Thrive Talks Thrive Summit 2025 - Speakers
Saad Malik
Founder - Zoya Finance
Saad Malik
Founder - Zoya FinanceSaad Malik is a co-founder of Zoya Finance, a technology platform dedicated to making Halal investing simple and accessible. Recognizing that "Muslims, like every other underserved community, are no longer content with limited options," Saad and his team built Zoya to empower users with modern tools that align with their financial goals and their values. Through its popular app, which provides Shariah-compliance screening for thousands of stocks, Zoya has become a trusted leader in the Islamic FinTech space. The platform's explosive community-led growth, crossing over $500 million in connected assets, exemplifies the powerful demand for transparent and faith-aligned financial technology.
Isra Chaker
CEO - Every Pregnancy
Isra Chaker
CEO - Every PregnancyIsra Chaker is a Syrian-American activist, humanitarian advocate, and public speaker. She is the Chief Executive Officer of Every Pregnancy, where she leads a global coalition of faith-inspired organizations working to create a world in which every pregnancy is safe. Since its inception in 2024, Every Pregnancy has been pioneering a bold new vision for maternal health advocacy—uniting diverse voices, bridging critical gaps, and driving systemic change to ensure that every mother and baby receives the care they deserve. Under Isra’s leadership, the organization has built an unprecedented coalition of more than 35+ Muslim philanthropies and NGOs across the U.S., U.K., Canada, Pakistan, and Yemen—many of whom had never previously collaborated on maternal and newborn health. Over the course of Ramadan in 2024 and 2025, Every Pregnancy spearheaded The For Mama Challenge, a charitable giving campaign raising over $34 million to support frontline maternal and newborn health programs in some of the world’s most underserved and crisis-affected communities. Previously, Isra served as a Senior Campaign Manager at Amnesty International USA (AIUSA), where she was a strategic leader driving innovation across campaigns and leading a cross-organizational team of staff and volunteers. She also served as a key thought partner to the National Director of Campaigns and Crisis Response, helping to develop and deliver winning national advocacy campaigns. She is an appointed Ambassador for One Young World (OYW), a global forum of young innovative leaders and has served as a speaker at their annual OYW Summit in London (2019), and Manchester (2022). She is a Public Advocate for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency USA (UNRWA) for her raising awareness and funds for their refugee programs. Isra’s impact goes well beyond speaking engagements and global campaigns- she reaches a global audience of 290,000 supporters via her social media platform @IsraSpeaks, where she empowers people around the world to use their personal narrative to become active global citizens who use their voice to create positive change.
Monem Salam
Director, Executive Vice President - Saturna Capital
Monem Salam
Director, Executive Vice President - Saturna CapitalMonem Salam, Director; Portfolio Manager of Saturna Capital, received his degrees from the University of Texas: BA (Austin) and MBA (Dallas). He worked as the Chief Investment Officer for ITG & Associates (Dallas) until 1999; then as a representative with Morgan Stanley (suburban Dallas) until joining Saturna Capital in June 2003. He served as the Director of Islamic Investing and a Deputy Portfolio Manager to the Amana Mutual Funds Trust until moving to Kuala Lumpur in 2012 to oversee Saturna Sdn. Bhd. In 2018, he returned to the United States. He is Portfolio Manager of the Amana Income and Developing World Funds, as well as investment management accounts, and a Deputy Portfolio Manager of Amana Growth Fund. Monem was Adjunct Professor at IE Business School and speaks at Islamic finance/investment conferences worldwide and he is co-author of A Muslim's Guide to Investing and Personal Finance. Monem has authored chapters on Islamic Investing in both Contemporary Islamic Finance and Islamic Capital Markets and he contributes articles to leading Islamic financial magazines. As a mark of recognition of his achievements in Islamic economy, Monem has been ranked among 500 of the Islamic world's most prominent and influential leaders by ISLAMICA 500 in both 2015 and 2019.
Melanie Elturk
CEO & Founder - Haute Hijab
Melanie Elturk
CEO & Founder - Haute HijabMelanie Elturk is the CEO of Haute Hijab, the prominent U.S. hijab brand and community that empowers Muslim women through high-quality and innovative products, thought-leadership and community engagement. A former civil rights attorney, Melanie brings her passion for social justice to the fashion industry as she sets out to normalize hijab in the mainstream and build the first global hijab brand. She has been featured in the New York Times, Vogue, Glamour and was named to Inc. magazine's Female Founders 100 list. The Haute Hijab Underscarves were a finalist in the CFDA Accessories Council Design Excellence Awards. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Melanie builds her brand from New York City, where she now resides.
