In alphabetical order, by first name:


Abubakr Shafi

Abubakr Shafi

Finance Committee
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Alumni – Psychology with a minor in Biology

Abubakr is a brand new addition to the MIST executive board and is very excited for this year. He has been greatly involved with the UMBC Muslim Student Association throughout his undergraduate career. It was through the UMBC Muslim Student Association where he meet Faheem Mamooth, who introduced him to the joys of MIST. He plans on using his past experiences in hard work and procrastination to help DC MIST achieve great success, inshAllah.

Adam Kareem

Adam Kareem

Regional Director
University of Maryland, College Park
Ph.D student, Mechanical Engineering, c/o 2013

Adam is currently entering his second year as director for the DC region and his third year of graduate school. He is currently working with Prof. Santiago Solares in the field of atomic force microscopy (AFM). While he finds the research to be exciting, he’s mired by the fact that coursework can sometimes slow research down. By Allah’s mercy, Adam was able to continue his graduate studies at his undergraduate alma mater allowing him to continue his efforts working for MIST. He is passionate about MIST and in a perfect world he’d work for MIST full-time. What he enjoys most about MIST is how it creates a platform for all members of the Muslim community to celebrate their Islamic identity and to form strong bonds of friendship in ways not often seen anywhere else. He hopes to bring MIST to every high school in MD, DC, and Northern VA, insha’Allah.

Adil Bukhari

Adil Bukhari

Webmaster
University of Maryland, College Park – 2010
Computer Science, Statistics and Economics
Johns Hopkins University – Master’s in Computer Science

In 2005, Adil signed up for his high school’s first functional DC MIST team. Ever since then, he’s volunteered his time in several different capacities for DC MIST.
Adil uses his recently-gained freedom from coursework (for now?) to pursue a myriad of interests including photography, long-distance running, website design, and reading. He currently applies his software development talents at a large technology firm on the West Coast, and can often be found Skyping into DC MIST board meetings while rejecting the call of the common Seattle hipster!

Amina Faizan

Amina Faizan

Logistics/Food Setup Committee
University of Maryland
Community Health

Amina has been involved with DC MIST for several years, first as a competitor, then as a judge and volunteer, and now she’s on the board working as Food Chair. She is involved with the Dar al-Taqwa community in Ellicott City and has been teaching at the Saturday School program for the past few years. When she’s not busy with teaching or school, Amina likes to volunteer for different local organizations and loves to watch TV and read. She really enjoyed her years as a competitor and looks forward to helping future competitors have a great time!

Aumid Sultan

Aumid Sultan

Competitions Committee
NVCC – Biology; transferring to the University of Maryland, College Park Fall in 2013

MIST gave me an opportunity that allowed me to help affect the lives of the Muslim youth. Seeing Muslim brothers and sisters come together and establish bonds that will last them a lifetime, and will God willing help them get to heaven is a beautiful thing. I know that I will get more from my experiences here than I will ever be able to give back to MIST.

Azraf Ullah

Azraf Ullah

Competitions Committee – Group Projects Co-Head
Sophomore at Northern Virginia Community College, Transferring to Mason in Fall 2013, Majoring in Computer Science but wants to go to Law School afterwards.

I’m a very outgoing, passionate guy that really wants to achieve his dreams. When I joined MIST i found that it was an opportunity to let bright Muslim Youth chase their dreams even faster, by participating in a competitive environment. I believe that everyone gains learning experience even when we win/lose, I’ve won MIST Basketball with Herndon in 9th grade, took a break for MIST for about two years and came back my senior year, participating in Nasheed and Spoken Word. Even though i didn’t win, i learned from my mistakes and still hope to make my dreams come true.

