Abdurrahman Darvesh

Position: Associate Regional Director

Hometown: Detroit, MI

University: Georgia State University

Major/Minor: Computer Information Systems and Marketing

Activities involved in: Beyond MIST, I work full time in the Marketing Department for an IT company in downtown Atlanta promoting prepaid debit cards and gift cards! I also play basketball, so if you ever see me in the streets bring your A game.

Involvement with MIST: 7 years in all. Two years as a competitor, two as a volunteer, and three as an organizer.

What I Love About MIST: MIST is a great way to help unite the youth in our community to come to a common goal. It allows for many Muslim and non-Muslim youth to interact and build the foundation and the building blocks for years to come, which is extremely important to have for years to come. 

Fun Fact: I have traveled to over 26 states in the USA and 8 countries abroad! 

ALIA RAAD

Position:  Associate Regional Director

Hometown: Alpharetta, GA

University: Georgia Tech

Major/Minor: Biology

Activities involved in: Versatile

Involvement with MIST: I have taken a journey with MIST for seven years. I had the privilege of once upon a time being a competitor, guest and volunteer. Each of these experience has given me the insight and knowledge thereafter contributing to the position where I stood on board. This year I  had the opportunity to take on a larger role, which I've truly relished as it has given me the opportunity to make a positive impact on a much larger scale.

What I Love About MIST: The hype and excitement students exude as well as the insight and knowledge judges and coaches share.

Fun Fact: I'd like to share some advice I live by. >Be grateful with that you have. >It's about quality, not quantity. 

Mae Eldahshoury

Position: Communications Director

Hometown: Alpharetta, GA

University: University of Georgia

Major/Minor: Journalism and International Affairs

Activities involved in: I'm in the Student Government Association at UGA and I'm on the UpLift Youth Council at the Roswell Community Masjid. I also work at a bakery and am an intern for the Georgia Muslim Voter Project.

Involvement with MIST: I began competing in MIST regionally and nationally when I was in 8th grade and continued all throughout high school. Last year I joined the Dream Team as the Social Media Manager and I'm currently serving my second year on the board as the Communications Director.

What I Love About MIST: The people. I've made so many connections with so many people from all over the country. I'm always amazed at how talented and experienced competitors, organizers, and guests are.

Fun Fact: I spent Ramadan in Turkey during the summer for an internship at a news station.

Deana Mounajjed

Position: Multimedia Chair

Hometown: Marietta, GA

University: Georgia State University

Major/Minor: Graphic Design Major!

Activities involved in: Muslim Students Association at Georgia State University

Involvement with MIST: I participated in MIST all throughout High School and was a member of the 2015 Dream Team MIST Board as Graphic Designer.

What I Love About MIST: MIST takes so many different types of people and brings them together in one place, for one reason. People have the opportunity to go all out with their teams, gain family and friendships, and develop a greater connection with Islam.

Fun Fact: I enjoy laughing at things that are probably not even really that funny to begin with. I also enjoy exploring aesthetic areas throughout the city.

Alaa Elassar

Position:  Outreach Manager

Hometown: Ocean City, NJ

University: Georgia State University

Major/Minor: Journalism and Political Science

Activities involved in: I'm an on-site coordinator at the Red Cross, content manager and writer for AtlantaMuslim.com, and managing director and Ameerah for the Al-Maghrib Institute in Atlanta.

Involvement with MIST: I competed for three years, and this is my first year as a board member.

What I Love About MIST: It's always been a motivator to reconnect religiously through things I already loved. I've met the kindest people at MIST, the environment is just so energetic.

Fun Fact: I am a writer and editor for four different journals/magazines.

Sundus Tameez

Position:  Media Chair

Hometown: Memphis, TN

University: Emory University

Major/Minor: Psychology (hoping to work in the mental health field)

Activities involved in: Volunteer Emory, Emory's Muslim Student Association, Pipeline (a mentorship program run through Emory's School of Medicine), and a volunteer at New American Pathways (non-profit working with local refugees)

Involvement with MIST: This is my first year being involved!