Husain Abdullah
Author & Former NFL Player
Husain Abdullah
Author & Former NFL PlayerHusain Abdullah has been recognized for his quiet, focused leadership, serving as “Captain” of his football teams in high school, college, and the NFL. Holding a B.A. in Sociology and an M.S. in Dispute Resolution and Conflict Management, he is committed to leaving a positive mark on society. During his seven-year NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs, Husain used his platform to spark dialogue on ethics, leadership, social justice, and to educate global audiences about Islam. His journey has been profiled by NFL Films, ABC, ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and The Players’ Tribune. In 2024, he published his first book, Mecca to Medina: 100 Personal Reflections on Prophet Muhammad’s ﷺ Hijrah Journey. Today, Husain is a serial entrepreneur in logistics, fashion, consulting, coaching, and mental health. Above all, he strives to live as a Muslim devoted to worshipping the Creator by serving His creation.
Rishard Rameez
CEO & Co-Founder - Zown
Rishard Rameez
CEO & Co-Founder - ZownRishard Rameez is the Co-founder and CEO of Zown, Canada’s fastest-growing proptech company, built on a vision sparked by his own experience as an immigrant navigating the challenges of homeownership. Zown was originally crowdsourced by over a million Reddit users and now helps first-time buyers and sellers by offering AI-powered real estate services and a groundbreaking down payment assistance model that cuts the path to homeownership by up to 70%. With over $300 million in transactions, Zown has expanded from Canada into California, reshaping the real estate journey for the next generation of tech-savvy, values-driven buyers. Rishard holds a Bachelor of Science from South Dakota State University and pursued a Ph.D. in nano-optical sensors at the University of Waterloo. He began his entrepreneurial journey by co-founding a carpooling platform, demonstrating his passion for applying engineering solutions to real-world problems. At the Muslim Founder Summit, Rishard will share the story behind building a high-growth, impact-driven company rooted in purpose, and what it takes to go from idea to scale as a Muslim founder in today’s world.
Tabassum Khan
Co-Founder & COO - Habibi New York
Tabassum Khan
Co-Founder & COO - Habibi New York
Tabassum Khan is the Co-Founder and COO of Habibi New York, the first American-Muslim founded luxury fragrance and personal care brand, which she co-founded with her husband Shakir Ahmed, CEO. At Habibi NY, scent is celebrated as a way to bring people and cultures together, blending tradition with modern elegance. Proudly independent and founder-led, the brand is redefining luxury through authenticity, craftsmanship, and sustainability. Through collaboration with world-renowned perfumers, Habibi NY pushes the boundaries of fragrance innovation, creating distinctive and immersive products that celebrate the brand’s dedication to creativity, quality, and cultural connection.
Available through e-commerce, Bloomingdale’s, EmiratesRED (on board Emirates Airlines), and select fragrance boutiques across the U.S. and globally, Habibi NY continues to build a community inspired by connection and purpose. A New Jersey resident, Rutgers Pharmacy School alumna, and mother of four, Tabassum leads with purpose and faith alongside her husband as they shape a new era of American luxury.
Adnan Durrani
CEO & Founder - Saffron Road Foods
Adnan Durrani
CEO & Founder - Saffron Road FoodsMr. Durrani is the founder, Chief Halal Officer and CEO of American Halal Co, PBC d/b/a Saffron Road Foods, whose frozen entrees are leading a culinary revolution in ethical consumerism by honoring cultural integrity, respecting traditional recipes, and authentic cooking methods of ethnic foods -- producing clean, Better for You, halal World Cuisines. Saffron Road is the First B Corp Certified halal food brand and is now sold in 20,000 stores nationally, including Kroger, HEB, Whole Foods, Albertson’s/Safeway, Stop & Shop, Shoprite, Costco, Target, Ahold, and Wegmans. All of Saffron Road’s products are 100% Halal certified, NEVER EVER use Antibiotics nor growth hormones, use livestock that are 100% Vegetarian fed & pasture raised, and are 100% free of ALL artificial ingredients, GMO’s. Mr. Durrani has been a serial entrepreneur and venture capitalist for almost 30 years. He founded Vermont Pure Spring Water and was a founding partner in Stonyfield Farms, Inc(Danone). Adnan was recognized for “20 Ideas That Changed The Way The World Does Business”. The select list of these inductees include Ben Cohen (Ben & Jerry’s), Muhammad Yunus (Nobel Peace Prize, Grameen Bank), and Steve Case (AOL). Mr. Durrani is the Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Columbia University’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. He was also a founding member of Social Venture Network, which for 30 years has incubated enterprises like Cliff Bar, KIND, Eileen Fisher, Ben & Jerry’s, and Seventh Generation by promoting a triple bottom line of valuing people, planet, and profit. He was recognized by the Vatican for his “Interfaith In Business” model, where the Pope hosted him as a speaker at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, Italy. Mr. Durrani is also on the Islamica 500 , a select list of The 500 Who Make the Islamic Economy
Yasmeen Tadia
Founder & CEO - Make Your Life Sweeter
Yasmeen Tadia
Founder & CEO - Make Your Life Sweeter
Yasmeen Tadia, the founder and CEO of Make Your Life Sweeter Brands, has revolutionized the world of nostalgic treats, elevating standard-issue cotton candy and popcorn into delectable gourmet indulgences. Through her renowned brand, she introduces a signature line of sweet sensations, including Fluffpop artisanal mini cotton candy, Hotpoppin gourmet popcorn, Sugaire certified organic cotton candy, ModSweets, the Zphere vapor bubble, and her latest creation, Dolce Far Niente craft coffee.