Bismah Iqbal

Bismah Iqbal

Competitions Committee – Writing & Oratory
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Senior, Health Administration and Public Policy: Public Health

Bismah has been a part of the MIST Executive Board since 2009, after she competed for four years throughout high school. She is currently part of the Competitions committee. She is a member of the Dar Al Taqwa community in Ellicott City, where she also taught at the Dar Al Taqwa Saturday School Program. Currently, she works on the administration staff at the MCC Sunday School program in Silver Spring. With her passion for teaching and working with young children, she hopes to put in her greatest effort for the youth that DC MIST brings together every year, Inshallah. Without MIST in her life, she wouldn’t have the opportunity to meet the youth of today and work with the extraordinary MIST board, that have the utmost dedication towards MIST and better, love for their religion, Islam.

Bushrah Rahman

Bushrah Rahman

Marketing Committee
University of Maryland, College Park
Senior, Biological Sciences: Neurobiology & Physiology; Minor in Linguistics

Bushrah has been involved in MIST since 2007, and loves being a part of it! She hopes to continue working with the Marketing Committee members to better familiarize MIST to students, guests, coaches, parents, and the greater DC Muslim community. When she’s not studying/homeworking or getting MISTified, she enjoys learning about the brain and everything it’s capable of!

Chancey Gannett

Chancey Gannett

Program Committee Chair

Biography coming soon!

Danyal Malik

Danyal Malik

Registration Committee
UMBC/ Biological Engineering

MIST has been an oasis, in my point of view, for high-schooler’s all across the DMV. When MIST rolls by it’s a chance for Muslims that are raised in an almost all non-muslim environment to finally interact with muslims their own age for an extended period of time. What inspired me to be a part of MIST is to try and get into the action and try and put my two cents in on one of the fastest growing muslim youth “conventions” in the entire DC metropolitan area.

Ehson Kashfipour

Ehson Kashfipour

Logistics Committee
Robert H. Smith School of Business, University of Maryland
Junior Operations Management & Information Systems Major

Ehson has competed in MIST for three years as a part of the MCS Hawks team and gone on to two MIST Nationals (Atlanta and Houston). After graduating from high school, he volunteered the following year and served as the DC MIST honorary cheerleader at MIST Nationals 2K11 in Atlanta where DC MIST made history as the first visiting team to win first place. Ehson is very enthusiastic and passionate about DC MIST (especially when it comes to Nationals) and enjoys dedicating his time to the improvement of the program. DC We See Nothing But Victory!! Ahhh….Woooosh!!

Ehtasham Malik

Ehtasham Malik

Registration Committee
UMUC MBA student specializing in Marketing

MIST gives me the opportunity not only to be part of a successful organization but to watch other Muslims form life long bonds. Growing up in a Non-Muslim community it is hard to fully grasp a true Muslim identity. MIST gives young Muslims a chance to interact and compete with other Muslims throughout the DMV. This is something that I enjoy seeing especially in local Masjids in the area, young Muslims interacting with each other.

Faheem Mahmooth

Faheem Mahmooth

Finance Chair
Marketing Committee
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology – Graduated 2010

Faheem recently finished his undergraduate degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC), where he was also involved with the MSA. Although his initial plans were to attend Medical School, he has since veered off that track and, probably due to his involvement in the UMBC Debate Society and the UMBC Student Judicial hearing Board, now feels that his future revolves around pursuing a law degree.
It was at a debate tournament that Faheem first met a MIST organizer who was in charge of MIST debate competitions. Soon, Faheem found himself at a MIST tournament as a debate judge. Although he had heard a lot about MIST, he had yet to experience the sensation commonly referred to as “being MISTified”. As a MIST judge, Faheem was amazed at the youthful American enthusiasm inherent in every competitor and organizer at MIST, and yet was also impressed at how the competition still remained grounded on Islamic principles.
Unfortunately, Faheem was unaware of MIST during his high-school years, and thus now regrets missing out on a such a rewarding opportunity. Faheem now dedicates part of his free time to the MIST Marketing Committee to ensure that others in his community will not come to feel that same regret.