What I Love About MIST: I love how passionate the volunteers and board members of MIST are, and I love how MIST is an avenue for Muslims from a variety of backgrounds to come together for a common cause.

Fun Fact: I have an unhealthy obsession with cooking competition shows (Chopped, Cutthroat Kitchen, etc.) but unfortunately lack the culinary skills. 

Saamiya Gill

Position:  Workshops Chair

Hometown: Augusta, GA

University: Agnes Scott College

Major/Minor: Psychology Major, Education and Religious Studies Minors.

Activities involved in: Executive Board member of Agnes Scott MSA, Cultural Organization for Student Multi-cultural Organizations member

Involvement with MIST: Competitor and awarded in MIST bowl, Nasheed, and Original Oratory 2010-2014. Judge of Nasheed in 2015.

What I Love About MIST:  MIST is a great way to meet fellow Muslims and make great friends in a competitive environment.

Fun Fact: I can rap every Drake lyric ever written.

Hasan Qadri

Position:  Website Administrator

Hometown: Stockbridge, GA

University: Georgia Tech

Major/Minor: I'm majoring in Computer Science, minoring in International Affairs.

Activities involved in: I'm a part of the Big Data, Web Development, Android Development, GT Muslim Student Association, and Video Game Development clubs at Georgia Tech.

Involvement with MIST: Started competing in MIST in 8th grade, and I competed in every year since throughout high school as team captain. This is my first year as a MIST board member!

What I Love About MIST: The hype and winning.

Fun Fact: Funnily enough, I participated in the Social Media competition twice and never placed. I watch a ton of anime (Code Geass and Death Note are my faves), and play Starcraft, Smash Brothers, and League. I also write short fiction stories in my free time, heavily influenced by Tolkien, Martin, and Jordan.

Muhammad Rasheed

Position:  Lead Videographer

Hometown: Atlanta Ga

University: Georgia State University

Major/Minor: My major is journalism but I have an interest in film.

Activities involved in: I run my own photography/videography company on the side.

Involvement with MIST: This will be my second year that I am involved with MIST.

What I Love About MIST: I love everything about MIST. I love the diversity and the friendship you can gain from being a part of MIST.

Fulani Jabri

Position:  Lead Photographer

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio

Major/Minor: Photography & Graphic design

Activities involved in: Music, performing arts, running, graphic design, backpacking, camping, biking, jewelry making, cooking  

Involvement with MIST: First year involved with MIST

What I Love About MIST: The organization and passionate involvement of all the volunteers and coordinators

Fun Fact: I enjoy pretty much any outdoorsy activity

Noor-ur-Rahman Shaikh

Position:  Program/Logistics Director

Hometown: Karachi, Pakistan

University: Georgia Tech

Major/Minor: Materials science and engineering

Activities involved in: Sustainable engineering, volunteering and tutoring.

Involvement with MIST: First year

What I Love About MIST: The passion shown by all the organizers as well as the competitions that are fun and engaging.

Fun Fact: Played tennis for 10 years

Houda Hashem

Position:  Basketball Venue Chair

Hometown: Damascus, Syria.

University: GPC - which is now part of GSU

Major/Minor: As of now it is architecture, however there is a high chance of changing it in the future.

Activities involved in: I teach at Al-Madinah Sunday school. I also am a mentor for a Girl Scout troop. A mini-mom for my siblings.

Involvement with MIST: I've been a participant in MIST for the past two years, and this is my first year volunteering in it.

What I Love About MIST: I love the vibes it gives, the people you meet, and the memories we create every year that will last a lifetime.

Fun Fact: Procrastination is an art that not many people know how to master, thankfully I mastered it when I started my final project 24 hours before it was due.

Maryam Ahmed

Position:  Campus and Awards Venue Chair

Hometown: Alpharetta, GA

University: Georgia Perimeter College

Major/Minor: Business administration

Activities involved in: I spend most of my days distracted on Social Media.

Involvement with MIST: Been a competitor for 2 years and a volunteer for 2 years! This will be my 5th year at MIST and my first year as a board member.

What I Love About MIST: I love the sense of a huge Muslim community coming together. It gives such an amazing feeling seeing the youth come together to participate and compete with each other.

