YCL Fellows
2023

Born in Tallahassee, Florida, to Syrian and Irish parents, Budeir is an entrepreneur with a focus on private equity and venture capital. A graduate of Yale University, Budeir started at Bain & Company, serving various institutional clients and advising on strategy, operations, and commercial due diligence. He is the founder of the Aldebaran Group, a first-of-its-kind private equity platform that places capital for some of the world’s most visionary investors.

Passionate about politics and inclusivity, Bouzi took his initial steps in politics during the 2019 European Elections. Recognising a diversity deficit in policymaking, he has significantly contributed to 'A Seat At The Table' (ASATT), championing opportunities for disadvantaged youth. As a German Marshall Fund Fellow committed to growing transatlantic relations and during a Politico internship, Bouzi honed his analytical capabilities, while also refining his insights into world affairs under Dr. John C. Hulsman's geopolitical risk consultancy. Drawing on these experiences, Bouzi founded Ars Geopolitica, an NGO aimed at training future energy sector experts.

Also known as Kianimus, Kiani is a twice-published, best-selling author, lyricist and the founder of a publishing house. He uses social media to inspire and empower, with a focus on education, self-love, self-healing, psychology, and personal development. His published works, which explore diverse themes and socio-cultural narratives, have gained critical acclaim. Kiani's unique literary approach is deeply rooted in his personal journey, overcoming deep personal challenges, hostilities, and prejudices.

A graduate of Columbia University's School of Journalism, Elassar is an Egyptian-Palestinian journalist and writer for CNN Digital. Her area of focus includes stories about culture, identity, and representation, especially from minority and marginalised communities. Her reporting has covered Native-American affairs, the Black Lives Matter movement, Asian-American hate, Islamophobia, women's rights, and much more beside. She has reported on-air from the scene of mass shootings and writes about the impact of gun violence in America. Her insightful storytelling, along with her dedication to journalistic integrity, exemplify her trajectory as a rising leader in the journalism sector.

A versatile professional with expertise in marketing, project management, and humanitarian work, Ahmed graduated in Media and Communications from Goldsmiths, University of London, and subsequently embarked on a career in marketing, working with various global businesses. Her most recent role as the Head of Programmes for Goodwill Caravan highlights her commitment to humanitarian causes. Ahmed’s dedication has been a pivotal force in constructing and spearheading global projects aimed at providing safety, support, and integration opportunities for refugees. She has actively contributed to refugee protection projects, assisting in the provision of shelter, legal aid, and medical support to vulnerable communities around the world. Ahmed’s diverse skill set, coupled with her passion for making positive impacts, defines her as a dedicated professional in her field.

An Afro-European, born in Torino, Italy, Hanafi is a Masters of Law student at the University of Turin and the University of Freiburg, Switzerland. Hanafi is passionate about enhancing society by lobbying to create bridges across disparate parts of society. He is Founder and President of the Italian Inclusion Leaders Network (NILI), supported by the German Marshall Fund of the United States, which works to enhance leadership in minority communities. He’s also the founder of two student think tanks, Campus 4.0 and Osservatorio Italiano di Politica Internazionale (OIPI), focused on technology, our social future, and international relations. Hanafi is a Fellow for the Transatlantic Inclusion Leaders Network (TILN).

Arslan is the Head of Business Development for the social enteprise Nushu, where she advocates for empowering and promoting diversity in the business world. Burcu is also pursuing her MBA at WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management and is committed to promoting equal education opportunities. Her podcast, "Free Time MBA," is a source of inspiration and empowerment for those looking to achieve their goals. Arslan is unwavering in her dedication to help others, particularly those from disenfranchised backgrounds, access and launch their personal growth and development.

Former Lord Mayor of Westminster, the United Kingdom, Taouzzale is the first and only individual from a minority ethnic background to hold the post as the City’s first citizen, the youngest ever at the age of 22 and the first Muslim in the position as well. Taouzzale has been a Councillor in Westminster since the age of 18, and during his years of office he earned both his undergraduate and postgraduate degrees while serving residents in his Ward of Queens Park. Taouzzale is dedicated to making real change in communities like the one he’s grown up in. He is also keen on combating the injustice of wealth inequality in his home City and is an advocate for meaningful diversity and inclusion, especially in places of influence and decision making.

Qurban is a Secondary School teacher, an acclaimed Human Rights Advocate, and a non-profit Executive. Serving as a Program Coordinator at Muslim Food Bank and Community Services, he is also an a lead member at Afghan Diaspora of Vancouver and an Executive with Free Uyghur Now. Qurban is committed to supporting the Uyghur people and advocating their human rights as part of a broader commitment to youth education and human rights for all. In addition, Qurban is an award-winning film producer and authors his own blog, sharing reflections about his work and life.

A graduate of the University of California, Davis, and a Gilman Scholar, Kaleemah Muttaqi is a dynamic young professional with experience in campaign management, community organising, and journalism. In her current role as an Interfaith Lead Organizer within the Pacific Institute for Community Organising (PICO California) network, she works to address inequity in the criminal justice system. Kaleemah has spearheaded programs that develop community-based restorative models for families navigating the judicial system. Her work has taken her across Latin America and Africa, where she has facilitated conversations on collaborative organising strategies. She currently serves on the national ‘Multifaith Solidarity Cohort’ for Faith In Action, and ‘African American Insight Council’ for the Muslim Public Affairs Council. A proud Northern California native and multi-racial Muslim, Kaleemah is deeply rooted in her passion for cross-cultural and cross-continental movement building and storytelling.