In 2014, Yasmeen achieved a milestone by obtaining a patent for mini cotton candy pops. Trading her successful 10-year career as an HR director in corporate America, she embarked on a strategic entrepreneurial journey fuelled by vision and passion. Her motivation to provide a healthier candy alternative for her son, Zain, inspired her to invent Fluffpop.
Yasmeen takes immense pride in nurturing her all-women staff, ensuring their well-being and success. When confronted with the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, she made a steadfast commitment to her team, assuring them that no one would face layoffs. Determined to sustain the business, she relied on her savings until an opportunity emerged—a pop-up shop during the 2020 holiday season. Recognizing that the fate of her entire enterprise hinged on its success, she conceived the world’s first 21-course dessert omakase tasting experience during the pandemic.
Yasmeen’s impact extends beyond her thriving business ventures. She is a sought-after public speaker and serves on multiple boards. Her non-profit organization, Random Acts of Sweetness, embodies her famous motto “Make Your Life Sweeter,” as it aims to curate a positive impact on the lives of those less fortunate.
Yusuf Omar
CEO & Co-Founder - Seen.tv
Yusuf Omar
CEO & Co-Founder - Seen.tvYusuf Omar is CEO and Co-founder of SEEN.TV- a next-gen media company using AR and AI to help people tell their stories. SEEN.TV has over 7 million subscribers and has published more than 4,000 videos. But without buying any cameras. Instead, they help communities find their MOJO; Mobile Journalism. Yusuf is an award-winning journalist, previously at CNN International in London. He has covered the Syrian civil war and other conflicts around the world. You’ll probably see Yusuf wearing sunglasses indoors. But look more carefully and you’ll realize that his sunglasses are actually cameras! Yusuf has been wearing cameras on his body everyday for over a decade. The sunnies he’s currently wearing also have screens inside, augmenting the internet onto the world around him. By 2030, he thinks we will all be doing the same. And that’s why Seen.tv is building the world’s most immersive storytelling company.
Aimen Malik
CEO - Pixars Art
Aimen Malik
CEO - Pixars ArtAimen is a passionate technologist with 17 years of expertise in Mobile and Web Application design, development, project management, business strategy, and the full product development lifecycle. Her experience also spans strategy, marketing, and sales services for clients around the globe. As the CEO and Founder of Pixarsart Studios, Fortune600, Umrah Planners, and Flashing Flights, she leads a team of 70 dedicated professionals across three offices (Pakistan - delivery office, Texas - head office and Dubai - Marketing house in Dubai Internet City) specializing in full-stack design and development. Aimen has successfully worked with over 22,000 clients across diverse industries, including government, retail, NGOs, media, insurance, and more. Her commitment to providing dynamic companies with impactful technological solutions and services has been the cornerstone of her success. Aimen excels in offering technical consultancy, helping businesses grow by guiding them through every phase of the project, from inception to execution. Her ability to build strong relationships quickly enables her to earn the credibility necessary to develop robust plans that meet clients’ needs. Aimen's impressive portfolio includes delivering for globally recognized brands like Walt Disney, 9to5 Mac, 9to5 Google, iFix America, Chick-fil-A franchises, Dubai Smart Government, and Steve Wozniak's products. She’s also collaborated with progressive artists such as Dock Tok's Logan Lisle, Jesse Croteau, Justin Klosky, CNN’s Isha Sesay, and Shawn Mendes. Through these partnerships, Aimen has consistently delivered high-quality, award-winning design that facilitates growth at scale, backed by strategic project management and business strategy.