Fun Fact: Currently the MSA president for Georgia Perimeter College!

Amie Mbye

Position:  Program Manager

Hometown: Augusta, GA

University: Agnes Scott College

Activities involved in: I am the Inter-Organizational chair of Agnes Scott College's MSA, writer for "The Profile", and a member of our on campus Programming Board.

Involvement with MIST: I participated in MIST all through high-school in various competitions such as Fashion Design and MIST Bowl. I participated in the past as the Logistic Chair.

What I Love About MIST: MIST is great because, unlike other scholastic tournaments, it includes competitions that cater to a wide-variety of interests. I also love that MIST is more than just a tournament. It's a community.

Fun Fact: I was an extra in Captain America: Civil War.

Sana Fathima

Position:  Logistics Manager

Hometown: Marietta, GA

University: Georgia Tech

Major/Minor: Industrial Engineering

Activities involved in: Engineers for a Sustainable World - Georgia Tech. MSA - GaTech

Involvement with MIST: 1 year as a judge, 1 year on the board, and 2 years as a competitor

What I Love About MIST: I love MIST because of the sense of unity it brings. You get to meet so many different Muslims from all over Atlanta, have a little friendly competition with them, and best of all bond over your common love for Islam.

Fun Fact: I played softball for 13 years. I know how to ride a wave board. I can list all 44 presidents of the US. 

Nada Gill

Position:  Awards Manager

Hometown: Augusta, GA

University: Agnes Scott College

Major/Minor: Psychology major, Religious Studies minor, studying to be a Physician's Assistant

Activities involved in: Agnes Scott Programming Board. United Muslim Relief. MSA President

Involvement with MIST: Competitor for 4 years. Volunteer and host at Agnes Scott. Past Secretary.

What I Love About MIST: I love that MIST Atlanta brings Muslims from all over the Southeast region together and provides several possibilities for Muslim youth and young adults to get involved in a great cause.

Fun Fact: I studied abroad in Spain for a summer

Kiran Chaudhary

Position:  Volunteer Director

Hometown: Marietta, GA

University: University of Georgia

Major/Minor: Management Information Systems/Finance. Looking to minor in something related to international studies if I get the time.

Activities involved in: Pakistani Students Association at UGA. Muslim Students Association at UGA. Gamma Sigma Sigma ( National Service Sorority). Society for Management Information Systems. In my free time I go running and exploring by myself lol.

Involvement with MIST: Highschool: competitor. Freshman year: MIST bowl judge Sophomore: Official MIST snap chatter while working with the social media and marketing team. All were great positions and I enjoyed them.

What I Love About MIST: MIST is like a Muslim retreat. People come out to compete, to learn, to grow, and to make new friends. It's something that connects people from all places and backgrounds during one weekend. I love meeting new people at MIST, connecting with old friends, and having the opportunity to hear some amazing lectures that help me grow and improve myself as a person.

Fun Fact: I LOVE exploring and being out in nature. I go out to random coffee shops by myself or anything that has to do with being outdoors. Running and hiking are two of my favorite things to do when I have free time or just need to clear out my head.

Hasib Abdulrahmaan

Position:  Specialized Task Volunteer Manager

Hometown: Los Angeles, California

University: Georgia State University

Major/Minor: Major-Biology. Minor-Music Education

Activities involved in: FC Soccer Team, Music group, Mentor, Motivational speaker.

Involvement with MIST: 5 years

What I Love About MIST: The feel of family.

Fun Fact: Song writer & Nasheed artist.

Tashmina Momin

Position:  Food manager

Hometown: Rome, GA

University: Georgia State University

Major/Minor: Actuarial science

Activities involved in: Georgia State University MSA, National Society of Collegiate Scholars

Involvement with MIST: Volunteered in the past

What I Love About MIST: The unity between the different cultures and languages. It's a coming together for the greater good of helping younger children learn about Islam.

Fun Fact: I'm a huge foodie! Love making it and love eating it even more.