Karim Farishta serves as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the Pentagon and is the principal advisor regarding the Department of Defence’s interactions with state, local, and tribal leaders. Previously, Karim was the Director of Strategic Alliances at The Asian American Foundation, spearheading the $1.1 billion philanthropic launch of its national anti-hate and belonging efforts. He served as a Program Manager at the White House during the Obama Administration and worked for Vice President Harris during the 2021 presidential inauguration. A Fulbright Scholar, Karim holds a Master’s degree from Harvard’s Kennedy School and a B.A. in International Affairs from George Washington University.

Born in Lahore, Pakistan, Mussab immigrated to the United States and has been inspired from a young age to fight for civil rights. While in college, he ran for the local school board in Jersey City, becoming the City's youngest and America's youngest Muslim official. As Board President, he implemented significant reforms, including a fully-funded budget and higher minimum wages. Additionally, Mussab was a Harry S. Truman Scholar at Rutgers University, a Schwarzman Scholar with a Master’s in Global Affairs from Tsinghua University, in Beijing, China, and graduated from Harvard Law School, where he served as Co-President of Student Government.

Sabrine is a fourth-year law student at the University of Technology Sydney, studying a Bachelor of Business/Bachelor of Laws. Her passion for legal studies and sector reform earned her the prestigious role of representing Law on the Universities Academic Board, as well as a seat on the Faculty Board of Law. Once elected as General Secretary of the Student’s Association by the university’s 50,000-person cohort, Sabrine founded her university’s first Student Partnership agreement, earning national recognition. This capacity for change sparked Sabrine’s interest in politics; she was elected President of UTS Labor and an Executive of the National Union of Students. Her role in youth engagement allowed her to intern with the current government's Minister for Youth and advise on portfolio matters. Outside of University, Sabrine serves as the coordinator of the Crescent Institute, Australia’s local equivalent of Concordia, whose primary objective is to connect, educate, and empower Australian Muslims from all backgrounds.

Hassam, a dedicated member of the prison service in the UK, has a unique insight into the criminal justice system having worked on both the front lines and at the heart of decision making. After completing her undergraduate at University College of London, Hassam was part of a pilot Master’s programme, ‘Unlocked,’ which saw her complete her post-graduate studies while serving as a Prison Officer in a men's category B prison in London. As one of the few Muslims working in a senior position in the criminal justice system, Hassam went from prison landings to working in prison policy in Whitehall at the Ministry of Justice and thereafter in the private office of the Minister of State for prisons. She now serves as a Prison Inspector for HM Government, providing independent scrutiny of the country's jails. Her often challenging work showcases her commitment to fostering positive reform and upholding justice by advocating for some of the most marginalised members of our society.

Passionate about positive change and community development, Rauf is an emerging leader and distinguished public figure, born in Oslo, Norway, to Sri Lankan parents. A neurobiologist and dynamic young politician, she is noted for her potent drive towards societal reform, spurred by global injustices. As a top candidate for the Norwegian Labour Party running for City Council, she possesses a commendable record of engaging in public discourse. Beyond politics, her multifaceted career spans leading several startups and fulfilling the role of a university educator, specialising in the intriguing field of scientific meditation.

Kadouh is a proud daughter of Dearborn, Michigan, where she resides and received her education, including a degree in public health and Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Michigan-Dearborn. She also founded Arabize Media, a media company empowering Arabs and Muslims through storytelling and community building. With a passion for social and political engagement, Kadouh successfully established four distinct brands under Arabize Media, including “Dearborn Girl,” which gained national and international recognition. Currently, she serves as Program Manager at New American Leaders, a nationwide organisation dedicated to training refugees, immigrants, and first and second generation Americans to lead.

Mahmood, a self-educated software engineer and proactive entrepreneur, excels at creating impactful solutions to real-world issues via engaging digital experiences. Spanning multiple sectors, including healthcare and artificial intelligence, he co-founded Muslamic Makers, an initiative committed to amplifying underrepresented voices within the tech industry. His entrepreneurial spirit led to the conception and successful delivery of the Muslim Tech Festival. Mahmood’s relentless efforts have seen collaborations with industry giants like Google, Samsung, and the BBC. His accomplishments position him as an emerging leader, dedicated to transforming representation within the tech landscape.

Zahra Beg is a Research Associate at ECPAT International, a global network of civil society organisations that work to end the sexual exploitation and abuse of children. A recent graduate of MSc Violence, Conflict & Development, she conducted research on the memorialisation of sexual violence from the Bosnian genocide. Beg is passionate about community initiatives, meeting her reading challenges, and photographing architectural feats. A product of living in Luxembourg, Belgium, England, Kazakhstan, Hong Kong, Scotland and Jordan, Zahra is always eager to expand her horizons and embrace new cultures and languages.