Ashraf Motiwala
President - Ummatics Institute
Ashraf Motiwala
President - Ummatics InstituteAshraf Motiwala serves as the President of the Ummatics Institute. He co-founded the Yaqeen Institute for Islamic Research and serves as an advisor/investor to for-profit and non-profit organizations. Prior, he co-founded and exited multiple software and consulting companies. He completed a Masters in Liberal Studies (Global Studies) from Southern Methodist University and Bachelors in Information Systems and Philosophy from SUNY Stony Brook.
Reem El Shafaki
Partner - DinarStandard
Reem El Shafaki
Partner - DinarStandardReem El Shafaki is a Partner at DinarStandard, a growth strategy and execution firm that empowers organizations to achieve profitable and responsible global impact. She leads the firm’s Travel & Tourism sector practice and manages market strategy projects, delivering research-driven insights, business strategy development, and marketing campaign execution. Reem is the author of the travel chapter of the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report and a frequent speaker on global travel trends, particularly those shaping the experiences of Muslim travelers. At DinarStandard, she has led projects for leading organizations, including Thomson Reuters, Marriott International, the Office of the Prime Minister of Dubai, and UNHCR. She is based in Houston, Texas.
Ameer Al-Khatahtbeh
Founder - Muslim
Ameer Al-Khatahtbeh
Founder - MuslimAmeer Al-Khatahtbeh is a founder, journalist, and creative director based in Jersey City, NJ. Raised in the east coast, Ameer was drawn to spending as much time as possible online at a very early age and developed knowledge on building community through social media. Ameer’s work is devoted to ensure Muslims are perceived accurately in newsrooms while he continues to build Muslim, a mainstream media publication centering Muslim news and content.
Chris Blauvelt
CEO & Founder - LaunchGood
Chris Blauvelt
CEO & Founder - LaunchGoodChris Blauvelt is a passionate Muslim American entrepreneur committed to building up the global Muslim community to reach its full potential. Chris is the CEO & founder of LaunchGood.com, the world’s largest faith-inspired crowdfunding platform and in 10 years LaunchGood has raised over 821 million USD across 160 countries from 2.5+ million donors. Chris has also launched GMW, a global convening body for Muslim changemakers, and PayGood, an ethical alternative to Stripe and PayPal. Chris lives in Michigan with his Lebanese-American wife and their 4 young kids.
Ahmad Adam
CEO & Founder - Crescent Foods
Ahmad Adam
CEO & Founder - Crescent FoodsAhmad Adam is the Founder and CEO of Crescent Foods, a trailblazer in the Halal food industry since the mid-1990s. With a background in engineering, he laid the foundation for the company with a strong focus on infrastructure, precision, and long-term scalability. Today, Crescent Foods stands as a national leader in Halal protein, known for its commitment to integrity, transparency, quality and innovation. Mr. Adam’s visionary leadership has driven the development of robust supply chains, cutting-edge R&D, and compelling brand strategies that resonate with consumers across diverse markets. His strategic acumen bridges compliance and creativity, ensuring Crescent Foods not only meets regulatory standards but sets new benchmarks for the industry. A relentless innovator and purpose-driven entrepreneur, Mr. Adam views every challenge as an opportunity to advance the Halal marketplace. His work has not only elevated Crescent Foods but has also played a defining role in shaping the Halal industry in North America, positioning him as a respected thought leader and catalyst for change.
Shaista Kazmi
President & Founder - Apna Ghar LLC
Shaista Kazmi
President & Founder - Apna Ghar LLCShaista Kazmi is a parent to three children and home care business owner based in West Bloomfield, specializing in providing culturally competent care for elders from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh as well as other communities of color. Shaista started her business after having trouble getting consistent quality care for her father, who passed away in 2018, and then her mother-in-law (who passed away from COVID last year). Shaista saw the immense need for culturally competent care in her community. Home care workers are “lifelines” for family members to the elders they’re serving, and who are otherwise extremely isolated. During the pandemic, Shaista saw demand for home care surge, even as workers were more scarce than ever, with many fearing for their own safety. Medicaid-funded agencies were reaching out to her company because they were struggling to meet their own demand, including those serving Black communities in Detroit, who were vastly underserved). Even as a working parent and busy small business owner living through COVID, because her long-term caregiving responsibilities actually decreased during the pandemic, Shaista feels she’s had more time and spaciousness than ever, now that she’s no longer factoring in the needs of two other people — my mother in law and my father.
