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Mr. Ansari is an experienced business professional and a technology practitioner, with a success record of establishing and operating globally recognized programs and operational capabilities for Fortune 500 businesses across numerous industry verticals. Faisal s core domain expertise include Cybersecurity, Information Privacy, Data Lifecycle Management, Enterprise Risk/Compliance, and IT Strategy/Transformation.
Safiyyah has made remarkable contributions to her community through various roles and initiatives. Her journey is marked by dedication to empowering women and supporting children.
Here are some highlights of her achievements:
Safiyyah established the Muslim Sisters of Staten Island, driven by her passion for women empowerment and children's welfare.
Safiyyah is an immigrant from the island of Jamaica. She is a mother of one son and two daughters and a grandmother to three beautiful girls.
Safiyyah was instrumental in starting and leading the first Muslim Girl Scout troop on Staten Island, as part of the Greater New York Girl Scouts.
This leadership role led to over 12 years of service to that organization. She has shared her knowledge and experience as an RN adjunct professor at the College of Staten Island, and has participated in various health-related panels and workshops on Staten Island.
Safiyyah is a Registered Nurse with over 27 years of experience. She currently works as a Care Team Supervisor at a local healthcare facility, showing her commitment to health and community support.
She is a former Board Secretary of Majlis Ash-shura New York, contributing to the organization's governance and strategic direction. Safiyyah's multifaceted roles and accomplishments reflect her unwavering commitment to community service and leadership. Her work continues to inspire and empower those around her.
Maryhan Abdelazim is a visionary leader in industrial and organizational psychology, recognized for her commitment to bringing people and communities together to solve critical gaps in workforce development and organizational effectiveness. As founder and CEO of Reach Potential, LLC— the first-of-its-kind consulting firm dedicated to translating I/O psychology research into real-world organizational results—Maryhan has always championed the unifying power of networks.
Her pioneering work in building the I/O Network brought together diverse professionals across the field, establishing a collaborative space where practitioners and researchers could break down silos and share best practices for collective impact. A PhD candidate in I/O Psychology, Maryhan’s work has consistently focused on bridging divides: between research and practice, across cultural and faith communities, and between organizations and the people they serve. Her vision has guided Reach Potential (RP) to become an industry leader in applying science-based strategies to foster inclusive, high-performing organizations. As Treasurer of Muslim Sisters of Staten Island, she brings this same unifying spirit—using data-driven insights, compassion, and a collaborative mindset.
Hamza Abdul-Latif, also known as "the Janitor," has been a dedicated founding Board member of Masjidus Sabur since 1995. His extensive involvement in the community has seen him take on various leadership roles, including serving as the Ameer and Naib at Masjidus Sabur. Additionally, he has contributed as a counselor and a weekend school teacher, sharing his knowledge and guidance with others.
By profession, Hamza is an electrician, a skill that complements his advocacy work for the community. His commitment to supporting and uplifting people is a testament to his dedication to service.
Hamza is a proud father of four children and grandfather of seven grandchildren who hold a special place in his heart. His family is the cornerstone of his life, and he extends his nurturing spirit beyond his immediate family through his current marriage, where he has embraced three more children and three additional grandchildren. His ability to welcome and integrate these family members highlights his inclusive nature and his belief in the strength of familial bonds.
Beyond his familial responsibilities, Hamza has been an active Board member of Muslim Sisters of Staten Island, dedicating his time and effort to support and uplift those around him. His work with the organization reflects his passion for fostering unity and providing assistance to those in need.
Josie Pearlman is a Licensed Social Worker (LSW) and a student of Islamic Psychology at the International Open University. She brings experience in trauma-informed clinical care and community engagement to her role as a Board Member with Muslim Sisters of Staten Island.
Currently serving at the Newark Community Street Team (NCST) Trauma Recovery Center in Newark, NJ, Josie provides comprehensive assessments, trauma-focused psychotherapy, and case management for survivors of interpersonal and community violence, including those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, and gun violence.
Josie earned her Master of Social Work with a clinical specialization from Rutgers University - New Brunswick, a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work with a minor in Psychology from Rutgers University - Newark, and an Associate of Arts in Education from Essex County College. She is also completing birth doula training with DONA International to expand her holistic support for women and families.
Dedicated to uplifting marginalized populations, Josie consistently centers social justice, healing, and empowerment in her professional and community-based work. Her efforts focus on creating safe, inclusive, and supportive spaces where underserved individuals and communities can heal, grow, and thrive.
Sevim Kurtulus is a Turkish immigrant from Bulgaria, a mother of three, and a long-time resident of Staten Island. She has established a robust career in higher education administration and student advising in New York City. Professional Education & Experience:
Isa (Isabella) Abraham is a trauma informed self defense instructor building safety and power for communities impacted by gender and hate-based violence in NYC. As the current Program Coordinator at Malikah, she develops the leadership capacity of working class, immigrant, women and girls in self defense, healing justice, economic empowerment and community organizing. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations from Boston University, with a specialization in Africa and the Middle East.
A journalist by training, Isa is a nationally recognized Quill and Scroll Gold Key Journalism Award recipient. Since high school, she has published numerous written works in newspapers and magazines, notably covering food justice, refugee rights and city government. In addition to speaking her native tongue Malayalam, she also earned an advanced mid oral proficiency certification in Arabic.
Isa loves to travel, write poetry, go sneaker shopping, and learn new languages. Islamic values of community care and anti-oppression are what drive and ground her work.
As the Deputy Director of Muslim Sisters of Staten Island, Jenise Duran is honored to serve a community that reflects both her heart and personal journey. As a Dominican Latina and revert to Islam, she understands firsthand the unique challenges many women face in navigating identity, faith, and belonging while confronting unspoken disparities. Her work is inspired by the Islamic values of sincerity, mercy, and justice.
With a background in education and community engagement, including her previous role at Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation, Jenise is passionate about promoting emotional wellness and nurturing strong family connections. She is committed to creating inclusive spaces where women from marginalized communities feel seen, valued, and empowered. She also supports programs that help youth grow into confident, compassionate, and grounded individuals. In her role, Jenise continues to build bridges of understanding, strengthen programs, and expand the sisterhood that MSSI has cultivated, always serving for the sake of Allah.