Shifa Khan

Position:  General Volunteer Manager

Hometown: Alpharetta, GA

University: Kennesaw State University

Major/Minor: History Education- I know, I know, but I have a serious love for arts. Photography- I love seeing people from behind the lens

Activities involved in: I volunteer at an elementary school and work with a lot of little kids on a daily basis. I bake, I run a blog. I'm part of creating an online Seerah course.

Involvement with MIST: I've competed since 2008, the volunteered starting in 2013

What I Love About MIST: MIST has been a part of my life since forever, I love that I get to interact with different people and perspectives

Fun Fact: I taught English in Turkey, and spent two months abroad in Turkey. I always find time to bake- anything from quinoa chocolate cake to fancy chocolate mousse.

Zobia Qureshi

Position:  Competitions Director

Hometown: Orlando, FL

University: Kennesaw State University

Major/Minor: Graduated with a B.S. Chemistry!

Activities involved in: I currently have an internship at a chemical company. I'm also involved with the youth group at Masjid Al-Furqan.

Involvement with MIST: I've volunteered in the past, and I served as a coach last year.

What I Love About MIST: Atlanta is very lucky to have its own MIST! I love the unity and hype all the competitors and volunteers bring. MIST is a great way to get the youth to come out and be proud of being Muslim, and to make them great leaders and professionals in the community.

Fun Fact: I'm surprisingly really good at ultimate frisbee!

Rabeea Ahmad

Position:  Competitions Director

Hometown: Atlanta, GA

University: Georgia Tech

Major/Minor: Biochemistry

Activities involved in: I'm involved with Georgia Tech MSA, Campus Kitchens, and Shifa Clinic.

Involvement with MIST: Been a competitor since 2009 (5 years), been volunteering since 2014 (1 year), was MIST Bowl Head last year and now I'm here: Also been involved with MIST Nationals on theme selection committee for the past two years

What I Love About MIST: I love MIST! It provides an outlet for Muslim high schoolers to express and explore their religion creatively. It's also such a great way to meet new people and it was something I always looked forward when I was a competitor.

Fun Fact: I used to fence in high school.

Mohamed Eldahshoury

Position: Brother's Basketball Manager

Hometown: Alpharetta, GA

University: University of Georgia

Major/Minor: Finance Major

Activities involved in: UGA Muslim Student Association, UGA Arab Cultural Association, UGA Finance Society

Involvement with MIST: Involved since 2009, served as team captain and as a volunteer Basketball Scorekeeper.

What I Love About MIST: What I love most about MIST is the sense of community and competition it brings. 

Fun Fact: Traveled to South America this past winter break

Komal Abbas

Position:  Sister's Basketball Head Manager

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia

University: Georgia Tech

Major/Minor: Business Administration Major with a Minor in Biology

Activities involved in: Sports' Medicine Trainer for Georgia Tech Athletics

Involvement with MIST: I competed in MIST as a middle and high school student since 2007 in poetry, photography, MIST Bowl, and basketball. Also, I have coached/volunteered since 2013.

What I Love About MIST: I love to see the intelligent, strong, and compassionate people every year who come to MIST to give it their all in competitions, and represent their teams with excitement and style all along the way.

Fun Fact: I played Varsity Basketball in high school. :)

Rami Zabaab

Position:  Scorekeeper

Hometown: Ottawa, Canada

University: University of Georgia

Major/Minor: Forestry Major / Neuroscience Minor

Activities involved in: Most of my spare time is spent playing chess & listening to Akon.

Involvement with MIST: Competitor '11-'13, Scorekeeper '15-'16"

What I Love About MIST: I was super competitive in high school, so witnessing our younger brothers & sisters battle it out appropriately in the name of Islam is refreshing & nostalgic.

Fun Fact: My real name is actually Hector.

Bara Ahmad

Position:  Scorekeeper

Hometown:  Chicago, Illinois

University: Georgia State University

Major/Minor: Major: Political Science, Concentration: Pre-Law

Activities involved in: Tutoring high school students, interning at an international business publication company, the occasional binge watching of a series on Netflix

Involvement with MIST: Competitor in 2012 for Knowledge Test. Judge in 2014 for MIST Bowl

What I Love About MIST: What I love about MIST is how for one weekend, it takes people out of their typical daily lives involving school/work/athletics, and can bring Muslims from all over the state together. It creates this sort of bond and collaboration with people who are very similar in ways that you sometimes cannot share with others outside of the Muslim community.