Irfan Jafrey
CEO - Roosterly
Irfan Jafrey
CEO - RoosterlyIrfan Jafrey is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Roosterly, social media management platform based in Chicago that helps executives amplify their digital presence, build thought‑leadership and manage their online reputation. A veteran of DoubleClick and Google, he is a respected contributor to the Forbes Technology Council and CIO Online, where he writes on topics including executive scaling, content strategy, and the latest in AI and marketing. In 2021, Irfan completed a transaction in the sale of the Irfan Jafrey Domain Portfolio, a collection of niche websites focused on rare diseases and specialty topics that grew to reach over 5.5 million monthly readers. The portfolio was acquired by GGPMedia for approximately $6.5 million, reflecting his entrepreneurial skill in digital asset growth and strategic exit planning. Outside of his professional achievements, Irfan and his wife Arooba co‑sponsor a college scholarship in Pakistan each year—awarded to a deserving student to support higher education and empower the next generation of leaders. This reflects their shared commitment to community and education. Leading a fully remote team of around 60 professionals across multiple continents, Irfan is an advocate for trust-based leadership and psychological safety—principles that underpin Roosterly’s culture of innovation, low turnover, and high performance. Irfan holds a JD/MBA from Loyola University Chicago.
Naushad Virji
Chairman - ShariaPortfolio
Naushad Virji
Chairman - ShariaPortfolioNaushad Virji is the CEO of SP Funds Management and Chairman of the ShariaPortfolio group of companies (www.sp-wealth.com). ShariaPortfolio is a leader in offering comprehensive Sharia-compliant investment solutions around the world. Naushad founded ShariaPortfolio in the USA in 2003, led the expansion into Canada in 2017 and started working with global clients in 2020. He is also one of the portfolio managers for the SP Funds line of Sharia-compliant exchange traded funds (ETFs). Naushad is a frequent speaker and contributor to various news media around the world on the topic of Sharia-compliant investment management. In 2019, Naushad was honored with the distinction of being one of the 500 most prominent and influential Muslims in the world by Islamica 500. Prior to launching ShariaPortfolio, Naushad managed a hedge fund. He has also been the manager of several real estate partnerships. From the beginning, it's been Naushad's focus to offer professionally managed investment solutions to help the Muslim community achieve their financial goals without compromising their personal values. Naushad received his degree from the University of Florida and then passed the exam to become a licensed investment advisor representative so he could start his own firm. Naushad was born in Italy but has lived in Florida since 1975.
Joohi Tahir
Co-Founder & Executive Director, Muhsen
Joohi Tahir
Co-Founder & Executive Director, MuhsenAs a graduate from Boston University with a degree in Business Management, and having spent over 20 years excelling in the corporate world, speaking globally about strategies in the Marketing field in the UK, Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Malaysia, and Turkey, Joohi turned her talents to become a national advocate for Muslims with Disabilities. This led to her involvement in CoFounding and appointment as Executive Director of Muslims Understanding & Helping Special Education Needs (MUHSEN). MUHSEN is a revolutionary non-profit founded by Shaykh Omar Suleiman. In consult with Shaykh Omar, Joohi laid out, planned and built the organizational Programs and Services which we now know as MUHSEN. With her own family being affected by disability, Joohi has been outspoken over the past 18 years specifically about the need for inclusion for her daughter who is on the Autism Spectrum. She started with small community initiatives, talks, support groups, consulting with masjid administrators and mainstream scholars about the need for our communities to be more aware and be made more accessible for people in our community with disabilities. As a leader of this organization, Joohi advocates and markets the needs for which MUHSEN implements programs and services across N. America promoting inclusion of all members of the community impacted by special needs through awareness, accommodation and acceptance. She has been a recipient of the MWA 2015 Inspiring Women’s Award and Top 7 Muslim American Women to Celebrate 2017.
Mohammad Musa
Founder & CEO - Deepen AI
Mohammad Musa
Founder & CEO - Deepen AI
Shomail Malik
Co-Founder - Apex Capital Group
Shomail Malik
Co-Founder - Apex Capital GroupShomail Malik is the founder of Strategic Realty and a leader at Apex Capital Group, a pioneering real estate investment firm. A seasoned entrepreneur, Shomail has a proven track record of identifying high-potential investment opportunities and creating values-aligned vehicles for wealth creation. He credits his early experiences at AMCC for opening his "eyes to the possibility of thinking big and I mean really big". Shomail is at the forefront of innovating within the property sector, leveraging his deep market expertise to build portfolios and guide investors in navigating the complexities of real estate with integrity and strategic foresight.