Fatma El-Taguri

Fatma El-Taguri

Program Committee
George Washington University
Freshman, Business Administration, Finance and Marketing

After competing in MIST for 4 years, Fatma decided to join the Executive Board team. She wanted to be involved with MIST because she learned a lot through MIST, and met some of her closest friends there; she wanted to help other participants have as great of an experience as she did. She is part of the Program Committee and is really enjoying the planning process and preparing something that the competitors and the guests will enjoy. Fatma has moved around lot and has never gotten a chance to embrace her religion, Islam, as much as she did after attending MIST for the first time and realizing that there are a lot of Muslim teens who are facing the same challenges that she faces. She looks forward to being part of yet another successful year with MIST inchallah.

Hajur El-Haggan

Hajur El-Haggan

Competitions Committee
Sophomore at HCC studying Elementary Education with a minor of Special and Musical Education

MIST is life. Since I was 8 and it first was started here in DC I’ve been a part and a witness to the entire process. I love the fact that everyone comes out of MIST weekend feeling high on MIST and Islam, and experience MIST-withdrawal the days following it. It’s an amazing program that inspires, motivates, and cultivates not only our views of ourselves and our goals, but also our parts in the “bigger picture”. MIST is just awesome, plain and simple, and to not be apart of it should be a crime ;P

Hamza Hawkins

Hamza Hawkins

Registration Committee
George Mason University

Hamza is attending George Mason University (Class of 2017). Because of his interests in computers, video games, and technology, he will major in Applied Computer Science. He likes to give back to the community, and that’s why he developed the Muslim Funfest mobile app every year since 2011. After competing in DC MIST 2011, his passion to give back led him to a role on the registration committee. In his spare time, when he isn’t coding, he’s either playing video games or basketball.

Imran Shah

Imran Shah

Basketball – Competitions Committee
Business Technology Administration (B.A) – UMBC

After years of being told to join MIST, Imran finally gave in and decided to give it a shot – best decision he ever made. Being surrounded by the wonderful influence of all the board members and the excitement of MIST just feels great! The position of Basketball Coordinator is perfect – as an avid sports fan, very few things are as fulfilling as being around Muslim athletes.
Even working 50 hours a week as an Exchange Admin at US DHHS and going to school full time, Imran spends just as much time playing football and watching TV (although the TV time could be better spent sleeping).

Jabir Khan

Jabir Khan

Finance Committee
University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Your brother in Islam, Jabir/zabir/zoobear/gabir Khan. He’s in his fourth year as an undergraduate student studying information systems. He competed for four years of MIST and has been on board for three. As chaotic as life can be, MIST along with all its fantastic brothers and sisters working for sake of Allah returns him back to normal ground. He’s no sports buff but loves anything with two wheels and an engine.

Jamal Aladdin

Jamal Aladdin

Photographer Extraordinaire
University of Maryland Alumni
Government & Politics and Criminal Justice

As a seasoned veteran of the DC MIST team, Jamal prides himself on his ability to become “”MISTified!”" at a moments notice.  He is currently the head photographer for DC MIST, and handles media requests.  Jamal is usually taking photos, sometimes he does work, but he’s usually taking photos. When not getting MISTified, he keeps busy building things, updating his blog (www.jaladdin.com/blog), and working as a government analyst. He also bakes sometimes. Baking is where it’s at.

Karam Hijji

Karam Hijji

Competitions Committee Chair
University of Maryland Alumni
Material Science and Engineering

After hearing fantastic MIST stories from several MSAers, Karam Hijji decided that he just had to ‘get MISTified’. Quite eager to help out in his first year of volunteering for MIST, Karam took on several smaller tasks. He now spends his time improving the MIST Debate competition. Karam appreciates the beneficial effects of MIST upon all of its participants, judges, and organizers, and he hopes to make this year’s MIST the best one yet (meep meep).
Although currently working at the patent office, Karam has found tons-o-free time to be outdoors, read, watch many TV shows and, most of all — play soccer and take pichaz.

