UMMAH NY Brings Leaders Together

NYN News Desk :
Muslim leaders from across New York gathered at Thikana Community Hub for a leadership forum hosted by UMMAH NY, bringing together imams, mosque board members, nonprofit leaders, and community representatives for discussions on strengthening mosque operations, improving security, and expanding collaboration among Muslim institutions.
The gathering brought together more than 50 participants who explored practical strategies to help mosques respond to community needs through education, research, partnerships, and shared resources. The event focused on building stronger institutional capacity while creating connections among organizations serving Muslim communities throughout the region.
The program opened with a presentation by Dr. Sayeed Islam, associate professor of industrial-organizational psychology at Farmingdale State College, who shared findings from UMMAH NY’s recently completed New York masjid survey. The research highlighted trends affecting local mosques and encouraged participants to consider expanded data-based planning efforts for Muslim communities.
Participants also heard from Mubinur Rahman, a nonprofit human resources executive, who provided guidance on grant opportunities available to faith-based organizations. His presentation covered practical steps for preparing stronger grant applications and accessing resources to support mosque programs.
Representatives from the Muslim Public Affairs Council (MPAC) traveled from Washington, D.C., to discuss mosque security, public policy engagement, and the national environment surrounding anti-Muslim hate. The delegation included Haris Tarin, Vice President of Policy and Programming, Khuram Zaman, Founding Director of the Center for the Study and Transformation of Policy (CSTP), and Sameer Hossain, Managing Director of MPAC’s Washington office. Their presentation provided security resources, policy information, and partnership opportunities for Muslim organizations.
During the forum, UMMAH NY’s Liajul Hassan and Wacef Chowdhury shared updates on the organization’s growth and its expanding support initiatives. These efforts include workshops focused on protecting children and imams, financial audit support through CPA volunteers, youth director initiatives, media guidance, and policy advocacy resources.
The event also included audience discussions, prayers, networking opportunities, and a community-building activity through Halal Bingo before concluding with a networking dinner. Representatives from organizations including MAS, BSP, Elhaam Academy, MPAC, An-Noor Center, Abu Huraira Masjid, Tawfeeq.org, Zakiganj Society of USA, Masjid Al Iman, As Siraatal Mustaqeem Islamic Center, Centre of Excellence, Elmhurst Islamic Center, Siraat Foundation, Halal Food Connections, and Muslim Center of New York attended the gathering.
The forum reflected UMMAH NY’s continued effort to connect Muslim institutions with knowledge, resources, and partnerships that support long-term community service and organizational development across New York.