Emily Parker :
America’s Muslim Network (AMN) celebrated a broad cross-section of Muslim leadership at its 2025 AMN Gala Edition, unveiling “The Influential 65” to honor individuals whose work has strengthened communities across New York State.
Presented under the theme “Power. Leadership. Legacy.”, the recognition highlighted leaders serving in government, law, education, faith, healthcare, business, media, nonprofit advocacy, public safety, and humanitarian work. According to the AMN list, the honorees were not ranked, but recognized equally for their unique contributions to New York’s Muslim community.
The 2025 honorees included Zohran Mamdani, Imam Khalid Latif, Ali Najmi, Dr. Debbie Almontaser, Lina Khan, Farrah Mozawalla, Dr. Yusef Abdus Salaam, Shahriar Rahman, Mohammad Mohsin Awais, Kwani O’Pharrow, Charles D. Falls, Sara M. Pervez, SQ, Shahana Hanif, Afaf Nasher, Isma Chaudhry, Kashif Hussain, Adeel Rana, Dr. Sheikh Faiyaz Jaffer, Husein Yatabarry, Imam Zameer Sattaur, Arshad Jamal, Ather Tirmizi, Hanadi Doleh, Adama Bah, Salman Rizwan, Toufique Harun, Omar Jamal, Saadia Z. Yunus, Mahir S. Nisar, Qari Nazrul Islam, Nadia M. Pervez Bilal, Shahid Khan, Jibreel W. Sarij, Ammad Sheikh, Raza Dastgir, Rafiq Faiz, Ali Rashid, Dr. Hasib Mikael Sarij, Zahid Syed, Sabbir Ahmed, Mamadou Siré Bah, Imam Wesley, Carell Ali Lasso Paz, Imam Ahmed Ali, Lena Maasarani, Rana AbdelHamid, Ali Mushtaq, Dr. Sara Siddiqui, Yamina Kezadri, Sadiqur Rahman, Mohamed Bahi, Wazma Hassan, Sadri Altinok, Shaniyat Turani, Fahd Ahmed, Azra Dhar, Shamsul Haque, Mufti Mohammad Farhan, Dr. Malik Nadeem Abid, Mohammad Razvi, Muhammad Shahidullah, Mohammad Liajul Hassan, Hamza Khamisa, and Iqra Tanveer.
The honorees represented the depth and diversity of Muslim contribution in New York, from elected officials and attorneys to educators, imams, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, public safety leaders, youth organizers, civil rights advocates, and media figures. Together, their recognition reflected a community that is not only growing in visibility, but also shaping public life through service, representation, advocacy, and institution-building.
For many attendees and community members, The Influential 65 also carried symbolic importance. It highlighted leaders whose work often extends beyond titles or offices, reaching families, neighborhoods, schools, mosques, nonprofits, civic spaces, and government institutions. By placing these names together, AMN presented a broader picture of Muslim leadership in New York—one rooted in faith, public service, professional excellence, and a shared commitment to community progress.
In a message shared for the gala, Kevin Shakil, Founder of America’s Muslim Network, described the recognition as a celebration of “impact, leadership, and service.” He noted that each honoree has contributed meaningfully through faith, advocacy, business, education, public service, and grassroots work.
The gala served as more than an awards program. It became a public statement about Muslim visibility, achievement, and civic participation in New York. By bringing together The Influential 65, AMN underscored the importance of recognizing leaders whose work uplifts families, builds bridges, protects rights, expands opportunity, and inspires future generations to serve with purpose.
For more blogs, visit nyn.press