Khadija Mohamed

Khadija Mohamed

Registration Committee
Montgomery College

Khadija has been around MIST since she was in the 8th grade and after graduating high school went through post MIST depression because she thought her days with MIST were over. When the opportunity to become a part of the board came, she couldn’t resist. She is an admirer of facial hair and sloths. And plans to be apart of the MIST family until her career as a mainstream gangster rapper kicks off.

Mansoor Cheyo

Mansoor Cheyo

Competitions Committee

Biography coming soon!

Mariam Eltoweissy

Mariam Eltoweissy

Logistics Chair
University of Maryland, College Park
Government and Politics, 2012

Mariam joined MIST fresh out of middle school participating as a competitor for 4 years. She subsequently became a volunteer and judge and is now a second year board member. Having been through the full range of MIST experiences, Mariam has high hopes for the organization’s future and hopes to remain a part of it as long as possible. She’s in it for the fun, she’s in it for the smiles and she absolutely loves every moment of being MISTified!

Noha Eshera

Noha Eshera

Competitions Committee

Biography coming soon!

Omar Nassimi

Omar Nassimi

Program Committee
George Mason University/ Comparative Literature & Religious Studies

I competed in MIST during my Junior and Senior years in high school. I was so in love with this program and the people that were involved in it that I felt a strong need to still be apart of the organization even after I wasn’t able to compete anymore. I stayed involved as a volunteer for the next 2 years, and now I’m blessed to be a part of the Board. MIST changes lives in so many extraordinary ways. I’m a different and better person because of my experience at MIST, and I hope that others are given the same opportunity in the near future through participating in MIST.

Sameer Ali

Sameer Ali

Program Committee
University of Maryland, University College

My name is Sameer Ali and I’m from Trinidad and Tobago. I went to Al-Huda School then left to go PGCC. I’m currently a student at UMUC with a Cyber degree.

Sara Beg

Sara Beg

Program Committee
Drexel University, graduated 2012 – BS/MS in Architectural Engineering

Salaams. My name is Sara, and I am an alum of Drexel University, in Philly, where I studied Architectural Engineering, with a concentration in Structures. Shortly after college, I moved back to my hometown in Maryland, and have been working here since. Partaking in activities such as MIST during my time in college and since then has allowed me to confidently claim ownership of my faith. In essence, aside from self-realization and the beliefs that were already instilled in me, all of the knowledge that I have gained, and the people I have come to befriend since volunteering my time and efforts are a lot of my inspiration for embracing Islam and all that our ummah has to offer. In addition to MIST, some of my many interests include architecture, doodling, reading, learning/studying, music, spending time with family/friends, and ice cream.

Shihan Chowdhury

Shihan Chowdhury

Marketing Committee
University of Maryland Alumni – Economics

Shihan Chowdhury first competed in MIST in his senior year in high school in 2007. Sadly, his team ended up with negative points in the end. But, he loved the MIST atmosphere so much that he decided to volunteer as a judge. Later in 2010, he became heavily involved with the media side of MIST. Now he is on the marketing committee as a video coordinator and director. His goals are to spread the awareness of MIST through commercials and infomercials. Also, during the MIST competitions he will be recording all the moments and make highlights of the competitions. On the side, Shihan, with his media company ”Shihan Pictures”", works with many upcoming Muslim companies, non profit organization, music artists, and music labels. Inshallah, with his passion for motion pictures, Shihan hopes to grow his skills with MIST. If you win 1st place in Spoken Words, Poetry, or Nasheed Competition, Shihan will give a professional photo shoot and video.

Tara Mohammed

Tara Mohammed

Associate Director
University of Maryland, College Park
Special Education and Family Science

I am a graduate of UMCP. Dream job is to work with a non-profit organization that provides services and advocacy for people with special needs. My passions lie in the exploration of my own, and other’s, strengths and talents. And MIST falls right in line with that. MIST creates a unique platform for students to explore their talents and passions, within the context of their Islamic identity. That is what drew me to MIST, as a competitor in 2008, a volunteer through 2010, and a coach in 2011. With loads of hard work, prayers, and a little coffee, I think MIST can become one of the biggest, and most influential, inter-scholastic competitions our communities have ever seen!

