Sameera Omar
Position: Regional Director
Hometown: Matawan, NJ
University / Job (Or Alma mater): Georgia Institute of Technology '15
Major/Minor/Academic Interests: Psychology
What do you love about MIST?I love how much human experience is packed into one weekend- you're pushed to perform your absolute best, you meet people who inspire you and challenge you, you forge friendships that last years afterwards, and you leave feeling so much more comfortable in your own skin and proud of your roots. I think that last one gets me every single time.
Fun Fact: When I was little, I used to bubble in "African American" on all my standardized tests, since my parents were born in Africa. Then one day I realized I'm actually ethically from India, so I started to put "North American Indian or Alaskan". I was later told I'm "Asian", but the best day of my childhood was when I realized I could "check all that apply".
#boxesdontconfineme
Mae Eldahshoury
Position: Associate Director
Hometown: Alpharetta, Georgia
University / Job (Or Alma mater): University of Georgia
Major/Minor/Academic Interests: Journalism major with a minor in public policy and management
What do you love about MIST? The people. I've made so many connections with hundreds of people from all over the country (and Canada!). I'm always amazed at how incredibly talented, passionate, and experienced competitors, organizers, and guests are.
Fun Fact: I spent a summer in Turkey as an intern at a news station.
Summer Adhal
Position: Market Lead
Hometown: Panama City, Fl
University / Job (Or Alma mater): Web Developer
Major/Minor/Academic Interests: I have a biomedical sciences degree.
What do you love about MIST? I love the way MIST brings everyone together.
Fun Fact: Bubble wrap was originally intended to be used as wallpaper.
ٍSarah Dossani
Position: Outreach Co-Lead and Graphic Designer
Hometown: Lawrenceville, GA
University / Job (Or Alma mater): University of Georgia
Major/Minor/Academic Interests: Major: Advertising Minors: Spanish and Women Studies
What do you love about MIST? Its ability to inspire the youth and show the beauty of Islam.
Fun Fact: I have been obsessed with Chester's Hot Fries since I was four years old.
Zakariyya Johnson
Position: Outreach Co-Lead
Hometown: Augusta, GA ( Originally from D.C.)
University / Job (Or Alma mater): Georgia State University
Major/Minor/Academic Interests: Biology
What do you love about MIST? MISTconnects Muslim youth and puts them in positions to be effective leadersin their communities. It allows them to gain a sense of self in one of the most confusing times in their lives. MIST empowers Muslim youth and gives insight to how they can change themselves and the world.
Fun Fact: I've lived in eight different cities because I'm a military child.
Hasan Qadri
Position: Web Developer and Tech Lead
Hometown: Stockbridge, GA
University / Job (Or Alma mater): Georgia Tech
Major/Minor/Academic Interests: Computer Science / International Affairs
What do you love about MIST? The incredible memories.
Fun Fact: I read a lot of fantasy, I just finished reading Tower of God over the course of four days.
Muhammad Doukmak
Position: Food Lead
Hometown: Athens, GA
University / Job (Or Alma mater): Georgia Tech
Major/Minor/Academic Interests: Electrical and Computer Engineering
What do you love about MIST? I love how MIST brings together a multitude of communities that rarely get the chance to interact on this scale. MIST encourages students to think beyond their perceived limits and aspire to be the change they want to see.
Fun Fact: I've traveled to 16 countries.
Matin Malikyar
Position: Logistics Co-Lead
Hometown: Stone Mountain, GA
University / Job (Or Alma mater): Georgia Tech
Major/Minor/Academic Interests: Computer Engineering
What do you love about MIST? I love the sense of community and the healthy competition. MIST is the best place for Muslim youth to go and have a great time together.
Fun Fact: I've played soccer my whole life, and am open to any soccer related discussion. My favorite club is Real Madrid, and anyone who thinks differently is wrong.
Aadil Omar
Position: Logistics Co-Lead
Hometown: Lawrenceville, GA
University / Job (Or Alma mater): Lawrenceville, GA
Major/Minor/Academic Interests: Computer Science
What do you love about MIST? I love how MIST provides an opportunity for students to come together from different parts of the South-East to meet each other, network, and build lasting relationships though a spirited and academic environment. Also, I love the hype! The chants, the cheering, the competition- IT'S SO LIVE!!
Fun Fact: Ball is life
Zainab Khan
Position: Registration Co-Lead
Hometown: Paramus, New Jersey
University / Job (Or Alma mater): Georgia State University
Major/Minor/Academic Interests: Majoring in Political Science (concentration in Pre-Law) & minoring in Marketing
What do you love about MIST? I love that MIST allows us to be exposed to different ideas that other people have, whether as competitors/volunteers/board members. I also love that it allows competitors to discover their passions, all while having fun and making new friends.
Fun Fact: I love hiking and doing outdoorsy things. I love cats (but they don't love me back).
Fatima Jamil
Position: Registration Co-Lead
Hometown: Marietta, Georgia
University / Job (Or Alma mater): Georgia Institute of Technology
Major/Minor/Academic Interests: Mechanical Engineering
What do you love about MIST? The competitors. I love that MIST brings together the youth, who are so passionate about the things they believe in and bringing change to the world.
Nothing else brings me hope for the world like spending a weekend surrounded by their talents, motivation, and dedication.
Fun Fact: All my fingers can bend all the way backwards and touch my wrist, which means I basically belong in a circus!!!
Tashmina Momin
Position: Venue Lead
Hometown: Rome, GA
University / Job (Or Alma mater): Georgia State University
Major/Minor/Academic Interests: Actuarial Science
What do you love about MIST? I love the unity that MIST spreads amongst young Muslims. It reaches out to them to show how Islam isn't just taught at masjids; it's taught everywhere and in every capacity, and I think this tournament helps to show students how diverse and amazing Islam is.