Sarah Mughal Rana
Author & Fellow - i2i Ventures
Sarah Mughal Rana
Author & Fellow - i2i VenturesSarah Mughal Rana is an MPhil student at the University of Oxford, studying at the intersection of economic policy and human rights. Beyond the page, Sarah co-hosts the On The Write Track podcast, where she spills the tea with bestselling authors on the industry’s trends. When she’s not writing, you can find her diving into historical rabbit holes or honing her skills in traditional martial arts. Her short fiction has appeared in romance and fantasy anthologies, including My Big Fat Desi Wedding, Owl Crate’s inaugural Monsters & Masquerades, and Home Has No Borders. Sarah is the author of the YA title Hope Ablaze. Dawn of the Firebird is her debut fantasy novel for adults from Bloomsbury UK and Harper Collins US and Canada. Outside of publishing, Sarah works in the startup and venture capital world, including being a fellow at i2i Ventures and a scout for Pegasus Angel Accelerator. Her YA debut was selected as Librarian Mychal Threet’s debut book club pick and earned a Junior Library Guild Gold Star standard. Her work has been spotlighted by CBC Books, Book Riot, and Indigo’s “Best Books of the Year” lists.
Arshan Ahmad
Co-founder & Partner, Friday Ventures
Arshan Ahmad
Co-founder & Partner, Friday VenturesArshan is the co-founder and partner of Friday Ventures (fridayhq.co), an early-stage VC fund in Muslim startups and a community of founders, investors, and experts. He’s also the founder of Zovo.ai, an AI agent that turns online conversations into leads. He was previously a Product Manager at companies like Autodesk, Workday, and Dave, which went through a $3B IPO. He studied traditional ‘alimiyyah and used to be a federal prison chaplain.
Irshad Rasheed
President - Islamic Banking Division, Stearns Bank
Irshad Rasheed
President - Islamic Banking Division, Stearns BankIrshad Rasheed is the President of the Islamic Banking Division at Stearns Bank, N.A and Chairman of the Islamic Finance Advisory Board. He was formerly President and Chief Operating Officer of Sanveo, a construction technology firm based in California. Irshad is a seasoned executive with a track record of developing new markets, solutions and products leveraging engineering & IT technologies. He has successfully led and exited companies while creating intrinsic value and compelling products. Irshad also serves on the Industry Advisory Board of the Samueli School Of Engineering at the University of California, Los Angeles. Irshad holds a Master of Science in Computer Engineering from the University of Louisiana.
Shahzad Younus
CEO & Founder - Muzz
Shahzad Younus
CEO & Founder - Muzz
Shahzad Younas (London, UK) is the founder and CEO of Muzz. Previously a Vice President in Equity Portfolio Trading at investment bank Morgan Stanley for 9 years, Shahzad quit his career to fully focus on building a high quality mobile app to help Muslims around the world to find their perfect marriage partner.
Backed with a total of $9M investment (Seed and Series A) from a range of Silicon Valley and global investors, headquartered in Aldgate, London, and boasting a fast growing 65+ strong global team, Muzz is transforming how Muslims meet and marry.
Muzz was the first Muslim centric startup ever to be backed by Y Combinator (Summer 2017) - the prestigious Silicon Valley based accelerator behind Airbnb/Dropbox/Stripe, and has been featured on the BBC, The Times, The Evening Standard, The Financial Times, The New York Times, CNN, MensHealth, and TechCrunch amongst many others.
Rafi-uddin Shikoh
CEO & Managing Partner - DinarStandard
Rafi-uddin Shikoh
CEO & Managing Partner - DinarStandardRafi-uddin is the CEO and Managing Partner of DinarStandard, a growth strategy and execution management firm, empowering organizations for profitable and responsible global impact. DinarStandard specializes in the global halal/ethical economy, government innovation, and social impact space. Rafi-uddin Shikoh is dedicated to empowering organizations to become global brands with socially responsible impact, while addressing the innovation gap in Islamic economies. Since founding DinarStandard in 2008, he has led strategic projects for leading corporations, governments, and investors across more than 12 countries. He has spoken at over 70 international conferences, including Oxford and Harvard, and has been featured in major media outlets such as The Economist and CNN. His notable work includes leading innovation workshops for Dubai government entities and authoring the Government in 2071 Guidebook. Earlier in his career, Rafi-uddin held leadership roles in marketing strategy and technology management, including as Vice President at Marsh Inc. He holds an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte and a BS in Marketing from Southwest Minnesota State University.
Riaz Surti
Founder - Hearthy Foods
Riaz Surti
Founder - Hearthy FoodsRiaz Surti is a Los Angeles-based entrepreneur and founder of Hearthy Foods, a health and wellness company focused on halal wellness products -www.hearthyfoods.com. Motivated by his mother’s diabetes, which restricted her diet, Surti started the company in 2019 to create a healthier food and wellness brand. Hearthy Foods is the fastest-growing wellness brand, selling over 100,000 units a month. Surti has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, Shopify, and Amazon.
