We are community-based 501c(3) Not-for-Profit Organization founded in 2014. Our Mission is to empower underserved women and children affected by trauma andother life challenges through civic and community engagement, education,
resources, and support. Our Mission is to empower underserved mwomen and children affected by trauma and
other life challenges through civic and community engagement, education, resources, and support.
For the past 11 years, we have been instrumental in creating programs, services, activities, and support that foster community engagement and relations.
A Message From the Founder
Motivated by my own experiences as a migrant woman in the United States, I understand firsthand the struggles that come with starting over in a new country—navigating unfamiliar systems, overcoming isolation, and striving to build a better future for one’s family. These challenges have fueled my passion and deep commitment to supporting other women, children, and families who face similar obstacles.
Through Muslim Sisters of Staten Island, I’ve dedicated myself to creating a safe, empowering space where marginalized communities are not only supported but celebrated. Together, we can continue to build a future where every woman and child has the opportunity to heal, grow, and thrive.
MEET THE PEOPLE BEHIND MSSI
OUR BOARD MEMBERS
HAMZA ABDUL-LATIF
________________________
Board Member
Hamza Abdul-Latif- Affiliate – Majudus Sabur
Member since 2016, Electrician by trade. People’s advocate, founding board member, and Ameer of Masjidus Sabur, Bronx. His vast community experiences have led him to leadership roles, such as Naib at Masjidus Sabur counselor, weekend school teacher, his recent role played was Interim Board Chair of Muslim Sisters of Staten Island.
AMANY ABOUELKHIR
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Board Member
AMANY ABOUELKHIR
Chairman of special needs services has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration- She is an activist for individuals with disabilities. Affiliation: Center for the independence of the disabled, New York. She works as a benefits counselor and community outreach with the Center for Independence of the Disabled, NY.
Her passion for public service has led to her advocacy work. She prides herself in advocating for individuals with disabilities and/ chronic health conditions with various needs. Amany has served as a student representative for CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities to represent all CUNY colleges. She has worked with the Deaf Justice Coalition to develop a survey to monitor the successes and failures of the City’s new Text-to 911 program every year and has been involved in the development and staff training at LSNYC and for the Family Justice Center throughout five boroughs.
HUSNIYAH
HASSAN
Board Member
HUSNIYAH HASSAN
Chairman of special needs services has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration- She is an activist for individuals with disabilities. Affiliation: Center for the independence of the disabled, New York. She works as a benefits counselor and community outreach with the Center for Independence of the Disabled, NY.
Her passion for public service has led to her advocacy work. She prides herself in advocating for individuals with disabilities and/ chronic health conditions with various needs. Amany has served as a student representative for CUNY Coalition for Students with Disabilities to represent all CUNY colleges. She has worked with the Deaf Justice Coalition to develop a survey to monitor the successes and failures of the City’s new Text-to 911 program every year and has been involved in the development and staff training at LSNYC and for the Family Justice Center throughout five boroughs.
MEET OUR EXECUTIVE TEAM
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FOUNDER / CHIEF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
SAFIYYAH ABDUL- QAWIYY
Safiyyah Abdul-Qawiyy – MSEd
Immigrant, Founding board member of Muslim Sisters of Staten. Her passion for women empowerment and support for children lead her to start the Muslim Sisters of Staten Island 8 years ago.
Safiyyah is a mother and Grand Mother. She has served as Girl Scout leader of greater New York for over 12 years Safiyyah, served as a Girlscout leader for the first Muslim Girlscout troops on Staten Island. She has also worked as an adjunct professor at the College of Staten Island. Works as a Care Team Supervisor at a local health care facility, and currently serves as board secretary of Majlis As- shura New York.
ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
JENISE DURAN
Jenise Duran — Assistant Executive Director
As the Assistant Executive Director of Muslim Sisters of Staten Island, I’m honored to serve a community that reflects both my heart and my journey.
As a Dominican Latina and revert
to Islam, I understand firsthand the unique challenges many women face in navigating identity, faith, and belonging while also confronting unspoken disparities.
My work is deeply inspired by the Islamic values of sincerity (ikhlas), mercy (rahma), and justice (adl). With a background in education and community engagement, I’m passionate about promoting emotional wellness and nurturing strong family connections.
I’m committed to creating inclusive spaces where women, especially those from marginalized communities,
feel seen, valued, and empowered. I’m also deeply dedicated to supporting programs that help the youth grow into confident, compassionate, and grounded individuals.
In this role, I hope to continue building bridges of understanding, strengthening our programs, and expanding the powerful sisterhood MSSI has cultivated. Always with the
intention to serve for the sake of Allah.
“O Allah, make me among those who bring benefit to others, and accept this effort as
a means of drawing closer to You.”
GOASI Con Chair
Najah Abdul-Qawiyy
Najah Abdul-Qawiyy – Poet, Artist, Masters degree in Art therapy. Creator GOASI Con
Najah’s poems have been featured in 2 anthologies, She has advocated for and participated in social justice causes, performed in various poetry platforms.
Prior to serving as, Arts and Culture Director, Najah has served on MSSI’s Board at as secretary, Social media director and more
Our Mission
Our mission is to uplift underserved women and children who are facing trauma, financial hardship, and social barriers by fostering civic and community engagement, providing access to education, and offering essential resources and emotional support.
We are committed to creating a nurturing environment where every woman and child feels seen, heard, and empowered to thrive regardless of their circumstances.
Our Vision
Vision: To become one of the leading faith-based organizations on Staten Island that drives change with integrity, and who promotes equity for all community members.
We hope to accomplish this through:
Cultivating an inclusive environment that fosters community engagement. Advocating for programs and services that benefit underserved women and children. Reinforcing the strength of family. Embracing varied cultures and ethnicities in our community, and empowering families through education and support.
Our Impact
Since our start, we've conducted educational workshops reaching over 5,000 children in summer camps and afterschool programs, reinforcing year-long learning and supporting social interactions. Our community events have engaged over 500 participants, providing essential resources like food, clothing, and health support. A notable success includes delivering weekly food to 40 homebound families during Ramadan.
Our Values
Values: are guided by the teachings in our holy book that foster the following principles:
Integrity and transparency.Professionalism, excellence, and education. Trust, honor, and respect.
IT'S THE CARE & GIVING THAT MATTERS
We are a group of dedicated men and women from diverse cultural, ethnic, financial and educational backgrounds, who volunteer their time to serving the community and improving the lives of those around us
Working Together to Create a Better World
Just imagine a society where no child goes hungry or is subjected to abuse and where
everyone is treated with kindness and fairness, with equal opportunities to succeed.
This is the ultimate goal we are all striving to achieve. It takes enormous effort to
achieve real change, and we can't do it alone. Your donations can help us advance
towards creating a society that benefits everyone, without leaving anyone behind.
Discover how you can support through donations Muslim Sisters Of Staten Island and active participation.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
WHO SUPPORT THE ORGANIZATION ACTIVITIES
THE PARTNERS
OUR SCHOOL PARTNERS
_____________________
OTHER PARTNERS
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Muslim Sisters Of Staten Island Community Resource Center
104 Beach Street
Staten Island, NY 10304
Email Address:
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