IAC Board Member Elections Announcement | Election Results
IAC Election 2024
Election Results
As-Salaam Alaikum, community members.
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullahi wa barakathu,
The votes for the 2024 IAC board have been counted, and the results are in. The Clifton Mosque would like to thank all our members who accepted their nominations and ran for the open positions, as well as all community members who participated in the election by casting their votes. May Allah reward each one of you. We congratulate our newly elected board members:
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Khalid Alnajar
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Samir Chandiwala
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Mohamed Gueye
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Swiyyah Rush
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Riyad Shamma
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Imam Ayman Soliman
The new board members will begin in January 2025.
Jazakum Allahu Khairan. Thank you for your support and involvement.
Meet the New Board Members
Khalid Alnajar
Khalid Alnajar is a successful businessman and community leader. He has been a long-time member of the Clifton Mosque and brings new and exciting ideas and strategies to our board and our community.
Samir Chandiwala
Samir Chandiwala, is a graduate of the Georgia Institute of Technology with a degree in Chemical Engineering and over twenty years of professional experience at Procter & Gamble where he is currently a Data Science Director . Samir was born in California and spent most of his formative years in the southeast states. He was on the board of
the masjid in Augusta, Georgia for several years before moving to Cincinnati. He has been in Cincinnati since 2007 and has been active
in the Islamic community first in West Chester, where he used to live and now in Clifton. Samir has been on the Board as secretary the last four years and led some education events. Samir loves attending community events and classes at Clifton Mosque and the welcoming warmth of the Clifton community.
Vision for masjid: An active community that fills the social and spiritual needs of everyone at the Clifton masjid. A key component to deliver this goal is to have a strong and capable Imam that is versed
in Islamic knowledge and community building. We must also foster a supportive atmosphere to enable volunteers and community members to build a community that embodies the beauty of the Quran and the Sunnah.
Mohamed Gueye
My name is Mohamed Gueye, and I’m excited to share a bit about myself and my vision for our community. As someone studying cybersecurity and preparing for an internship at Amazon, I’m deeply invested in the future of our youth and the strength of our community. I also volunteer in various roles, including security, food pantry support, and event planning, and I proudly serve as the captain of the Clifton Mosque soccer team.
1. Strength in Numbers and Shared Values:
Together, we have the power to amplify our voices and tackle social, political, and economic challenges. By fostering collective action, we can advocate more effectively and support one another. I plan to reach out to our community scholars to engage with us at the masjid. Their reflections on the Quran and Hadith can guide us in promoting mutual understanding and support. Through religious education and contemporary guidance, we can strengthen our bonds and collaborate more deeply across our diverse community.
2. Parents and Children:
It’s essential for parents to deepen their understanding of Islam so they can impart its values to their children. This not only builds a strong spiritual foundation but also helps children develop a sense of identity and belonging within our faith. Regular attendance at the masjid creates a nurturing environment, enriching their understanding and offering opportunities for social connections and shared experiences.
3. Youth Engagement:
Let’s focus on empoweringour youth! By engaging them in business and technology, we can equip them with vital skills for today’s job market, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, connecting them with professionals and scholars can create invaluable networking opportunities, paving the way for mentorship and career paths.
4. Health and Well-being:
Promoting physical activity is crucial for healthier lifestyles within our community. Sports can engage our younger generations, providing positive outlets for their energy while instilling teamwork and discipline. Let’s come together through sports events, celebrating our diversity and building connections across backgrounds.
5. United Ummah:
In a world where we may face challenges, unity is our strength. Our community is rich with diverse cultures and traditions, and together, we can foster resilience, security, and belonging. Participating in communal prayers, celebrations, and religious practices enhances our spiritual growth and reinforces our faith. Let’s bridge our differences through dialogue and reconciliation, ensuring that our unity is a source of strength rather than division.
Together, we can build a vibrant, supportive community that reflects our shared values and aspirations. Thank you for being a part of this journey.
Swiyyah Rush
I have been a part of this community for nearly 30 years. I have served on several committees and always tried to lend a helping hand when needed. Throughout the years, I have gained experience as a wife, mother, caretaker, business owner, and employee at General Electric for over 35 years. After being retired for a decade, I am ready to commit myself to the role of an elected board member, insha'Allah. Our community is constantly evolving, growing, and becoming more diverse. As a black American Muslim woman, I believe I can effectively connect and communicate with many individuals, and represent their concerns to the board.
Riyad Shamma
Born and raised in Cincinnati, I have always loved our community. I founded the Institute of Youth Development and Excellence (IYDE) in 2007 with the desire to support and enhance organizations in their ability to develop and nurture youth. I have a lifelong passion for youth development and building others. I have served on both IAC and IEC boards in decades past and continue to work to support the community.
My vision for the future of our masjid is a nurturing and welcoming community that brings people in and makes them want to stay connected. We need to understand the individual needs and how to best fulfill them given the diversity of culture, age, education, interests and phase of life.
Imam Ayman Soliman
Imam Ayman Soliman received his Islamic education in Islamic studies, both formal and informal, in Egypt. He holds undergrad degrees in Islamic studies, Qura'n and Islamic Da'wah. Later he received a Master's degree in Islamic Studies and is currently pursuing a Master's of Divinity (MDIV) in Islamic Studies and Muslim Chaplaincy as well as a PhD in Islamic Studies. He served as an Imam in Egypt for 14 years before moving to the US 10 years ago. In the US, he served as an imam, director of religious affairs and youth director in several Islamic centers. He has served as the Muslim chaplain at Northwestern University, the Muslim chaplain in the prison system, and currently serves as the imam and Muslim Chaplain at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. He was an elected board member of Aljame'ya Alshare'ya in Egypt for 10 years before moving to the US. Most recently, he was elected to serve as a board member of the Initiative on Islam and Medicine.
He is a member of the Assembly of Muslim Jurists of America, the Association of Muslim Chaplains, and the North America Imams Federation.
Ideas and vision:
-To develope educational programs and activities that cater for the needs of our community members in every age group.
-Empower the youth in our community through youth programs that address their needs and enhance their belonging to their Muslim faith.
--Advocate for the hire of a highly qualified full time imam.
-Utilize the diverse expertise in our community to uplift the mosque through volunteering, committees membership and decision making.
-Build bridges and collaborate with the other Muslim institutions in the area to benefit the Muslim community at large.
Islamic Association of Cincinnati | 3668 Clifton Avenue | Cincinnati, OH 45220 US