Saimah Arshad
Founder & CEO - Salaam Nutritionals
Saimah Arshad
Founder & CEO - Salaam NutritionalsSaimah Arshad is the founder and CEO of Salaam Nutritionals, a premium halal supplement brand committed to merging science-backed formulations with purpose-driven wellness. With a professional background in pharmacy and a sharp eye for innovation, Saimah created the first halal-certified prenatal gummy vitamin—a flagship product that has set a new standard for inclusivity and quality in the halal supplement space. Frustrated by the lack of clean, accessible options for Muslim families, Saimah launched Salaam Nutritionals out of necessity—turning a personal challenge into a global solution. Under her leadership, the brand has grown into a trusted name known for its clinical integrity, transparency, and global impact. To date, the company has donated over 100,000 vitamin A drops to children worldwide to help fight malnutrition and prevent vitamin deficiencies in vulnerable populations. As a Muslim entrepreneur, Saimah is passionate about building a brand rooted in integrity, intention, and excellence.
Amin Aaser
Founder & Managing Director - Noor Kids
Amin Aaser
Founder & Managing Director - Noor KidsAmin G. Aaser, is the founder and Managing Director of Noor Kids. Amin is an expert on identity, self-confidence, and self-esteem among Muslim children in America. He has been featured on NPR, BBC, The Huffington Post, The Boston Herald, and The Christian Science Monitor, among a host of other media outlets. Amin developed his expertise in storytelling under the tutelage of Arina Isaacson, an internationally recognized, and award winning, theater director actress, master storyteller and visual artist. She is founder and artistic director of the San Francisco School of Improvisation. Amin received the Outstanding Instructor award for his service as an Instructor of “Storytelling for Leadership,” at the University of California Berkeley. Amin began his career in business management, working for Fortune 500 companies such as 3M, Target Corporation, and General Mills. He attained his MBA at the Haas School of Business at UC Berkeley and graduated magna cum laude from the Carlson School of Management at the University of Minnesota, triple-majoring in finance, marketing, and supply-chain management. He lives with his wife, Sana, in Berkeley, California.
Sohaib Awan
CEO & Founder - Fictional Frontiers
Sohaib Awan
CEO & Founder - Fictional Frontiers
Khalid Mashriqi
CEO - Shah's Halal Food
Khalid Mashriqi
CEO - Shah's Halal FoodKhalid Mashriqi is the dynamic CEO behind the explosive growth of Shah's Halal Food, a brand he is scaling with the bold vision of becoming the "McDonald's of halal." Taking the helm of his family's business in 2016, Khalid transformed a single Queens food cart, started in 2005, into a fast-growing chain of storefronts. He has spearheaded the company's branding, operations, and national expansion strategy. Khalid's journey from Afghanistan to the forefront of the American halal food industry is a testament to his entrepreneurial drive. He is not just building a food empire but is also setting a new standard for accessible, high-quality halal cuisine for both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers across the United States.
Nimrah Riaz
Founder - Siraat Strategies
Nimrah Riaz
Founder - Siraat StrategiesNimrah Riaz is a culture creator and community bridge architect, redefining what it means to authentically engage Muslim audiences. She is the founder of Siraat Strategies,where she advises clients including the NBA, NFL, MLS, FIFA, and professional Muslim athletes on how to build meaningful relationships with Muslim fans and communities.Her work has pioneered new models of representation, such as Muslim Family Nights with professional sports teams, that transform one-time events into lasting ecosystems of belonging and loyalty. Nimrah is also the Chair for the Muslim Students Association (MSA) National, leading a network of 600+ campus chapters across the U.S. and Canada. Through this role, she is building the next generation of Muslim leaders, equipping students with the resources, mentorship, and advocacy they need to thrive on campus and later in industry. If that does not keep her busy enough, Nimrah serves as a chaplain in local jails, offering faith-based support and guidance to incarcerated individuals in her spare time. She lives in Houston with her husband and their two daughters, where faith, family, and community remain at the center of all she builds.
