his forthcoming publication in the New York International Law Review this summer. Mr. Sweis earned a B.A. in Political Science at DePaul University and is considering a legal career in International Law and Civil Rights.
Azhar Kothawala is currently an undergrad at the University of Illinois at Chicago where he is majoring in neuroscience. Even though he hopes to pursue a career in medicine, Azhar joined CAIR because he was impressed with the crucial work CAIR does for the Muslim community and because he appreciates the experience of working as a Civil Rights Intern.
Jennifer Lyda is a senior at Loyola University Chicago who had joined CAIR-Chicago as a Government Relations Intern. She is an international studies major and asian studies minor. she enjoys traveling and meeting funny people. she also loves to read mysteries and draw with pencils.
Fahad Khan is a junior in Pre-med, psychology major at the University of Illinois in Chicago. Fahad is interning in the Operations Department at CAIR-Chicago. Fahad has been involved with numerous organizations, and is also the Assistant to the Director of Convention for ISNA. Fahad is assisting the Operations Department with office related tasks and is also volunteering his time with preparing for CAIR-Chicago’s Annual Event.
Sabih Quadeer completed his undergraduate degree in Philosophy at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Sabih is a recent graduate of John Marshall Law School – Chicago. He is a licensed attorney in Illinois and is allocating his free time to CAIR-Chicago’s Civil Rights Department. With his legal background and personal interest, he is excited to work with CAIR-Chicago on protecting the civil liberties of members of the Muslim community.
Aemun Askari has recently joined CAIR-Chicago as an IT intern working under the Civil Rights and Operations departments. Aemun is currently a sophomore at the University of Illinois (Honors College). Her major is neuroscience/premed. Her duties at CAIR-Chicago currently involve managing and structuring new databases for all departments. She is also assisting with compiling chapter monthly reports for the Civil Rights department.
M. Hasan Ali has recently joined CAIR-Chicago as an intern working in the Civil Rights Department. Hasan, is currently a 4th-year History major at the University of Chicago, focusing his research on Muslims in America. Hasan is also the President of the University of Chicago’s Muslim Students’ Association. Throughout his college years he has been involved in numerous on-campus organizations seeking to increase awareness of Islam and increase Muslim campus presence. He hopes interning at CAIR-Chicago will provide him a solid base for a future career in law and civil rights. Hasan is currently heading the Civil Rights Department’s Police Misconduct Project to address complaints of Muslims being mistreated by the police.
Jumana Azam, a sophomore at the University of Illinois at Chicago, is a business management and marketing major. She has joined CAIR-Chicago’s Outreach Department as a Community Service Intern. She will be interning with Outreach Coordinator, Dina Rehab, and will be assisting with recruiting volunteers as well as organizing outreach and community service events. Jumana has already successfully coordinated our Oct. 22nd event at the Greater Chicago Food Depository, where volunteers assisted in sorting and repackaging food for those in need. Jumana will also be working on maintaining and updating our volunteer database.
Aminah Malik, a sophomore at Mt. Holyoke College and an International Relations major, has recently begun interning at CAIR-Chicago’s operations department. She intends to complete a Middle East Studies Certificate as well as a minor in French.
Shahenaz Abdelrahim is a junior at Northeastern Illinois University majoring in Special Education. She hopes to become a special educator upon her graduation. Shahenaz has joined CAIR-Chicago’s outreach department and will be interning with Dina Rehab.
Menna Khalil, a senior at DePaul University is an international studies and pre-law major with minors in French and economics. She has joined CAIR-Chicago’s governmental relations department based on her interest in politically empowering and mobilizing the Muslim community. She will be interning with Fadi Farhan, director of the governmental relations department.
Zaineb Mohammed is a junior at Brown University with a major in International Relations. She has joined CAIR-Chicago’s civil rights department and will be interning with Christina Abraham.
Bitta Mostofi has joined the CAIR-Chicago team as an Intern in the Governmental Relations Department. Bitta, an Iranian-American, has been involved in activism and social work for years. She has participated in a wide variety of social justice work, ranging from human rights campaigns to tutoring Spanish-speaking prisoners with such groups as Amnesty International and the ACLU. For the past two years Bitta has been active with Voices in the Wilderness. Upon completion of a Bachelors degree in Political Science from DePaul University in Chicago, she helped coordinate the Iraq Peace Team and traveled to Iraq in November and December of 2002. Bitta is currently a third year law student at DePaul University. Her focus is international human rights law, including asylum, immigration, and conflict resolution.
Suleiman Khan is a graduate of Lake Forest College with a double major in sociology and Middle Eastern studies. Suleiman, an avid writer and a community activist will be attending law school this coming fall. Suleiman has joined Ahmed Rehab as a lead-intern at CAIR-Chicago’s Media Monitoring and Outreach project.
