Open Doors & Reception
Quran Recitation & Opening Remarks
Maghrib Prayer
Message From Executive Director
Dinner is Served
CAIR Ohio Year in Review
Guest Speaker: Altaf Husain
Award Presentation
Guest Speaker: Zahra Billoo
Closing Remarks
Isha Prayer
Dr. Altaf Husain is a native of Cleveland, Ohio, and a double alumnus of Case Western Reserve University, where he earned his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering and M.S. in Social Work. He later completed his Ph.D. in Social Work at Howard University in Washington, D.C. His research centers on the mental health and integration of immigrant and refugee families in the United States, with a particular focus on Muslim adolescents.
Dr. Husain serves as the founding Vice President of the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research, an advisory board member of the Peaceful Families Project, and the founding President of the National Association of Muslims in Social Work (NAMSW). His extensive service to the community also includes two terms as national president of MSA, roles with the Muslim Alliance in North America (MANA), and leadership as Vice President of the Islamic Society of North America (ISNA). He has been a proud supporter of CAIR and its chapters since 1998.
Zahra Billoo is the Executive Director of CAIR’s San Francisco Bay Area office, the organization’s oldest and one of its most active chapters. Since joining CAIR-SFBA in 2009, she has led major expansions in legal services, civil rights advocacy, and community organizing to protect and empower American Muslims.
Under her leadership, the chapter has advanced civil rights litigation and provided extensive know-your-rights education, supporting individuals facing discrimination, hate incidents, and immigration challenges. Zahra has been recognized nationally for her work, receiving honors such as the Human Rights Award from the Society of American Law Teachers.
She holds a J.D. from UC College of the Law, San Francisco, and undergraduate degrees from California State University, Long Beach.
Roula Allouch is a trial attorney with experience in employment, civil rights, commercial, personal injury, and appellate litigation. She earned her undergraduate degree magna cum laude and her juris doctor from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in Kentucky, Ohio, and the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.
She served eight years as Chair of CAIR’s National Board and now serves as co-chair of its Emeritus Board. Roula is also Chair of the American Bar Association’s Center for Human Rights and serves on the leadership council for the ABA’s Section of Civil Rights and Social Justice.
Honored as a Daughter of Greatness by the Muhammad Ali Center, where she now chairs the Board, Roula also serves on the boards of the Family Nurturing Center, the Findlay Market Corporation, and the Over-The-Rhine International Film Festival. She is a faculty member with the Islamic Seminary of America and was named a Cincinnati Enquirer Woman of the Year in 2023.
Reverend Elizabeth Diop is a Christian minister devoted to supporting individuals and families through grief, trauma, and times of profound challenge. Her ministry is marked by empathy, clarity, and a strong ethical voice. Elizabeth is known for her courageous advocacy and for accompanying community members with compassion and conviction.
Reverend Adam Allen’s ministry centers on compassion, presence, and moral courage. With extensive pastoral training and a deep commitment to serving those in crisis, Adam provides spiritual and emotional support to individuals during their most vulnerable moments. He is recognized for standing in solidarity with those facing injustice and for his unwavering dedication to human dignity.
Jackie Rowedder is the long-serving principal of the Academy of World Languages, a CPS magnet school known for its multilingual curriculum and diverse student community. She is dedicated to creating an inclusive environment where students from more than 30 linguistic backgrounds feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to thrive. Jackie’s leadership reflects her commitment to cultural understanding, global citizenship, and educational excellence.
Lena Zurub is a Cincinnati-based organizer dedicated to community empowerment, human rights, and ethical civic engagement. Through her work with the Cincinnati Palestine Solidarity Coalition and the Ohio Divest Coalition, she helps mobilize grassroots advocacy and raise awareness around issues of justice. Lena is known for her clear, principled voice in public forums and her commitment to uplifting marginalized communities.
