Have you been wondering who’s running the event behind the scenes with brimming curiosity? Here’s your chance to take a look and learn more about the executive team for A Journey Into Islam 2017!

Aaliya Sheriff, Co-Chair

Aaliya is a graphic designer, illustrator, jokester and henna artist who enjoys listening and narrating funny stories. With a passion for volunteerism and travel, she has worked at creating events for all ages that are fun and exciting using the unique experiences she has observed and lived through. Aaliya has been a part of A Journey into Islam for the past five years, starting off as a volunteer and designer, to exhibition coordinator and then event co-chair.

Fatimazahraa Rashid, Co-Chair

A post-secondary student pursuing a degree in health sciences, Fatimahzahraa is also seen giving back to the Az-Zahraa community, a community that has helped nurture her growth and potential. She is seen alongside other talented individuals organizing programs for the old and young, teaching the younger generation as well as helping the elderly understand the world of cyber space. Fatimahzahraa also enjoys sports especially snow boarding, skiing and badminton. She is often seen lost in good books and loves to unleash her creativity with henna art. Fatimahzahraa has been part of the Journey to Islam event since its inception, helping in various capacities. This year, she took on a leadership role and hopes to grow and gain much from the experiences the role of co-chair entails.

Firas Moosvi, Logistics Coordinator

Firas is a Grade 8 and 9 teacher at the Madrasah Az-Zahraa and is currently a PhD. candidate at UBC in the area of Medical Physics. In his spare time, he has taken on several projects in the exciting field of Physics Education Research. He has had a fantastic time experimenting with novel teaching methods in Madrasah, and the kids seem to have enjoyed it as well. This is Firas’ first year helping out with A Journey Into Islam and he’s very excited to help the team with another successful event!

Mohamed Mussa, Exhibits Coordinator

An as undergraduate student pursuing business, Mohamed appreciates the importance of getting involved by giving back to the community, and with that mindset he has been part of the A Journey Into Islam initiative in many different capacities. When he is not busy balancing spreadsheets, Mohamed spends his time playing hockey and exploring new landmarks in Greater Vancouver. He hopes to bring his ideas and past experiences to the organizing committee this year.

Abbas Virji, Marketing and Public Relations Coordinator

No stranger to the Journey Into Islam event, Abbas has been part of Journey since its inception in varying capacities. This year, he’s taken on maintaining the website and social media channels, as well as communicating with the media and assisting with guest registration. In his spare time, Abbas enjoys volunteering at the Az-Zahraa Islamic Centre on a variety of initiatives, including on the audio-visual team where he likes to geek out, and using his design skills to create visual pieces for the online and offline world.

Muhammad Mehdi Khaku, Volunteer Coordinator

An undergraduate student in the faculty of business, Muhammad Mehdi is the current president of the Az-Zahraa Youth Committee. He has a passion for sports (specifically hockey and badminton) and giving back to the community. He has organized countless events and initiatives that have benefited the community, as well as volunteered at A Journey into Islam for many years. He looks forward to seeing this event grow into something even greater!

Sayyeda Mussa, Exhibits Coordinator

Sayyeda has been part of the A Journey Into Islam event from the very beginning. This is her second year as an Exhibits Coordinator. In her spare time, she enjoys playing badminton and exploring the countless dessert spots in Vancouver. Pursuing a degree from the Faculty of Applied Sciences, Sayyeda is grateful for being able to take a diverse range of courses offered at her institution. Likewise, she wishes the same opportunity for her guess, who will be attending this year’s event and learning from the various exhibits presented under one setting!