We chose the members of our Event Advisory Board for this project due to their long-standing dedication to bettering our community.  We are indebted to each of them for their hard work and determination to see this project be a success.

Mohannad Malas, CEO, DANA Investments

Mr. Malas completed his B.Sc. in Civil Engineering at the University of Manitoba and attended the Harvard University Graduate School of Business Administration, President´s Seminar and Executive Program. 

Mr. Malas moved to the United States in 1985 and is the owner and CEO of Dana Investments (www.DanaInvestments.com), a real estate investment and development company that controls and manages real estate assets in five States. The Company was established in 1984 in Atlanta, GA with satellite offices in Laguna Beach, CA, and Denver, CO. Dana Investments currently owns, develops and manages projects in Georgia, Florida, Colorado, Utah, and California. These Real Estate Holdings include retail, office, and industrial properties. Dana Investments also operates under the name “The Dana Group” which has developed residential subdivisions, restaurants and hotels.

In 2005, Mr. Malas acquired a 50% interest in Zahra Pictures where he acts as executive film producer. Zahra Pictures is dedicated to cross-cultural and interfaith elements of story that carry a strong social message.

Affiliations:

• Member of YPO Alumni, W.P.O. & CEO, International Business organizations for corporate CEO’s
• Lifetime Founding Member – Mission Hospital Foundation (Mission Viejo, CA)
• Current Board Member of The California Charitable Foundation, CA
• Current Board Member of OCIP (Orange County Islamic Foundation) an educational and religious foundation in California
• A member of the Council for Islamic Studies at Claremont Graduate University
• Development  coordinator for Al-Farooq Masjid -  Acquisition and Development of a mosque and school in Midtown Atlanta
• Served 3-year term on Board of Directors of J.D.F. (Juvenile Diabetes Foundation) an International Foundation
• Served 3-year term on Board of A.I.B. (Atlanta Interfaith Broadcasters) a cable TV station based in Atlanta, GA

Dr. Majed Zakaria, Cardio-Thoracic Surgeon

Born in Rekka, Syria in 1937 and raised in Damascus, Syria, Dr. Zakaria attended medical school in Damascus and completed his post-graduate studies in Canada and New York before completing a two and a half year fellowship at Emory University.  Dr. Zakaria served as the Assistant Professor of Surgery in Damascus, Syria and completed another fellowship at Emory University before leaving the university setting to go into private practice. 

Dr. Zakaria remained in private practice until 1992 when he accepted a position at Morehouse School of Medicine as the Assistant Professor of Surgery.  Dr. Zakaria has written numerous scholarly articles in his field of specialization.  Dr. Zakaria taught post-graduate courses at Morehouse School of Medicine until his retirement in March 2007. 

Dr. Zakaria is member of the Board of Trustees of Al-Farooq Masjid of Atlanta, GA and serves on the Scholarship Committee as well.  Additionally, Dr. Zakaria was in charge of the cemetery until his retirement in March 2007.  Dr. Zakaria was one of the founding members of the Atlanta Muslim community in 1974 and designates much of his free time for social services and helping the needy. 

Dr. M. Hisham Hawasli, M.D., Internal Medicine - Cardiologist

Born in Damascus, Syria, Dr. Hawasli graduated from Damascus Medical School, in 1972.  Upon migrating to the United States, Dr. Hawasli specialized in internal medicine and cardiology.  Dr. Hawasli began practicing medicine in the 1980’s and serves at South Fulton Hospital in East Point, GA.   

Dr. Hawasli is often called upon to deliver the Jummah (Friday) khutbahs (sermons) at Al-Farooq Masjid.  He served as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Al-Farooq Masjid from 1990-1994, continues to serve as a member of the Board of Trustees at Al-Farooq Masjid of Atlanta, and has faithfully served as an Adult Education teacher of the Seerah (biography) of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace and blessings be upon him) every Sunday since 1984.  Additionally, Dr. Hawasli serves on the Construction Committee for Al-Farooq Masjid and Dar-un-Noor School.  Dr. Hawasli also serves as the Chairman of the Fundraising Committee for Al-Farooq Masjid.

Dr. Hawasli is married to Nabila Hawasli and has four children, Tareq, Hazem, Serene, and Zeena.  His wife, Nabila Hawasli is the Principal of Dar-un-Noor School.

Y. Khalid Siddiq, M.D., Endocrinologist

Dr. Siddiq has lived in Atlanta since 1977.  A practicing physician,specialising in Endocrinology, Dr. Siddiq has postgraduate degrees in medicine from four different countries including USA, Canada, Pakistan and the UK.

In the past he has been on the Emory faculty and served as President of the American Diabetes Association, Georgia Affiliate 1979-81. 

Dr. Siddiq is a member of the Board of Trustees of Al-Farooq Masjid, Board Member of Faith Alliance of Metro Atlanta(FAMA), and Board Member of CAIR(GA).  He is presently serving as the Director of Public Relations,Outreach and Education.