Isma, a Research Mentor for Governments and Institutions

One of the most sought-after speakers on Islam, Isma has also delivered lectures to public, private, parochial, civic, and government gatherings and institutions on topics such as interfaith harmony, ethnic and cultural awareness, Muslim women's rights and civil liberties, and the Islamic perspective on art, architecture, sharia.

As part of her ongoing work to support Interfaith initiatives and dispel myths about Islam and Islamophobia, Isma has made numerous public appearances, including speaking engagements at the United Nations, the Grassroot Models for Interfaith conference, the United States Institute of Peace, the United Nations Office on Genocide Prevention, and the Responsibility to Protect, the Network for Religious and Traditional Peacemakers, and Building Community Coalitions @ Engagement Institute.

She is frequently asked to coach government and private institutions on issues of diversity, sensitivity, inclusion & cultural humility.

Isma, the First Women on Board of Tustees at the Islamic Center of Long Island

Isma’s activism extends well beyond healthcare issues. A longstanding advocate of interfaith initiatives and a fierce proponent of equity and social justice for all, Isma has been involved with the Islamic Center of Long Island (ICLI) for more than 25 years. In 2015, the Center elected Isma as its first female president, and in 2018 she became the first female Chairperson of the Center’s Board of Tustees. Islamic Center of Long Island, during Isma’s tenure as a president, was voted as One of the eight most Spiritual sites in America.

Isma, A Life long Community Contributor

In addition to her leadership role at the Islamic Center of Long Island, Isma has worked with several other organizations to support her local community. She has served as a co-chair of the Board of Trustees for Long Island WINS (an immigration advocacy organization), Chair of the Nassau County Asian American Council, and a member of the Board of Trustees of the Interfaith Alliance of Long Island; she also serves on the board of the Nassau County Minority Affairs Council, Nassau County DA’s Councils, the Board of Ethics for the Town of North Hempstead, the New York State Governor’s Interfaith Council, Health and Welfare Council of Long Island, and is co-chair of Northwell Health’s Health Equity Taskforce..

Isma, a Leadership Mentor for Distressed Communities in the United States

During her more than three decades of volunteering, community, and Interfaith initiatives, Isma has focused on including youth development programs, efforts to build bridges between communities, and celebrating ethnic diversity.

Supporting distressed communities, locally and globally, is of particular interest to Isma.

Working with several Long Island school districts, Isma has put together curricula and has taught courses on the cultures of Southeast Asia and the diverse practices of Islamic traditions. A champion for women’s rights, she has promoted mentoring, career planning, and leadership programs that will empower women and enhance their academic and vocational opportunities.

In 2021 Isma Launched her non-for-profit Waris Foundation http://www.warisfoundation.org/ to address the needs of distressed communities in South East Asia and to address the refugee crisis she launched an Interfaith Coalition “Upholding Humanity,” and have helped about 30 Afghan, South American and Ukrainian Refugees in the United States.