Bilal Khan
Managing Partner - WeShall Investments
Bilal Khan
Managing Partner - WeShall InvestmentsIn his role as Managing Partner and Head of Deloitte Data, Bilal is responsible for helping develop and execute Deloitte’s data and innovation agenda, as well as the development of data strategies and transformations for the firm’s clients. Bilal is a member of the Province of Ontario’s first ever Digital and Data task force, to advise the government on how to navigate the immense opportunities and challenges of the new economy. Prior to joining Deloitte, Bilal was the founding Chief Executive Officer of OneEleven, a scale-up innovation hub focused on helping Canada’s most promising, high-growth start-ups commercialize their technologies and scale their operations. He previously held the role of Director of Policy and Senior Advisor to three consecutive Ministers of Economic Development, Trade and Innovation for the Province of Ontario, where he was responsible for establishing and implementing policies to help advance Ontario’s economy. A lawyer, Bilal spent his early career practicing corporate and securities law as Legal Counsel to Russell Investments, a U.S. based multi-asset manager (acquired by the London Stock Exchange Group). Bilal is the co-founder of MSix Ventures, an early stage investment fund, and a co-founder of Elevate Tech Fest, one of Canada’s largest tech and innovation festival. He has worked at the United Nations at the Centre for Business and Human Rights, is a Munk Fellow at the University of Toronto, Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy, and is a member of the Governor General’s Innovation Council. Bilal sits on a number of Boards, including Toronto Global, the Canadian Club of Toronto, and TVO. Bilal holds a JD from the University of Windsor, Faculty of Law, and is an alumnus of Singularity University at the NASA Ames Research Centre in the area of exponential technologies. Bilal was named one of Canada’s Top 40 under 40 and recently included in the Bay Street Bull Power 50 list.
Ousama Alshurafa
Founder - Muslim Hub Club
Ousama Alshurafa
Founder - Muslim Hub ClubOusama Alshurafa is a Muslim influencer, speaker, and author with over 3 million followers across Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, and other platforms. A graduate of Harvard University, he is the author of The Afterlife Manual and creator of The Rizq Framework, a course that helps Muslims align their wealth and time with divine principles. Through his acclaimed Dunya Decoded series and powerful online presence, Ousama inspires a global audience with content that bridges timeless Islamic teachings with modern challenges. Known for his eloquence in both English and Arabic, he delivers talks that are spiritually uplifting, intellectually engaging, and deeply relatable. With more than two decades of da’wah experience, Ousama has become a trusted voice for Muslims seeking clarity, yaqeen, and practical guidance on living a God-centered life in today’s world. Learn more at OusamaAlshurafa.com
Mohamad Nasir
Executive Vice President and General Manager - Guidance Investments
Mohamad Nasir
Executive Vice President and General Manager - Guidance InvestmentsMohamad Nasir serves as Executive Vice President and General Manager at Guidance Investments, LLC. Mr. Nasir brings over three decades of leadership experience in Islamic finance, specializing in fund management, compliance, and strategic growth. Mohamad plays a pivotal role in driving the firm’s vision and overseeing its operations, investor relations, and strategic partnerships. His deep expertise in Shariah-compliant investment vehicles, coupled with his extensive experience in financial management and regulatory compliance, provides a solid foundation for the firm’s continued success. Previously, Mohamad led a Halal Mutual Fund. His appointment by the Governor of Illinois to the Illinois State Employee Pension System (SERS) board further solidifies his trust and credibility in managing large-scale financial operations. A trusted leader, Mohamad is dedicated to bridging the gap between Islamic principles and innovative investment solutions. Mohamad serves on several non-profits and community organizations boards
Abed Awad
Founder & CEO - Shariawiz, LLP
Abed Awad
Founder & CEO - Shariawiz, LLPAbed Awad is a founding partner of Awad & Khoury, LLP located in Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey. His practice in the New Jersey / New York area focuses on estate planning, including Sharia-compliant estate planning (Wills, Living Revocable Trusts, Irrevocable Trusts, Special Needs Trusts, Charitable Foundations), Islamic prenuptial agreements, international family law, Islamic law, and business law. Awad is AV rated by Martindale and is a fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers. Awad has native fluency in Arabic and is an international expert in Islamic law and the laws of the Muslim countries. Awad was an adjunct law professor at Rutgers Law School Newark (2003-2020) and has taught at Pace Law School and Seton Hall Law School. Courses taught include Matrimonial Litigation, Islamic Banking & Finance, and Islamic Jurisprudence. Awad was also a contributor and U.S. Editor for Harvard Law School's Islamic Legal Studies Program ShariaSource portal (2015-2019). Awad is the Founder & CEO of Shariawiz, the most trusted online portal for Muslim-American estate planning and prenuptial agreements. As a frequent public speaker at bar associations, universities, conventions, and political events, Mr. Awad lectures on subjects ranging from law, politics, gender, religion, and culture internationally, and he has more than 200 television and radio appearances as a political and/or legal commentator for numerous media outlets, including The New York Times, ABC, CNN, Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Al- Jazeera, BBC, NPR, Dream TV, French 24 (Arabic), and Al-Arabia. Awad has also published extensively in various publications, including The Star Ledger, Oxford Encyclopedia of Islam and Women, New Jersey Law Journal, CNN.com, National Law Journal, North Carolina Lawyers Weekly, and The Nation, among others