Mission
Our Back2School Program aims to make schooling more accessible to students in need and ensure they can excel by providing support to students, parents, and teachers in the form of tools and resources, grants and funding, and educational seminars.
VISION
We envision an environment where every child, parent, and teacher in the United States has the tools they need to make schooling a positive and holistic experience as it should be. A country where every student is given an environment to flourish and reach their full potential.
WHY
POVERTY & LEARNING
“The impact of poverty on a child’s academic achievement is significant and starts early,” says Jonah Edelman, Ph.D., co-founder, and chief executive officer of Stand for Children, a nonprofit education advocacy organization. “Young children growing up in poverty face challenges with cognitive and literary ability and [often] begin school both academically and socioeconomically behind their peers from higher-income backgrounds” (Taylor, 2017).
HOW
SUPPLIES MATTER
Many point to the need for increased funding to attain a good education. But funding does not matter if it does not translate to the right supplies for students. The right supplies:
• Help Students Feel Prepared
• Provide Hands-On Learning
• Foster a Creative Classroom
• Limit Disruptions
• Help Students Keep Track of Everything
OUR TEAM
NATIONAL DIRECTOR OF BACK2SCHOOL
Sr. Zoubeida Ahmed
Zoubeida Ahmed, also known as Sister Zuby, has been an integral member of the ICNA Relief team since 2019, where she currently serves as the Back2School Program Manager and Chicago Grant Manager. With over 14 years of experience in the non-profit sector and a strong educational background in Business Administration and Computer Science, Sister Zuby brings a wealth of expertise and innovation to her role, consistently driving results that positively impact communities.
She has successfully launched several key initiatives throughout her tenure, including the EMPOWER Grant, Student Financial Assistance, and Parent Support through Parent Support Live Sessions as part of the Back2School Program. Her leadership extends to managing essential grant processes that support vital community projects. As an Agile Servant Leader, she fosters collaboration, streamlines processes, and delivers impactful programs efficiently, ensuring sustainable outcomes for the communities served.
Guided by integrity, honesty, excellence, and compassion, Sister Zuby is committed to empowering individuals and helping communities lead dignified lives aligned with Islamic values. She aspires to make a significant difference in the lives of many.
CORE TEAM MEMBERS
ABDULLAH ZIKRIA
Abdullah Zikria has been with ICNA Relief for the past four years. He is currently area manager of four major counties and works to expand services to different cities in Southern California while building strong bonds with supporters of ICNA Relief. In addition, he supports the national offices with event planning for fundraisers and banquets and is a participating member of the Back2School Program. Outside of work, Abdullah is a husband and father of two daughters.
ASMA JARAD
Content Strategist & Back2School Program Liaison
Asma Jarad holds a Master’s in English and specializes in crafting content that amplifies ICNA Relief’s mission. As a Back2School Program Liaison since 2023, she supports outreach and storytelling that connect underserved families with resources while championing education, inclusion, and service.
SALMAN SIDDIQUI
Salman Siddiqui moved to the United States of America at the age of four to receive an heart operation. As a result, he uses this life he was given to help uses it to help others in need. His love for life and people has brought him to work at ICNA Relief.
He is a father of three children and sometime acts like the fourth kid in his family. He devotes his free time to coaching local sports with kids from the Muslim community.
MEENA KHALIL
Refugee Services Coordinator & Back2School
Program Lead, DMV Region
Meena Khalil is a multilingual case manager and passionate advocate for underserved families. She has led Back2School efforts in the DMV region since 2022 and currently serves as Refugee Services Coordinator. Meena is pursuing a degree in Psychology and was recently honored as a 2024 Academic Presidential Scholar and Community Rising Star.