Fun Fact: I have a massive phobia of dogs and cannot be within at least three feet of them.

AISHA HUSSAIN SALAM

Position: Registration Director

Hometown: Queens, NY

University: Georgia State University Alum

Major/Minor: I was a psych major in my undergrad. I am currently a part time teacher at a community college in Nashville. InshaAllah I plan to get my Master's in Social Work in the next few years.

Activities involved in: Literally nothing. MIST is just too awesome to do anything else. I spend the rest of my time working and running errands because apparently that's what you're supposed to do as an adult. 

Involvement with MIST: Do you have five pages?? Haha

Let's see, I started out as an unofficial/unregistered volunteer in the beginning. My first official position was as a judge/volunteer in 2011, both for regionals and for NATL. I was a team coach and a judge in 2012, again for both regionals and NATL. I was the competitions chair in 2013. I was the associate director in 2014. I couldn't participate in 2015 because I got married and moved around the country, but I'm back in ATL this year and heading up registration inshaAllah.

What I Love About MIST: The atmosphere, the energy, the electricity. It's beyond words. It's a lifestyle. 

Fun Fact: I'm not sure if I have any fun facts about myself? Um, I'm a creative writer, so when I think or reflect, I think in voices. But, like, I don't actually hear or have voices in my head. Really. I swear. Oh, and though I'm about to be 28, I consistently forget my age and binge on cartoons, Disney, and all things superhero geek.

Zoobia Mahmood

Position:  Registration Chair

Hometown: Detroit, MI

University: Agnes Scott College

Major/Minor: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 

Activities involved in: Executive Board Member of the Agnes Scott MSA. I spend my free time outside of school volunteering at local hospitals. 

Involvement with MIST: This is my second year involved in MIST!

What I Love About MIST: I love how people from different backgrounds come together, which gives one a sense of community and belonging. 

Fun Fact: I love exploring and trying new things! I have a passion for thrilling/daring adventures. My goal before I turn 24 is to jump out of a plane….I just need to be able to convince my mom. So make dua that I can convince her, iA!

Zainab Khan

Position:  Registration Chair

Hometown: Paramus, New Jersey

University: Georgia State University

Major/Minor: Majoring in Political Science and minoring in Marketing.

Activities involved in: I fence and play basketball. Sometimes I push cats off of couches if I'm not feeling it.

Involvement with MIST: I've been a competitor in MIST since 10th grade, so three years. This is my first year as a volunteer on the MIST dream team.

What I Love About MIST: I love how because of MIST, I was able to connect with the Muslim community in my high school and ended up making some really good friends. I also love how I was able to learn more about myself through these competitions.

Fun Fact: I'm double jointed. My favorite show is Supernatural. I have a sock collection consisting of many toe and fuzzy socks. I can(not) burp my ABC's.

Mariam Desouky

Position:  Treasurer

Hometown: Roswell

University: GSU

Major/Minor: Accounting

Activities involved in: 

Involvement with MIST: It's my first year at MIST! :)

What I Love About MIST: MIST provides you with a chance to work with brilliant and passionate individuals from diverse educational backgrounds. The environment of MIST contributes to building your character.

Fun Fact: I was born on my parent's anniversary, I am the middle child, and you will always find me watching Animal Planet.

Salma Stoman

Position:  MIST Atlanta Financial Advisor

Hometown: Norristown, PA

University: Agnes Scott College

Major/Minor: Chemistry, Microbiology, Pharmacy

Activities involved in: The Islamic Speakers Bureau of Atlanta and various pharmacy organizations

Involvement with MIST: This will be my 11th year involved in MIST, and I've held every position at least once :)

What I Love About MIST: The opportunities is provides to everyone involved as a competitor, coach, volunteer, etc. I've met so many people through MIST and I love seeing how it keeps growing.

Fun Fact: I bake a mean cupcake, I truly believe that sandwiches taste best when eaten crust first, and on average I read a book a week