Whitney Terril

Whitney Terril

Program Committee
Hampton University, 2008

Whitney participated in MIST as a competitor for Wilde Lake High School in Columbia, Maryland. She counts MIST as an important part of her foundation for understanding Islam as a young person.
Whitney served as the Volunteer Coordinator for MIST New York for two tournaments (2011, 2012). This year she is happy to join the DC MIST program committee.
Today Whitney is passionate about affirming a Muslim American identity, especially for youth and young professionals.

Widad Zenhom

Widad Zenhom

Competitions Committee – Arts Coordinator
George Mason University, Conflict Analysis and Resolution (Senior)

Widad was first introduced to MIST as a competitor at both Regionals (07-09) and Nationals (07-08) tournaments. She couldn’t get enough of MIST and returned, after graduating high school, to volunteer. Alhamdulillah, this year is her second year as an organizer. Widad absolutely loves MIST because it really brings so much positive energy in the Muslim community by providing a platform for the youth to explore their potentials in the effort of pleasing God. As a Conflict Analysis major, Widad hopes to save the world one conflict at a time, inshAllah! Widad enjoys spending time with good company, as well, enjoys a good story so when she has free time (besides recruiting new MISTers) you may find her reading, watching a movie, or admiring photojournalistic blogs.

Yasser Ameen

Yasser Ameen

Competitions Committee, Group Projects
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Junior, IS Business Technology Administration

Yasser participated in MIST in 2006 and has since been volunteering for MIST. He joined the Competitions Committee this year. Yasser is a member of Dar Al Taqwa in Ellicott City, Maryland. To Yasser, the best part of being on the Competitions Committee is the abundance of activities for him to participate in. When he is not helping prepare for MIST, Yasser enjoys hanging out with his friends and going to school. Yasser likes being a part of MIST because he has met so many new people and can always rely upon them.

Zahin Hasan

Zahin Hasan

Marketing Committee
The George Washington University, B.S. Biomedical Engineering 2012

I didn’t know about MIST until my senior year of high school. I didn’t think it was all that, so I didn’t push to compete in it. Boy, was I wrong! I volunteered for MIST a few years later, and it was just…awesome. Since then, I’ve joined the Executive Board and have aimed to make MIST a bigger and better competition for both the students and the overall community. Why do I do it? Because you all are awesome!

Zahra Salhan

Zahra Salhan

Registration Committee
Montgomery College – Nursing

I did MIST all through out high school. I joined the MIST board so I could help give the next generation of competitors the amazing experience I had for four years. MIST gave me so many great memories, friends and laughs. The least I could do is help keep the MIST dream alive. I thought being a competitor was exciting, but being an organizer is on a whole new level. Can’t wait to experience MIST 2013 as an organizer.

Zulekha Sayyed

Zulekha Sayyed

Marketing Committee Chair
University of Maryland, College Park – Studio Art

Baltimore bred and based at the University of Maryland, Zulekha first joined MIST in 2007 as a competitor from Western High School for Girls. After graduating high school she continued to keep MIST a part of her life by becoming a volunteer, then a judge, and finally joining the MIST Board in 2010. Her hope is that MIST will continue to be a source of brotherhood/sisterhood, personal growth, and fun for many more future generations of MIST competitors, as it was for her. Besides that, getting MISTified is all worth it!
Zulekha is a Senior Studio Art Major at the University of Maryland with a focus in Wood Sculpture and Film Production. She’s usually on the run and hard to catch, but if you do she might be talking about Art Theory, or her cat, or the 90′s, or politics, or random Youtube videos, or world history, or the Fresh Prince of Bel Air, or good eats, or her family, or The Office, or MIST, or coffee, or saving the world, but most likely she’s just chilling =)