Fun Fact: I own my own online bakery! I started |absolute cafe| in February 2016, and baking has been a passion of mine ever since I can remember.
Shifa Khan
Position: Hospitality + Experience Lead
Hometown: Alpharetta
University / Job (Or Alma mater): Kennesaw State University
Major/Minor/Academic Interests: History Education, and on track to become a principal!
What do you love about MIST? MIST gave me the opportunity to try new things (improv, I'm looking at you) and played an integral part in the person I am today. There's always been a way for me to participate and I've met really wonderful people though it.
Fun Fact: I'm a fan of Instagram aesthetics, hanging out with close friends and shopping ;)
Sometimes I go one massive baking sprees and then invite people over to eat everything. I like spending time in front of my laptop but I also like self improvement and helping people. I appreciate getting gifts (and giving them!) so I started eidgiftswap.com to encourage that in the Muslim community (across the world iA!)
Mayesha Manzoor
Position: Awards Co-Lead
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
University / Job (Or Alma mater): UGA / Ernst & Young (EY)
Major/Minor/Academic Interests: Management Information Systems
What do you love about MIST? A sense of belonging - family.
Fun Fact: Born a perfectionist, guess that makes me a bit obsessive.
Arusa Chohan
Position: Awards Co-Lead
Hometown: Morristown, New Jersey
University / Job (Or Alma mater): Georgia State University
Major/Minor/Academic Interests: Human Learning and Development/ Counseling & Child Development
What do you love about MIST? One of my favorite things about MIST is praying together. It makes my heart happy.
Fun Fact:
-I take the ‘R’ and ‘L’ on my headphones pretty seriously.
- I always read the last page of a book after reading the first chapter. I don't know why.
-I LOVE words. I am a pluviophile.
Hasib Abdulrahmaan
Position: Coaches Liaison
Hometown: Los Ageles California
University / Job (Or Alma mater): Georgia State University
Major/Minor/Academic Interests: Biology
What do you love about MIST? The ability to influence positive change in the heart of the community.
Samina Sattar
Position: Volunteer Lead
Hometown: Atlanta
University / Job (Or Alma mater): University of West GA/GSU Alum
Major/Minor/Academic Interests: Communication Sciences and Disorders
What do you love about MIST? MIST provides so many intangible benefits to everyone involved. Not only is it rewarding, it strengthens communities, builds relationships, and offers many growth opportunities. The fact that much of this is accomplished in a weekend alone demonstrates the magnitude behind this incomparable experience.
Fun Fact: I can make 8 rolls of sushi in less than an hour, play a mean game of Taboo, and have procrastination down to a T. I guess you could say I love a good challenge.
Rabeea Ahmed
Position: Competitions Co-Lead
Hometown: Atlanta
University / Job (Or Alma mater): Georgia Tech (#THWG)
Major/Minor/Academic Interests: Biochemistry
What do you love about MIST? I love seeing all the brilliant ideas the students come up with for the theme each year and the sense of family during the weekend!
Fun Fact: I used to fence in high school.
Polly Usman
Position: Competitions Co-Lead
Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
University / Job (Or Alma mater): University of Georgia
Major/Minor/Academic Interests: Psychology
What do you love about MIST? I love that MIST is an all-inclusive organization. Everyone is welcome and everyone's opinion/voice is just as important as everyone else's -- I love that this organization really values that.
Fun Fact: Yoga is a passion of mine and I'm taking classes to become a yoga instructor!
Zobia Qureshi
Position: Competition Co-Lead
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
University / Job (Or Alma mater): Kennesaw State University/Chemist
Major/Minor/Academic Interests: Chemistry
What do you love about MIST? I love the sense of community and hype all the competitors and volunteers bring. MIST is a great way to get the youth to come out and be proud of being Muslim as well as allowing them to express their creativity.
Fun Fact: When I have time, I like to paint!
Maliha Manzoor
Position: Sports Lead
Hometown: Lawrenceville, GA
University / Job (Or Alma mater): Georgia Tech
Major/Minor/Academic Interests: Industrial Engineering
What do you love about MIST? I love the atmosphere and the hype.
Fun Fact: I competed in the World Series for Softball twice
Matib Ahmed
Position: Workshop Co-Lead
Hometown: Atlanta Ga
University / Job (Or Alma mater): Software Engineering, KSU and Arabic, UGA
Major/Minor/Academic Interests: Arabic and Islamic Studies, Computer Science
What do you love about MIST? Impact, investment on the future, and fun
Mona Khalef
Position: Workshops Co-Lead
Hometown: Woodstock, GA
University / Job (Or Alma mater): Georgia State University
Major/Minor/Academic Interests: Finance/English
What do you love about MIST? Coolest kids, coolest team, coolest experience.
Fun Fact: I don't know why, but birds really creep me out.
Ahmed Mostafa
Position: Fundraising Co-Lead
Hometown: Alpharetta
University / Job (Or Alma mater): Georgia Tech
Major/Minor/Academic Interests: Electrical Engineering
What do you love about MIST? Team spirit, fun weekend with friends, attending different events.
Fun Fact: Played chess growing up
Rafay Syed
Position: Finance Lead
Hometown: Roswell, GA
University / Job (Or Alma mater): Georgia Tech
Major/Minor/Academic Interests: Computer Science
What do you love about MIST? The people are what make MIST great. I've forged new friendships with people from all over Georgia because of MIST. MIST also invests in building leadership skills among the board and I find that to be very rewarding.
Fun Fact: I've lived in 5 states and Saudi Arabia.